A 17-year-old student from Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district died by suicide on July 27 after scoring low marks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical courses. The incident has once again highlighted the immense pressure faced by medical aspirants in the country.
Incident Details
The student, identified as Rohan Kale, was a resident of Rahuri taluka in Ahilyanagar. He had appeared for the NEET UG exam earlier this year and reportedly received a score far below his expectations. According to police, Kale was found hanging in his room on Tuesday morning. He left a suicide note apologizing to his parents for not meeting their expectations.
“He wrote that he was unable to bear the disappointment of his parents and the shame of failing to secure a medical seat,” said a local police officer. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and an accidental death report has been registered.
Family's Statement
The student's father, a farmer, said that Rohan had been under stress for the past few days. “He was always a bright student and wanted to become a doctor. But the pressure of exams and competition became too much for him,” he told reporters. The family has requested privacy to grieve.
Rising Student Suicides
This incident is part of a worrying trend of student suicides in India, particularly among those preparing for competitive exams like NEET and JEE. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 12,000 student suicides were reported in 2022, with academic failure being a major cause. Mental health experts have repeatedly called for better support systems in schools and coaching centers.
The tragedy in Ahilyanagar has sparked conversations about exam pressure and the need for psychological counseling. Local authorities have urged students and parents to seek help if they feel overwhelmed.
Reactions
District education officials expressed grief over the incident and announced a review of counseling services in the region. “We will ensure that every student has access to mental health resources,” said an official. The incident also prompted a response from the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, which urged parents to avoid putting undue pressure on their children.
As the family mourns, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the mental health crisis among young aspirants. Experts continue to advocate for a more holistic approach to education that prioritizes well-being over exam scores.
