NEET Tragedy in Kota: 16-year-old Aspirant Dies by Suicide Just 20 Days After Joining Coaching

Kota: In yet another tragic incident from the country’s coaching hub Kota, a 16-year-old NEET aspirant from Bihar was found dead in his hostel room, just 20 days after joining a coaching centre in the city.

This marks the 13th suspected suicide by a coaching student in Kota this year, highlighting the ongoing mental health crisis among competitive exam aspirants.

Speaking to PTI about the incident, the police informed, "A 16-year-old medical aspirant hanged himself from a ceiling fan in his hostel room in Kota, just 20 days after joining a coaching centre here to prepare for NEET." 

A native of Bihar's Katihar, Tameem Iqbal was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his hostel room in Talwandi area on Monday evening, the police stated.

No suicide note was recovered from the room and the reason behind the extreme step by the boy is yet to be ascertained, Jawahar Nagar Circle Inspector Ramlaxman said.

Also Read:Not ready for NEET 2025, Delhi aspirant found dead in Kota wanted 1 more year to prepare

He added that the hostel caretaker informed police after the boy did not open the door on Monday night, despite repeated knocking.

The police team broke open the door and found the minor boy hanging from the ceiling fan, he said.

Initial inquiry revealed Iqbal was a class 11 student and came to Kota just 20 days ago. He also enrolled in a coaching institute to prepare for NEET, the officer added.

The boy's uncle, who lives in Delhi, reached Kota on Tuesday morning after learning about the tragic incident and the body was handed over to him after the post-mortem, he said, adding that further probe is underway.

Seventeen coaching students died by suicide in Kota in 2024. In 2023, the number stood at 26.

Also Read:NEET Aspirant Found Dead in Kota, Suicide by Poison suspected