Another Student Suicide in Kota: JEE Aspirant Ends Life; Second Case in 24 Hours

Kota, January 18, 2025 : The education hub of Kota is once again in the spotlight for a distressing reason: rising cases of student suicides. In the latest incident, a 17-year-old JEE aspirant hanged himself in Jawahar Nagar, marking the second such case in just 24 hours. The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns about the mounting academic pressure and mental health issues faced by students in the city.

JEE Aspirant From Bundi Ends Life

The deceased, identified as Manan Jain, hailed from Bundi district in Rajasthan and was preparing for the highly competitive Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) while simultaneously pursuing his Class 12 studies in Kota. The young student’s body was found in his rented accommodation in Jawahar Nagar. Authorities have taken possession of the body, which has been sent to the mortuary, while his grieving family has arrived in Kota.

According to initial investigations, Manan was battling significant mental stress. No suicide note was recovered at the scene, but the police suspect academic pressure and homesickness could have been contributing factors.

Second Suicide in 24 Hours

This heartbreaking incident follows another case reported less than a day earlier, where a medical aspirant preparing for NEET ended his life. Abhijeet Giri, a student from Odisha, was found hanging in his hostel room. His body was handed over to his family after a postmortem on Saturday.

Speaking about the tragedy, Abhijeet’s brother shared that while Kota offers a conducive environment for academic preparation, the spate of suicides in recent times has cast a shadow over the city. He urged local authorities and coaching institutes to take urgent measures to address this alarming trend.

Four Suicides in January Alone

The start of 2025 has been grim for Kota, with four student suicides reported within the first 18 days of January. Among these, three were JEE aspirants, and one was preparing for NEET. These incidents have reignited the debate about the mental health challenges faced by students and the relentless pressure of performing in competitive exams.

In one of these cases, a suicide note was recovered, in which the student expressed regret over not meeting his parents’ expectations. Such revelations point to the growing psychological burden on young minds, often exacerbated by societal and familial expectations.

Mental Health: The Elephant in the Room

Kota, often referred to as India’s “Coaching Capital,” attracts over 200,000 students annually who aspire to crack exams like JEE, NEET, and other prestigious entrance tests. While the city boasts a robust ecosystem of coaching centers, the high-pressure environment often takes a toll on students’ mental health.

Experts say that factors such as isolation from family, rigorous study schedules, and the fear of failure contribute significantly to stress and anxiety among students. Despite increased awareness, mental health remains a neglected aspect in the city’s education model.

Voices for Change

The recent incidents have prompted educationists, psychologists, and activists to call for immediate action. Many suggest that regular mental health counseling should be made mandatory in coaching centers and schools. “Students need a safe space to express their fears and anxieties. Providing trained counselors and stress-management workshops can make a big difference,” said Dr. Neeraj Gupta, a clinical psychologist based in Kota.

Parents, too, have a role to play. Experts emphasize the importance of realistic expectations and supportive communication. “Every child is unique. Pressuring them to achieve unrealistic goals can have devastating consequences,” Gupta added.

What Authorities Are Doing

In response to the rising suicides, the Kota district administration has initiated several measures, including:

• Helpline Numbers: Dedicated mental health helplines for students.
• Wellness Programs: Workshops focusing on stress management and coping strategies.
• Counselor Deployment: Appointing trained counselors in coaching institutes.

However, critics argue that these measures are either inadequate or poorly implemented, failing to address the root causes of the issue.

A Growing Concern Nationwide

The problem of student suicides is not unique to Kota but has a significant national resonance. According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 13,000 student suicides were recorded in India in 2024 alone, with academic pressure cited as a leading cause.

Kota, as a microcosm of the larger issue, highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in how education is imparted and mental health is prioritized.

The Way Forward

Educationists and mental health advocates stress the importance of creating a balanced approach to learning. Beyond academic success, students should be encouraged to pursue hobbies, sports, and activities that contribute to their overall well-being.

Additionally, fostering open communication between parents, students, and educators is key. “Failure should not be seen as the end of the road. It is crucial to build resilience in students and teach them that setbacks are a natural part of life,” said Ramesh Mehta, an education consultant in Kota.