A recent nationwide survey by the Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force (NTF) found that about 9% of students in higher education institutions reported experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past year. The survey also revealed that 15% of students felt overwhelmed or distressed in the previous six months, underscoring significant mental health challenges faced by students across India.
- 9% of students experienced suicidal thoughts often or very often in the past year.
- 15% felt overwhelmed or distressed continuously for several weeks in the last six months.
- 34% felt like outsiders on their campuses, with many reporting caste-based discrimination.
- 56% trusted their institution's administration to handle serious issues fairly.
- 32% said their institutions did not offer counselling services.
What does the survey reveal about student mental health?
The survey, which included responses from over 243,000 students—67% of whom belonged to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC)—highlighted several mental health concerns. Many students reported feelings of anxiety, low moods, and distress lasting for weeks. Suicidal thoughts were reported by nearly one in ten students, indicating a serious need for mental health support.
How does caste-based discrimination affect students?
The NTF survey found that about 34% of students felt like outsiders on their campuses, often due to caste-based discrimination. Students reported humiliation and discrimination in admissions, grading, language barriers, and faculty attention. The task force noted that caste identification through entrance exam ranks like NEET-UG and JEE also contributed to these feelings.
What academic and social challenges do students face?
Students described strict attendance policies, heavy academic workloads, and intense competition, especially in medical and engineering colleges. Medical students reported on-call hours exceeding human limits. Faculty shortages and inconsistent academic support were common in state universities. Many students felt under-prepared due to inadequate practical training and reported exploitative or neglectful supervision during PhD studies.
What support systems are currently available?
While 56% of students expressed trust in their institution's administration to handle serious issues fairly, about 32% said their institutions lacked counselling services. The NTF emphasized the urgent need for standardized student support systems, faculty training, stigma reduction, crisis protocols, and transparent administration to better address mental health.
What actions is the National Task Force taking?
Constituted by the Supreme Court in March last year, the NTF is preparing a final report expected by October 31. The task force has conducted institutional visits and stakeholder consultations across various states and institutions. It is headed by Justice S Ravindra Bhat and includes experts in psychiatry, psychology, and social sciences. Their goal is to recommend measures to prevent student suicides and improve mental health support in higher education.
Where can students seek help?
Students or anyone experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek help. Helplines such as AASRA (contact number 9820466726) and iCALL (contact number 9152987821) offer counselling and emotional support. It is important to reach out to friends, family, or professionals when in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What percentage of students reported suicidal thoughts?
A: About 9% of students reported experiencing suicidal thoughts often or very often in the past year.
Q: What are some causes of mental distress among students?
A: Causes include academic pressure, social discrimination, caste-based humiliation, inadequate support, and intense competition.
Q: Does every institution provide counselling services?
A: No, roughly 32% of students said their institutions did not offer counselling services.
Q: Who leads the National Task Force?
A: The task force is headed by Justice S Ravindra Bhat and includes experts from various fields related to mental health and education.
Q: How can students get help if they feel suicidal?
A: Students can call helplines like AASRA or iCALL for confidential counselling and support.
