Maharashtra NEET Aspirant, 19, Dies by Suicide After Missing Cutoff
A 19-year-old medical entrance exam aspirant died by suicide in Maharashtra's Pune district after failing to meet the cutoff marks for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), police said on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Rohan Patil (name changed), a resident of Hadapsar, was found hanging in his room on Monday evening. No suicide note was recovered, but preliminary inquiries suggest he was distressed over his NEET score, which fell short of the required cutoff for admission to government medical colleges.
Patil had cleared the Class 12 board exams with high marks and had been preparing for NEET for over two years. He took coaching classes in Pune and had appeared for the exam twice. According to family members, he had been under significant stress and had stopped interacting with friends in recent weeks.
This incident highlights the intense pressure faced by students in competitive entrance exams in India, where limited seats and high expectations often lead to mental health crises. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 13,000 students died by suicide in India in 2022, with academic pressure being a leading cause.
Mental health experts emphasize the need for early intervention. Dr. Meera Joshi, a clinical psychologist, said, "Parents and teachers must recognize warning signs like withdrawal, changes in sleep or eating patterns, and expressions of hopelessness. Open conversations and professional help can save lives."
The Maharashtra government has announced a helpline for students facing exam stress. The helpline number is 1800-121-8643. Police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (India: 1800-121-8643) or your local mental health service.
