The Crushing Weight of Exams: How NEET and JEE are Fueling a Mental Health Crisis in India

Across India, young students are buckling under the immense pressure of competitive exams like NEET and JEE. These exams, designed as gateways to prestigious careers in medicine and engineering, have morphed into sources of immense stress and anxiety, pushing some students to the brink.

The journey often begins as early as 14 or 15, with students facing relentless pressure from families to excel. The fear of disappointing their parents and the desire to secure a coveted spot in top colleges drive many into the demanding world of coaching institutes. While these institutes offer academic guidance, they often foster a high-pressure environment characterized by grueling study schedules and constant internal competition. For many students, even securing top ranks within these institutes becomes an obsession, seen as a guarantee for future success.

The recent controversies surrounding NEET 2024 have only exacerbated the situation, leaving lakhs of aspiring medical students grappling with uncertainty about their future. This uncertainty adds another layer of stress to an already overburdened system.

Alarming Numbers Paint a Grim Picture

A 2023 study by Lokniti-CSDS in Kota, a hub for coaching institutes, revealed the harsh reality these students face. Over 85% of students reported spending six to seven hours daily in coaching classes, with some exceeding even that. More than 80% expressed a desperate need for at least one day off to pursue leisure activities and alleviate the constant pressure of studying. Loneliness, mood swings, fatigue, anger, sadness, and depression were common experiences for students who had relocated to Kota for coaching. The study also highlighted the toll on sleep patterns, with many students reporting late nights and disrupted sleep, further impacting their mental well-being.

Tragically, India bears the grim title of “suicide capital of the world,” with over 2.6 lakh cases annually. The World Health Organization reports an average suicide rate of 10.9 per lakh population in India, with a particularly alarming rate among young people. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals the devastating impact of this crisis on students. In 2020, a student died by suicide every 42 minutes, averaging 34 student suicides per day. The NCRB’s Accidental Death and Suicide in India report for 2021 showed a further increase, with over 13,000 student suicides, attributing 864 out of 10,732 cases to “failure in examination.”

This upward trend continues, with over 13,000 student suicides reported in 2022, representing 7.6% of all suicide deaths that year. The NCRB data also highlights a concerning trend: the highest percentage of suicides (23.9%) occurred among individuals with secondary-level education.

The aftermath of exam results often brings a wave of despair. In Telangana, seven students tragically took their own lives after the release of the Intermediate Public Examination results in 2024. This echoes a similar tragedy in 2019 when 22 students in the same state died by suicide following the announcement of intermediate results. Data from the Ministry of Education reveals a deeply concerning trend across higher education institutions as well. Between 2014 and 2021, 122 students from prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, central universities, and other central institutions died by suicide.

Addressing the Crisis: A Long Road Ahead

While the government has implemented measures like alphabetical seating arrangements in classrooms to reduce competition and stress, addressing the mental health crisis among students requires a multifaceted approach.

The social stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier. The fear of judgment and prejudice associated with seeking help from psychiatrists or counselors often prevents individuals from seeking timely intervention for anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, India faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals and resources. With only 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers per 1,00,000 people, access to quality mental healthcare remains a distant dream for many. In comparison, developed countries have an average of 6.6 psychiatrists per 1,00,000 people. The disparity is even more stark when considering mental health facilities, with India having only 0.004 mental hospitals per 1,00,000 people compared to the global average of 0.04.

Breaking the Silence, Building Support

Tackling this crisis requires a collective effort. Parents and teachers must be vigilant in observing behavioral changes in children and create a safe space for open communication. Encouraging children to pursue hobbies and develop healthy coping mechanisms can provide a much-needed outlet for stress and anxiety.

Most importantly, we must reiterate that no child is alone in this struggle. Seeking help from loved ones and professionals is crucial, and suicide should never be seen as a solution. By breaking the silence surrounding mental health, increasing access to professional help, and fostering a supportive environment, we can strive to create a future where our children’s well-being takes precedence over academic pressure.