India’s Leading Institutes Face Increased Incidence of Depression and Anxiety

The series of tragic suicides by students across the nation in recent times has once again shone a spotlight on the urgent and growing crisis faced by the youth in India. Such incidents are no longer an aberration but a broader pattern that underscores systemic gaps failing the next generation. From the premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to medical colleges and central universities, student suicides have become alarmingly frequent, raising concerns about the well-being of young learners navigating immense academic and social pressures.

The recent suicide by a student of KIIT University, one of the many recent unfortunate occurrences happening across the educational institutes of the country, captured the attention of the citizens. Despite efforts by universities such as KIIT to provide mental health support, depressing episodes like this reveal significant shortcomings in existing systems. The reasons behind student suicides are rarely singular, often intertwined with academic stress, social alienation, financial constraints, and institutional responses to grievances. While educational institutions across India have taken steps toward student welfare, the continued recurrence of such cases calls for a deeper introspection into the mental health framework that supports—or fails to support—students.

India's leading institutions have struggled with the reality of student suicides. IIT Madras, known for its academic rigour, has witnessed multiple suicides in recent years. Investigations into these cases suggest that while academic pressure plays a role, additional factors such as caste-based discrimination, social isolation, and difficulties adjusting to the highly competitive environment are significant contributors. The Ministry of Education’s 2023 report revealed that nearly 20% of student suicides in higher education institutions stem from non-academic factors, including financial distress, personal problems, and relationship issues. Medical colleges, where students endure demanding coursework and emotionally taxing clinical experiences, have also been heavily affected. Studies indicate that medical students are three times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than their peers in other fields. A report published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that the intense workload, lack of structured mental health support, and societal pressure to excel contribute to worsening mental health conditions among medical students. In one prominent case last year, a Delhi-based medical student committed suicide, leaving behind messages that indicated a long battle with anxiety and social isolation. Similarly, universities in Delhi present a microcosm of this national crisis. The competitive academic culture and financial burdens leave many students vulnerable to extreme distress. The suicide of a student from an economically disadvantaged background at Delhi University highlighted the financial strain faced by many as students juggle academic responsibilities with part-time jobs and limited resources. According to a 2022 report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), nearly 30% of student suicides were linked to family issues and personal problems, demonstrating that the crisis extends beyond academic stress. For many students, adjusting to a new university in a culturally unfamiliar city or country without a strong support system can lead to feelings of alienation, making them more susceptible to mental health struggles.

In the wake of the student’s passing, KIIT University has come under scrutiny, with allegations of institutional negligence and inadequate grievance redressal. However, university officials have maintained that KIIT has always prioritised student well-being and continues to enhance its mental health framework. Speaking to the media, Prof (Dr) Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar of KIIT University, stated, “This loss deeply saddens us. Our counselling services and student support mechanisms have been designed to assist distressed students. However, this incident reminds us that we must continuously evaluate and strengthen these measures.” Dr Mohanty further highlighted that the university offers round-the-clock mental health services, with professional counsellors available to students. Despite these efforts, concerns remain regarding whether institutions are doing enough to address issues before they escalate. Critics argue that while many universities have mental health programs on paper, they are often inaccessible, underutilised, or fail to address the specific challenges students face.

One of the most pressing concerns for students is the lack of transparent and efficient grievance redressal mechanisms. Many students feel unheard or dismissed when they report issues of harassment, discrimination, or academic stress. Ensuring students can report concerns without fear of retaliation and that appropriate actions are taken promptly is crucial in preventing crises from escalating. A senior faculty member at KIIT, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged, “KIIT has always been extremely supportive of its students. However, how an institution responds to student distress can always be improved. Universities must go beyond providing helplines and actively engage with students to understand their struggles, a practice common at KIIT.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition that simply offering resources is not enough—universities must proactively foster an environment where students feel safe seeking help.

Tackling the issue of student suicides requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond surface-level solutions. Experts suggest universities must implement comprehensive policies addressing academic stress, financial strain, mental health stigma, and institutional accountability.

Mental health resources must be accessible, visible, and free from stigma. Many students hesitate to seek counselling due to fear of judgment. Universities should work towards integrating mental health discussions into academic life, ensuring that students know the support available to them. KIIT University, for instance, has been expanding its mental health awareness programs and peer support networks. “We encourage students to talk about their struggles openly. Seeking help should not be viewed as a weakness,” says Prof (Dr) Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT University, in his media address. More universities must adopt such approaches to create a culture where seeking help is normalised. While academic excellence is essential, institutions must recognise that excessive pressure can have devastating consequences. Introducing flexible curricula, alternative assessment methods, and mentorship programs can help students navigate their education without feeling overwhelmed. According to Dr Saranjit Singh, KIIT has implemented student-centred learning approaches that help students manage academic pressure more effectively. Experts concur with Dr Saranjit Singh and recommend that universities provide greater academic flexibility, allowing students to take reduced course loads or extend deadlines when needed.

Financial difficulties are a significant stressor for many students. Expanding scholarships, financial aid, and part-time work opportunities can help ease this burden. However, universities across India must scale up such efforts to ensure financial hardships do not hinder education. Additionally, fostering inclusive social environments can help students integrate more readily. Orientation programs, student mentorship initiatives, and peer-led mental health support groups can provide emotional support, particularly for students transitioning from smaller towns to urban campuses. Dr Saranjit Singh agrees with this approach and states that KIIT has proactively offered scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students. He further elaborates that the organisation prioritises diversity and inclusivity, reflected in its diverse student base comprising more than 50 nationalities.

A significant reason students feel isolated is the lack of effective grievance redressal. Institutions must establish transparent, student-friendly complaint mechanisms to ensure that issues such as harassment, discrimination, or mental health concerns are addressed fairly and swiftly. At KIIT, administrators have reiterated their commitment to strengthening existing grievance mechanisms. “We actively review and reform our redressal policies to ensure that students feel heard and supported,” said Dr Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty of KIIT University. However, universities nationwide must go beyond verbal assurances and create systems that empower students to seek justice without fear.

The issue of student suicides cannot be tackled by universities alone—it requires collective action from parents, extended families, educational institutions, and policymakers. There needs to be a more excellent national dialogue on student mental health, with institutions held accountable for creating safe, supportive environments. KIIT University’s prompt response to recent events reflects an awareness of this responsibility. However, like all institutions, student welfare policies must continuously evolve to ensure that tragedies like these do not repeat. Universities must move beyond reactive measures and implement proactive strategies that prioritise the mental well-being of their students. As India grapples with this growing crisis, the path forward must be one of systemic change, institutional accountability, and a compassionate approach to student welfare. Only then can higher education truly fulfil its mission of academic excellence, nurturing young minds and ensuring their holistic well-being.