Imposing Stringent Regulations for Kota, India's Student Hub, in Response to Suicides

Coaching centers in Kota, India, are facing stricter regulations after a rise in student suicides. Many students travel to Kota to receive tuition for entrance exams for prestigious colleges, but the intense pressure to succeed has taken a toll on their mental health. Kota is known for its educational centers that prepare students for competitive exams. Entry into top colleges is highly valued by Indian parents, and failure is heavily stigmatized. The high fees charged by these institutes, often unaffordable for many families, add to the pressure. Students like Vijay, who failed the medical entrance exam multiple times, have felt the weight of disappointing their parents in a society where success is highly esteemed. The immense pressure led some students to contemplate suicide, with more than 100 suicides reported in Kota over the past decade. The suicides mainly involved boys under 18 from low-income families in remote areas of northern India. Factors contributing to the crisis include high parental expectations, peer pressure, intense competition, and long study hours. The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns have exacerbated the situation. To address the issue, the Rajasthan state government has introduced stricter rules for coaching institutes, including not admitting students below age 14 and not making test results public. Mental health workshops and programs for students, as well as increased promotion of a student support helpline, are being implemented. The government has also set up a team to identify students showing signs of depression. However, critics argue that the commercialization of coaching centers and the anonymity of large class sizes contribute to the isolation felt by students. A complete culture change is necessary, according to some, with an emphasis on allowing children to pursue their passions rather than solely focusing on engineering or medicine.