NEET Aspirant Dies by Suicide Hours Before Retest in Hisar
A 19-year-old NEET aspirant, identified as Simran, died by suicide after consuming a poisonous substance in Dhani Khan Bahadur village, Hisar, just hours before she was scheduled to appear for the re-examination on Sunday. The incident has highlighted the immense pressure faced by medical entrance exam candidates, especially after the cancellation of last year's NEET due to a paper leak controversy.
Details of the Incident
According to family members, Simran had informed them that she would leave for the exam centre at 11 am on Sunday. However, they found her in a subconscious condition and rushed her to the Civil Hospital in Hisar. Doctors revealed that she had consumed a poisonous substance. Village sarpanch Vijay Kumar suggested that the girl might have consumed insecticide by mistake, but she died during treatment.
Background of the Aspirant
Simran had been preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for the last three years. She had been attending coaching classes in Sikar, Rajasthan, for the past two years. A villager, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Simran had been under significant stress and was reportedly upset following the cancellation of the NEET examination last year amid the paper leak controversy.
Impact and Reactions
The death has sparked renewed concerns about the mental health of students preparing for high-stakes competitive exams in India. The cancellation of NEET last year due to a paper leak had already caused widespread anxiety among aspirants. Many students had to wait for months before the re-examination was scheduled. Simran's death is a tragic reminder of the toll that academic pressure can take on young minds.
Local authorities have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances. The family has been offered support, but the incident underscores the need for better mental health resources and counseling for students.
