AIIMS MATE 2025 Training Program for CBSE School Counselors Launched

CBSE–AIIMS Delhi launches AIIMS MATE 2025 training program for school counselors to promote adolescent wellness and resilience.

The AIIMS MATE 2025 training program for CBSE school counselors officially began on 26th August 2025 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, marking a significant step toward strengthening adolescent wellness and student resilience across the Delhi-NCR region. A collaborative initiative between the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and AIIMS Delhi, Project MATE—short for Mind Activation Through Education—aims to equip school counselors and wellness teachers with practical tools to address student mental health challenges effectively.

This pioneering programme focuses on enhancing coping strategies, promoting peer connectivity, and building overall resilience among adolescents through a structured methodology known as MATE-5. Running from 26th to 30th August 2025, the program initially targets approximately 50 school counselors from CBSE-affiliated institutions in the Delhi-NCR region.

About Project MATE and Its Significance

Project MATE, developed by AIIMS Delhi experts, represents a holistic approach to adolescent well-being. Recognizing that students today face unprecedented pressures from academic demands, social media, and fast-paced urban life, this initiative equips educators with the expertise to intervene meaningfully. Through structured training in mental health, emotional resilience, and peer mentorship, the programme aims to create a supportive school environment conducive to learning and personal growth.

Key objectives of the program include:

• Training school counselors in adolescent mental health and resilience strategies.
• Promoting meaningful peer-to-peer connections to combat loneliness and stress.
• Building awareness on early identification of emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Implementing the MATE-5 framework to foster a balanced and supportive learning environment.

The programme emphasizes a scientific and evidence-based approach to adolescent wellness, aligning education with health interventions for a more holistic developmental framework.

Inaugural Ceremony Highlights

The training program was inaugurated with the presence of prominent leaders in education and healthcare:

• Prof. Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS
• Shri Rahul Singh, IAS, Chairperson, CBSE
• Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS, Secretary, CBSE
• Prof. Dr. K.K. Verma, Dean Academics, AIIMS
• Prof. Dr. Nand Kumar, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS

During the ceremony, Shri Rahul Singh, IAS, emphasized the growing importance of integrating health and education. He highlighted that in today’s technology-driven world, students often experience emotional disconnection, stress, and loneliness. He noted that the AIIMS MATE 2025 training program for CBSE school counselors equips educators to intervene effectively, providing students with strategies to navigate challenges and enhance well-being.

Prof. Dr. M. Srinivas recognized Project MATE as a transformative initiative linking education with health—the two pillars of holistic child development. He stressed that resilience-building programs and positive interventions could significantly impact adolescent well-being and foster a culture of mental health awareness in schools.

Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS, described the program as an important collaboration between CBSE and AIIMS. He encouraged participants to engage fully in the five-day training, emphasizing that the outcomes would be monitored through follow-ups. Insights from this pilot would inform the expansion of Project MATE to benefit students nationwide, strengthening the school counseling ecosystem.

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Training Modules and Expert Guidance

The AIIMS MATE 2025 training program offers specialized modules delivered by leading experts in psychiatry, psychology, and communication. Each session is designed to provide counselors with practical tools and evidence-based strategies for addressing adolescent mental health. Key topics include:

• Emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms for adolescents.
• Strategies for building peer networks and positive social connections.
• Early identification of stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
• Communication techniques for effective student engagement.
• Implementing MATE-5 methodology for structured intervention.

These modules aim to create a cadre of well-trained counselors capable of fostering a nurturing environment that supports students’ academic and emotional growth.

Expert Insights

Mental health specialists involved in the program highlight the importance of early intervention. Prof. Dr. Nand Kumar, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, stated that “structured programs like Project MATE can significantly reduce adolescent stress, improve resilience, and strengthen social support systems within schools.”

Shri Rahul Singh, IAS, further commented that integrating wellness into the school curriculum ensures that students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Experts believe that a proactive approach to mental health in schools contributes to improved academic performance, reduced behavioral issues, and better long-term outcomes for students.

Anticipated Impact and Future Plans

The pilot implementation of Project MATE in Delhi-NCR schools is expected to serve as a blueprint for nationwide adoption. Following the training, counselors will report on best practices and intervention outcomes, which will guide the refinement of the program for wider rollout.

Key expected outcomes include:

• Improved resilience and coping mechanisms among students.
• Increased awareness of mental health among educators and parents.
• Strengthened counseling framework within schools.
• Better peer connectivity and supportive student networks.

AIIMS and CBSE aim to extend the benefits of Project MATE to thousands of schools across India, thereby institutionalizing adolescent wellness as a critical component of education.

Why AIIMS MATE Matters for CBSE Schools

Adolescents today face multiple stressors, from academic pressures to social media influences. Programs like Project MATE are vital because they:

1. Equip school counselors with professional tools to address mental health.
2. Promote holistic education by integrating emotional well-being with academics.
3. Enhance teacher and parent awareness of student needs.
4. Encourage peer mentorship and social connectedness among students.
5. Provide a scientifically grounded framework for continuous intervention.

By focusing on student-centered mental health programs, CBSE and AIIMS Delhi are redefining the role of school counselors as proactive agents of student wellness.

How Schools Can Participate

Schools interested in participating in future sessions of Project MATE can access resources and guidance through official CBSE channels. For teachers, counselors, and wellness coordinators, the program offers:

• Structured training schedules.
• Expert-led workshops and interactive sessions.
• Support for implementing MATE-5 practices within classrooms.
• Continuous monitoring and mentorship for sustained impact.

Educational institutions are encouraged to collaborate with CBSE and AIIMS Delhi to strengthen the mental health ecosystem in schools.

Additional Resources for Educators

For counselors and teachers seeking supplementary material to complement Project MATE training:

• NCERT Courses for curriculum-based training.
• Current Affairs Updates to enhance student engagement.
• Notes and Study Material for reference during counseling.
• MCQs for assessment and skill-building.
• Video Tutorials for interactive learning.
• Syllabus Guides to align wellness activities with academics.
• Free NCERT PDF Downloads for reference material.
• NCERT Mind Maps for visual learning tools.
• School Contacts Database for outreach and collaboration.

These resources complement the AIIMS MATE 2025 training program for CBSE school counselors, enabling educators to maximize student engagement and well-being.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Ritu Sharma, a noted child psychologist, commented, “Project MATE provides a critical intervention at the right time. Adolescents are navigating complex emotional landscapes, and structured programs like this empower counselors to make a tangible difference.”

Such expert endorsements highlight the growing recognition of mental health programs as a central part of school education, and their potential to shape resilient, well-adjusted future generations.

Conclusion

The launch of the AIIMS MATE 2025 training program for CBSE school counselors marks a major milestone in integrating mental health and education. By equipping counselors with evidence-based strategies, fostering resilience, and promoting peer connectivity, the initiative sets a benchmark for holistic adolescent development.

As CBSE and AIIMS Delhi continue to refine and expand this program, Project MATE promises to become a cornerstone of student wellness in schools across India, ensuring that the mental and emotional health of students is nurtured alongside academic success.

FAQs

1. What is the AIIMS MATE 2025 training program for CBSE school counselors?
   It is a five-day training initiative to enhance adolescent wellness, resilience, and peer connectivity through the MATE-5 framework.
2. When did the AIIMS MATE 2025 program begin?
   The program started on 26th August 2025 at AIIMS, New Delhi.
3. Who can participate in Project MATE training?
   CBSE-affiliated school counselors and wellness teachers are eligible to participate.
4. What topics are covered in the AIIMS MATE 2025 program?
   Topics include mental health, resilience-building, emotional intelligence, peer mentorship, and MATE-5 methodology.
5. Who inaugurated the AIIMS MATE 2025 training program?
   The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. M. Srinivas, Shri Rahul Singh, IAS, Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS, and other AIIMS officials.
6. What is the MATE-5 framework?
   MATE-5 is a structured methodology for adolescent wellness that promotes coping strategies, peer connectivity, and resilience.
7. What is the objective of Project MATE?
   The program aims to equip school counselors to improve student well-being and provide structured mental health interventions.
8. Are there follow-up activities after the training?
   Yes, counselors will be monitored and guided through follow-ups to assess program impact.
9. How can schools access Project MATE resources?
   Schools can access resources through CBSE and AIIMS Delhi channels, along with supplementary online materials.
10. Why is Project MATE important for student development?
    It addresses adolescent stress, emotional challenges, and peer disconnection, promoting holistic growth and academic readiness.