Student suicides surpasses population growth rate in India

A new report reveals that student suicides in India are rising at a disturbing rate, far outpacing both population growth and overall suicide trends. The report, titled "Student Suicides: An Epidemic Sweeping India," was released on Wednesday during the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024.

Based on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the report pointed out that while the overall suicide numbers increased by 2 percent annually, student suicide cases surged by 4 per cent, despite a likely "underreporting" of student suicide cases. "Over the past two decades, student suicides have grown at an alarming annual rate of 4 percent, double the national average. In 2022, male students constituted 53 pc (percent) of the total student suicides. Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6 per cent while female student suicides increased by 7 percent," noted the report compiled by IC3 Institute.

"The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044," it added. Over the last two decades, both male and female student suicides continue to have experienced substantial percentage increases, particularly evident when observing the data in five-year intervals.

According to the report, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh are identified as the states with the highest number of student suicides, together accounting for one-third of the national total.

Southern states and union territories collectively contribute 29 percent of these cases, while Rajasthan, known for its high-stakes academic environment, ranks 10th with 571 student suicides, highlighting the intense pressure associated with coaching hubs like Kota.

In this context, UNICEF Report: The State of the World’s Children, says, “One in seven young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in India experiences poor mental health, including symptoms of depression and disinterest. Shockingly, only 41% of those surveyed felt the need to seek support when dealing with mental health challenges."

Over the past year, the task force launched initiatives including an annual mental health survey, student-led school plays to bring awareness and reduce stigma by empowering students, and focused education and training programs for educators to support student well-being.