Student Suicides in India

May 6, 2023

Student suicide rates in India have become a significant problem, with mental health issues among students highly stigmatized in the country. According to the National Crime Record Bureau’s 2021 report, India recorded 35 daily student suicides, especially during Covid. Due to disruptions in their education, isolation from peers, and uncertainty about the future, stress and anxiety levels among students have been further aggravated.

Student suicide rates in India

The Indian Institutes of Technology reported 33 student suicides from 2018-2023, while the National Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management reported 61 additional suicides, according to the Ministry of Education. In 2022, student suicides increased by 4.5%, with around 35 reported each day. Of the 10,732 suicides in 2021, 864 were linked to exam failures, while nine Central University students committed suicide in 2023.

Factors contributing to student suicide in India

A major issue of student suicide has arisen due to India’s highly competitive education system, combined with restricted opportunities for higher education and employment. This issue is multifaceted, with parental expectations, financial constraints, bullying, relationship issues, and inadequate support systems contributing to the problem.

Actual suicide figures

Reported figures of suicide attempts in India may not accurately reflect the true number, even though attempted suicide is no longer a punishable offense under the Mental Healthcare Act (2017). The classification of the cause of death as suicide or not may depend on the local police constable, and many students do not report suicide attempts due to guilt, shame, or fear of being mocked.

Mental Health Infrastructure

There is a significant shortage of mental health professionals in India, with just one professional available for every 1,00,000 people. This scarcity of professionals has resulted in individuals, including students, often having to resort to costly private mental health professionals for regular mental healthcare. In major cities, counseling or psychiatric consultations can be priced as high as Rs.2,000-4,000 per hour, rendering it difficult for students with limited resources to avail themselves of these services.

Countermeasures Against Student Suicides

A comprehensive strategy is necessary to tackle the issue of student suicide rates in India, which includes a range of measures such as education system reforms, improved mental health support, awareness campaigns, and more opportunities for students to engage in non-academic interests. The UGC has put forth new regulations, and the Union Health Ministry has asked for a short-term plan from the IIT Council. In addition, operational guidelines have been issued by the Centre for schools and higher education institutions to provide trained counsellors or psychologists on campus. Despite these steps, there is still a long road ahead to effectively address the problem.

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