BACKGROUND The theme for the 2017 World Health Day campaign is Depression. WHO estimates that a total of 300 million people living in this world suffer from depression. Similar is the case of anxiety which affects 264 million or 3.6% of the global population. Depression, Anxiety and Stress afflict a large extent of the student population, especially during their higher secondary level when they actually need to perform the best. Frequent policy changes by the Government on school curriculum and admission to Professional colleges like the recent National Eligibility and Entrance Examination (NEET) also adds on to this. In states like Tamilnadu, there is widespread criticism that it may be disadvantageous for students coming from rural areas and those studying in State board schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS Random sample of 320 consenting students studying in science groups in Grade 11 and 12 in Higher/Senior secondary schools in Kancheepuram district were enrolled in this study. DASS-42 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) was used to measure their Depression, Anxiety and Stress levels. Data was tabulated and analysed using SPSS-16. RESULTS The mean DASS-42 scores in the three domains of Depression, Anxiety and Stress were 13.18, 12.81 and 17.17 respectively. This corresponds to mild Depression, moderate Anxiety and mild Stress. The mean scores for Depression, Anxiety and Stress of male students were 13.54, 13.02 and 18.03 respectively, and the female students had scores of 12.68, 12.52 and 16.01 respectively. This sex difference was found to be statistically significant (p < .01). Similarly, students who resided in urban areas had significantly (p < .01) more levels of Depression, Anxiety and Stress than those students who resided in rural areas. Their school board did not make a significant difference in their anxiety and stress levels. CONCLUSION This study observed mild-to-moderate prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among the study population. Students are already under pressure from their parents, peers and society to excel academically. Added to this, the frequently changing policies of the government regarding curriculum, assessment and entry to higher education courses may take a severe toll on their health.

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