In a deeply concerning incident, an 18-year-old student from Jammu and Kashmir preparing for the NEET examination has died by suicide in Kota, Rajasthan. This is the 15th case of student suicide reported in the city since the beginning of the year, reigniting concerns over the mental health crisis among students in India’s coaching centres.
The student, whose name has not been officially released, was living in a private paying guest accommodation. She had returned to Kota just a few weeks ago and was engaged in self-study after previously attending coaching classes.
According to local officials, she contacted a relative on Sunday evening and shared distressing thoughts about her mental state. The call ended abruptly, leading the family to alert another student residing in the same building. When her room was found locked from the inside, neighbours broke open the door and discovered her unresponsive. She was immediately taken to the nearest hospital, where she was declared dead.
Authorities have confirmed that the room lacked the mandatory “anti-hanging” device — a ceiling safety mechanism introduced by the Rajasthan government in 2023 to reduce such incidents in hostels and PG accommodations. The absence of this device has raised serious questions about the implementation and monitoring of student safety regulations in Kota.
Known as the epicentre of India’s competitive exam preparation industry, Kota hosts over 150,000 students each year, many of whom come from across the country with hopes of cracking medical or engineering entrance exams. But the city also faces a growing mental health crisis, with repeated cases of student suicides drawing national concern.
After a record 26 student deaths in 2023, the government and education stakeholders initiated several mental wellness and monitoring programs. However, the recurrence of such cases in 2025 suggests that the efforts may not be enough or sufficiently enforced.
Recently, the Supreme Court of India took a firm stance on the issue, questioning the state’s response time in registering official reports on such deaths. The Court also demanded a detailed explanation for the pattern of suicides predominantly occurring in Kota, pushing for systemic accountability.
In response, the state government has introduced the Rajasthan Coaching Centre (Control and Regulation) Bill, aimed at regulating the operations of coaching centres and ensuring better student support. Campaigns such as “Kota Cares” have also been launched to provide psychological counselling and 24/7 helpline services for distressed students.
Despite these initiatives, mental health professionals argue that a deeper cultural shift is required. They emphasize the need for parental awareness, reduced academic pressure, and accessible mental healthcare to support students beyond academic performance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, help is available:
- Sneha Foundation: 044-24640050
- Tele-MANAS: 14416 (24/7 mental health support)
- iCall Helpline: 022-25521111 (Available 8 AM – 10 PM, Monday to Saturday)
This tragic case highlights the urgent need for a broader national conversation on student mental health and the importance of prioritizing emotional well-being over academic results.
