The present research paper will focus on the influence of academic pressure and work-life balance on the mental health of emerging adults in the Indian higher education context. A quantitative cross-sectional approach and standardised measurements at the levels of academic stress, mental health and work-life balance were used to collect data on 121 participants (age from 18 to 28 years). The outcomes depicted that the relationship between mental and work-life balance is strongly inverted, such that the greater the imbalance, the worse the psychological functioning. Regression analysis demonstrated that academic pressure was an effective predictor of worse mental health, and much of the variance was explained. The level of academic stress was also important, and work-life balance was not important when both variables were considered simultaneously, which means that academic demands are more influential factors on mental health. The results show the relevance of academic stress in determining the emotional and psychological responses of students. To promote healthy learning conditions and enhance student welfare, the research findings indicate the importance of institutional programs, counselling services, and stress-management programs.