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A 19-year-old NEET aspirant, Indhu, from Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu, tragically died by suicide after her father allegedly scolded her for making a mistake while filling out an OBC certificate application form, NDTV reported.
What Happened?
Indhu’s father was at a government centre for the OBC certificate application process and requested a PIN from her.
She mistakenly provided the wrong PIN twice, causing her father distress.
After successfully completing the application, her father returned home and scolded her for the mistake.
Later that day, Indhu died by suicide.
Not Due to Exam Pressure
Initial reports suggested that Indhu took this step due to exam pressure, but police have refuted these claims, confirming the incident was linked to the application form error.
Indhu was a government school student who had undergone NEET coaching and attempted the exam last year, securing 350 marks but failing to qualify.
Growing Concern Over Student Suicides in India
Indhu’s tragic case adds to a disturbing trend of student suicides among medical and engineering aspirants.
Recent Cases of NEET & JEE Student Suicides
January 2025:
- An 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Odisha, Abhijeet Giri, died by suicide in his hostel room in Kota’s Vigyan Nagar area.
- He had been preparing for NEET since April 2024.
- Third suicide in Kota this year.
January 7, 2025:
- Two JEE aspirants in Kota died by suicide in separate incidents.
2024:
- 17 student suicides were reported in Kota, India's coaching hub for medical and engineering entrance exams.
The Mental Health Crisis Among Students
The rising number of student suicides highlights severe mental health challenges faced by young aspirants. The pressure to qualify in competitive exams like NEET and JEE, coupled with academic expectations and emotional stress, has created an alarming situation.
What Can Be Done?
Parental Support: Encouraging communication and avoiding harsh criticism over mistakes.
Mental Health Awareness: Introducing counseling services in schools and coaching institutes.
Helplines & Safe Spaces: Creating safe environments for students to share their struggles.
Reducing Exam Pressure: Focus on alternative career guidance and not just high-stakes exams.
Indhu’s tragic passing serves as a reminder of the immense pressure students face—not just academically but emotionally. While entrance exams are an important milestone, no mistake is worth a life.
It is crucial for parents, educators, and society to prioritize emotional well-being over academic performance and create an environment where students feel supported rather than pressured.
