In a heartbreaking incident that has once again spotlighted the intense mental pressure faced by students preparing for competitive exams, a NEET aspirant in Kota died by suicide just a day before the national medical entrance test.

According to officials, "A NEET aspirant died by suicide just a day before the exam. The student was preparing for NEET while staying with her family. The incident took place in the Kota's Kunadi police station area of the city." The identity of the student has not been disclosed, and further details are awaited from the police.

In another heartbreaking case in Kota, a 16-year-old student from Bihar's Katihar district hanged himself in his hostel room in the Talwandi area. The boy, identified as Tameem Iqbal, had joined a coaching centre in Kota only 20 days earlier to prepare for NEET. Police confirmed the incident occurred on Monday evening. “No suicide note was recovered from the room and the reason behind the extreme step by the boy is yet to be ascertained,” said Jawahar Nagar Circle Inspector Ramlaxman.

This marks the 13th case of suspected suicide by a coaching student in Kota since January and the third in April alone, raising grave concerns about the mental well-being of aspirants in the high-pressure environment of competitive exam preparation.

A third case was reported from Patna, Bihar, where a 20-year-old NEET aspirant from Madhubani district died by suicide on Saturday morning, just a day before the exam. The deceased, identified as Vivek Mandal, had been living in a rented accommodation with his younger sister. "No suicide note was found in his room. The boy lived with his younger sister in rented accommodation. His parents are ill after hearing about the death of their only son. His uncle came for the legal procedure, after which his body was handed over to his family," said Rajesh Kumar, SHO of Gandhi Maidan police station. "The family of the victim, Vivek Mandal, has ruled out any conspiracy or foul play in the matter."

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG exam will be held today (May 4) across India in a single shift from 2 pm to 5 pm. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is one of the most competitive exams for aspiring doctors in India. Lakhs of students are expected to appear for the test. Candidates are advised to carefully go through the important guidelines issued for the exam, detailed in the news below.