Two NEET aspirants from Telangana — Janga Pooja and Rayi Manoj Kumar — died by suicide just a day after writing the exam on May 4, fearing they might not pass.
Janga Pooja, a student from Jagtial district, had first appeared for the NEET exam in 2023 but didn’t get the results she hoped for. Determined to do better, she joined a coaching centre and attempted the exam again this year. But after returning home from the exam centre, she reportedly cross-checked her answers and feared she had again failed to get a good rank.
“She was scared of failing again. She had worked hard, but that fear didn’t leave her,” said a relative.
Unable to cope with the anxiety, she died by suicide.
In a separate incident, Rayi Manoj Kumar from Adilabad district, also ended his life. Manoj, the son of a schoolteacher, had taken coaching classes in Hyderabad. He returned home after writing the NEET exam and died by suicide, reportedly upset over his performance.
“He was under a lot of stress. He thought he hadn’t done well,” a family friend said.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive medical entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). More than 22 lakh students registered for this year’s exam.
These deaths have once again highlighted the extreme pressure many students face while preparing for competitive exams in India.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help:
Mental Health Helplines
- Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
- TISS iCall: 022-25521111 (Monday to Saturday, 8 am – 10 pm)
