The Indian Institute of Technology, IIT, Bombay has announced the recruitment of 30 ad hoc counsellors in response to heightened scrutiny surrounding student mental health services. This initiative follows the tragic suicide of BTech student Sahil Wakode, which reportedly took place shortly after he was found using his mobile phone during a mid-semester exam. In light of this incident, the institute aims to bolster the support provided through its Student Wellness Centre (SWC).

The recruitment will involve hiring 26 student counsellors and four senior counsellors. Selected candidates can expect to start from October 15, 2026, as part of an effort to enhance mental health resources following protests demanding improved support systems on campus.

Details on Eligibility, Salary, and Application Process

According to the official recruitment notice, applicants for student counsellor positions are required to possess an MA or MSc in Psychology, specialising in clinical, counselling, or social psychology, with a minimum of 55 percent marks from an accredited institution. Furthermore, candidates must have at least two years of post-qualification experience in relevant academic or medical settings.

On the other hand, individuals applying for the senior counsellor roles must demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Positions are available as full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week), with candidates instructed to indicate their preferred work arrangement during the application process. Full-time student counsellors will earn between Rs 70,000 and Rs 1 lakh monthly, while senior counsellors can expect salaries ranging from Rs 1.4 lakh to Rs 1.6 lakh. Part-time employees will receive half the corresponding full-time wages.

The initial contract for these positions will be for 89 days, with potential for extension dependent on performance. The application deadline is set for October 17, with interviews scheduled from October 12 to 18.

Growing Concerns Over Student Mental Health Precipitate Action

lIT Bombay’s decision to recruit additional counsellors comes amid escalating concerns regarding student wellbeing on campus. The death of Sahil Wakode has spurred widespread protest among students, who have voiced their dissatisfaction with the available mental health services and have highlighted the inadequacies in addressing the needs of approximately 14,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.

ln response to the protests, students have compiled a comprehensive list of demands directed at the institute’s Director, Professor Shireesh Kedare. They called for enhanced counselling services, emphasising the importance of accessible mental health care. The heightened awareness of these issues led to the institute announcing measures aimed at improving student welfare, such as appointing an additional associate dean under the Dean of Student Affairs and establishing student wellness secretaries in hostels.

The current Student Wellness Centre aims to provide counselling support to students across all levels of study, focusing on their emotional and psychological health. The proposed recruitment of counsellors aims to expand the centre’s capabilities, thereby enhancing the accessibility and quality of mental health resources available to students at IIT Bombay.

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