Jharkhand | April 2026
A 21-year-old NEET aspirant from Jharkhand was found dead in his hostel room in Kota - a city widely known as the country’s coaching capital. The student had reportedly been preparing for the highly competitive medical entrance exam for over a year, staying away from home in pursuit of a future he had worked hard to build. According to preliminary information, no suicide note was recovered from the room. Authorities have sealed the premises and initiated an investigation, with the exact cause of death expected to be confirmed after a postmortem.
While the official process continues, the incident has once again drawn attention to the emotional and psychological burden many students silently carry in such environments. What appears, from the outside, to be a journey of ambition and discipline often hides an entirely different reality—one that is rarely spoken about openly.
This tragedy is not an isolated case. Over the past few years, Kota has repeatedly been in the news for similar incidents involving students preparing for competitive exams. In recent months alone, multiple reports have surfaced:
A young aspirant died within weeks of joining coaching, unable to adjust to the sudden shift in environment and expectations.
Another student, who had gone missing, was later found dead—leaving behind unanswered questions and grieving families.
Several other cases across different hostels point toward a pattern that is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.
Each case has its own story, its own circumstances, but the underlying thread often points to a quiet struggle that remains largely unseen until it is too late.
The pressure does not end after clearing entrance exams. In many ways, it transforms.
India’s most prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology, have also witnessed a concerning number of student deaths in recent years. Data indicates dozens of such cases across campuses, raising serious concerns about the environment students find themselves in even after achieving what is widely considered a major success.
For many students, entering an IIT is seen as the ultimate goal. But once inside, the reality can feel very different:
Constant Comparison: Students who were once top performers suddenly find themselves surrounded by equally high achievers, making comparison unavoidable.
Academic Intensity: The curriculum is demanding, fast-paced, and often leaves little room for recovery after setbacks.
Fear of Falling Behind: Even a small dip in performance can feel overwhelming when expectations remain consistently high.
Distance from Support Systems: Being away from family means fewer emotional anchors during difficult times.
There have been cases where families have spoken about “situational pressure”—suggesting that the stress students face is not always about academics alone, but about the environment as a whole.
One of the most challenging aspects of such incidents is how invisible the struggle often is. To the outside world, everything may appear normal. Students attend classes, complete assignments, and even maintain regular communication. Social media posts may show smiles, achievements, or moments of relief. But internally, many students may be experiencing:
A constant sense of pressure to perform
Fear of disappointing parents or themselves
Feelings of isolation, even in crowded hostels or campuses
Difficulty expressing what they are going through
In highly competitive environments like Kota, where thousands of students share similar goals, the pressure can become amplified. The routine itself—classes, tests, rankings—can gradually shift from being motivating to overwhelming.
Several cases reported in recent years (as covered across platforms like lyfsmile news) highlight how varied—and complex—these situations can be:
A first-year student struggled to adapt to the pace and expectations of the institution. Despite initial enthusiasm, the transition proved difficult, pointing toward the gap between preparation and reality. Read More
At National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, a student was found dead in a hostel room, bringing attention to the challenges of adjusting to campus life away from home. The case highlighted how changes in environment, academic expectations, and limited emotional support can quietly build into overwhelming distress. Read More
In a deeply concerning case at AIIMS Rajkot, a student left behind a detailed note before their death, after which multiple classmates were reportedly arrested. The incident pointed toward complex interpersonal issues, emotional strain, and unresolved conflicts that may extend beyond academics but deeply impact a student’s state of mind. Read More
There is no single reason behind such incidents. Instead, they reflect a combination of factors—academic, emotional, social—that build over time.
While every situation is unique, certain patterns often emerge when looking at these cases collectively:
Students begin to associate their self-worth entirely with marks and rankings. Over time, even minor setbacks can feel disproportionately heavy.
Living away from home, often for the first time, can create a sense of isolation—even when surrounded by peers.
Highly competitive ecosystems can unintentionally normalize stress, making it harder for individuals to recognize when they need help.
Many students do not openly express what they are going through—either because they do not want to worry their families or because they feel others are coping better.
The National Testing Agency, which conducts NEET, has consistently emphasized certain important points that often get overlooked in the larger narrative:
Marks are not the only measure of ability: A score reflects performance on a specific day, not a person’s overall potential.
Multiple attempts are available: Students are not limited to a single opportunity, allowing room for growth and improvement.
Normalization ensures fairness: Variations in exam difficulty are adjusted through standardized processes.
Comparisons can be misleading: Raw scores across different sessions should not be directly compared.
Despite these guidelines, the competitive nature of the exam often leads students to internalize pressure far beyond what the system intends.
In many cases, the signs are subtle and easy to miss. Awareness and early intervention can make a significant difference.
1. Notice Behavioral Changes: Look for shifts in communication patterns, sleep routines, or overall engagement.
2. Go Beyond Academic Conversations: Regularly talk about how your child is feeling—not just how they are performing.
3. Build Emotional Safety: Create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment or disappointment.
4. Stay Consistently Connected: Even brief, daily conversations can help maintain a sense of support and belonging.
5. Seek Support Early: Reaching out for guidance at the right time can prevent situations from escalating.
Incidents like the one in Kota highlight the urgent need for a more balanced and supportive approach toward student success—one that goes beyond ranks and results.
Families, schools, and coaching systems need to consistently reinforce that success is not limited to a single exam or institution. Expanding career awareness can reduce the sense of “all-or-nothing” pressure many students feel.
Coaching hubs and institutions—including those preparing students for exams and elite colleges like the Indian Institutes of Technology—should make structured emotional support a core part of their system, not an afterthought. Regular check-ins, mentorship programs, and safe spaces for conversation can make a measurable difference.
Students should be encouraged—both at home and in institutions—to speak openly when they feel overwhelmed. Creating an environment where seeking support is seen as responsible rather than weak is critical.
Instead of focusing only on performance tracking, parents and educators should prioritize consistent, pressure-free communication. A simple, honest conversation can often reveal more than test scores.
For students living away from home, especially in cities like Kota, building peer support networks, group activities, and community engagement can help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Every student has a different pace and threshold. Recognizing this—rather than applying uniform expectations—can prevent unnecessary stress from building over time.
The tragedy in Kota is a reminder that ambition alone is not enough—students also need understanding, space to pause, and the reassurance that their worth is not defined by a single outcome. Behind every preparation journey is a human story, one that deserves attention beyond results and rankings. Real change begins when conversations shift from pressure to support, from expectations to empathy—because sometimes, being heard can make all the difference.
Disclaimer: This content, including any advice shared here, is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional or your personal physician for specific concerns. Lyfsmile does not assume responsibility for the use or interpretation of this information.
Feeling suicidal or in crisis? Contact a helpline or emergency service immediately.
1. Vandrevala Foundation Helpline:
+91 9999666555 (24x7)
2. Sanjivini (Delhi-based):
011-40769002 (10 am - 5:30 pm)
3. Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based):
044-24640050 (8 am - 10 pm)
4. National Mental Health Helpline: 1800-599-0019
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