Student Wellbeing Declines Through Senior School
Student wellbeing in India declines significantly as children progress through school, with overall wellbeing falling from 62% in Grade 8 to 43% in Grade 12, according to the Student Well-being Pulse Report 2026. The report, based on responses from 8,515 students across India, highlights growing emotional and psychological pressures during the senior-school years.
The findings come at a time when students in Classes 11 and 12 face increasing academic pressure, competitive examinations, career decisions and uncertainty about their future.
Happiness and Motivation Also Show Decline
The study found that the decline is not limited to overall wellbeing. Happiness dropped from 65% in Grade 8 to 48% in Grade 12, while confidence declined from 64% to 47%. Motivation also fell from 64% among Grade 8 students to 49% by Grade 12.
The figures indicate that the transition into senior secondary education may be accompanied by increasing emotional pressure, particularly as academic and career-related decisions become more consequential.
Girls Report Higher Anxiety Levels
The report also highlights a gender gap in student wellbeing. Girls reported greater anxiety, frustration and sadness and lower levels of confidence and calmness compared with boys.
Only 52% of girls said they felt confident often or always, compared with 64% of boys. Career-related anxiety was reported by 35% of girls, compared with 31% of boys.
The findings suggest that schools may need to pay greater attention to the different pressures experienced by students as they progress through adolescence.
Only 6% Seek Help From School Counsellors
Despite the concerns reflected in the study, formal support remains underused. Only 6% of surveyed students reported seeking help from school counsellors. Students were more likely to turn to friends and family for support, while smaller proportions approached teachers or professional therapists.
The report also found that 52% of students believe therapy or counselling would be helpful, suggesting that students may be open to professional support when it is accessible and approachable.
Career Guidance Emerges as Another Concern
Career planning is another area highlighted by the report. Only around 52% of students said they received structured career counselling at school, while 33% reported anxiety linked specifically to unclear career guidance.
The findings underline the importance of providing students with timely career guidance before they reach the stage of making major decisions about higher education and employment.
Schools Urged to Strengthen Student Support
The report points towards the need for schools to treat student wellbeing as an important part of education rather than focusing solely on academic performance. Accessible counselling, career guidance and supportive relationships with teachers and families could help students manage increasing pressures during senior school.
The findings also highlight the importance of encouraging students to seek help before emotional difficulties become more difficult to manage.
What the Study Means for Indian Education
The decline in wellbeing from middle school to Class 12 presents a significant challenge for India’s education system. While academic achievement remains important, the findings suggest that students’ emotional health, confidence and motivation also require greater attention.
As students approach board examinations, entrance tests and career decisions, strengthening school-based support systems could become increasingly important in helping them navigate the pressures of senior secondary education.