Snobar, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The suicide rate among students at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) has been steadily increasing, with 2024 proving particularly tragic for IIT Guwahati, where three students have taken their lives. These incidents have shocked the nation and highlighted the growing mental health crisis in India’s top educational institutions.
On September 9, Bimlesh Kumar, a 21-year-old B.Tech. student pursuing computer science and engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on the IIT Guwahati campus. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, he was the third student to die by suicide at the institute this year. His death triggered massive protests among students, leading to a three-day demonstration that culminated in the resignation of the dean of academic affairs.
This tragedy followed the death of a female student, Saumya, 23, who was pursuing M. Tech., who was found dead in her hostel room on August 9. She was also from Uttar Pradesh. Earlier in April, a 20-year-old B.Tech. student was discovered dead in what appeared to be another case of suicide.
According to data obtained through an RTI filed by Dheeraj Singh, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, 115 students across IITs have died by suicide since 2005. Of these, 98 deaths occurred on campus, with 56 students hanging themselves, while 17 suicides took place off-campus.
‘Insensitive Administration’
A fourth-year B.Tech student from IIT Guwahati, who requested anonymity out of fear of institutional retaliation, expressed deep concerns about the growing crisis within the institution. “The foremost issue is the expectations created in the minds of aspirants before they come to IIT. Once here, the reality is completely different,” he stated.
He described the environment at IIT Guwahati as unsupportive and lacking meaningful policy changes to benefit students. “The administration is very insensitive,” he noted. “While many things appear to be done on paper, the ground reality remains unchanged.”
The intense academic pressure characteristic of IITs compounds the issue. “Obviously, the academic pressure is high, but there is no support system in place for those who struggle to keep up. Most professors are very rude, almost as if they have personal grudges against us.”
He highlighted additional restrictions imposed on students that exacerbate the stressful environment. “We are not allowed to leave the campus after 10:30 pm, and if we return after that, we are fined Rs 1,500. Even for minor mistakes, a disciplinary committee is set up, and harsh decisions are taken, whether you are guilty or not.”
‘Academic Pressure Cooker’
Sumit, a recent graduate of IIT Bombay with a two-year Master’s by Research (MRes) degree in sociology, reflected on the competitive nature of IIT life: “IIT is like a well-planned game. You have to consider your move at every step; plan everything from the first semester until you graduate. One misstep can derail your ambition of a highly competitive job or opportunity. This is a very distressing situation put on students at a very young age. It can create an inferiority complex, imposter syndrome, severe anxiety and depression symptoms.”
Regional ‘Biases’
While discussing the behaviour of professors, the fourth-year student from IIT Guwahati noted, although there is not much overt discrimination based on caste or religion, some professors tend to favour students from their own regions. “There are professors who show regional biases, favouring students from the same part of the country as they do.”
He added there is no significant divide between general and reserved category students. “We all interact normally.”
However, he was sharply critical of IIT Guwahati’s overall functioning, comparing it unfavourably to other IITs. “The whole system at IIT Guwahati is a complete mess. No improvements are made, and no efforts are put in to make things better.”
‘No Accountability, No Investigation’
The student raised serious concerns about the administration’s handling of student suicides, expressing frustration that no thorough investigations are conducted to understand the causes of these tragic incidents.
He recounted that after Saumya’s death, the administration alleged forced her parents to leave the campus at 4 a.m., and no investigation or accountability followed.
He mentioned a previous case involving a student named Diwakar, who went missing last semester, with no proper investigation into his disappearance.
TwoCircles.net has tried to reach out to Saumya’s parents for their comments; the story will be updated if they respond.
Frustrated with the lack of administrative response, he remarked, “I don’t know what the government is doing in this situation.”
He criticized the lack of encouragement for extracurricular activities at IIT Guwahati, stating that students are not encouraged to engage in sports or cultural events, with the focus overwhelmingly on academics – leaving little room for holistic development.
Placement Cell ‘Fraud’
Shadab Sid, a graduate from IIT Guwahati, shared his perspective on academic pressure and its impact on students’ mental health.
“In my opinion, academic pressure is not a significant issue. Everyone here has cleared the JEE Advanced exam, which is incredibly tough, so I believe most students are equipped to handle the challenges of IIT life. However, exceptions do exist.”
He cited numerous rules and regulations that can be frustrating, noting that while many professors are approachable, there are always exceptions.
He acknowledged that intense competition among peers contributes to mental health struggles. “This competitive environment can lead to stress and mental health issues, which is an important consideration.”
He recounted an incident involving the placement cell at IIT Guwahati, which further highlights the challenges students face. “The placement cell organizes various rounds of interviews and tests for job placements. However, members of the placement cell often benefit their friends. There have been instances where students who prepared extensively for interviews struggled during actual tests, only to find that some candidates had access to unfair advantages, such as cheating from their rooms.”
He emphasised that this kind of “fraud” has occurred multiple times in past placement seasons, despite clear evidence of such practices. “The administration has not taken any action to address these issues,” he lamented. “Do you think this wouldn’t have a mental impact on students?”
Students Turning to Drugs
Sid claimed that students are increasingly using drugs that has become a concerning issue at IIT Guwahati. “Many students engage in drinking alcohol and using drugs. Every weekend, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, students head to the ‘Ghat’ for drinking. It has turned into a sort of festival atmosphere.”
This practice is particularly common among those experiencing depression or tension, as many believe that simply going to the ghat will alleviate their worries.
Internal ‘Discrimination’ on Campus
While discussing alleged discrimination based on caste and religion and its impact on student well-being, he remarked, “There is not any overt caste or religious discrimination happening, but I am certain that it occurs internally on campus.”
He elaborated, “I have not personally witnessed any incidents, but I am 100 percent sure these practices exist. A lot of this becomes evident during election time when candidates appeal to voters based on their state, hostel, club or caste.”
Parvez Ahmad, who completed his PhD from IIT Delhi in 2024 and currently works as a senior software engineer in Pune, shared insights on the mental health challenges faced by students at IITs. He noted that “some students feel socially isolated or disconnected, which can exacerbate feelings of depression”. This sense of isolation is particularly pronounced for those who struggle to form friendships easily.
He emphasised the impact of parental and societal expectations on students’ mental well-being. “Many students face immense pressure from their parents and society to excel academically, leading to overwhelming stress and a persistent fear of failure. This pressure is often more dominant than other stressors.”
Ineffective Response
Sumit expressed concerns about the administration’s approach to handling student suicides at IITs, stating, “The administration exercises absolute authority over these matters and often silences dissenting voices. Frequently, the police become involved, which prevents students from openly organizing and protesting against such tragedies.”
He lamented the lack of effective mechanisms to address the issue of suicides, noting that the existing systems are insufficient.
He suggested that professors and administrative staff should be sensitised to recognise and validate mental health problems, enabling them to respond appropriately.
“I can imagine why many students would consider leaving IIT at various stages of their lives,” he reflected. “The mechanisms for seeking help are virtually non-existent, leaving students largely on their own to find therapy or other forms of support.”