Maharashtra Issues New Guidelines to Ease Academic Pressure on Students; District-Level Monitoring Committees to Be Formed
Pune, 9th January 2026: In a significant step to address rising academic stress and mental health concerns among students, the Maharashtra School Education Department has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines applicable to schools and private coaching centres across the state. The measures include the formation of district-level monitoring committees, mandatory mental health support systems, and stricter regulation of private tuition classes.
The guidelines were issued through a Government Resolution (GR) following directions from the Supreme Court, which had taken cognisance of a petition highlighting increasing instances of academic pressure and student distress.
District-Level Monitoring Committees
Under the new framework, a District-Level Monitoring Committee will be established in every district, chaired by the District Collector, to address complaints related to academic pressure, institutional practices, and student well-being.
The committee will comprise:
-Joint Director of Higher and Technical Education
-Secondary Education Officer
-District Civil Surgeon
-District Women and Child Development Officer
-One social worker and one child psychologist, nominated with the approval of the District Collector
Mandatory Counsellors and Mental Health Support
The Education Department has made mental health support mandatory across educational institutions. As per the guidelines:
-Institutions with 100 or more students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor or psychologist
-Institutions with fewer than 100 students must avail services of external mental health professionals
-All teachers and staff must undergo mandatory mental health training twice a year, conducted by certified professionals
Institutions have also been directed to establish a written protocol for immediate referral to mental health services, hospitals, and suicide prevention helplines. The display of Tele-MANAS and suicide prevention helpline numbers in hostels, classrooms, common areas, and on coaching institute websites has been made compulsory.
Private coaching centres have been instructed to establish a grievance redressal mechanism within one month. Details regarding the complaint procedure, designated officers, and resolution timelines must be prominently displayed both on official websites and at the premises.
The department has also prescribed operational norms to prevent excessive academic stress, including:
-Class schedules must not cause undue academic pressure
-A weekly holiday must be provided to students, teachers, and instructors
-No tests or assessments should be conducted immediately after holidays
-Coaching hours must not exceed five hours per day
-Classes should not be held very early in the morning or late at night
-Institutions with over 100 students must appoint counsellors and formalise grievance mechanisms
-Test results must not be publicly displayed or announced
-Activities promoting holistic development and skill enhancement must be conducted
-Parents must be sensitised on the importance of positive parenting
The Education Department has also categorically prohibited coaching centres from making misleading claims. Operators must clearly inform students and parents that enrolment in private tuition does not guarantee admission to medical, engineering, management, law institutions, or success in competitive examinations.
Officials said the new measures are aimed at fostering a supportive, student-centric academic environment, while ensuring greater accountability among educational institutions and private coaching centres across Maharashtra.
