Following four suicides last year, IIT Guwahati has introduced counselling programs, stress-relief workshops, and morning walks with faculty to address student concerns. The initiative comes after students accused the institute of ignoring complaints about mental harassment and stress.

To strengthen its support system, IIT Guwahati has set up a Centre for Holistic Wellbeing, including the Saathi Counselling Club, where student volunteers assist peers alongside professional counsellors. Additionally, the institute is hiring nutritionists to improve student health and reduce anxiety.

A unique intervention involves retired Army personnel acting as special hostel stewards. They will interact with students and provide confidential feedback to counsellors, ensuring a non-intimidating and private process.

Freshers will benefit from a week-long acclimatisation program before classes start. This includes ice-breaking sessions, morning walks with faculty, and awareness programs on mental well-being and available resources.

To provide round-the-clock access to counselling, the institute has partnered with ‘Your Dost’, a mental health start-up. Mandatory counselling interactions will be scheduled outside academic hours to familiarize students with available services.

Previously, students had criticized IIT Guwahati’s strict 75% attendance policy, which contributed to failures. In response, the institute introduced a mandatory health check-up for freshers last year, allowing tailored support for mental and physical well-being.