Guidelines for Students’ Service Centre (SSC) in Promoting Sports, Physical and Mental Fitness
(As suggested by UGC and aligned with NEP 2020)
1. Introduction
The University Grants Commission (UGC) emphasizes the holistic development of students through academic, physical, and mental well-being. The Students’ Service Centre (SSC) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should function as a nodal body for planning, implementing, and monitoring initiatives related to sports, fitness, and mental health support.
The vision is to create a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive campus culture where students engage in sports, yoga, fitness activities, and mental wellness programs, leading to improved academic performance, discipline, resilience, and overall life skills.
2. Objectives
To integrate sports and fitness as an essential part of student life in HEIs.
To ensure the mental and emotional well-being of students through counseling and awareness initiatives.
To provide opportunities for physical development, leadership, teamwork, and stress management.
To build inclusive sports facilities catering to students of diverse abilities (including PwD).
To promote yoga, meditation, and indigenous practices in line with NEP 2020 and UGC advisories.
To support career development in sports through training, competitions, and skill-building programs.
3. Key Functional Areas of SSC
A. Sports and Physical Fitness
Organize intra- and inter-college tournaments in various sports (indoor & outdoor).
Develop fitness infrastructure: gymnasiums, open-air gyms, running tracks, multipurpose courts.
Establish Yoga & Meditation Centres to promote traditional practices for physical-mental balance.
Encourage daily fitness routines: morning drills, aerobics, Zumba, etc.
Collaborate with national/state sports bodies for talent identification and training.
Introduce “Fit India Movement” programs in alignment with UGC circulars.
NCC and NSS to be included
B. Mental Fitness and Well-Being
Provide professional counseling services for stress, anxiety, depression, and academic pressure.
Conduct workshops on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and resilience building.
Peer mentoring programs to strengthen student-to-student support systems.
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week and regular campaigns on stress-free learning.
Establish a confidential helpline/email support for mental health assistance.
C. Holistic Development Programs
Host leadership and team-building camps combining physical training with life skills.
Organize seminars with athletes, psychologists, and fitness experts.
Introduce credit-based courses on physical education, yoga, and mental wellness as per NEP 2020.
Promote inclusive participation of PwD students in sports and wellness activities.
4. Infrastructure and Resources
Sports Infrastructure: Multipurpose playgrounds, indoor stadiums, gym facilities, swimming pools (where feasible).
Wellness Spaces: Counseling rooms ensuring privacy, yoga halls, meditation corners.
Digital Platforms: Online booking of sports facilities, wellness apps, fitness trackers.
Library Resources: Books, videos, and digital modules on fitness, nutrition, and psychology.
5. Implementation Strategy
Single-window facility at SSC for sports and wellness-related queries.
Annual Calendar of Activities for sports events, fitness programs, and wellness workshops.
Fitness Assessments twice a year for all students.
Grading/Recognition of physical activity participation in student transcripts (as per UGC advisory).
Collaboration with external sports academies, NGOs, and government fitness programs.
6. Monitoring & Evaluation
Regular feedback from students on sports and wellness initiatives.
Monthly reporting of activities to IQAC (Internal Quality Assurance Cell).
Annual review of student participation and outcomes by HEI Governing Council.
Recognition of Best Sports Performers, Wellness Ambassadors, and Peer Mentors.
7. Future Plans
Integration of AI-based fitness tracking and mental wellness applications.
Establishment of University-level Sports and Wellness Hubs in collaboration with UGC.
Encouragement of research on student health, sports science, and mental fitness.
Expansion of sports scholarships, fellowships, and career pathways in sports and wellness.