Alarming rise in student suicides in India, growing at double the national average, report finds

The incidence of student suicides in India is rising at an alarming rate, significantly outpacing both population growth and overall suicide trends, according to a new report titled "Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India." Released at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024, the report draws attention to a crisis that has seen student suicides increase by 4% annually, double the national average of 2%. The report, based on National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, also warns of potential underreporting, suggesting the actual figures may be even higher.

Between 2012 and 2022, the number of student suicides in India nearly doubled, from 6,654 to 13,044, despite the slight decrease in the 0-24-year-old population. The report highlights a gender disparity, noting that while male student suicides constituted 53% of the total in 2022, they decreased by 6% between 2021 and 2022, while female student suicides increased by 7% during the same period.

Geographically, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh were identified as the states with the highest student suicide rates, collectively accounting for one-third of the national total. Southern states and union territories contribute 29% of these cases, with Kota in Rajasthan, a known hub for academic coaching, also featuring prominently in the statistics.

The report underscores the issue of underreporting, particularly in rural areas, where the legacy of suicide's criminalisation under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code and social stigma continue to influence reporting practices. Despite the decriminalisation of suicide attempts under the 2017 Mental Healthcare Act, these factors still pose significant barriers to accurate data collection.