IIT Bombay Initiates Recruitment for Counselors Amid Mental Health Concerns

IIT Bombay is actively recruiting counselors to bolster its mental health support system following the tragic suicide of a student. The Student Wellness Centre is looking to fill 30 positions, with applications open until October 17. This initiative comes in response to student protests demanding better mental health resources. Candidates for the roles must meet specific educational and experience criteria. Interviews are set to take place shortly after the application deadline. This recruitment aims to ensure diverse support for students from various backgrounds.

By Ambika Singh Oct 14, 2026, 12:45 IST

IIT Bombay's Recruitment for Counselors

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is actively seeking to hire counselors, with the recruitment process for 30 ad hoc positions already underway. Interested candidates can submit their applications until October 17. This initiative, led by the Student Wellness Centre (SWC), aims to enhance the mental health support framework at the institute, particularly in light of the tragic passing of Sahil Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student.

Here are the key details regarding the recruitment timeline and eligibility requirements for the counselor roles at IIT Bombay.

Details of the Counselor Recruitment

**Recruitment of 30 Counselors**

The SWC at IIT Bombay is looking to fill 26 student counselor positions along with 4 senior counselor roles, all on an ad hoc basis.

Student Response to Mental Health Issues

**Protests Following Sahil Wakode's Death**

The incident surrounding Sahil Wakode's suicide, which occurred on September 18, has sparked significant student protests on campus. Students have voiced their concerns regarding the sufficiency of the current mental health support services. In response, they submitted a memorandum to the Director of IIT Bombay, urging for an expansion of mental health resources. To address these concerns, the administration appointed an additional Associate Dean last week to focus on student welfare, and the recruitment of counselors has commenced.

Understanding the Student Wellness Centre (SWC)

**What is the SWC?**

The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) is integral to IIT Bombay's mental health support system, offering counseling services aimed at promoting the emotional, psychological, and mental well-being of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students.

Eligibility Criteria for Counselor Positions

**Who Can Apply?**

IIT Bombay has outlined specific qualifications for the counselor roles. Candidates for the Senior Counselor position must hold the necessary degree and have a minimum of 10 years of experience. For the Student Counselor roles, applicants need at least two years of experience and must possess an MA or MSc in Psychology with a minimum of 55% marks. A specialization in Clinical, Counseling, or Social Psychology is essential.

Application Deadline and Interview Schedule

**Apply by October 17**

The deadline for submitting applications for the counselor positions at IIT Bombay is October 17. Interviews are scheduled to take place from October 12 to October 18. The institute has emphasized that the selection process will prioritize linguistic and gender diversity to ensure that students from various social and linguistic backgrounds receive adequate support.