IIT Bombay to hire 30 counsellors for wellness centre weeks after BTech student's death on campus

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has started the process of recruiting ad hoc counsellors for its Student Wellness Centre (SWC), weeks after the death of a second-year BTech student sparked protests at the campus.

According the recruitment notice, the institute is looking to hire 30 counsellors, 20 student counsellors and four senior counsellors. Candidates can apply through the Google form linked in the recruitment notice by October 17, 2026. “Selected candidates may join from October 15, 2026,” the notice reads.

This recruitment announcement follows the death of BTech student Sahil Wakode on September 18. His 'suicide' triggered student protests on the IIT Bombay campus. Reports said Wakode was allegedly found using his phone during a mid-semester examination, a few hours before his death.

The SWC provides counselling and mental health support to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students at the institute.

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IIT Bombay counsellor recruitment

Applicants who have a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA) degree in Psychology, with specialisation in clinical psychology, counselling psychology or social psychology, and have secured at least 55% marks from a recognised university or institute are eligible to apply.

Applicants for student counsellor positions should have at least two years of relevant experience after finishing their qualifying degree while those applying for senior counsellor posts must have at least 10 years of relevant experience. The upper age limit for candidates is 45 years.

According to the notice, those who have experience working with adolescents and young adults, can handle crisis cases and work in residential academic institutions may be given preference. Knowledge of at least one Indian language other than English and/or Hindi is also welcome.

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IIT Bombay: Full-time, part-time counsellors

Canddiates can choose between full-time and part-time work when they submit their applications. The salary mentioned in the table below includes all allowances.

Full-time counsellors will have to work 40 hours per week, while part-time counsellors, 20 hours per week. The appointments will initially be for 89 days and may be extended based on performance. Counsellors might have to to work on weekends and holidays. Hostel accommodation will only be given to 10 counsellors, the notification says.

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The selection process will be conducted by a committee appointed by IIT Bombay. It shortlist and conduct an interview between October 12 and October 18. Applicants can attend the interviews in person at the institute. Online interviews will be available only for those who do not belong to Mumbai.