A heartbreaking incident in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur has once again brought the mental health crisis among India's competitive exam aspirants into sharp focus. On September 27, 2025, Sanskar Singh, a 22-year-old NEET aspirant, tragically ended his life inside his home, becoming yet another victim of the overwhelming pressure associated with India's highly competitive medical entrance examination.
The Tragic Incident: What Happened in Bilaspur
The incident occurred at Sanskar's residence in Rajkishore Nagar, under the jurisdiction of Sarkanda police station in Bilaspur. Family members reported hearing a gunshot from his room, and by the time they reached him, he had already succumbed to his injuries. According to police reports, Sanskar used his father's licensed 12-bore single-barrel gun to take his own life.
Station House Officer Nilesh Pandey confirmed that preliminary investigations point toward prolonged mental health issues and academic pressure as the primary factors behind this tragic decision. The family revealed that Sanskar had been battling mental health challenges for approximately eight months and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Raipur.
A Bright Student Under Unbearable Pressure
Those who knew Sanskar described him as a smart, dedicated, and hardworking student who spent most of his time preparing for the NEET examination. However, neighbors and friends noticed a significant change in his demeanor in recent months—he appeared mentally troubled, withdrawn, and increasingly anxious about his academic performance.
The
victim's family emphasized that he was under extreme stress and
depression due to the constant pressure of preparing for one of India's
most competitive entrance examinations. The incident underscores how
even the brightest students can crumble under the weight of academic
expectations and societal pressure.
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The Growing Mental Health Crisis Among NEET Aspirants
Sanskar's death is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing national trend. In six years, nearly 200 students have tragically ended their lives, unable to cope with the overwhelming stress of the NEET exam. India reported 1,70,924 suicides in 2022, of which 7.6% were by students, with 2,248 suicide deaths specifically attributed to exam failure.
Recent data reveals an even more alarming picture—student suicides in India have surged by 65% over the past decade, rising from 8,423 cases in 2013 to 13,892 in 2023. This increase significantly outpaces the national average for suicides, highlighting the acute mental health crisis facing India's youth.
The Pressure Cooker Environment
A comprehensive cross-sectional study analyzing 80 documented suicide cases among IIT JEE and NEET aspirants revealed that the majority of suicides (81%) occurred among students aged 15-20 years, with NEET aspirants accounting for 73.4% of the cases. The study found that 65% of students preparing for competitive exams experience high stress, with 42% exhibiting depression symptoms.
With over 22 lakh students competing for approximately 55,000 medical seats annually, the competition has become fierce and unforgiving. This creates an environment where failure is not just disappointing—it feels catastrophic to young aspirants and their families.
Why Are Students Succumbing to Exam Pressure?
Multiple interconnected factors contribute to the rising suicide rates among NEET and other competitive exam aspirants:
Intense Competition: The sheer number of applicants compared to available seats creates a hyper-competitive environment where only about 12 lakh students out of 22 lakh clear the NEET examination annually.
Parental and Societal Expectations: Many students face immense pressure from families to excel and secure admission to prestigious medical colleges. The fear of disappointing parents becomes overwhelming for young minds.
Coaching Culture: India's coaching industry, valued at ₹24,000 crore ($3.2 billion) in 2022, often intensifies pressure by setting unrealistic expectations and fostering cutthroat competition among students.
Lack of Alternative Perspectives: Students often view NEET as their only path to success, with little room for exploring other career options or handling setbacks constructively.
Stigma Around Mental Health: Mental health issues remain stigmatized in India, preventing many students from seeking professional help when they need it most.
Long Preparation Periods: Students as young as 14-15 years old begin NEET preparation, spending formative years under constant academic stress with little time for rest or social development.
Warning Signs Parents and Educators Should Watch For
Identifying mental health struggles early can save lives. Key warning signs include:
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Withdrawal from social activities and isolation
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Significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns
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Declining academic performance or sudden loss of interest in studies
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Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
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Expressions of feeling worthless or being a burden to family
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Talking about death or suicide, even in passing
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Giving away prized possessions
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Sudden calmness after a period of depression (may indicate a decision has been made)
In Sanskar's case, family members and friends had noticed he appeared mentally troubled and withdrawn in recent months—clear indicators that he was struggling with his mental health.
Systemic Changes Needed to Address the Crisis
Psychological experts emphasize that ignoring exam stress and mental pressure can have fatal consequences. The current situation demands immediate systemic interventions:
Mental Health Infrastructure: Schools and coaching institutes must implement comprehensive mental health support systems, including regular counseling sessions and stress management workshops.
Reducing Exam Pressure: Educational reforms should focus on creating multiple pathways to success rather than single-point evaluation systems.
Parental Education: Programs to help parents understand healthy expectations and recognize mental health warning signs in their children are crucial.
Destigmatizing Mental Health: Open conversations about mental health challenges can encourage students to seek help without fear of judgment.
Teacher Training: Educators need training to identify students at risk and provide appropriate support or referrals.
Recent Policy Initiatives
Some positive steps have been taken to address exam-related stress. Tamil Nadu introduced supplementary exams in 2003, allowing students who failed to rewrite exams without losing an academic year—this initiative resulted in a 70% reduction in exam failure suicides in the state.
The Supreme Court has also laid down a comprehensive framework to address the mental health crisis among students in India, setting new standards to prevent student suicides. However, implementation and broader adoption of such measures remain critical challenges.
A Call for Collective Action
Sanskar Singh's death is a stark reminder that academic success means nothing if it comes at the cost of young lives. As a society, we must reevaluate our priorities and create an environment where students can pursue their dreams without sacrificing their mental well-being.
The conversation around competitive exams must shift from purely focusing on results to emphasizing holistic development, resilience, and mental health. Every stakeholder—parents, educators, policymakers, and coaching institutes—must play their part in preventing such tragedies.
Urgent Help Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe mental distress, please reach out immediately:
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National Mental Health Helpline: 1800-599-0019 (Toll-free)
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Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330
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AASRA: 91-22-27546669 (24x7)
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iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday, 8 AM to 10 PM)
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Sneha Foundation: 044-24640050 (24x7)
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your life matters, and there are people who care and want to help you through difficult times.
This tragic incident serves as a wake-up call for all of us to prioritize mental health alongside academic achievement. Let's work together to create a support system where no student feels that ending their life is the only option.
