Student wellbeing drops to 43% by Class 12, girls report higher anxiety: Study

A new study tracking 8,515 students across India found wellbeing steadily falling from 62% in Grade 8 to 43% in Grade 12. Girls reported higher anxiety and lower confidence, while only 6% sought help from school counsellors.Student wellbeing drops to 43% by Class 12, girls report higher anxiety: StudyFor many students, senior school brings tougher exams, career choices and pressure about the future. But a new study suggests that it may also come with a sharp decline in how students feel about themselves and their daily lives.The Student Well-being Pulse Report 2026, based on responses from 8,515 students across India, found that overall wellbeing falls from 62% in Grade 8 to 43% in Grade 12.The decline is not limited to one measure. Happiness falls from 65% to 48%, confidence from 64% to 47%, and motivation from 64% to 49% as students move through school.GIRLS CARRY A HEAVIER LOADThe report by the IC3 Institute, a global volunteer and member-driven education community, found that girls reported greater anxiety, frustration and sadness, along with lower confidence and calmness. Only 52% of girls said they felt confident often or always, compared with 64% of boys. Career-related anxiety was also higher among girls, at 35%, compared with 31% among boys.Despite these concerns, formal support remains limited. Students most often turn to friends (49%) and family (44%) when they need help. Only 13% approach teachers and just 6% seek help from school counsellors. Another 2% turn to therapists. Yet the willingness to seek structured support appears to be there. Fifty-two per cent of students said therapy or counselling could be helpful.CAREER CONFUSION ADDS TO THE PRESSURECareer decisions are another major source of stress. Only 52% of students reported receiving structured career counselling at school, while 33% said unclear career guidance made them anxious.Access varies across states. Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand reported career-counselling access of around 61–62%, while Bihar and Kerala were below the national average. Career-related anxiety was particularly high in Bihar, where 43% of students reported anxiety linked to unclear guidance.IC3 founder Ganesh Kohli said wellbeing and confidence decline just as academic and career decisions become more important, with many students continuing to handle their concerns alone.SLEEP, SCREENS AND EVERYDAY STRAINThe pressure also appears in students' daily routines. Fifty-five per cent reported sleeping for six hours or less each night, with academic pressure, overthinking and screen use among the key factors.For coping, students largely preferred accessible activities such as music (69%) and physical activity (57%), while fewer used structured practices such as sleep hygiene or mindfulness.The report underlines the need for schools, families and counsellors to make support easier to access before stress becomes overwhelming.(With PTI inputs)- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 17:02 IST