India’s youth suicide crisis

 

   

  India faces a growing mental health emergency among its young people, especially students. Every day, young lives are lost to suicide, and the numbers are alarming. The article highlights that this isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a national crisis demanding urgent action.

The Scale of the Problem

In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 13,089 student suicides, a 4.5% increase from 2020. This means over 35 students die by suicide daily. A UNICEF report adds that 14% of Indian youths regularly feel depressed, but most don’t seek help due to shame or stigma. These numbers reveal a harsh truth: young people, the heart of India’s future, are struggling silently. Recent cases, like a girl in Delhi (April 4, 2025) forced into marriage, a BSc student in Jaunpur (April 1, 2025) distressed after a call, and a 19-year-old IIIT student (March 31, 2025) overwhelmed by studies, show this crisis spans cities and reasons.

Why Is This Happening?

Several factors push young people to this edge:

1. Academic Pressure: India’s education system is fiercely competitive. Exams like NEET and JEE create immense stress. The coaching culture, especially in places like Kota, turns learning into a high-stakes battle. Failure feels like the end of the world. For instance, 1.2% of student suicides in 2022 were linked to exam failure.
2. Societal Expectations: Society demands success—good grades, prestigious colleges, and high-paying jobs. Parents, often busy or stressed, may unknowingly add pressure. The article mentions a Delhi girl’s suicide due to forced marriage, showing how family expectations can overwhelm.
3. Lack of Mental Health Support: Schools rarely have trained counselors. Mental health is taboo; discussing it feels shameful. Only 41% of youths aged 15–24 feel comfortable seeking help, per UNICEF. This stigma isolates students.
4. Cyberbullying and Social Media: Online harassment and constant comparison on social media deepen feelings of inadequacy. The article notes cyberbullying as a key driver.
5. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic disrupted routines, isolated students, and increased family stress, worsening mental health.

These factors create a perfect storm. Students feel trapped, with no one to turn to.

Real Stories Highlight the Crisis

The article shares heartbreaking cases from 2025:

• A Chandigarh youth (March 31) died without leaving a note, hinting at silent struggles.
• A Jaunpur student ended her life after a distressing call, showing how personal relationships add stress.
• An IIIT student couldn’t cope with academic demands, reflecting the education system’s toll.

These aren’t just headlines—they’re warnings. The crisis touches Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and beyond.

Why Is This a National Emergency?

Student suicides now outnumber farmer suicides, a crisis long recognized as urgent. Children as young as 12 are taking their lives. Over the past decade, male student suicides rose by 50%, and female suicides by 61%, with a 5% annual increase. This isn’t just a mental health issue—it’s a social, economic, and policy failure. India’s youth, its demographic dividend, are at risk.

What Can We Do? Solutions to Act On

The article and web sources suggest a multi-pronged approach to tackle this crisis. Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Make Schools Safe Havens:
   • Hire Trained Counselors: Every school needs full-time counselors skilled in child psychology. Currently, only 3% of Kota students access mental health professionals.
   • Add Mental Health Programs: Include stress management, mindfulness, and peer support in extracurriculars. For example, the IC3 Movement pushes for mental health education in curricula.
   • Enforce Anti-Bullying Rules: Strict policies against ragging and cyberbullying can protect students.
2. Empower Parents and Teachers:
   • Train Teachers: Equip them to spot distress signs and create supportive classrooms.
   • Educate Parents: Encourage open communication and positive reinforcement, not pressure. Dr. Sneha Sharma suggests parents listen and validate emotions.
   • Reduce Expectations: Redefine success beyond grades or careers like engineering.
3. Break the Stigma:
   • Normalize Seeking Help: Campaigns like “My Mind Matters” and helplines by AASRA promote open mental health talks. Regular mental health check-ups should be as normal as physical ones.
   • Use Media Wisely: Responsible reporting, like the ‘Papageno’ effect, can inspire hope by sharing stories of coping, not glorifying suicide.
4. Reform Education:
   • Shift from Exams to Skills: The New Education Policy (NEP) aims for holistic learning, but implementation lags. Move away from rote learning to creativity and emotional well-being.
   • Reduce Exam Stress: Offer multiple exam attempts and alternative assessments, as suggested by Ganesh Kohli.
5. Strengthen Government Policies:
   • Implement the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS): Launched in 2022, it targets a 10% suicide rate reduction by 2030. It includes TeleMANAS for mental health support and better surveillance.
   • Increase Funding: India spends only 0.06% of its health budget on mental health, less than Bangladesh. More funds are needed for counselors and helplines.
   • Supreme Court’s Task Force: In 2025, the Supreme Court formed a National Task Force to address student suicides, pushing for a robust mental health framework.
6. Build Community Support:
   • Peer Networks: Student-led initiatives like MindCanvas advocate for accessible counseling.
   • NGOs and Helplines: Organizations like Sneha Foundation offer lifelines for those in crisis.
   • Healthy Lifestyles: Promote yoga, meditation, and supportive friendships to boost resilience.

Why This Matters for UPSC Aspirants

As a UPSC aspirant, you’ll tackle questions on social issues, governance, and policy. This crisis connects to multiple syllabus areas:

• GS Paper 1 (Society): Understand societal pressures, stigma, and youth demographics.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance): Analyze policies like NSPS, NEP, and the Supreme Court’s role.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics): Reflect on empathy, compassion, and societal responsibility.
• Essay: Mental health as a public health crisis is a potential topic.

The crisis also mirrors your own journey. The pressure of UPSC preparation can feel overwhelming. Recognizing the need for mental health support can help you and others stay resilient.

A Call to Action

India’s youth suicide crisis isn’t just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. From Delhi’s schools to Kota’s coaching hubs, young people need support, not pressure. Schools must nurture, not stress. Parents must listen, not demand. Society must embrace mental health talks. The government must act swiftly on policies. Every stakeholder—teachers, students, policymakers—has a role. By replacing fear with compassion, India can save its youth and secure its future.