After Student Protests, IIT Bombay To Hire 30 Counsellors; Check Eligibility, Salary | Education and Career News
Last Updated:
The move comes amid student protests following the death of second-year IIT Bombay BTech student Sahil Wakode and demands for expanded mental health services.
The recruitment comes amid renewed scrutiny of student mental health support at IIT Bombay. (File Photo)
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has invited applications for 30 temporary counsellor positions to strengthen mental health support for students on campus. The recruitment includes 26 student counsellors and four senior counsellors.
The move comes amid student protests following the death of second-year B.Tech student Sahil Wakode and demands for expanded mental health services. IIT Bombay’s Student Wellness Centre (SWC) provides counselling and support to undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students.
The SWC has announced 30 temporary, or ad hoc, positions. According to the recruitment advertisement, selected candidates may begin joining from October 15, 2026. The appointments will initially be for 89 days, with the possibility of extension based on performance.
The institute is recruiting counsellors at two levels: 26 student counsellors and four senior counsellors. Around 14,000 students study at the institute. The recruitment aims to expand counselling services and improve support for students dealing with academic pressure, emotional difficulties and personal challenges.
The last date to apply is October 17, 2026. Interviews are scheduled between October 12 and 18, 2026, according to the advertisement. Selected candidates are expected to join between October 15 and November 17, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria For IIT Bombay Counsellor Posts
Candidates applying for the four senior counsellor positions must have at least 10 years of relevant work experience after obtaining the required degree. Applicants for the 26 student counsellor posts must have at least two years of relevant experience.
For both positions, candidates must hold an MA or MSc degree in Psychology, with specialisation in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology or Social Psychology. A minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade is required.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with adolescents and young adults, residential educational institutions and crisis-related cases. Knowledge of Indian languages in addition to English and Hindi will also be preferred.
IIT Bombay Counsellor Salary 2026
According to the recruitment advertisement, the monthly remuneration is as follows:
Student counsellors: Rs 70,000 – Rs 1 lakh for full-time positions and Rs 35,000 – Rs 50,000 for part-time positions.
Senior counsellors: Rs 1.40 lakh – Rs 1.60 lakh for full-time positions and Rs 70,000 – Rs 80,000 for part-time positions.
Full-time counsellors will work 40 hours a week, while part-time counsellors will work 20 hours. The stated remuneration includes allowances.
Student Mental Health Concerns After Sahil Wakode’s Death
The recruitment comes amid renewed scrutiny of student mental health support at IIT Bombay. Sahil Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student, died on September 18. Reports said his death was ruled a suicide and came hours after he was caught using a phone during a mid-semester examination.
Following his death, students protested on campus and raised concerns about the institute’s mental health support system. They also referred to other student deaths over the past year and demanded expanded counselling facilities.
The students submitted a list of demands to IIT Bombay Director Professor Shirish Kedare, arguing that the existing counselling services were inadequate for a campus of around 14,000 students.
The administration has also announced the appointment of an additional associate dean under the Dean of Student Affairs to oversee student welfare matters.
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
Quick Answers
Ask News18Candidates for both positions must hold an MA or MSc degree in Psychology, specializing in Clinical, Counselling, or Social Psychology, with at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade. Senior counsellors need a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience after their degree, while student counsellors require at least two years of experience.
Ask News18About the Author
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, …Read More
October 12, 2026, 15:25 IST
Read More