New Delhi: India’s prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have long been the dream destination for aspiring engineers, but alarming statistics have revealed a troubling trend—an increasing number of students are taking their own lives. Over the past decade, the number of student suicides at IITs has surged by more than 150%, sparking widespread concern and calls for an independent inquiry commission to address the issue.
According to data obtained via Right to Information (RTI) requests, 127 students have died by suicide in IITs over the past 20 years. While 35 suicides occurred between 2005 and 2014, a staggering 92 were recorded from 2014 to 2024. This worrying rise in suicides has led to growing demands for a deeper investigation into the causes, with many pointing to academic pressure as a significant factor.
In the first nine months of 2024 alone, 10 students have taken their own lives—five boys and five girls. Among the IITs, IIT Madras has recorded the highest number of suicides, with 26 students lost to suicide over the years. Other institutes have also seen a concerning number of cases: IIT Kanpur with 18, IIT Kharagpur with 14, IIT Guwahati with 13, and IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay, both reporting 10 suicides.
Growing Demands for Independent Commission
Amid this crisis, calls are mounting for the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the root causes of these tragedies. It has been suggested that the commission include psychiatrists and mental health professionals, but exclude IIT professors, to ensure an impartial and thorough examination.
Dheeraj Singh, a former IIT Kanpur student who filed the RTI request, stressed the need for reforms. “Earlier, we would hear about a suicide every four months. Now, it seems to be happening almost monthly. Academic pressure is the number one cause. There needs to be peer mentorship at the hostel and branch levels, and academic reforms are essential. The ministry should also take a lead in forming an Independent Commission of Inquiry, with psychiatrists, not professors, to determine accountability.”
Psychological Autopsy: A Potential Solution
Mental health experts, including Dr. Harish Shetty, a renowned psychiatrist, have also weighed in, emphasising the importance of conducting “psychological autopsies” in such cases. Dr. Shetty explained that this process would involve psychiatrists, psychologists, and legal experts, who would thoroughly analyse a student’s history, including their social media activity, personal relationships, and academic pressures, to better understand the root causes of their distress.
“Psychological autopsy is critical,” Dr. Shetty said. “By delving deep into the student’s interactions, mental state, and social connections over the past six months, we can uncover the real problems and work toward a solution.”
The Need for Change
As the number of suicides continues to rise, the pressure is mounting on the government and educational institutions to take action. Many are calling for a holistic approach that combines academic reform, peer mentorship, and comprehensive mental health support. The creation of an independent inquiry commission, without the involvement of IIT professors, could provide the objectivity and expertise needed to tackle this crisis and protect the well-being of students.
The mental health challenges faced by students at India’s most elite engineering institutes have now become too grave to ignore, and with lives at stake, the demand for systemic change has never been more urgent.
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