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Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani has announced the launch of BITS CARES (Comprehensive Action for Resilience, Empathy, and Support) — a new initiative aimed at strengthening student welfare across its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. Developed by the Student Welfare Division (SWD), the programme addresses safety, well-being, and academic support, according to an official statement.
The initiative includes enhanced campus safety through upgraded surveillance and cybersecurity systems, alongside a digital wellness dashboard. Students will also see increased hostel caretaker staffing, appointment of wellness officers, and renovated hostel facilities.
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Other measures include expanded counselling services, open gyms, wellness coaches, and regular wellness assessments. Academic support is being strengthened with expanded placement cells, extended induction programmes, and protocols for handling sensitive situations.
According to BITS Pilani, the initiative will be overseen by a multi-tiered structure comprising campus-level committees, institutional oversight, and a university-level steering system. Regular audits and feedback mechanisms will be conducted to ensure transparency and improvement.
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This year, several IITs also introduced dedicated programmes to enhance student welfare, mental health support, and skill development on campus.
IIT Kharagpur appointed Arun Chakraborty as the country’s first Dean of student well-being. The role is dedicated to student welfare and mental health, with a focus on providing timely support and structured intervention for those facing psychological challenges on campus.
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The institute also launched SETU (Support, Empathy, Transformation, and Upliftment), an AI-driven mental health initiative. Combining counselling services, AI-based tools, peer support, and 24/7 access to help, SETU seeks to build a decentralised and culturally sensitive wellness framework with active student participation.
Starting June 2025, IIT Bombay conducted an eight-week programme titled “Beyond the Resume.” Designed as a skill development initiative, it focused on communication, teamwork, confidence-building, and emotional resilience, preparing students for both professional and personal challenges after graduation.
In partnership with The Art of Living Foundation, IIT Kanpur began a Holistic Well-Being Program in March 2025.
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The program incorporates meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and group activities aimed at boosting mental focus, emotional balance, and overall wellness among students.
