Context: 

• There were 35,950 deaths by suicide by students between 2019 and 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB).
• In elite educational institutions of engineering and management, 122 students committed suicide between 2014 and 2021, of which 68 were from “lower-caste” communities. 
• Given the future role of students in India’s development, examining the reasons for this high number of suicides is important.

Causes for Student Suicides: 

• Academic Pressure and Stress:
  • The rigorous coaching for entrance examinations to elite Indian institutions of professional education is financially expensive and mentally demanding, contributing to stress and pressure on students.
• Socio-Economic Factors:
  • Socio-economic conditions, including lack of access to resources and opportunities, play a significant role in student suicides, particularly among marginalized communities and lower-caste students.
• Caste Discrimination:
  • Discrimination based on caste identity is a significant factor, especially in elite educational institutions where students from lower-caste communities may face systemic bias and prejudice, leading to feelings of exclusion and hopelessness.
• Inadequate Support Systems:
  • Lack of adequate mental health support systems within educational institutions and broader society contributes to the vulnerability of students facing academic or personal challenges.
• Failure and Stigma:
  • Societal stigma surrounding failure, particularly in the context of academic performance, can exacerbate feelings of shame and worthlessness among students who perceive themselves as unsuccessful or unable to meet societal expectations.
• Pressure from Family and Society:
  • High expectations from family and societal norms regarding academic achievement and career success can create immense pressure on students, leading to feelings of inadequacy and despair, especially when they perceive themselves as unable to meet these expectations.