Kota Coaching Hub Witnesses First JEE Aspirant Suicide in 2026: A Tragic Reminder of the Pressure to Succeed

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A 17-year-old student, who had been preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in Kota, Rajasthan, has ended his life by jumping in front of a train on Sunday, marking the first reported case of student suicide in the city's coaching hub this year. The incident has reignited concerns about the intense pressure faced by students preparing for competitive exams. According to the police, the student, who was a resident of Haryana's Sirsa, had been living in a hostel in Rajeev Gandhi Nagar for the past two years to pursue his JEE preparations. He was supposed to return to his village on Sunday but took his own life after informing his parents that his train was delayed. Kota, a city in northern India, is a hub for test-prep businesses, with an estimated annual worth of ₹10,000 crore. Thousands of students from across the country flock to Kota every year to prepare for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. While these institutes provide coaching and guidance, they also contribute to the immense pressure and stress faced by students. The Kota incident is not an isolated case. In 2024, at least 20 students died by suicide in Kota, while one each was reported in Sikar and Jodhpur. The police and authorities have been urging students and parents to seek help and support in case of any emotional distress. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the following helplines: Sumaitri (Delhi-based) at 011-23389090 or Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based) at 044-24640050. These helplines provide a safe and confidential space to discuss your concerns and receive support.