An 18-year-old student, Aditi Mishra, was found dead in her hostel room in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, just a day after the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) results were announced. She had been preparing for two years at a coaching center but allegedly took her own life after failing the highly competitive exam.
A Devastating Discovery
Aditi had been staying at Satyadeep Girls Hostel while attending classes at Momentum Coaching Center. On the morning of her death, she spoke to her father, requesting a mobile recharge. Her roommate was away at the time.
When the roommate returned, she found Aditi hanging from a noose made out of a stole. Shocked, she immediately alerted the hostel warden, who then called the police.
The police arrived shortly after and began their investigation. Aditi’s parents were informed about the tragedy, leaving them devastated.
A Heartbreaking Goodbye in a Suicide Note
At the scene, the police recovered a handwritten note left by Aditi. In it, she apologized to her parents, expressing her deep regret for not passing the exam.
Her note read:
“Sorry mummy papa, forgive me… I could not do it… this was the end of our relationship… you guys don’t cry… you guys gave me a lot of love.”
She also mentioned her younger sister, asking her parents to take care of her. The words painted a picture of a teenager overwhelmed by disappointment, unable to bear the weight of failure.
Pressure of JEE and Its Psychological Impact
JEE is one of the toughest entrance exams in India, taken by hundreds of thousands of students every year. The pressure to succeed is enormous, as a good rank determines admission to prestigious engineering institutions like IITs and NITs.
The intense competition and societal expectations can take a severe toll on students’ mental health. Failing to clear the exam often leads to feelings of despair, worthlessness, and fear of disappointing parents.
- Many students dedicate years to preparation, often isolating themselves from social activities.
- Coaching institutes create a high-pressure environment, emphasizing ranks and results above all else.
- Family expectations, especially in middle-class households, add to the stress, as education is seen as the key to financial security.
Aditi’s tragic death is not an isolated case. There have been multiple reports of student suicides linked to academic pressure in India, highlighting the urgent need for mental health awareness in the education system.
What the Investigation Revealed
The police have ruled out foul play, confirming that Aditi died by suicide. They are, however, speaking to hostel authorities and classmates to gather more details about her emotional state in the days leading up to her death.
Authorities are also looking into whether Aditi had shown any signs of distress, which may have been overlooked by her friends or teachers.
Meanwhile, her family has been left shattered, struggling to come to terms with the loss. Her parents, who had pinned their hopes on her academic success, now face an unimaginable tragedy.
The Growing Crisis of Student Suicides in India
Aditi’s case brings attention to a larger crisis—student suicides in India have been on the rise. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that more than 13,000 students died by suicide in 2022 alone, a number that has been steadily increasing.
The primary reasons include:
| Factor | Impact on Students |
|---|---|
| Academic Pressure | Anxiety, depression, self-doubt |
| Parental Expectations | Fear of failure, low self-esteem |
| Coaching Institute Stress | Isolation, burnout |
| Lack of Mental Health Support | No professional help or awareness |
| Fear of Social Judgment | Inability to express struggles |
Experts have warned that India’s education system, with its relentless focus on competitive exams, is pushing students to their limits. Without better mental health support and changes in academic culture, such tragedies will continue.
Seeking Help and Support
For those struggling with academic stress or suicidal thoughts, reaching out for help is crucial. There are several helplines available:
- AASRA – 022-27546669 (24-hour suicide prevention helpline)
- Roshni NGO – +914066202000
- COOJ Mental Health Foundation – +91-83222-52525
- Sneha India Foundation – +91-44246-40050 (24/7 support)
- Vandrevala Foundation – +91-99996-66555 (call and WhatsApp support)
Friends, teachers, and family members must also recognize warning signs—withdrawal, excessive worry, loss of interest in daily activities—and offer support. No exam is worth a life.
