Katihar/ Patna: Tamim Iqbal, an 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Katihar, Bihar, died by suicide on April 28 in Kota, Rajasthan, casting a fresh spotlight on the mounting mental health crisis among students preparing for competitive exams in the city.
Tamim had been staying in a rented room in the Talwandi area and was enrolled in a reputed coaching institute to prepare for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). His body was discovered hanging in his room on Monday; no suicide note was recovered, according to police.
Family members said Tamim had dreamt of becoming a doctor and was a hardworking, promising student. They have demanded stronger mental health support systems for students, and immediate government action to address the recurring tragedy of student suicides in Kota.
“This is a collective failure,” said a grieving relative. “Our children go there to build their future. They shouldn’t return like this.”
Tamim’s death is the third student suicide in Kota in April alone, and the 14th such case recorded in 2025. Experts and officials have repeatedly flagged mental stress, cut-throat competition, and an overwhelming coaching culture as core issues. Despite initiatives like mandatory counselling and safety devices in hostels, the number of student deaths shows no sign of slowing.
Local police have launched an investigation and are speaking with friends and hostel mates to understand the events leading up to the tragedy.
Kota remains a top destination for aspirants of engineering and medical entrance exams, but its high-pressure environment is increasingly drawing national attention for the mental toll it takes on young minds.
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation – 04424640050, Tele Manas – 14416 (available 24×7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ helpline – 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
