There has been a concerning rise in student suicides in India, according to a recent report titled “Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India,” which was presented at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024. Suicide rates have increased by 2 percent annually, but student suicide rates have increased at a much higher rate of 4 percent annually, according to data from the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB). 

Conclusions from the study include

The concept of student suicide is alarming, and it has become four times bigger than the average suicide rate in the country during the past 20 years. 

Self-organized violent incidents involved male students with a share of 53% of all students’ suicides in 2022 though the rates of suicidal female students declined by 7%. 

The cases of student suicides have risen from 6,654 to 13,044 over the past ten years , and there has been a slight decrease in the population of learners under 24 years. 

The names of three states that are in the lead of high rates of student suicides are identified in the report as  Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, accounting for one-third of the total cases across the country. Out of these 29% are from southern states and union territories and Rajasthan which is notorious for its rigorous academics. 

The study also pointed to the likelihood of using underreporting in arriving at actual suicide rates; these may be higher due to some societal stigma, such as legal sections such as Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code under which attempting suicide is unlawful. The practice of reporting is still affected by the criminalization of suicidal attempts by mentally ill people while this has been removed through the enactment of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017. 

Reasons for Suicide 

Academic Stress  

Students in school experience stress because of pressure to perform academically due to entrance tests and parental pressure. Stress has been known to cause anxiety and depression in some individuals, while in severe cases, it may lead to suicidal thoughts. Stress-related issues have been aggravated by the culture brought by the constant strain created to achieve good grades and no failure is acceptable. 

Social and family expectations 

Pressure on students from cultural and family pressure as success and social class are highly esteemed. The new generations are more inclined to kill themselves as they confess a lack of hopes because of the fear of letting parents down and failure to meet social norms. 

Lack of Support for Mental Issues  

Awareness about mental health has improved; however, available resources and support networks for the same within educational facilities remain scarce. Due to such considerations, most students struggle with mental disorders in silence or because of a lack of easy access to proper mental health care. It is hard for students to ask for help when there isn’t a supportive framework in place. 

Financial Inequalities 

There are other concerns such as the financial situation and poor availability of educational material with students from the lowest income level. This makes them more vulnerable to issues of mental health and cases of suicide too. 

Steps Towards Solution 

Improve Mental Health Assistance  

Institution’s programs like continuous counseling, classes on stress management, and making awareness dramas and films on mental illness should be provided in institutions. Colleges and universities need to put in place a framework that can identify at-risk students and support them.  

Reduction of the Level of Academic Stress  

It is imperative that the academic system changes to reduce pressure and inclusiveness. Sometimes tests can be tough which can lead to unwanted stress.

Community and parental involvement   

This means people in communities and parents specifically should be educated regarding signs of mental health issues and encouraged to nurture their children. More awareness in students implies that the culture undermining academic stress and mental health would be demystified and help sought earlier. 

Initiatives in Government and Policy 

The government needs to pass legislation demanding schools to offer mental health facilities and passing a bill on the mental health budget. In addition, measures to cover up for policies that seek to reduce economic disparities and extend student aid to help needy students can reduce what is caused by instable operating environments. 

Student suicides in the Indian scenario are on the rise and this is one issue that should not be put under the carpet. Suicides among students are higher than the common suicide rate. It is being aggravated by social factors, academic factors, and the unavailability of proper mental health services. There are also many causes that require system change, like the importance of school mental health services, stress reduction in school reform, community and parental involvement, and government policies focusing on change of economy.