health
Cockroach protests: parents of Indian students who took their own lives reveal pressure of leaked exam papers and resits
The number of student suicides in the country has risen steeply in the past 10 years and many families blame education system mismanagement as a contributing factor
TL;DR
- Student suicides in India have increased by approximately 80% from 2014 to 2024.
- Failure in examinations is the second leading cause of student suicides in India, after family problems.
- The article features the personal stories of four families who lost their children to suicide, attributing their deaths to education system failures.
- Key contributing factors include exam paper leaks, cancellations, and the intense pressure associated with entrance exams like NEET and JEE.
- Public protests led to the resignation of the education minister, but families continue to call for systemic reforms and accountability.
- The cases highlight the significant financial and emotional burden placed on students and their families by the education system.