Analysis based on	Editorial published on Express View on student suicides: India needs kinder, gentler campuses in The Indian Express
Topics for UPSC Prelims	National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), National Education Policy (NEP)
Topics for UPSC Mains	India's National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Context: Two tragic student suicides—one of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha and another at Ashoka University in Haryana—have once again highlighted the mental health crisis in India’s higher education system.

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Reasons for Students Committing Suicide

Some of the main reasons why students commit suicide are the following:

• Academic Pressure: High school competition and entrance exam competition can be a major source of stress and anxiety.
• Parental Expectations: High parental expectations tend to generate a fear of failure and disappointment.
• Mental Health Issues: Conditions like depression & anxiety remain undiscussed, leading to isolation & hopelessness.
• Social Pressures: Struggles related to relationships, identity, and fitting in further worsen mental health.
• Cultural Shock & Alienation: Students from diverse backgrounds often feel isolated & disconnected.
• International Students’ Struggles: Foreign students, particularly from Africa & South Asia, often face discrimination and adjustment challenges.
• Issues Facing International Students: African and South Asian international students tend to face discrimination and have difficulty adjusting.
• Social Media Impact: Comparing ourselves to 'perfect' online existence constantly makes us anxious and unsure.
• Limited Job Opportunities: The pressure to become an engineer, doctor, or a government servant can make one feel powerless.

Read the article on Mental Health Care in India!

Some of the most significant actions that can be done to solve student suicides are as follows:

Reducing School Stress

• Shift away from rote learning of facts towards integrated learning that promotes creative and critical abilities.
• Use alternative testing procedures and entry tests based on interviews to remove excessive test apprehension.
• Establish support groups on campuses to single out dysfunctioning students & offer additional guidance.
• Employ additional school counselors to provide safe spaces for students.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness

• Conduct nationwide awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health issues.
• Integrate mental health education into school & college curricula.
• Create peer-support programs to foster friendship & belonging among students.
• Launch 24/7 mental health helplines by NGOs & civil society groups for suicidal students.

Providing Career & Social Support

• Offer career counseling to help students explore diverse career options based on interests & skills.
• IIT-Madras has introduced sports & women’s quotas—such inclusive policies should be adopted across universities.
• Regulate social media platforms to combat cyberbullying & promote healthy digital engagement.
• Offer financial aid & scholarships to reduce the economic burden on students.

Ensuring Personalized Support & Inclusive Environment:

• Moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach—tailored mental health, academic, and social support is essential.
• Foster an inclusive campus environment where students from all backgrounds feel valued & supported.

Read the article on Fostering Mental Health!

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UPSC Practice Question

In the context of recent student suicides at various universities, critically examine the adequacy of the current mental health support mechanisms in India’s higher education institutions. What reforms are necessary to ensure student well-being and prevent such incidents?