Study of Kota's (Rajasthan, India) Students S...

Study of Kota's (Rajasthan, India) Students Suicide Cases

Author Name : Divyani

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56025/IJARESM.2024.1207241050

ABSTRACT Kota, located in Rajasthan, India, is a hub for coaching centres that prepare students for competitive exams such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for admission in engineering colleges (IITs) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical college admissions , generating an estimated annual revenue of Rs 6,000 crore(Approx. 719 Million US dollar). Every year, the city attracts 3 Lakh students from across the country, aiming to secure spots in India's top engineering and medical colleges. 10 students died by suicide in Kota by June 2024 this year , 29 students in 2023, 15 in 2022, 18 in 2019, 20 in 2018, 7 in 2017, 17 in 2016, and 18 in 2015. This study sheds light on the alarming rates of student suicides in Kota. Through data analysis, the relationship between academic stress and mental health among students, anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders has been highlighted. The paper highlights key factors contributing to academic stress and suggests potential interventions to mitigate its impact. A total of 250 students from grades 11, 12 & 12th pass out was surveyed (Age between 15 to 19) from coaching institutes of KOTA. Data collection involved using a specially designed structured questionnaire as well as the General Health Questionnaire. Nearly 44% of the students reported stress due to academic pressure – with no significant differences across gender. About 38% of the students reported fear of underperformance. About 36% of the students reported loneliness while living in Kota. About 60% of the students reported that they are discriminated based on their academic performance in the coaching centre. About 58% students reported their fatigue has increased. About 68% students reported that very often they feel homesick in Kota. The degree of parental pressure experienced by students varies across different educational levels, financial conditions of the parents, and the academic performance of the students. Notably, children whose fathers have lower education levels (non-graduates) and less favourable financial conditions tend to experience greater pressure to perform well academically.