IIT Bombay counsellor recruitment has been announced with 30 ad hoc positions at the institute’s Student Wellness Centre (SWC), amid renewed concerns about student mental health and welfare. The recruitment drive follows campus protests over the death by suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode, with students calling for better access to counselling services.
The institute is recruiting 26 student counsellors and four senior counsellors. Selected candidates may join from October 15, 2026, according to the recruitment notice. The positions are intended to strengthen the centre’s capacity to provide psychological support to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
IIT Bombay Counsellor Recruitment: Eligibility and Salary
Candidates applying for student counsellor positions must hold an MA or MSc in Psychology, specialising in clinical, counselling or social psychology. Applicants must have secured at least 55 per cent marks or an equivalent grade from a recognised institution and possess a minimum of two years of relevant post-qualification experience in an academic or medical institution.
Candidates applying for senior counsellor positions must have at least 10 years of relevant experience.
The recruitment notice offers both full-time and part-time arrangements. Full-time positions involve 40 hours of work per week, while part-time positions require 20 hours. Applicants must specify their preferred working arrangement.
Full-time student counsellors will receive a consolidated monthly salary ranging from ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh, depending on experience. Senior counsellors will be paid between ₹1.4 lakh and ₹1.6 lakh per month. Part-time remuneration will be half the corresponding full-time amount.
Appointments will initially be for 89 days, with the possibility of extension based on performance. Applications must be submitted by October 17, while interviews are scheduled between October 12 and 18.
Experience With Young Adults and Crisis Cases Preferred
IIT Bombay will give preference to candidates experienced in working with adolescents, young adults, residential academic institutions and crisis cases. Knowledge of additional Indian languages will be an advantage, while linguistic and gender diversity will also be considered during selection.
The selected counsellors will manage counselling sessions, appointments, follow-ups, referrals and regular supervision sessions. Optional single-room hostel accommodation may be available to at least 10 counsellors, with applicants required to indicate their preference.
Student Protests Renew Focus on Campus Mental Health
The recruitment announcement follows protests over the death by suicide of 22-year-old Sahil Wakode. According to the report, the incident occurred hours after he was reportedly found using his phone during a mid-semester examination.
Students subsequently raised concerns about mental health support and a series of student deaths over the past year. They also submitted demands to institute director Professor Shireesh Kedare, arguing that the existing arrangements were inadequate for a campus population of nearly 14,000 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students.
Following the protests, IIT Bombay announced additional student welfare measures, including the appointment of an associate dean under the Dean of Student Affairs and plans to introduce student wellness secretaries in hostels.
The Student Wellness Centre provides counselling aimed at supporting students’ emotional and psychological well-being. The latest recruitment drive is intended to expand its capacity and improve access to professional support across the campus.
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