Student Suicides Raise Concerns at India’s Prestigious IIT Engineering Institutions

In the heart of India’s academic landscape, the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) symbolize not just educational excellence but also familial and societal aspirations. However, beneath the veneer of success lies a troubling reality as numerous students face tremendous pressure, leading to tragic outcomes. The recent experiences of families like the Nerkar and Solanki echo a crisis that warrants a deep examination of mental health support and cultural pressures within these esteemed institutions.

Nashik, India – As Sanjay Nerkar returns from work in the small town of Nashik, he instinctively awaits a phone call that will never come. For nearly a decade, his son, Varad Nerkar, made it a tradition to call his father at dusk to say, “I just wanted to hear your voice.” This cherished routine shattered two years ago when Varad achieved his dream of studying at one of the 23 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) schools, renowned for their academic prestige and rigorous standards.

In 2022, Varad joined the master’s program at IIT-Delhi, one of the most esteemed institutes in the country. Despite not initially securing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) spot, he persevered and later achieved an MTech, prompting celebrations within the family. Yet, this proud moment gave way to anguish when Varad tragically died by suicide in February 2024, marking one of 65 student suicides across IITs in recent years and the eighth at IIT-Delhi since 2021. At just 26 years old, Varad had spoken of overwhelming academic stress and pressures from his supervisor just days before his passing.

The IITs, symbols of academic excellence in India, are gateways to lucrative careers for many. Approximately 1.3 million high school graduates compete for a limited number of coveted spots, with acceptance rates remarkably low. For instance, in 2025, out of the 1.3 million students taking the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), merely 18,000 secured admission to the IIT BTech programs, with similar competitiveness in the MTech programs where roughly one in every 117 candidates are admitted.

Despite their prestigious reputation, the IITs face pressing issues behind the successes celebrated widely. About 38 percent of graduates were reportedly unplaced in 2024, indicating a disconnect between institutional prestige and the realities many graduates face upon entering the job market. Dheeraj Singh, founder of the Global IIT-IIM Alumni Support Group, points out this pronounced pressure, emphasizing the lack of balance between high expectations and the academic environment, which can lead to detrimental outcomes.

The Hidden Toll of Pressure

The narrative of student success at the IITs often glosses over the crushing burden of competition and academic rigor, a truth echoed by numerous families who have lost loved ones. Darshan Solanki, a promising young student from a marginalized background, serves as another heartbreaking example. After achieving admission to IIT-Bombay, he succumbed to suicide just months later, having faced both caste-based discrimination and the immense pressure that came with the rigorous academic environment.

The caste system, though officially abolished, continues to create challenges for many students from underprivileged backgrounds. Darshan’s father, Ramesh, reflected on his son’s experience of being ridiculed and feeling isolated among peers. The effects of societal stigma, compounded with the academic strain, present a challenging scenario that can push young individuals to their limits.

Addressing Systematic Challenges

The broader implications of these tragedies illuminate serious systemic issues within IITs regarding mental health support. Experts have identified significant power imbalances, particularly between PhD students and their advisors, and the acute pressures surrounding thesis completion and financial support. Many students find themselves in a distressing situation, lacking adequate resources to cope with the intense pressures of academia.

Calls for accountability have led to initiatives aimed at improving mental health support within these prestigious institutions, but experts argue that more proactive approaches are necessary. S Ravindra Bhat, chairman of a National Task Force on Mental Health, acknowledged the depth of the crisis and underscored the need for effective, enforceable frameworks addressing student wellbeing.

Crisis prevention is further emphasized by the need for timely interventions, recognizing that students in distress often do not seek help independently. It is vital that institutions take the lead in identifying students who require support, shifting the responsibility from individuals to the institutions themselves.

In conclusion, while the IITs represent the pinnacle of academic achievement in India and continue to produce leaders and innovators, the urgent need for mental health resources and a supportive academic culture has never been clearer. As families mourn losses like those of Varad and Darshan, the call for change within the IIT system resonates stronger than ever, urging stakeholders to take meaningful steps toward preventing further tragedies.

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