IIT Kharagpur has set up a ten-member expert committee to tackle mental health issues among its campus population, as part of a larger institutional initiative towards psychological well-being. The committee, which includes psychologists, legal and police experts, educationists, counsellors, and alumni, will review factors influencing the mental well-being of students, teachers, and employees.
As per an official statement issued by IIT Kharagpur, the committee will evaluate primary, secondary, and tertiary causes of mental distress, such as administrative loopholes, resource deficiency, and academic stress. The committee will be required to meet with different stakeholders and submit a comprehensive report within three months with specific suggestions to improve the mental health ecosystem of the institute.
This initiative by IIT Kharagpur comes amid rising concerns over mental wellness in premier institutions and growing scrutiny following student suicides and increased stress levels linked to academic rigor.
IIT Kharagpur: What steps is the institute taking to ensure a healthier academic environment for its students and staff?
The institute clarified that the latest step is part of a larger strategy for designing an environment of care and accommodation for the entire university population. The committee shall work on evidence-based approaches and policy interventions to improve existing support systems.
This emphasis on the well-being of students also coincides with shifts in the admission scenario for India’s premier engineering colleges. For example, though the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) still continues to be a prime way of entering postgraduate courses, the period of opportunity has widened. Candidates who are usually ranked below 200 normally get a place in premier IITs, but candidates with lower ranks also get access to MTech courses with fellowships from newer IITs or inter-disciplinary courses.
In another significant development, the Supreme Court recently affirmed the JEE Advanced 2025 eligibility criteria, upholding the requirement of academic independence. The court dismissed a petition asking for relaxation for students who cleared their Class 12 examinations in 2023 to appear for JEE Advanced 2025, reaffirming the Joint Seat Allocation Authority’s (JoSAA) 2023 guidelines.
Amidst these court and administrative judgments, IIT Kharagpur and other centers are still getting ready for the next JEE Advanced 2025 exam. According to the new announcement, JEE Advanced admit cards will go live for download from May 12, 2025, at 10 AM through the official website jeeadv.ac.in. Applicants need to login with their application number and password.
The test itself will take place on May 18, 2025, and will be conducted in the full Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. It will consist of two compulsory papers:
- Paper 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Paper 2: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Both papers have three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Both papers must be attempted by all candidates since scores in both will be counted for the purpose of merit ranking.
Aspirants need to produce their printed admit card and a government-approved photo ID at the examination venue. Admission will not be allowed without them.
With student academic and mental well-being being at the center, IIT Kharagpur seems to be taking a lead not just in technological prowess but also in institutional concern. With the exam day looming near, focus is just as much on academic preparedness as on mental health preparedness.
In the coming months, the mental health committee report is likely to act as a model for follow-up initiatives in other IITs so that student welfare does not take a back seat against high-stakes academic competition.
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