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Recent findings reveal a distressing trend: student suicides in India are increasing at a rate that outpaces both the population growth and overall suicide trends. This unsettling data was highlighted in the report titled ‘Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India,’ released on August 28, 2024, during the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data used in the report, student suicides have been escalating annually at a rate of 4%, which is double the national average. In contrast, the overall suicide rate has risen by only 2% per year. According to reports noted in 2022, male students represented 53% of all student suicides. While the number of male student suicides fell by 6% from 2021 to 2022, female student suicides saw a 7% increase.
Over the past decade, while the population of individuals aged 0-24 has decreased slightly from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides has more than doubled, rising from 6,654 to 13,044.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh are identified as the states with the highest numbers of student suicides, collectively accounting for one-third of the national total. Southern states and union territories contribute 29% of these cases. Rajasthan, known for its intense academic pressures and coaching hubs like Kota, ranks 10th, reflecting the high-stress environment associated with these regions.
One key issue highlighted by the report is the likely underreporting of student suicides. Factors included in this underreporting include social stigma and the criminalization of suicide attempts under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code. Although the 2017 Mental Healthcare Act decriminalized suicide attempts for individuals with mental illnesses, the legacy of this criminalization still affects reporting practices. Furthermore, data collection inconsistencies, especially in rural areas, exacerbate the problem.
Ganesh Kohli, Founder of the IC3 Movement, highlighted the urgent need to address mental health challenges within educational institutions. "Our educational focus must shift towards fostering students' overall well-being rather than merely pushing them to compete," he said. Kohli advocates for the establishment of comprehensive career and college counseling systems within schools, integrated seamlessly into the educational curriculum.
The report also noticed an increase in student suicides, with male suicides rising by 50% and female suicides by 61%. Both genders have experienced an average increase of 5% in the last five years. These alarming statistics underline the necessity for enhanced counseling infrastructure and a better understanding of student needs and aspirations.
Addressing these issues is crucial for moving away from competitive pressures and toward supporting students’ core competencies and well-being. The report underscores the need for systematic changes to prevent these tragedies and better support students in distress.
Co-founder
IIT-Delhi, IIM-Lucknow
IIT Delhi. 14+ Years of experience as Academics Head & Mentor
