OBJECTIVES: Since the increasing threat of community-associated resistant organisms, emphasis has been placed on increasing education and awareness for clinicians and the public regarding appropriate antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance through community-based initiatives. Teachers and students are a significant group as they can influence the society effectively. This qualitative study was undertaken to find out their perception and knowledge about antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and suggestions for practical interventions for rational use of antibiotics. METHODS: Focus group discussions (FGDs) with high school students and teachers were conducted in five municipal wards of Delhi in five schools (2 private and 3 public). Data on antibiotic knowledge, resistance, and behaviors with respect to antibiotics use were collected. Students were also asked to answer four basic questions on antibiotic knowledge. The FGDs (n=5 for each group; teachers=4-8 and students=15-22 participants/FGD) were analyzed using ‘thematic analysis’. RESULTS: Students had extremely poor knowledge regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance, while only some teachers had a very rudimentary understanding. Four broad themes needing attention emerged during FGDs: definition of antibiotic; usage of antibiotics in different conditions, including fever and diarrhea; role of doctors in informing patients about antibiotic usage; interventions and strategies for rational use of antibiotics. These results were further divided into various sub-themes depending upon responses of each group. In order to tackle these problems, both groups suggested a multi-pronged approach including, robust awareness campaigns, better doctor-patient relationships and stronger regulations. CONCLUSIONS: Though high school students and teachers in Delhi showed poor awareness about antibiotic use and resistance, they exhibited a keen interest in learning about these issues. Their awareness levels can be targeted using health communication methods to shape correct perceptions about antibiotic use, containment of AMR and thus preservation of antibiotics for future generations.