A 17-year-old NEET aspirant from Lucknow died by suicide early Wednesday morning, reportedly due to extreme mental stress stemming from the alleged paper leak and subsequent cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) examination. The incident casts a somber shadow over the already tumultuous period for medical aspirants across the nation.
The deceased, identified as Shivani, was found in her room on Wednesday. According to reports, her parents stated that their daughter had been deeply upset since the NEET exam, initially scheduled for May 3, was cancelled. The cancellation, announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) due to alleged paper leaks, has sent ripples of anxiety and frustration through the student community.
According to the Bazar Khala police station, Shivani’s father, Ranjeet Kumar Yadav, a railway official, informed the authorities that his daughter had expressed confidence in her performance in the previous NEET exam. However, upon learning of its cancellation, she became severely depressed and struggled to concentrate on preparing for the upcoming re-examination, scheduled for June 21.
The family resides in the railway colony in the Aishbagh locality of Lucknow. Police were alerted around 5 am on Wednesday. A post-mortem examination has been ordered, and further investigations are underway to ascertain the precise reasons for her drastic action. No suicide note was found at the scene.
The NEET-UG examination has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of widespread irregularities, including paper leaks and an unusual number of candidates achieving perfect scores. These issues led to nationwide protests and legal challenges, prompting the NTA to cancel the exam and announce a re-examination for affected candidates. The investigations into the alleged leak have involved multiple agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Supreme Court, while acknowledging irregularities, has so far refrained from ordering a complete cancellation of the examination, citing a lack of evidence for systemic failure impacting all candidates. However, the court has allowed re-tests for certain categories of students.
This tragic incident in Lucknow is not an isolated case. Reports of student suicides linked to examination stress and perceived unfairness have emerged from various parts of the country. The immense pressure to perform in highly competitive entrance examinations, coupled with the uncertainties arising from alleged malpractices, has taken a severe toll on the mental well-being of young aspirants.
The NEET-UG exam is the gateway to undergraduate medical courses in India, with millions of students competing for a limited number of seats. The recent controversies have intensified calls for comprehensive reforms in the examination system to ensure fairness, transparency, and the protection of students’ mental health. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been under immense scrutiny, and efforts are underway to restore confidence in the examination process.
The Chenab Times News Desk