Understanding Student’s Suicides in India: Pattern, Trend, Issues and Challenges

Kailash Chandra Das, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Tushar Dakua, iips mumbai

Student suicides in India have escalated into a critical issue over the past two decades. Academic pressure, mental health challenges, societal expectations, and a lack of adequate support systems are the primary factors driving these tragic incidents. The primary objective of this study is to understand the pattern, trend, and issues of student suicide in India. The data source used for this study is from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) during 2002-2022. In 2022 alone, 13,089 student suicides were recorded in India. Male students account for a larger proportion of these suicides compared to females, although the gap has gradually narrowed in recent years. Geographically, the burden is unevenly distributed, with states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu reporting the highest rates of student suicides in India. These figures suggest that socio-economic conditions, educational policies, and cultural factors determines the regional variations. The findings highlight a pressing need for interventions at various levels. Educational reforms that reduce academic stress, comprehensive mental health programs, and better counselling services in schools and universities are essential steps toward addressing the suicidal issue. Furthermore, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in Indian society is crucial to creating a supportive environment for students.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Human Capital, Education, and Work, Gender Dynamics, Population, Shocks and Pandemics

See extended abstract.