IIT Bombay to Recruit 30 Counsellors Amid Student Mental Health Concerns
IIT Bombay has invited applications for 30 counsellor positions at its Student Wellness Centre following protests over student Sahil Wakode’s death by suicide. The recruitment aims to strengthen mental health support across the campus.
IIT Bombay has invited applications for 30 ad hoc counsellor positions amid renewed concerns about student mental health following the death by suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode.
The institute’s Student Wellness Centre is recruiting 26 student counsellors and four senior counsellors. Selected candidates may join from October 15, 2026.
IIT Bombay counsellor recruitment: Eligibility and salary
Applicants for student counsellor positions must hold an MA or MSc in Psychology, specialising in clinical, counselling or social psychology, with at least 55% marks. They must also have a minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience.
Senior counsellor applicants need at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Full-time student counsellors will receive a monthly salary of Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Senior counsellors will earn between Rs 1.4 lakh and Rs 1.6 lakh per month. Part-time positions will carry half the corresponding full-time remuneration.
The initial appointment period is 89 days, with possible extension based on performance. Applications close on October 17, while interviews are scheduled between October 12 and 18.
Student protests renew focus on campus welfare
Wakode’s death prompted student protests and demands for stronger counselling services. Students raised concerns about the institute’s ability to support nearly 14,000 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
IIT Bombay has also announced plans to strengthen student welfare through additional leadership support and wellness secretaries in hostels.
The new recruitment drive is intended to expand counselling capacity, improve follow-ups and referrals, and increase access to psychological support across campus.
