Mumbai, June 17: The upcoming NEET exam has been overshadowed by tragic news of student suicides, raising serious concerns about mental health and academic pressure. Umesh Mali, a 22-year-old student from Sikar, took his own life just days before the exam scheduled for June 21. This was his third attempt at the NEET, and he was reportedly overwhelmed by the pressure.
Umesh lived in Sikar with his mother, elder sister, and younger brother, while his father worked in Mumbai as a tile contractor. On the morning of June 16, Umesh returned to Sikar after dropping his mother off in their village. He was found dead in his flat later that afternoon. His family discovered him when they returned home, prompting immediate action from local authorities who found a suicide note in his room.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his condolences and highlighted the issue of exam pressure, linking it to the recent NEET question paper leak that has caused distress among students. He stated, “This suicide is a reflection of the shattered hopes of our youth due to systemic failures.”
In a separate incident, Riya Kumari Thapa, a bright student from Dehradun, also took her life on June 16. Known for her dedication, Riya had been preparing for NEET while tutoring other students to fund her education. Her family found her unresponsive in her room, and a suicide note indicated her struggles with academic pressures.
These incidents have sparked a broader conversation about the mental health of students facing intense academic competition and the urgent need for systemic reforms to support their well-being.