An 18-year-old NEET aspirant, Akanksha Chaturvedi, died by suicide in Rajasthan's Kota district on Tuesday, allegedly due to stress over the re-examination of the medical entrance test. Her family has alleged that she was under tremendous pressure from her coaching institute and the uncertainty surrounding the exam schedule.
Incident Details
Akanksha, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Banda district, was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) at a coaching institute in Kota. She was found hanging in her room on Tuesday evening. The police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.
Family's Allegations
The victim's father, Rajendra Chaturvedi, accused the coaching institute of putting excessive pressure on students. He claimed that Akanksha was constantly worried about the re-exam and felt overwhelmed by the expectations. The family has demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident.
Growing Concerns Over Student Suicides
Kota, known as the coaching hub of India, has witnessed several student suicides in recent years. The pressure of competitive exams and the rigorous coaching environment have been cited as major factors. This incident has once again raised questions about the mental health support systems for aspirants.
Official Response
The district administration has ordered an investigation. The coaching institute has denied any wrongdoing, stating that they provide adequate counseling and support to students. However, the tragedy highlights the need for better stress management and mental health resources for students preparing for high-stakes exams.
The NEET re-examination was announced after allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the previous exam. Thousands of students across the country have been affected by the uncertainty, leading to heightened anxiety and stress.
