Third Student Suicide of 2025 Reported in Kota Coaching Hub
An 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Odisha was found dead in his hostel room, raising concerns over mental health and safety measures in India's coaching capital.
- The deceased, Abhijeet Giri, was an 18-year-old student from Odisha preparing for the NEET exam in Kota since April 2024.
- This marks the third suspected student suicide in Kota in 2025, following 20 such cases in the district last year.
- Authorities revealed that the ceiling fan in the hostel room lacked the mandated suicide prevention device, a regulation introduced by the district administration to enhance student safety.
- Kota, known as a hub for competitive exam preparation, has faced scrutiny over the mental health challenges faced by students due to academic pressure and isolation from families.
- The Rajasthan government and district administration have implemented measures, including screening tests and coaching center regulations, to address the issue, but concerns persist over their effectiveness.