Abstract
Purpose of Review:
The rising incidence of mental health issues and suicides among adolescents in India, particularly in coaching hubs like Kota, has become a pressing concern. Reports indicate a significant increase in student suicides, with Kota witnessing 32 cases in 2023 alone, attributed largely to academic pressure and parental expectations. This paper aims to analyze mental health conditions and suicide rates among adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota, identify contributing factors, assess existing support systems, and propose interventions to curb the crisis.
Collection and Analysis of Data:
A narrative review method was employed, integrating government statistics, academic research, and anecdotal evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mental health crises faced by students in Kota. Data sources include official reports, academic databases, and media accounts. The findings reveal a concerning rise in suicide rates, with 44.45% of coaching aspirants experiencing high academic stress. The suicide rate among students in Kota is notably higher than the national average, highlighting unique stressors in the coaching environment. The paper identified factors like parental anticipation, intense academic pressure, social isolation, and insufficient mental health support as significant contributors to suicidal ideation. Despite government interventions, gaps in mental health resources persist. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address the mental health crisis among adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota. Recommendations include implementing mental health screenings, establishing peer support programs, enhancing parental engagement, and fostering an environment that priorities mental well-being alongside academic success.
Conclusion:
Collaborative efforts among educational institutions, families, and mental health professionals are essential to create a supportive ecosystem for aspirants. Methodological limitations suggest the need for further research to enhance understanding and develop targeted solutions.
Introduction
Mental health issues and suicide are critical health concerns in India. The latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on suicides in India reported 13,999 student suicidal cases in the year 2022. 1 The data indicates an 81.88% rise in student suicide deaths since 2011, when the number stood at 7696. The alarming situation across India’s educational landscape is highlighted by the increasing number of suicides among Indian students. In 2023, Kota, renowned as India’s coaching hub, reported 32 cases of suicidal students, marking the highest number since 2015. 2 More than two lakh students come to Kota every year for competitive examination preparation, such as the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical college admission. 3 Divya, a 16-year-old adolescent girl, ended her life at her cousin’s house in Kota on May 6, 2023, while preparing for NEET. 4 Two years ago, her parents sent the girl to Kota for competitive examination preparation. According to the report, Divya excelled in her studies but struggled to achieve better results in her coaching center, leading to her suicide attempt. 5 The district police classified Divya’s suicide case as a result of academic pressure. 6
According to figures released by the Indian government in Parliament, 35,950 students committed suicide in the country between 2019 and 2021. 7 Aniruddha Narayan Malpani, a Mumbai-based doctor, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) targeting the coaching institutes for students’ suicide cases in Kota. 8 The suicidal attempts of students are often generalized to the hectic schedule and unhealthy competition designed by the coaching institutions. 9 However, the Supreme Court of India indicated that parents’ high expectations drive the students to death, not the coaching institutes. 10 Parents’ expectations and pressures trap students in long study sessions and exams, weakening their mental health. When students fail to meet the high expectations of their parents, peers, and coaching centers, they become helpless, leading them to consider suicide. 11
The problem of mental health issues that drive the students to take negative steps, like suicide, has gained momentum among the adolescent students. 12 The case of Kota highlights the extent of mental health instability among adolescent students in India. The coaching hub, Kota, has been witnessing the frequent loss of life among the adolescent coaching aspirants. 13 Suicide is not a spontaneous or impulsive choice. People may harbor recurring suicidal tendencies and thoughts for a long time. 14 Suicide can stem from a variety of fundamental reasons, including mental health instability, personality problems, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and severe alcohol dependence. 15 Mental health instability, particularly high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, is a major factor in suicide attempts among adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota. About 44.45% of coaching aspirants experience high levels of academic stress, compared to only 3.33% of non-coaching aspirants in Kota. 16 Additionally, four out of ten coaching aspirants in Kota grapple with mental health instability like depression. 17 In this context, parental expectations and pressures, the socioeconomic conditions of families, and aspirants’ lifestyles are generalized as the major contributors to mental health crises among adolescent coaching aspirants. 18 Often, societal expectations, to get admission into a prestigious institution like Indian Institute of Technology(IITs) or Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), are the root of these pressures. 19 The idea that one’s success or failure reflects on one’s family can add stress. For instance, if a student secures a place in any IITs, their parents may feel immense pride and share this achievement with others. However, if the student fails, it can lead to anxiety about how their parents react, especially when the student is an adolescent age. Adolescence is a critical period when young individuals undergo significant physical and mental changes. 20 During this time, they often express themselves and share their thoughts and feelings with their parents or someone close to them. 21 However, the lack of socio-personal support during this crucial time can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, which in turn can lead to making incorrect decisions. 22
Background of the Article
The competitive environment in India, notably in the fields of science and engineering, has stimulated the expansion of specialized coaching centers in different parts of the country. 23 Kota, Rajasthan, has become the epicenter of the coaching centers, accommodating an estimated 150,000–200,000 coaching aspirants every year who aspire to gain admission to prestigious institutions such as the IITs and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). 24 Although the city has achieved national recognition for its academic success rates, it has also been the subject of scrutiny as a result of the significant increase in student suicides and mental health challenges as the success rate is only 2%, while the remaining 98% of aspirants fail to crack the competitive examinations, such as JEE and NEET. 25 Reports indicate that 30–35% of students in Kota experience severe tension and anxiety. 26 As a result, the city has reported higher rates of student deaths than other educational centers in India, which has contributed to a concerning trend of student suicides. 27 Adolescent mental health is an emerging global concern. Suicide is one of the most prevalent causes of death among young individuals aged between 15 and 19. 28 The number of suicides among students remain consistently high over years, with 7.6% in 2017, 8.2% in 2020, 8% in 2021, and 7.6% in 2022. 29
However, there is a scarcity of scholarly discussion that addresses the mental health crises and coping mechanisms of students in high-pressure environments, despite these alarming trends. Media reports and anecdotal accounts frequently highlight the issue of student suicides in Kota, but research that investigates the underlying mental health conditions, environmental stressors, and societal expectations that contribute to these incidents is scarce. The objective of this article is to highlight the disparity by providing an analysis of the mental health conditions and suicide rates of coaching aspirants in Kota. The article aims to enlighten policy decisions, enhance student well-being, and develop targeted interventions to mitigate the increasing suicide rates. This is achieved by conducting a rigorous scholarly discussion of mental health conditions, suicidal deaths, and interventions to curb suicidal attempts, with particular reference to adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota.
Objectives of the Article
This article is based on the objectives mentioned below:
To provide a brief overview of Kota’s socioeconomic landscape. To discuss the mental health conditions and suicide rate of adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota. To identify the factors responsible for suicidal attempts among adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota. To examine the existing support system and identify gaps. To recommend interventions to curb the suicide rate among adolescent coaching aspirants of Kota.
Materials and Methods
The authors adopted the narrative review method to furnish a thorough comprehension and rigorous discussion of the topic. The narrative review method is appropriate for integrating various sources, such as government statistics and journal articles, to provide a holistic analysis and description of a topic of interest. 30 This study gathers government data, such as reports on coaching aspirants’ and students’ suicides, from official sources like health and police departments of Kota, Govt. of Rajasthan, and NCRB, India. The annual reports of Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) and All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) were utilized as potential data sources for analysis of national student population. Empirical research and scholarly discussions were accessed from academic databases like Google Scholar, Science Direct, Elsevier, and SSRN for academic insights into adolescent mental health, academic stress, and suicide. Additionally, media reports and case studies were accessed for anecdotal records which highlight aspirant’s mental health challenges based in Kota. The national and international organizations, including the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), World Health Organization (WHO), and American Psychological Association (APA), published records were reviewed to examine mental health initiatives and intervention strategies in light of this scholarly discussion. The discussion upheld ethical considerations by exclusively utilizing secondary data and ensuring proper citation of all sources. This article carefully addressed delicate subjects to enhance discussions about student welfare.
Socioeconomic Landscape of Kota
The early establishment of institutions focused on IIT-JEE coaching in the 1980s and 1990s anchored Kota’s legacy as a coaching hub in recent decades. Unlike hubs in South-East India, such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kolkata, where school curriculum frequently incorporates coaching, Kota’s system primarily functions as a parallel education sector, distinct from traditional schooling. 31 Hostels, libraries, and cafes, all specifically designed to cater to students, are part of this self-sustaining ecosystem. Additionally, Kota is renowned for its high-pressure coaching culture, often referred to as a “pressure cooker” environment. 32 Research indicates that Kota’s model frequently results in the isolation of students from mainstream education, which in turn increases psychological and emotional tension as a result of the limited interaction with peers outside the coaching system. 33 This is in contrast to other regions, where a more integrated approach with regular schooling may serve as a buffer against isolation. Kota, Rajasthan, stands out from other coaching hubs in India for its unique ecosystem, rigorous study culture, and infrastructure, which are designed with students in mind. 34 Kota distinguishes itself from other centers like Delhi or Hyderabad, where coaching covers a range of subjects, by its focused dedication to STEM entrance exams, creating a highly competitive environment. 35 Institutions like Allen, Resonance, Vibrant, and Bansal Classes have developed structured curricula, predictive testing systems, and psychological support. 36 The “Kota System” focuses on extended study periods, consistent assessments, and detailed performance evaluations, rendering it more demanding than alternatives. The coaching sector adds more than ₹3000 crore each year to the economy of Kota. 37 The city has developed an infrastructure to support students, featuring hostels, dining facilities, libraries, and self-study areas, promoting a lifestyle that encourages rigorous academic engagement. 38 Findings indicate heightened stress levels among students in Kota due to rigorous academic pressures. 39 The city has implemented counseling programs and stress-management initiatives, distinguishing itself from coaching hubs such as Delhi, where these initiatives are not as formally established. 40 The top five coaching institutions in Kota, namely Bansal Classes, Resonance Eduventures, Career Point, Vibrant Academy, and Allen Career Institute, together enroll the highest number of students and are responsible for the success of most candidates. 41 This single-industry concentration sets it apart from cities in East and South India, where coaching centers are a component of a diversified economy and do not have the same level of influence on the local culture. 42 According to the Asian Development Bank Kota’s coaching sector is worth over 600 crores and has the potential to grow at a rate of 15% annually. 43
Furthermore, the city has developed a distinctive “Kota culture” that is characterized by long study hours, frequent mock tests, and relentless pressure to succeed. 44 This environment can result in mental health challenges that are not as prevalent in more diversified urban centers. 45 In contrast, South Indian coaching hubs, such as Bengaluru and Chennai, provide a broad range of coaching programs, including those for civil services, management entrance exams, and international tests like the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). 46 These programs attract a diverse range of students with varying academic aspirations. The limited academic diversity in Kota also influences the highly competitive social environment, potentially leading students to perceive fewer opportunities for career success outside of engineering and medicine. 47 The intense pressure to succeed in two specific disciplines, combined with the concentration of coaching in Kota, have frequently led to a higher incidence of mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, among students. Despite the fact that the Rajasthan government has instituted recent interventions, such as “no exam Sundays,” to address this issue, it remains more severe than in South India. 48 In context to this, studies suggest that Kota’s coaching centers have been slower to implement mental health support mechanisms than South Indian regions, which are implementing a more comprehensive approach to student welfare. 49 Research from regions like Hyderabad often promotes a balance between rigorous academic training and emotional well-being, incorporating counseling sessions into the curriculum. 50
Mental Health Conditions and Suicide Rates Among Adolescent Coaching Aspirants in Kota
Competitive environment in Kota promoting greatness, has also resulted in significant mental stress, anxiety, and other psychological issues, leading to a troubling suicide rate among adolescent coaching aspirants. 51 Aspirants arriving in Kota frequently possess ambitions driven by parental expectations and societal pressure to get high ranks in national examinations. 52 Many students come from rural or middle-class backgrounds, seeing a medical or technical position as a path to economic security and social status. 53 For many families, the financial commitment to Kota’s coaching institutes constitutes a considerable strain, resulting in aspirants experiencing substantial pressure to excel. This excessive expectation engenders a stigma associated with failure, complicating students’ ability to return home without achieving their objectives. 54
The coaching institutes in Kota classify students into distinct groups based on their academic performance. 55 Membership in this cohort grants access to premier teachers’ individualized mentoring and motivational sessions; hence, it intensifies the aspirational pressure on others. 56 Individuals who do not obtain a position in such groups frequently encounter feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. 57 Additionally, peer pressure in this elite academic setting intensifies students’ stress. 58 People often perceive leisure activities or relaxation as distractions, which can lead to social stigma for students who are not fully committed to their studies. 59 The incessant with the achievements of classmates exacerbates emotions of shame, failure, and anxiety, fostering a detrimental environment for susceptible teenagers. 60 Thus, students frequently contend with persistent academic pressure, anxiety about disappointing their families, and remorse regarding their lagging progress. Numerous individuals endure extended stress, resulting in mental health disorders such as anxiety, despair, and burnout. Isolation exacerbates this psychological burden as students live away from home in a strictly controlled setting with minimal emotional support. 61 Moreover, the Dummy School Culture, which allows students to bypass traditional education in favor of full-time coaching, has intensified this problem. 62 This arrangement allows kids to concentrate solely on entrance examinations, but it undermines their holistic education, interpersonal interactions, and extracurricular activities, essential elements of teenage growth. This imbalance also perpetuates a singular emphasis on academic achievement, rendering adolescent aspirants inadequately prepared to handle failure or adversity. Further, as mentioned above, a significant number of aspirants belong to rural and middle-class backgrounds experience additional pressure stemming from the financial sacrifices their families undertake to enroll them in coaching facilities in Kota. 63 For these students, failure frequently appears as a breach of their parents’ faith and an irrevocable regression. Some individuals, unable to manage the pressures, resort to drastic means, including illicit activities or death, as an escape from their perceived inadequacies. 64 Such imbalances in mental health conditions have been resulted in suicidal ideation of adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota.
Table 1 presents a comparison of student suicide rates per 100,000 students in Kota and India from 2015 to 2023, revealing a concerning mental health crisis in Kota, particularly among coaching aspirants. Kota’s student population grew from 120,000 in 2015 to 156,000 in 2023, with reported suicide cases fluctuating, peaking at 32 in 2023, resulting in rates that soared from 4.38 to 20.51 per 100,000. In contrast, India’s student population increased from 289 million to 308 million, with suicide cases rising from 10,742 to 13,999, leading to rates between 3.72 and 4.55 per 100,000. Kota consistently exhibited higher rates than the national average, particularly in 2023, indicating unique stressors in its coaching environment. Data regarding student population and suicide cases for 2023 is not available by the time.
Student Suicide Rate in Kota and India (2015–2023).
Factors Responsible for Suicidal Attempts Among Adolescent Coaching Aspirants
The above discussions indicate a critical academic rivalry that exerts considerable pressure on students to achieve academic excellence. The absence of awareness or prompt response intensifies the issue, particularly for adolescents, who are undergoing a crucial phase of psychological and emotional development. 67 A multitude of adolescents in India endure significant academic pressure from both parents and teachers, with expectations that correspond to lofty career aspirations. 68 These pressures frequently compel students to compromise their mental health in order to achieve unattainable standards of achievement. Kota, commonly referred to as the “Kota Factory,” exemplifies this dilemma. 69 This exemplifies India’s overarching educational difficulties, wherein the intensely competitive environment adversely affects students’ mental health.
Table 2 delineates the principal systemic elements contributing to mental health decline and suicidal inclinations among coaching students in Kota. Intense academic pressure is a considerable concern since students engage in 12–14 hours of study every day, resulting in heightened anxiety and despair. 70 Parental expectations significantly influence students, leading to feelings of obligation to succeed, which in turn causes chronic stress and shame during scholastic difficulties. 71 In addition, the social isolation that arises as a consequence of strict study schedules hinders the development of peer relationships, resulting in feelings of loneliness and emotional misery. 73 However, most coaching institutes do not offer mental health assistance to their students. 72 Consequently, students lack the resources to confront and manage stress effectively. In light of these challenges, students’ mental health and self-worth are profoundly affected by their fear of failure, a concern shaped by performance-oriented ranking systems. 80 Consequently, those students who are living in dorms and do not have the support of their families are in a more precarious situation than their peers. 75 As a result of individuals constantly engaging in self-comparison, which results in feelings of inadequacy and worry around the fulfillment of expectations, the impact of the media and peers has a significant influence on the psychological well-being of individuals. 76 Comprehensive modifications are essential to tackle these challenges. To alleviate stress and prevent future tragedies, these reforms encompass revising the academic framework, launching initiatives to enhance parental awareness, and incorporating mental health services within coaching institutes. To reduce stress and avert repeat tragedies, these reforms include updating the academic structure, introducing campaigns to increase parental awareness, and integrating mental health services into coaching institutes.
Factors Responsible for Suicidal Attempts Among Adolescent Coaching Aspirants.
Moreover, adolescents aged 13 to 20 are especially susceptible to mental health challenges, with research revealing that 80% of students in Kota suffer anxiety during courses, and 40% exhibit symptoms of depression. 77 Depression, sometimes unrecognized or stigmatized, presents with symptoms such as enduring melancholy, despair, diminished motivation, pessimistic thoughts, disrupted sleep, alterations in food, and many medical and mental complications. 78 If not addressed, these symptoms may intensify, heightening the risk of suicide. The factors contributing to depression and suicidal inclinations among coaching aspirants are complex. 79 Familial and cultural pressures, coupled with the unyielding academic rivalry, create an atmosphere that stigmatizes and dreads failure. 80 A significant number of aspirants, especially those from rural or economically underprivileged origins, absorb this pressure, apprehensive about the embarrassment of disappointing their relatives. 81 The lack of sufficient emotional support or coping strategies intensifies their sense of isolation and hopelessness. Additionally, the limited opportunities for leisure and amusement exacerbate these constraints, further isolating students. 82 Entertainment alternatives are limited, and the rigid timetables of coaching institutes provide minimal opportunity for leisure or personal development. Also, childhood trauma, particularly instances of sexual abuse, constitutes a substantial risk factor for mental health disorders and suicidal inclinations. 83 Such situations inflict profound emotional wounds that may reemerge under the intensified strain of academic demands. 84
Existing Support System and Gaps
In response to the alarming situation in Kota, the Government of Rajasthan and the Kota district administration have implemented essential measures to combat the concerning incidence of student suicides. These initiatives seek to provide mental support and security for coaching aspirants while tackling the alarming increase in student suicides. The incidents have underscored the pressing necessity for systemic improvements in Kota’s coaching environment, leading authorities to implement suicide-prevention measures. The district administrations in Rajasthan and Kota extensively implement the following three measures:
Spring-Loaded Fans: The government’s mandate for spring-loaded fans serves as a precautionary measure to diminish the potential for aspirants utilizing them as instruments for suicide. 85 These fans automatically detach under a specific weight, rendering them “suicide-proof.”
Antisuicide Nets: Hostels and PG lodgings are urged to implement antisuicide netting as an extra precautionary measure. These nets are designed to prevent impulsive actions and offer a measure of physical security for aspirants residing in these institutions. 86
Computerized Attendance System: The government has implemented a computerized attendance tracking system that notifies parents when their child is absent for two consecutive school days. This aims to close communication gaps and facilitate prompt intervention if a student exhibits signs of disengagement or distress. 87
Notwithstanding the preventive efforts implemented by the Rajasthan government and the Kota district administration, significant deficiencies remain in tackling the underlying reasons for the student suicide problem. The programs do not prioritize mental health support infrastructure, as there are no required provisions for on-site counselors or psychologists at coaching centers, hostels, or other PG accommodations. Additionally, hostel personnel, coaching instructors, and parents frequently lack the expertise to recognize and address indicators of psychological discomfort. The placement of spring-loaded fans and antisuicide netting serves as a reactionary measure to prevent physical acts of suicide, although it fails to address the profound stress, anxiety, and depression that drive students to contemplate such actions. 88 Furthermore, the computerized attendance system enhances parental communication, but it fails to furnish parents with the requisite instruments for offering emotional support to their children. 89 A significant deficiency is the absence of leisure and extracurricular activities, which are vital for sustaining a healthy lifestyle and alleviating stress. 90 Moreover, there is an absence of a systematic framework for monitoring and assessing the execution and efficacy of these interventions, resulting in potential inconsistency. 91 The lack of community-based support networks, peer mentorship programs, and engagement activities centered on stress management and mindfulness constrains the comprehensive assistance necessary to tackle the intricate and delicate issue of student suicides. 92
Recommendations of Interventions for Curbing Mental Health Issues and Suicidal Prevention
This scholarly discussion proposed numerous interventions to support the mental health of adolescent coaching aspirants in Kota. The intervention strategies are based on empirical research and mental health initiatives worldwide. Implementation of these interventions perhaps yields constructive outcomes in Kota’s educational setting.
Table 3 highlights the recommendations to address mental health crises in Kota focus on various contributing factors such as parental expectations, academic pressure, social isolation, and insufficient mental health support. To mitigate persistent stress and anxiety from parental anticipations, regular counseling workshops and communication channels are suggested. Intense academic pressure can be alleviated through balanced study schedules and mindfulness training. 114 Additionally, social isolation can be countered by establishing peer support groups and safe spaces for emotional expression. Addressing the fear of failure involves shifting focus from rankings to individual progress and providing constructive feedback. Support for students living in hostels includes creating a supportive environment and encouraging family communication. Insufficient mental health assistance can be improved by hiring professionals and implementing screenings. Lastly, coaching institutes should adopt flexible policies and reduce assessment intensity as well as cultural sensitivity is crucial due to the stigma surrounding mental health in India, and the feasibility of these recommendations may face challenges such as cost and resistance to change, necessitating phased implementation and partnerships. Overall, these tailored strategies aim to comprehensively tackle mental health issues among students.
Interventions to Curb Mental Health Issues.
Conclusion and Limitations
In conclusion, the alarming rise in student suicides in Kota, India, underscores a critical mental health crisis among adolescent coaching aspirants. Intense academic pressure, driven by high parental expectations and a competitive environment, has created a culture that often priorities success over mental well-being. This article has highlighted the multifaceted factors contributing to this issue, including socioeconomic pressures, isolation, and the lack of adequate mental health support systems. Despite recent interventions by the government, significant gaps remain in addressing the root causes of mental health challenges faced by students. To effectively mitigate the increasing suicide rates, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This strategy includes implementing mental health screenings, establishing peer support and mentorship programs, providing family counselling, and incorporating resilience-building workshops into the academic framework. Additionally, creating safe spaces for emotional expression and enhancing the training of teachers and staff on mental health awareness are crucial steps. By fostering an environment that priorities mental health alongside academic achievement, we can better support the well-being of students in Kota and other high-pressure educational settings. Ultimately, a collaborative effort among educational institutions, families, and mental health professionals is essential to create a sustainable and supportive ecosystem for adolescent learners.
Various methodological and contextual limitations constrain this scholarly discussion, despite offering significant insights into the determinants of adolescent coaching aspirants’ suicides in Kota. It focusses solely on Kota as a coaching hub; other prominent coaching centers in the country may have been considered for the generalizability of its conclusions. There is also a lack of detailed demographic information on people who want to become coaches, and the characteristics of students change over time, which makes it hard to understand the complex facts of the case and compare the suicide rate to the national average when population density is considered. The study’s critical evaluation lacks the comprehensiveness of a systematic review, which could thoroughly address gaps in the available literature. Recognizing these flaws makes it clear that more thorough, well-designed research is needed to find out what we do not know, to find out how mental health problems might affect people, and to come up with new ways to help solve this urgent health problem.
Footnotes
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.