16-Year-Old JEE Aspirant in Kota Dies by Suicide, 17th Case This Year

The student from Bihar was found in his hostel room, highlighting ongoing concerns over mental health pressures in India's coaching hub.

A 16-year-old boy from Bihar preparing for the IIT-JEE exam was found dead in his hostel room in Kota, Rajasthan, on Friday.
This marks the 17th student suicide in Kota in 2024, following 26 cases reported in 2023, despite preventive measures like anti-hanging devices in hostel rooms.
The student had been living in Kota since April and attending a coaching institute for competitive exam preparation.
Authorities are investigating potential factors, including academic pressure and recent behavioral changes, but no suicide note was recovered.
Kota, a major hub for India’s ₹10,000 crore test-prep industry, continues to face scrutiny over the intense academic environment and its impact on student mental health.