SC grills Rajasthan over surge in student suicides: ‘Why are they dying only in Kota?’

The alarming rise in student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, has recently drawn sharp criticism from the Supreme Court of India. The apex court expressed deep concern over why this tragic trend is largely confined to Kota, a city infamous as the “suicide capital” for students preparing for competitive exams. This scrutiny comes amid growing awareness of the immense pressure thousands of young aspirants face. They flock to Kota each year in pursuit of their dreams, only to succumb to overwhelming stress and mental health struggles.

The Kota Phenomenon: A Pressure Cooker for Students

Kota, known across India as the coaching hub for engineering and medical entrance exams like IIT-JEE and NEET, attracts nearly two lakh students annually. The city’s numerous coaching institutes promise a gateway to prestigious institutions and lucrative careers. However, behind this promise lies a harsh reality. Many students battle loneliness, academic pressure, and mental health challenges. The environment often prioritizes results over wellbeing.

During recent hearings, the Supreme Court exposed grim statistics. Multiple student suicides in Kota have been reported each year, with a disturbing increase recently. Moreover, similar coaching hubs elsewhere in India do not see such a scale of tragedies. This fact raises a critical question: why Kota?

Supreme Court’s Strong Reproach and Questions

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court took a stern view of the Rajasthan government’s handling of this crisis. The bench questioned officials about measures taken to ensure students’ mental health and safety in Kota’s coaching ecosystem. The judges emphasized that the state must take responsibility. They noted that the problem is not just a societal or parental concern but one that requires active government intervention.

The court’s pointed query, “Why are students dying only in Kota?” highlighted the need for a thorough investigation. It must look into the conditions making this city uniquely vulnerable. Furthermore, the court insisted on regular reporting from the state. These reports should cover steps taken to curb student suicides and improve support mechanisms.

Reasons Behind the Kota Student Suicide Surge

Several factors contribute to the heightened vulnerability of Kota’s student population:

1. Intense Academic Pressure: Students face relentless academic demands, often studying 12 to 14 hours daily. The pressure to perform well in highly competitive exams can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
2. Isolation and Homesickness: Most students migrate from different parts of India. They live away from their families in hostels or rented accommodations. This separation often results in loneliness and lack of emotional support during critical times.
3. Coaching Industry Practices: Critics have pointed out the coaching culture’s focus on results and rankings. Sometimes, this focus comes at the expense of students’ mental health. Moreover, the lack of adequate counseling services and the absence of a supportive environment exacerbate the problem.
4. Parental Expectations: High expectations from parents often translate into additional pressure. Sometimes, this pressure occurs without understanding the toll it takes on a young mind.
5. Mental Health Stigma: Despite increased awareness, mental health issues are still stigmatized. This stigma prevents many students from seeking help.

Government’s Response: New Legislation and Initiatives

Reacting to the Supreme Court’s admonition and public outcry, the Rajasthan government has taken some concrete steps. The Rajasthan Cabinet recently approved the “Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025.” This new legislation aims to regulate coaching institutes more effectively. It also ensures they adhere to norms that safeguard students’ welfare.

Key features of the bill include:

• Mandatory Registration and Licensing: Coaching centers must register with the government and follow set guidelines to operate.
• 24×7 Helpline and Counseling Services: A dedicated helpline for student support and counseling is being established to provide immediate mental health assistance.
• State-Level Portal: An online portal will monitor coaching institutes, receive complaints, and disseminate information about mental health resources.
• Penalties for Violations: Institutes failing to comply with safety and welfare norms may face strict penalties.
• Regulatory Authority: A specialized body will oversee coaching centers to ensure transparency and accountability.

These measures indicate a significant policy shift. Now, the focus is on preventive care and regulation rather than reactive measures alone.

The Role of Educational Institutions and Society

While government actions are critical, the responsibility to address student suicides in Kota lies also with coaching centers, families, and society at large.

• Coaching Institutes: They must incorporate mental health counseling, limit excessive study hours, and promote a balanced approach to learning.
• Parents: They should support their children emotionally, reduce undue pressure, and recognize signs of distress early.
• Students: They need awareness about mental health, access to peer support groups, and encouragement to seek help without fear.
• Civil Society and Media: These groups can play an advocacy role by raising awareness and pushing for systemic reforms.

Mental Health: The Missing Link

Experts emphasize that mental health remains the missing link in Kota’s success-driven coaching environment. Psychological counseling, stress management workshops, and regular mental health check-ups are crucial to creating a supportive ecosystem. Several NGOs and mental health professionals have called for more resources and community-level interventions tailored to students’ unique needs.

Way Forward: Creating a Safer Environment for Aspirants

The Supreme Court’s intervention has brought national attention to the issue, pushing the Rajasthan government and stakeholders to act decisively. However, the challenge lies in effective implementation and continuous monitoring of reforms.

Some recommended steps include:

• Regular Audits of Coaching Centers: To ensure compliance with safety and welfare norms.
• Integration of Life Skills Education: Teaching coping strategies, resilience, and emotional intelligence as part of the curriculum.
• Promoting Alternate Career Counseling: Broadening student perspectives beyond traditional engineering and medical streams.
• Building Strong Support Networks: Including mentorship programs, peer counseling, and family engagement initiatives.

Conclusion

The tragic spate of student suicides in Kota is a wake-up call for India’s education system and society. It exposes the dark side of extreme competition and unaddressed mental health needs. The Supreme Court’s stern questioning of the Rajasthan government underscores the urgent need to change how coaching ecosystems function. The focus must shift to prioritizing student wellbeing alongside academic success.

With the introduction of new regulations and a focus on mental health, there is hope that Kota will transform from a city marked by despair to one that nurtures dreams safely. The collective effort of government, educational institutions, families, and communities is essential. This effort will ensure that no student feels alone or overwhelmed to the point of despair. After all, every student’s life is priceless, and safeguarding their mental health must become a national priority.