Bengaluru,Oct 06: QS I-GAUGE, India’s independent educational institution rating and assessment system, has opened registrations for the fourth edition of the Institutionof Happiness Awards after having received an enormous number of applications in its previous editions. All schools, colleges, and universities in India are eligible to participate in this flagship initiative. Institutions at any stage of their well-being journey, whether beginning to explore the concept of happiness or already embedding it into their culture are encouraged to take part. The applications will close on 7 October 2026.
The Institution of Happiness is a pioneering framework designed to assess well-being in Indian education. It draws on anonymous surveys conducted on critical aspects such as campus safety, emotional & mental well-being, voice & recognition, personal & holistic growth, support systems etc.
These surveys involve key stakeholders, students, faculty, alumni, and parents and also considers evidence on programmes and practices that institutions have in place to support happiness and well-being. Institutions that fulfil the evaluation criteria will receive a prestigious certificate in recognition of their commitment to campus happiness and well-being. There is no entree fee for participation in IOH.
Launched in 2021, the IOH Awards have quickly grown into a nationally recognised movement. The previous edition (2025-26) had brought together perspectives from over 5.4 lakh stakeholders across 236 institutions. The insights gathered through the initiative contributed to a national report on happiness and well-being in Indian education.
“We would like to place happiness and well-being at the core of Indian education because a joyful place of learning enhances academic excellence and quality of learning. The experiences of students, faculty, parents and the wider institutional community play an important role in shaping the educational environment and help to paint a fuller picture,” said Ravin Nair, Managing Director, QS I-GAUGE. “Through the Institution of Happiness initiative, we want to understand these experiences at scale and recognise institutions that are creating happier and more supportive environments. Joyful learning should be the corner stone of educational institutions enabling them to produce critical thinkers and innovators of the future.”
The QS I-GAUGE Institution of Happiness initiative has already received over 400 applications from universities, colleges and schools across India for its 2026–27 edition, reflecting a growing interest in understanding the importance of happiness and well-being within educational institutions.
