<p>This study focuses on the effect of problematic internet use on perceived stress through fear of COVID-19. Data were collected through two studies involving 822 and 857 students from universities across India. First data collection was on during the pandemic and the other in the post-pandemic scenario. Structural equation modeling has been performed to analyze the data. The study found that the role of problematic internet use on both fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress which was stronger during the pandemic scenario compared to post-pandemic scenario. The study also revealed that Fear of COVID-19 mediates the relationship between problematic internet use and perceived stress. From the insights from the study, as a practical implication the proper measures and coping strategies as collective mechanism including self, family members, friends, society and policy makers, are suggested to overcome ill-effects of stress. Future studies can focus on more longitudinal designs with new outcome variables in different geographical locations to understand the mental health concerns during the pandemic.</p>