Tragic Toll of Exam Pressure: Stories from Grieving Families

In late July, the resignation of India’s education minister sparked overwhelming celebrations across the nation, as students rallied under the Cockroach Janta party in response to ongoing protests against numerous examination cancellations and rampant question paper leaks. This crisis reflects a disturbing trend in student suicides linked to educational pressures, which have surged over recent years.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, student suicides rose from 8,068 in 2014 to 14,488 in 2024, marking an alarming increase of approximately 80%. Among these heartbreaking losses, failure in examinations remains a leading cause. The recent protests brought to light the personal stories of families who have lost loved ones to the pressures of the education system, eliciting a mix of sorrow and hope for change.

Anshika Pandey, 20, Delhi

Anshika Pandey was the quiet, responsible eldest sister among four siblings, dreaming of becoming a doctor to serve her community. Devoting over 12 hours daily to her studies while juggling part-time work, she aimed to transform her family’s life. This year, she attempted to take the national eligibility cum entrance test (NEET) for the third time, only to be crushed when the exam was leaked for the second consecutive year.

“Anshika was devastated. She had been hopeful about this year’s exam, and the news of cancellation left her in despair,” recalls her father, Indradhar Pandey, a cab driver. On May 14, Anshika, after maintaining her composure and fulfilling her daily responsibilities, tragically took her own life. Her dream of lifting her family out of poverty now rests on her younger sister, Pragati, who intends to carry on her legacy.

Sufi Shaheen, 19, Delhi

Before her death on October 25, 2024, Sufi Shaheen, who aspired to become a software engineer, was known for her vibrant spirit and deep commitment to her studies. Leaving home that morning with a new outfit and a small change to offer her mother, Shaheen took her life shortly thereafter at a tutoring center, leaving her family shattered and her mother battling severe depression since that day.

“She was my only daughter and more like a friend. We shared everything, including our passions,” Sultana Khatoon states tearfully. Shaheen’s relentless pursuit of success made her feel immense pressure, exacerbated by changes in the exam syllabus that fueled her distress.

Pradeep Kumar Mahich, 22, Rajasthan

“Even God couldn’t stop me from becoming a doctor this year,” declared 22-year-old Pradeep Mahich after participating in the NEET exam on May 3. However, upon learning about the paper leak and rescheduling of the exam, his optimism crumbled. Pradeep’s father, Rajesh Kumar, sacrificed a portion of their farmland and incurred a loan to fund his son’s education, hoping for a prosperous future. Tragically, Pradeep ended his life just two days later. Kumar reflects, “While I feel relief over the minister’s resignation, I urge for a thorough inquiry to prevent other families from facing our anguish.”

S Anitha, 17, Tamil Nadu

S Anitha, hailing from a disadvantaged Dalit community, was a determined teenager striving to become a doctor. She excelled academically but her hopes were dashed when she failed to meet the cutoff marks for NEET. Despite excelling in her secondary studies, the imposition of a central exam system devastated her aspirations. On September 1, 2017, she took her own life, which incited public outcry and protests across Tamil Nadu.

Anitha’s brother now leads initiatives in her memory, advocating for changes within the educational system to make it more equitable, emphasizing that not every student can afford expensive coaching to succeed in these exams.

Conclusion

The stories of these four young individuals unveil the tragic impacts of systemic education pressures that resonate deeply within their families. As protests continue to call for reform, the need for compassionate solutions to student mental health and exam stress has never been more urgent.