The National Task Force (NTF) has extended the deadline for its nationwide survey on student mental health and suicides to December 15 . This extension follows a significantly low response rate from higher education institutions and students across India. The NTF aims to collect comprehensive data to address student well-being in higher education.
Low Institutional Participation
Only 6,357 of approximately 60,000 higher education institutions have responded to the survey. This figure represents just 10% of institutions as of November 25, 2025 . The NTF identified this low response rate as a major challenge to its ongoing work.
Higher education institutions must provide key details. These include faculty diversity, vacant positions, and student composition. Information on mental health services, various committees, and relevant student cells is also required. Institutions are further asked to submit inputs on challenges and suggestions for strengthening student support systems.
Supreme Court Expresses Disappointment
The Supreme Court recently expressed disappointment over the low participation. It noted that 57,000 institutes had not completed the questionnaire. The court issued a final opportunity, urging all non-compliant colleges and universities to join the survey immediately.
Student Response Remains Low
Student participation in the mental health surveys also remains low. Out of an estimated 43 million students nationwide, only 1.6% have submitted their responses. This weak engagement from students also contributed to the decision to extend the deadline for all survey participants.
Reminders and Regional Disparities
The NTF, the Ministry of Education, and regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued multiple official reminders. Despite these efforts, response rates remain low in several key states. These include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. Other states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Odisha also show poor participation. The task force observed that professional institutes, especially in the medical and legal fields, are significantly underrepresented in the collected data.
NTF’s Call for Increased Participation
The National Task Force has reiterated its appeal to all stakeholders. This includes state nodal officers appointed for the initiative. The NTF urges increased responses to the surveys. It emphasizes that confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed for all participants. A task force member highlighted particular concern over states and professional institutions with very low response rates, noting this could considerably hamper their ability to analyze national trends.
The NTF launched a dedicated website to streamline data collection. The platform aims to gather information from higher education institutions, students, parents, and mental health professionals. The extended deadline provides a final opportunity for all parties to contribute vital insights into student well-being.
Mental Health Support Resources
Individuals experiencing distress or having suicidal thoughts can seek immediate help. You can call 9820466726 or visit AASRA’s official website. iCALL also offers support at 9152987821. Additional suicide prevention helpline numbers are available online. These organizations provide emotional support to individuals and families in need.