Exam Pressure and Student Suicides in India

Neelum Chaturvedi holds a picture of her daughter Akanksha, who ended her life in May. The tragedy followed the cancellation of a medical exam’s results. Authorities deemed they were leaked, impacting many students.

In Nagpur, India, Neelum recalls Akanksha’s beautiful English handwriting. She displays the suicide note starting with “Mummy, Pappa.” Her mother, grieving, says, “I could never find fault in her,” while caressing a framed picture of Akanksha garlanded with plastic flowers.

Akanksha’s suicide echoed similar incidents covered by Indian media. These deaths sparked protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Reports indicated deaths followed the education ministry’s cancellation of a medical college entry exam taken by 2 million students. Students had to retake the test amidst fierce competition for 30,000 general admission places.

Intense pressure on students

Akanksha’s suicide note expressed the pressure felt by students. “Mummy, papa, you sincerely believed that your daughter will study and become a doctor. But I don’t have the courage,” she wrote, referring to retaking the exam. Sadly, student suicides in India are not uncommon. The Hindu newspaper stated suicides rose from 8,068 in 2014 to 14,488 in 2024. Around 20% died due to failing exams.

Critics argue India’s education system is complex and unequal for over 200 million students. Federal spending on education dropped to 2.5% of its budget. Declining public school enrollment has shifted parents to private schools. The poorest remain trapped in public education, with admission exams essential for university or government jobs.

Many can only clear these exams through tuition at coaching centers, explains Maheshwer Peri, a prominent critic of the government’s policies. His analysis showed 95% of successful students attended coaching centers. This industry trains students in question answering speed and focus areas. Yet, there is no precise data on enrollments or exam clearances due to a lack of regulation.

India’s coaching industry is significant, though data on student success and incurred debts are scarce. Saha mentions ties between coaching centers and loan companies, posing conflicts when parents pay substantial fees. Clearing an exam for a prestigious opportunity becomes a once-in-a-lifetime chance for families.

Akanksha’s story

Akanksha’s parents moved from their village to Nagpur for better schools. Despite high grades, Akanksha needed coaching for medical exams. Her tuition at Physics Wallah cost $910. Her family took a loan, as her father Krishna Kumar’s earnings fell short.

Kumar, facing health problems, sold his land and borrowed from relatives. Family debts worried Akanksha, who reassured, “Don’t worry papa, I’m going to pay it all back.” She planned to be her father’s doctor, keeping track of his appointments and meds.

Akanksha immersed herself in studying. She often forgot to eat while preparing for exams. Her parents sacrificed for her privacy, giving her their only bedroom. “She was very happy after the exams,” her mother recalls, but on May 12, the exam results were annulled, shaking Akanksha. Days later, she ended her life.

Protests and aftermath

Her death contributed to protests starting in June. A remark by India’s chief justice aggravated tensions, criticizing unemployed youth and sparking outrage. A satirical “Cockroach Janata Party” formed, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

Protests expanded after police actions against demonstrators. Modi promised quick justice against exam perpetrators. Eventually, Pradhan resigned, with compensation for affected families promised.

Yet, political scientist Šumit Ganguly doubts reforms will occur since bureaucracies benefit from the status quo, including government earnings from coaching center taxes.

Chaturvedi family has received no official condolences or compensation. “We are little people, insects,” Neelum says, doubting government concern. Despite a BJP official’s claims, the coaching center plans to look for ways to assist the family.

As Neelum mourns, daily struggles persist. “We can’t even light a cooking fire,” she says, unsure of their future.