The tragic incident again underscores the tremendous academic pressure borne by competitive exam aspirants in India after a NEET student in Rajasthan apparently committed suicide in a hostel room.
The student was said to have been studying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for the last four years and had been a private hostel guest while he was receiving coaching lessons. It is reported that the aspirant was discovered hanging in the room of the hostel.
The students of the latter's class are reporting shock caused by the news of the suicide when they discovered the hanged and the family members of the deceased. Police officials said details of the incident emerged as hostel staff and classmates observed that the student was not responding for a long time.
Once they finally got to the room, they said, they found the student lying unconscious and alerted authorities. The body was subsequently sent for postmortem examination. Initial investigations indicate that the student had potentially stressed significantly over exam preparation, and had made numerous attempts to clear NEET, one of India’s most competitive medical entrance examinations.
But police said a comprehensive investigation is underway and all sides are considered. There has not been access to an official suicide note so far. Family members were notified soon after, and local officials are interviewing classmates, hostel management and coaching institute staff for the purpose.
The tragedy has once again triggered discussion regarding the high levels of pressure placed on the students who sit for entrance exams in coaching centres in the state of Rajasthan and neighbouring states. Kota and several other cities have experienced more cases in recent years, and it is being taken seriously due to mental health, academic pressure and supporting of students.
Many academic specialists and mental health professionals have stressed both counselling resources and emotional support services as well as balanced study environments in their education and health for students studying to stand for competitive examinations.
Some coaching centres for young people have introduced stress and anxiety relievers and helplines in recent years after increasing alarm at students’ welfare. Leaders have encouraged students and parents to access emotional and psychological support when necessary, and to be on watch for anxiety, stress and isolation in the aspirants. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, it helps to contact trusted friends, family, counsellors or mental health professionals.
