Mumbai, September 29: A recent survey conducted by the Supreme Court’s Task Force has revealed that nearly 9% of students in higher education institutions in India have experienced suicidal thoughts. This alarming statistic was part of a comprehensive report aimed at investigating mental health concerns among students.
The survey, which included responses from over 243,000 students, found that approximately 34% of participants felt like outsiders on their own campuses. Among these, around 67% identified as belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories.
The Task Force, established by the Supreme Court to address mental health issues and prevent student suicides, is expected to submit its final report by October 31. The survey indicated that about 15% of students reported prolonged periods of depression, anxiety, or sadness over the past six months.
In terms of institutional support, 56% of students expressed confidence in their administration’s ability to handle serious issues, while nearly 32% stated that their colleges lacked adequate counseling services.
The Task Force conducted 30 meetings across 19 institutions, including those in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, and West Bengal, to gather insights from students and stakeholders. Common stressors identified included academic pressure, job uncertainty, and concerns related to choices.
Medical students reported feeling overwhelmed by strict attendance rules and excessive workloads, while engineering students highlighted issues with grading systems and placement criteria. PhD candidates expressed dissatisfaction with their supervisors’ neglect and control.
The interim report also noted instances of discrimination based on caste and religion during admissions and grading processes, as well as a lack of adequate practical training for students in fields like dental and nursing education.
This survey comes in the wake of recent suicide incidents involving students from IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay, sparking a nationwide conversation about mental health support systems in educational institutions.
The Supreme Court established the National Task Force (NTF) on March 24, 2025, to identify the causes of student suicides in higher education and provide recommendations for prevention. The Task Force is chaired by former Supreme Court Justice S. Ravindra Bhat.