BREAKING NEWS
But beneath the shine of Kota's educational glitter lies a dark truth. The city’s rapid expansion has come with its own set of grave problems, most notably the tragic rise in suicides among students.
The devastating news of two suicides by students in Kota on January 22, 2025, hit me like a thunderbolt. Having followed the heartbreaking trail of suicides in Kota for years—initially out of curiosity and later due to genuine concern for the grieving families—this latest tragedy only deepened my sense of anguish. The number of students taking their own lives in Kota seems to rise with every passing year, and it raises an uncomfortable question: Who truly cares about the agony of the parents whose worlds are shattered by such devastating losses?
Kota, a bustling city on the banks of the Chambal River in Rajasthan, has become synonymous with success in competitive coaching. It’s not just a city; it's an educational juggernaut. With over 40 major institutes offering coaching for prestigious exams like IIT, JEE, AIEEE, CAT, CA, CS, and more, it attracts over two lakh students annually from every corner of India. The city’s reputation for producing top-notch professionals is undeniable. It’s earned nicknames like “Kota Educational Industry” and “Coaching Capital of India,” all thanks to the extraordinary success rates that have made it a magnet for aspiring students.
But beneath the shine of Kota's educational glitter lies a dark truth. The city’s rapid expansion has come with its own set of grave problems, most notably the tragic rise in suicides among students.
According to local police reports, the statistics of student suicides in Kota over the last decade are horrifying. It was 45 in 2014 and was happening every year. In 2025, in just 22 days, 6 suicides happened including 2 on the same day (Jan 22).
The tragic reality is that while 2024 saw a slight dip in suicides, the sharp rise in 2025 is a brutal reminder that the issue remains far from resolved.
Root Causes of the Crisis
Over-Commercialization of Coaching Institutes
Private coaching institutes in Kota have become hyper-commercialized, with their primary focus on business growth rather than student well-being. A study by European Academic Research found that many entrance tests conducted by these institutes were more of a formality, with little filtration, allowing anyone to get in for the sake of profit. Mental health and the emotional well-being of students have long been neglected by these institutes. Owing to persistent public outcry and intervention by the High Court of Rajasthan, some institutes have started organizing counseling sessions, parent-teacher meetings, sessions on alternate career options, as well as motivational and psychological counseling. Despite some progress in recent years, significant change remains elusive. The horrific truth is that Kota’s reputation is fast shifting from the ‘Coaching Hub’ to the ‘Suicide Capital of India.’
The Pressure of Unbearable Expectations
For many students, the rigors of 12-14 hour study days are too much to handle, especially when they have no genuine interest in the subject they’re studying. Parental pressure and the allure of success stories from previous batches create unrealistic expectations. Students often feel trapped, unable to speak up about their struggles for fear of disappointing their families. The emotional toll of these pressures leads to depression, anxiety, and, tragically, suicide.
Unrealistic Parental Expectations
Many lower and middle-class parents, in particular, place immense pressure on their children to succeed. They project their own unfulfilled dreams onto their children, hoping their child will become an engineer or doctor and secure financial security for the family. Unfortunately, this creates a toxic environment where students feel they must succeed at any cost, even if it means sacrificing their mental health. The lack of open communication between parents and children exacerbates the problem, and often, the parents remain unaware of the emotional turmoil their children are enduring.
Indifference of Hostel and Guest House Owners
The owners of hostels and guest houses where students stay are often indifferent to the mental health needs of their residents. With a primary focus on profits, these establishments fail to offer the necessary support systems or create a nurturing environment. There is little emphasis on providing recreational facilities like screening of movies or mind diversionary activities like yoga or indoor games, which are essential for students’ well-being. Even after the Rajasthan High Court intervened, mandating psychological support and recreational activities, these rules are not always followed.
Inaction by the Local Administration
The local administration has largely been apathetic to the scale of this crisis. Politicians offer empty statements, blame each other, and make promises that go unfulfilled. Despite guidelines being issued by the Rajasthan government in 2022, nothing substantial has changed. The district administration seems unwilling to tackle this issue head-on, allowing it to fester year after year. It hurts the conscience of common people every time when they learn about a fresh case of suicide in Kota, but the chalta hai attitude on the part of authorities actually rubs salt on the hurt feelings of parents and the people at large. Be that as it may, the local administration cannot take refuge under the ploy that political bosses do not allow them to work freely and independently. It is high time for local administration to act since the ground is slipping from under their feet as their rivals are making rapid strides.
What Needs to Change?
Mental Health Support
Coaching institutes must implement mandatory mental health screenings before admitting students and periodically throughout their coaching. Hostels and guest houses should also play an active role by reporting any signs of distress in students to their parents. Parents, in turn, must be vigilant and seek professional help if they notice signs of depression or a decline in their child’s well-being.
Strengthening Helplines: Kota needs to improve and expand its mental health helplines. Initiatives like ‘Hope Society,’ which provides counseling services to students, must be supported and strengthened. These helplines should be made more accessible and student-friendly to provide immediate relief to those in distress.
Parents’ Counseling
Parents need to shift away from the traditional mindset of imposing their career choices on their children. Instead, they should support their children’s decisions and respect their autonomy. Regular communication between parents and children is essential, and if a child shows signs of distress, professional help must be sought immediately.
Accountability for Hostel and Guest House Owners
Hostel and guest house owners must be held accountable for the mental health and safety of their residents. They should be required to provide recreational facilities, regularly monitor students' behavior, and report any unusual activities to the authorities and parents.
Government Accountability
The Rajasthan government must take immediate action to implement and enforce its guidelines for coaching institutes and student accommodations. The local administration should assign a dedicated officer to monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and take legal action against violators.
The Final Word: Time for Change
The tragic deaths of these young students aren’t just statistics—they are lives lost, dreams shattered, and families devastated. Kota’s reputation as an educational hub should no longer come at the cost of its youth. The local administration, coaching institutes, hostel owners, and parents must work together to create an environment that nurtures not just academic excellence but also the mental and emotional well-being of every student. This is high time for the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to intervene and take effective steps to stall the gory trend. An impartial inquiry, overseen by senior officials, must dissect every tragedy thoroughly. The defaulters, be it the district officers or the negligent hostel owners, must face the full force of law. Simultaneously, a robust awareness campaign, backed by civil society, must ignite conversations and action plans to prevent future calamities. It’s time for action—not just empty promises. If the authorities in Rajasthan fail to act now, they risk turning Kota into a permanent symbol of despair. The youth of this country deserves better—Kota deserves better. It’s high time for a systemic overhaul to prevent further tragedies. The clock is ticking, and the future of our students is on the line.
But beneath the shine of Kota's educational glitter lies a dark truth. The city’s rapid expansion has come with its own set of grave problems, most notably the tragic rise in suicides among students.
The devastating news of two suicides by students in Kota on January 22, 2025, hit me like a thunderbolt. Having followed the heartbreaking trail of suicides in Kota for years—initially out of curiosity and later due to genuine concern for the grieving families—this latest tragedy only deepened my sense of anguish. The number of students taking their own lives in Kota seems to rise with every passing year, and it raises an uncomfortable question: Who truly cares about the agony of the parents whose worlds are shattered by such devastating losses?
Kota, a bustling city on the banks of the Chambal River in Rajasthan, has become synonymous with success in competitive coaching. It’s not just a city; it's an educational juggernaut. With over 40 major institutes offering coaching for prestigious exams like IIT, JEE, AIEEE, CAT, CA, CS, and more, it attracts over two lakh students annually from every corner of India. The city’s reputation for producing top-notch professionals is undeniable. It’s earned nicknames like “Kota Educational Industry” and “Coaching Capital of India,” all thanks to the extraordinary success rates that have made it a magnet for aspiring students.
But beneath the shine of Kota's educational glitter lies a dark truth. The city’s rapid expansion has come with its own set of grave problems, most notably the tragic rise in suicides among students.
According to local police reports, the statistics of student suicides in Kota over the last decade are horrifying. It was 45 in 2014 and was happening every year. In 2025, in just 22 days, 6 suicides happened including 2 on the same day (Jan 22).
The tragic reality is that while 2024 saw a slight dip in suicides, the sharp rise in 2025 is a brutal reminder that the issue remains far from resolved.
Root Causes of the Crisis
Over-Commercialization of Coaching Institutes
Private coaching institutes in Kota have become hyper-commercialized, with their primary focus on business growth rather than student well-being. A study by European Academic Research found that many entrance tests conducted by these institutes were more of a formality, with little filtration, allowing anyone to get in for the sake of profit. Mental health and the emotional well-being of students have long been neglected by these institutes. Owing to persistent public outcry and intervention by the High Court of Rajasthan, some institutes have started organizing counseling sessions, parent-teacher meetings, sessions on alternate career options, as well as motivational and psychological counseling. Despite some progress in recent years, significant change remains elusive. The horrific truth is that Kota’s reputation is fast shifting from the ‘Coaching Hub’ to the ‘Suicide Capital of India.’
The Pressure of Unbearable Expectations
For many students, the rigors of 12-14 hour study days are too much to handle, especially when they have no genuine interest in the subject they’re studying. Parental pressure and the allure of success stories from previous batches create unrealistic expectations. Students often feel trapped, unable to speak up about their struggles for fear of disappointing their families. The emotional toll of these pressures leads to depression, anxiety, and, tragically, suicide.
Unrealistic Parental Expectations
Many lower and middle-class parents, in particular, place immense pressure on their children to succeed. They project their own unfulfilled dreams onto their children, hoping their child will become an engineer or doctor and secure financial security for the family. Unfortunately, this creates a toxic environment where students feel they must succeed at any cost, even if it means sacrificing their mental health. The lack of open communication between parents and children exacerbates the problem, and often, the parents remain unaware of the emotional turmoil their children are enduring.
Indifference of Hostel and Guest House Owners
The owners of hostels and guest houses where students stay are often indifferent to the mental health needs of their residents. With a primary focus on profits, these establishments fail to offer the necessary support systems or create a nurturing environment. There is little emphasis on providing recreational facilities like screening of movies or mind diversionary activities like yoga or indoor games, which are essential for students’ well-being. Even after the Rajasthan High Court intervened, mandating psychological support and recreational activities, these rules are not always followed.
Inaction by the Local Administration
The local administration has largely been apathetic to the scale of this crisis. Politicians offer empty statements, blame each other, and make promises that go unfulfilled. Despite guidelines being issued by the Rajasthan government in 2022, nothing substantial has changed. The district administration seems unwilling to tackle this issue head-on, allowing it to fester year after year. It hurts the conscience of common people every time when they learn about a fresh case of suicide in Kota, but the chalta hai attitude on the part of authorities actually rubs salt on the hurt feelings of parents and the people at large. Be that as it may, the local administration cannot take refuge under the ploy that political bosses do not allow them to work freely and independently. It is high time for local administration to act since the ground is slipping from under their feet as their rivals are making rapid strides.
What Needs to Change?
Mental Health Support
Coaching institutes must implement mandatory mental health screenings before admitting students and periodically throughout their coaching. Hostels and guest houses should also play an active role by reporting any signs of distress in students to their parents. Parents, in turn, must be vigilant and seek professional help if they notice signs of depression or a decline in their child’s well-being.
Strengthening Helplines: Kota needs to improve and expand its mental health helplines. Initiatives like ‘Hope Society,’ which provides counseling services to students, must be supported and strengthened. These helplines should be made more accessible and student-friendly to provide immediate relief to those in distress.
Parents’ Counseling
Parents need to shift away from the traditional mindset of imposing their career choices on their children. Instead, they should support their children’s decisions and respect their autonomy. Regular communication between parents and children is essential, and if a child shows signs of distress, professional help must be sought immediately.
Accountability for Hostel and Guest House Owners
Hostel and guest house owners must be held accountable for the mental health and safety of their residents. They should be required to provide recreational facilities, regularly monitor students' behavior, and report any unusual activities to the authorities and parents.
Government Accountability
The Rajasthan government must take immediate action to implement and enforce its guidelines for coaching institutes and student accommodations. The local administration should assign a dedicated officer to monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and take legal action against violators.
The Final Word: Time for Change
The tragic deaths of these young students aren’t just statistics—they are lives lost, dreams shattered, and families devastated. Kota’s reputation as an educational hub should no longer come at the cost of its youth. The local administration, coaching institutes, hostel owners, and parents must work together to create an environment that nurtures not just academic excellence but also the mental and emotional well-being of every student. This is high time for the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to intervene and take effective steps to stall the gory trend. An impartial inquiry, overseen by senior officials, must dissect every tragedy thoroughly. The defaulters, be it the district officers or the negligent hostel owners, must face the full force of law. Simultaneously, a robust awareness campaign, backed by civil society, must ignite conversations and action plans to prevent future calamities. It’s time for action—not just empty promises. If the authorities in Rajasthan fail to act now, they risk turning Kota into a permanent symbol of despair. The youth of this country deserves better—Kota deserves better. It’s high time for a systemic overhaul to prevent further tragedies. The clock is ticking, and the future of our students is on the line.
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