CBSE, AIIMS launch Phase II of Project MATE across Delhi-NCR schools

The CBSE and All India Institute of Medical Sciences have launched the second phase of “Project MATE”, an adolescent wellbeing initiative, across schools in Delhi-NCR, an official statement said.

Project MATE (Mind Activation Through Education), developed by the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, Delhi, is a structured wellbeing programme for middle-school students aimed at promoting emotional, social and psychological wellbeing alongside academic growth, the statement said.

The second phase of the programme was launched during the MATE Counsellors’ Conclave organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in collaboration with the AIIMS at the India Habitat Centre here, it said.

The project has now entered its second phase, with the participation of principals and school counsellors from more than 60 CBSE-affiliated schools across Delhi NCR, it said.

Initially launched as a pilot under the guidance of CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, the programme includes classroom-based wellbeing modules, peer-support mechanisms through the “MATE-5 Circle”, and parent engagement workshops.

Addressing the gathering, CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta acknowledged the contribution of pilot schools and stressed the role of school leadership in strengthening student wellbeing ecosystems, while reaffirming the board’s commitment to the initiative.

Prof Radhika Tandon, Dean (Research), AIIMS New Delhi, highlighted the importance of collective stakeholder engagement in the success of the pilot phase.

Prof Nand Kumar from the Department of Psychiatry of the institute said insights from the pilot had informed the design and refinements for Phase II.

Representatives from schools, including Suncity School Gurugram, KR Mangalam World School New Delhi, Salwan Public School, New Delhi and The Knowledge Habitat School Gurugram, shared their experiences of implementing the programme.

Principals and counsellors from schools in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh participating in Phase II were also present at the conclave.

A special segment titled “Stories of Strength” showcased innovative wellbeing practices adopted by pilot schools through poster presentations, with top-performing schools receiving recognition.

Counsellors demonstrating exceptional understanding of the MATE framework during the pilot phase were recognised as Master Trainers to support mentoring and implementation in the next phase.

The statement said a Board of Advisors comprising experts from the AIIMS community has been constituted to provide academic, clinical and strategic guidance for the programme’s evidence-based expansion.

As part of Phase II, counsellors from participating schools will undergo a five-day intensive capacity-building programme at AIIMS New Delhi from May 11 to 15 to prepare for the implementation of MATE modules from July 2026 for students of Classes six to eight.

The programme will also include peer-support activities, parent workshops and home-school engagement initiatives.