More students are committing suicides in India than population growth rate: Report

The incidents of student suicides hassurpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends,an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed.

The report titled"Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India", released at theAnnual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 stated thatstudent suicide cases surged by four per cent annually whileoverall suicide numbers increased by two per cent.

"The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044," the report added.

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Decadal rise in suicides

Over the last decade (2013-22), around 104,000 student suicides were recorded which indicates a 64 per cent rise when compared to the prior decade (2013-12).

The southern states and union territories viz., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep had the highest proportion of all student suicides across the country at 29 per cent.

Notably, Maharashtra (1,764), Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060) and Jharkhand (824) accounted for 49 per cent of total suicide cases across India.

Rajasthan, with the infamous Kota coaching city, where thousands ofstudents relocate to crack engineering and medical entrance exams,is ranked 10th with 571 student suicides.

The report highlighted that male students constituted more than half (53 per cent) of total student suicides in 2022. It added that between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by six per cent while female suicides increased by seven per cent.

"It is important to acknowledge that the actual number of student suicides is likely underreported. This under-reporting can be attributed to several factors, including the social stigma surrounding suicide and the criminalisation of attempted and assisted suicide under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code," the report noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Note: Get help & support for suicide.

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline. WION does not make any recommendations.