NEET aspirant dies by suicide in Kota, ninth such case in 2025 amid growing student stress

A 17-year-old NEET aspirant from Bihar’s Nalanda district was found dead in his hostel room in Kota’s Jawahar Nagar area on Tuesday. The student, identified as Harshraj Shankar, allegedly hanged himself from an iron rod, police confirmed. This marks the ninth suspected student suicide in Kota since January, raising fresh concerns about the intense academic pressure faced by coaching students in the city.

The incident came to light when the hostel caretaker noticed that the student had locked himself inside his room and was not responding. Upon being informed, the police arrived at the scene, broke open the door, and found the boy hanging. The hostel room was equipped with an "anti-suicide device" on the ceiling fan, a common safety measure in Kota hostels. However, the student used an iron rod instead, the police said.

No suicide note was recovered from the scene. The police have shifted the body to a hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted after the arrival of the student’s parents. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into the possible reasons behind the suicide.

Kota, known as India's biggest coaching hub, has witnessed an alarming number of student suicides in recent years. This year alone, six students, including five JEE aspirants and one NEET aspirant, ended their lives in January. In 2024, the city reported 17 student suicides, sparking widespread discussions on mental health and academic pressure.

Despite various initiatives by coaching centers and authorities, including mentorship programs, mental health counseling, and installing anti-suicide fans, the crisis remains persistent. Experts and activists have repeatedly called for systemic changes to reduce the overwhelming stress students face in the competitive exam ecosystem.

The latest case once again highlights the need for a stronger support system for students in Kota. As investigations continue, concerns over the mounting academic pressure and its devastating impact on young aspirants remain at the forefront of national discussions.