Following the Indian education minister's resignation amid protests over exam cancellations and paper leaks, four families recount the devastating impact of academic pressure and systemic failures on their children.
Student suicides in India, including that of 18-year-old Akanksha, have surged following the cancellation of a medical entrance exam taken by 2 million students due to leaks. This, combined with high unemployment and an unregulated coaching industry, has triggered widespread protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, leading to the education minister's resignation.
India experienced significant anti-government protests after several students died by suicide following an order to retake a leaked medical school entrance exam. The unrest, fueled by student anger and parental sacrifices for education, led to the education minister's resignation and government promises of compensation.
A roundup of Indian news includes an 18-year-old Indian boy killed in a NYC horse carriage accident, the Palestinian Embassy in India calling for urgent medical aid amid a deepening crisis, and the Cockroach Janta Party protesting in New Delhi for the Education Minister's resignation over exam irregularities.
India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in New Delhi demanding Education Minister Pradhan's resignation over exam irregularities. The Palestinian Embassy requests urgent medical aid for its collapsing healthcare sector. Manipur police arrest 10 for violence and looting.
Abhijeet Dipke of CJP criticized the government's temporary Telegram ban ahead of the NEET re-exam, calling it a superficial fix. He highlighted ongoing student suicides and accused politicians of prioritizing personal gain over education.
Ahead of a protest, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke urged PM Modi to provide Rs 1 crore compensation to families of students who allegedly died by suicide amid examination controversies. Dipke also reiterated the demand to sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling for accountability.
A 26-year-old PhD scholar from Kerala was found dead in Verna, marking the second student suicide at BITS Pilani's Goa Campus in 2026. Authorities attribute the recurring incidents to 'suicide contagion' and have augmented mental health support on campus.
Education ministry has ordered corrective measures at NIT Kurukshetra following four student suicides in two months, including three in April. The death of a 20-year-old second-year student on April 16 triggered protests. Senior professor Brahmjit Singh has been appointed officiating director after B V Ramana Reddy's resignation was accepted. The ministry review examined academic environment, campus life and hostel management, with immediate measures including hostel upgrades and faculty training on student well-being.
Student mental health is a matter of great concern. According to the latest data from the Education Bureau, the number of secondary students with mental health issues has doubled over the past five years, from 660 in 2020-21 to 1,330 in 2024-25. In recent years, the government and various stakeholders in society have worked to halt the continued rise in student suicides. However, the number of suspected suicide cases still rose by 10 per cent between 2024 and 2025, from 28 to 31. To help...
