As mental health and well-being emerge as essential components of a healthy and productive society, Indian educational institutions are increasingly recognising their importance. Reflecting the changing landscape of the education sector, there is a growing emphasis on student and faculty well-being. QS I-GAUGE, an esteemed independent education rating system, recently conducted a large-scale survey as part of its Institution of Happiness (IOH) project. This survey, which reached nearly 5.5 lakh people across 28 states and 8 Union Territories, provides valuable insights into the happiness and well-being of students, teachers, parents, and alumni within Indian schools, colleges, and universities.
A Holistic Approach to Well-being
The primary aim of the Institution of Happiness survey was to assess the satisfaction levels of students, teachers, parents, and alumni while also identifying initiatives that promote emotional resilience, happiness, and overall well-being. The survey integrated comprehensive happiness metrics, offering a holistic view by incorporating feedback from both students and faculty. While the results reflect a positive sentiment towards the Indian education system, they also highlight specific areas where improvement is necessary.
Ravin Nair, Managing Director of QS I-GAUGE, remarked on the survey’s third year, stating that the goal is to embed happiness and well-being as an integral part of every educational institution. “We aim to create campuses where every student’s smile reflects confidence, optimism, and genuine happiness,” he added.
Key Findings in Higher Education
In the higher education sector, the survey revealed that 67% of students rated the emotional and mental support at their campuses as excellent. The availability of counselling services, approachable staff, and awareness drives have had a positive impact. However, a significant portion of students expressed the need for routine well-being practices, integrated into daily campus life, rather than being occasional initiatives.
Academic stress was identified as a common theme, with students citing workload, personal challenges, and relationship-related pressures as key stressors. Despite these challenges, 43% of students reported experiencing little to no stress, signalling the progress made by campuses in fostering supportive environments. The survey also highlighted the importance of time-management support, flexible academic schedules, and stronger relational practices to alleviate stress.
Campus facilities received favourable feedback, with 78% of students rating them as good. Additionally, 84% of students felt safe on their campuses, reflecting a significant improvement from previous years. A majority (70%) of students felt their opinions were heard, pointing to a positive culture of feedback within institutions.
Faculty Well-being in Higher Education
Faculty members also expressed positive sentiments, with 72% feeling comfortable discussing stress with management. Most felt they could raise concerns about workload or professional pressures. Furthermore, 84% of faculty members reported that their academic freedom was respected, marking a positive shift in the higher education environment.
Insights from School Education
The survey also shed light on the school education sector, where the majority of teachers (96%) felt safe and comfortable on campus, particularly during late hours. However, 55% of faculty reported experiencing stress or burnout, especially during peak periods. This highlights the need for better workload management, clear deadlines, and more consistent support.
For students, 61% reported that their academic efforts were consistently recognised, boosting motivation. However, stress related to academic pressure remained a significant concern, with 58% of students attributing their mental health struggles to this factor. Schools are encouraged to implement better time-management support and ensure a balanced academic schedule.
Parental Perspectives on School Well-being
The survey found that 93% of parents were satisfied with the safety measures at their children’s schools. Parents also expressed confidence in the transport arrangements, with 97% satisfied with their child’s safety during commutes. However, some parents voiced concerns about hygiene, particularly regarding washrooms and shared spaces. Schools are urged to address these issues by ensuring consistent cleanliness and maintenance.
Moreover, 91% of parents expressed satisfaction with school communication, appreciating timely updates about their child’s progress. This highlights the importance of strengthening school-home partnerships for the continued development of students.
A Path Forward for Education in India
The QS I-GAUGE survey has underscored the growing importance of mental health and well-being in Indian education. Both students and faculty have expressed satisfaction with the measures taken, but the need for a more consistent and integrated approach remains clear. By addressing the areas highlighted in the survey, educational institutions can build a more resilient, supportive, and productive learning environment for all stakeholders.
