24-Year-Old NEET Aspirant Found Dead in Kota Hostel Room
In another tragic incident underscoring the extreme pressure on medical aspirants, a 24-year-old NEET aspirant was found dead in his hostel room in Kota, Rajasthan. The student, identified as Aditya (name changed), hailed from Madhya Pradesh and was preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) at a leading coaching institute. This marks the latest in a string of student suicides in Kota, reigniting debates about mental health in India’s competitive coaching hub.
Details of the Kota Student Suicide
Police reports indicate Aditya was found hanging in his hostel room on Tuesday morning. His roommate alerted authorities after noticing the door locked from the inside for hours. No suicide note was recovered, but investigators suspect academic stress as a key factor.
Aditya had been preparing for NEET for three years and was enrolled in a top Kota coaching center. His family revealed he was under severe stress due to repeated exam attempts without success.
Why Kota’s Coaching Culture Is Under Scrutiny
Kota, known as India’s “coaching capital,” draws over 2 lakh students yearly for competitive exams like NEET and JEE. However, the city has also become infamous for student suicides, with over 25 reported in 2023 alone.
Key Factors Behind the Crisis:
- Crushing Academic Load: 12-14 hours of daily classes, tests, and self-study leave little time for rest.
- Parental & Societal Pressure: Many students fear failure and shame, driven by high expectations.
- Lack of Emotional Support: Isolation and inadequate counseling worsen anxiety and depression.
- Ranking Systems: Frequent test rankings heighten stress, pushing some to extreme steps.
Government Actions & Gaps in Student Welfare
After the latest suicide, Kota’s administration reaffirmed its focus on student well-being. Recent measures include:
– Mandatory mental health screenings for new enrollees.
– Improved hostel conditions and mental health resources.
– Bans on excessive study hours, including mandatory Sundays off.
Critics argue these steps are insufficient. Dr. Anjali Sharma, a psychologist, states, “The system glorifies ranks over well-being. Students need ongoing counseling, not just initial checks.”
Calls for Education Reform & Mental Health Support
Aditya’s death has fueled demands for systemic change. Advocates urge coaching centers to:
– Normalize failure and reduce academic pressure.
– Increase counseling staff for student support.
– Promote peer networks to combat isolation.
Conclusion: A National Wake-Up Call
Kota’s coaching factories have produced success stories, but rising suicides demand urgent action. Governments, institutions, and parents must collaborate to prioritize student mental health over rankings.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact helplines like KIRAN (1800-599-0019) or iCall (9152987821).
