In today’s competitive landscape, higher education has become essential for students in India. Many parents push their children to pursue science—particularly medical or engineering careers—or to prepare for competitive exams like the UPSC. This pressure has led to the proliferation of coaching institutes, especially in cities like Kota, which has become a prominent coaching hub. However, this success story hides a grim reality: a troubling increase in student suicides.
This year alone, 14 students have reportedly committed suicide in Kota. Last month, a 21-year-old NEET UG aspirant took his life, leaving no suicide note, while his father blamed the “NEET Scam.” In 2023, there were 26 reported suicides, following 15 in 2022, 18 in 2019, and 20 in 2018, revealing a disturbing trend.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, India was further rocked by the tragic suicide of a student at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, marking the fourth such incident at the institute this year and prompting widespread protests on campus. Reports from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicate that the student suicide rate in India has surpassed both the population growth rate and the overall suicide trend. While the general suicide rate has increased by 2% annually, student suicides have surged by 4%.
“Over the past two decades, student suicides have grown at an alarming annual rate of 4%, double the national average. In 2022, male students accounted for 53% of total student suicides. Between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by 6%, while female student suicides increased by 7%,” noted a study from the IC3 Institute, reports PTI.
Data from the NCRB shows that student suicides in india rose by 21.19% between 2019 and 2021, with exam-related stress cited as a primary cause. The relentless pressure from coaching centres, combined with minimal support for mental health, exacerbates this crisis. In response, the government has taken proactive measures to regulate the coaching industry.
Centre’s recommendations on coaching institutes
In January 2024, the Ministry of Education issued new guidelines for coaching institutes, prohibiting the enrollment of students below 16 years of age and banning misleading promises or guarantees of rankings. These guidelines were introduced in light of rising suicide rates, fire incidents, and complaints regarding inadequate facilities and teaching methodologies.
The guidelines state that “no coaching center shall engage tutors with qualifications less than graduation. Student enrollment should occur only after the secondary school examination,” as reported by PTI. They also stipulate that coaching institutes cannot publish misleading advertisements about their quality or results.
The Rajasthan Government’s draft coaching bill
Recently, the Rajasthan government has drafted a bill Coaching Center (Control and Regulation) Bill 2024 which aims to further regulate the booming coaching industry, particularly in Kota. The bill has faced strong opposition from stakeholders and proposes strict provisions, including a ban on enrolling students under 16 and mandatory aptitude tests prior to registration. The legislation targets key coaching hubs like Kota, Jaipur, and Sikar and is expected to be presented in the assembly in December.
Kota’s coaching centers are deeply concerned about the potential fallout from the proposed age restriction, fearing a 30-40% drop in business that could leave thousands jobless, as many students preparing for engineering and medical entrance exams are under 16. Coaching institutes have submitted suggestions. to the higher education department, requesting a re-evaluation of the age limit.
If this restriction is enforced only in Rajasthan, other cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Pune, as well as emerging coaching hubs like Lucknow and Coimbatore, may benefit. “We humbly request the government to consider this provision, as it could leave thousands without work,” said a media in-charge at a major coaching centre, in a TNN interaction.
Puneet Sharma, a higher education expert, highlighted that younger students often begin preparing for competitive exams like Olympiads, NTSE, and KVPY at the primary level. TNN quotes him saying, “If you enforce the 16-year age barrier, you might as well discontinue these examinations. As long as these competitions exist, parents will continue seeking early coaching for their children.”
Additionally, the bill proposes banning coaching during school hours to combat “ghost schools”—institutions that exist only on paper. This has drawn criticism from coaching centers that offer integrated programs combining school lessons with coaching. Stakeholders argue that while the bill addresses essential regulatory issues, it requires careful adjustments to balance student welfare, coaching operations, and the livelihoods of thousands of employees.
Challenges of the proposed age-related restrictions
The proposed age-related restrictions on coaching center enrollment could have significant ramifications for students preparing for competitive exams. Here are some key challenges associated with these restrictions:
Delayed preparation timeline: Many competitive exams, such as the JEE, NEET, and Olympiads, require early preparation due to their extensive syllabus and high difficulty levels. Restricting students under 16 from enrolling in coaching centers could significantly delay their preparation timeline, impacting their readiness for these challenging exams.
Loss of competitive edge: Students often begin preparing for these exams as early as Grade 8. For instance, IIT-JEE aspirants frequently start attending coaching institutes in Grade 8 or 9 to build their conceptual knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. A blanket restriction on coaching enrollment could hinder students’ ability to compete effectively, putting them at a disadvantage.
Reduced opportunities for talent development: Exams such as the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) and various Olympiads are designed to identify young talent and often necessitate early preparation. These exams provide scholarships and recognition at national and international levels. The proposed restrictions could limit students’ access to these opportunities, stifling their potential.
Potential Benefits of Age-Related Restrictions
While the proposed age-related restrictions on coaching center enrollment may pose challenges, they also offer potential benefits aimed at safeguarding student well-being and ensuring a more balanced approach to education. Here are some key merits of these restrictions:
Enhanced mental well-being: By limiting coaching enrollment for students under 16, the restrictions could help alleviate the immense pressure and stress associated with early academic competition. This shift may encourage a more balanced lifestyle, allowing young students to focus on their overall development rather than solely on exam preparation.
Promoting holistic learning: These restrictions can encourage a shift towards holistic education, where students prioritize foundational learning and critical thinking skills over rote memorization for competitive exams. This approach may foster a deeper understanding of subjects, equipping students with the skills necessary for long-term academic success.
Encouraging parental involvement: Age-related restrictions may prompt parents to engage more actively in their children’s education during formative years. Instead of relying solely on coaching centres, families may invest time in nurturing curiosity and creativity, providing a supportive environment that encourages a love for learning beyond the confines of competitive exams.
