The Indian education system is at a pivotal moment where outdated methodologies and increasing mental health concerns are demanding urgent reform. On January 31, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament, highlighting the government's commitment to establishing modern educational frameworks through the National Education Policy. A significant component of this initiative includes enhancing the quality and quantity of higher education institutions across India.
Over the past decade, the government has made substantial strides, as noted by President Murmu, who mentioned, "Through the National Education Policy, my government is establishing a modern education system for students." She emphasized the increased accessibility of education, pointing out the introduction of learning opportunities for students in their mother tongues and the conduct of various recruitment exams in 13 Indian languages. This approach aims to eliminate language barriers, making education more inclusive.
While access to education is growing—India now boasts over 30,000 colleges and 1,000 universities—deeper issues persist within the system, including the over-reliance on rote memorization and traditional lecture-based teaching. Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, expressed grave concerns over the alarming rise of mental health issues among students, reflecting on the findings where 1 in 5 students suffers from some form of mental illness. He called this growing crisis nothing short of 'a pandemic'.
Galgotia's insights highlighted how the pressures of examination-driven education contribute significantly to anxiety and burnout among students. "The relentless pressure to excel... and the stigma associated with failure create environments where students struggle in silence," he noted during his speech at the QS India Summit 2025 held recently in Goa. He advocated for proactive strategies to support students' mental well-being, pushing for educational reforms aimed at nurturing emotional resilience alongside academic performance.
To reshape India's classrooms, the focus must transition from rote memorization to experiential, skill-based learning. Institutions like Galgotias University are at the forefront of this change, launching initiatives like the Galgotias Student-Centered Active Learning Ecosystem (G-SCALE), which emphasizes interactive learning techniques. Dr. Galgotia stated, "We have made investments to move away from traditional lecture styles... ensuring teaching enhances the retention of our learners."
Further implementing innovative approaches, Galgotias University has introduced India's first active learning building, which nurtures collaboration and real-world problem-solving skills. This paradigm shift acknowledges the necessity of preparing students for the workforce by fostering creativity and practical skills. Dr. Galgotia elaborated on the holistic educational approach by integrating mental wellness programs within the curriculum, making provisions for counseling services, and normalizing discussions around mental health on campus.
Despite these progressive initiatives, the existing model of mental health intervention predominantly focuses on reactionary measures rather than preventive action, which remains insufficient. The need for well-trained counselors and mental wellness centers is pressing, according to Dr. Galgotia. Such resources can provide the necessary support as students navigate academic pressures and personal challenges.
Beyond addressing mental health, the overarching goal remains clear: to reform India’s education system so it cultivates students’ engagement, curiosity, and emotional intelligence alongside traditional knowledge. Dr. Galgotia summarizes this vision succinctly: "We must shift toward personalized education, integrating emotional well-being initiatives within academic frameworks to truly empower students."
The Indian education paradigm faces its most significant reforms since the introduction of the National Education Policy, which aims to number one revamp traditional teaching practices. It seeks to replace outdated lecture styles with collaborative methods conducive to modern learning requirements. With emphasis now placed on empirical evidence and holistic approaches, the focus on nurturing students' mental health has become undeniably relevant.
To achieve meaningful reform, stakeholders—educators, policymakers, and institutions—must collectively work toward fostering innovative teaching methodologies enriched with emotional and mental health support. Only then can we support students effectively, arm them with the tools they need to succeed, and, perhaps most critically, safeguard their well-being through challenging educational landscapes. The eyes of the nation now turn to these transformative initiatives, planning for brighter horizons within India's educational system.