The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing Course | IIT Kharagpur NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 4237 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Life
In today's fast-paced world, where stress and burnout are common, the pursuit of happiness has moved from a philosophical ideal to a science-backed necessity. IIT Kharagpur's Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness offers a groundbreaking online course that demystifies this pursuit. The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing is an 8-week journey designed to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of what truly makes us happy and how we can cultivate lasting wellbeing.
About the Course Instructors: World-Class Expertise
This course is led by two distinguished professors from IIT Kharagpur, bringing together decades of research and practical experience.
Prof. Manas K. Mandal is a pioneer in psychological science with over 35 years of research. His work has profoundly influenced our understanding of emotion processing in the brain, particularly in conditions like schizophrenia, and the role of cerebral hemispheres. As the former Director of the Defense Institute of Psychological Research (DRDO), he has applied psychological principles to enhance human performance in high-stakes environments, working on critical issues like soldier selection, disaster counseling, and reducing self-defeating behaviors.
Prof. Priyadarshi Patnaik, a Professor of English and Communication, adds a rich, interdisciplinary perspective. His research in visual communication, music and emotion, and digital humanities bridges the gap between scientific analysis and cultural, artistic expressions of wellbeing, offering a holistic view of happiness.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a wide audience:
- Students (Undergraduate/Postgraduate): Ideal for those in Psychology, Humanities, Management, or any field interested in human behavior.
- Professionals & Managers: Especially relevant for HR teams and leaders aiming to boost workplace productivity, creativity, and employee wellbeing.
- Anyone Seeking Personal Growth: If you are keen to understand the science of self-management, emotional regulation, and building a happier life, this course is for you.
Prerequisite: None. A curious mind and a willingness to learn are all you need.
What You Will Learn: Course Layout (8 Weeks)
The course is structured to take you from foundational concepts to practical application.
| Week | Focus Area | Key Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 & 2 | Foundations of Happiness | Learn to define and operationalize happiness. Understand the core scientific constructs and theories. Assess your own baseline happiness. |
| Week 3 & 4 | Influencing Factors & Key Ingredients | Explore biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors affecting happiness. Debunk myths and uncover the evidence-based secrets to lasting wellbeing. |
| Week 5 | Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence | Master the science and practice of mindfulness. Develop emotional intelligence skills crucial for navigating social contexts and enhancing personal happiness. |
| Week 6 | Happiness at Work & Life Balance | Discover the link between happiness, efficiency, and creativity. Learn practical strategies to fine-tune your work-life balance and reduce daily hassles. |
| Week 7 & 8 | Sustaining & Creating Happiness | Focus on moving from a temporary state to a lasting trait of happiness. Learn how to create a ripple effect by spreading wellbeing to others and solidifying your practice. |
Why This Course is Essential Today
The science is clear: happiness is not just a feel-good metric; it's a critical component of success and health. Happier individuals are more productive, creative, resilient, and even healthier. The corporate world has taken note, with numerous industries actively seeking ways to foster employee wellbeing to drive innovation and reduce turnover.
This course, offered through the NPTEL platform, makes this cutting-edge knowledge from one of India's premier institutions accessible to all. It combines rigorous academic content with case studies, self-assessments, and practical training sessions, ensuring you don't just learn about happiness—you learn how to live it.
Ready to Unlock the Science of Your Wellbeing?
Whether you are looking to enhance your personal life, boost your professional effectiveness, or simply understand one of humanity's most sought-after states, The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing provides the roadmap. Guided by eminent experts and built on a solid foundation of psychological research, this 8-week journey is an investment in your most valuable asset: yourself.
Enroll today and take the first scientific step towards a happier, more fulfilling life.
Enroll Now →