A day before the NEET-UG 2026 exam, a 20-year-old student from Uttarakhand died by suicide in Rajasthan’s Kota, underscoring the intense pressures faced by aspirants in the coaching hub. Identified as Dixit Prasad, the student allegedly jumped from the roof of his hostel in the Kunhari area on Saturday morning. Police said no suicide note was recovered, and the body has been sent for post-mortem after informing the family. The incident has sent shockwaves through the locality and among fellow students, with investigators probing exam-related stress and other possible factors. The tragedy comes as thousands of candidates prepare for the medical entrance test scheduled for May 3.
Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued guidelines to ensure smooth conduct of the exam. Candidates are permitted to carry only transparent water bottles into exam halls, while articles of faith are allowed under certain conditions, provided candidates report early for proper frisking. The advisory also outlines dress codes and permissible items to avoid last-minute complications. As Kota grapples with another student death, the incident highlights the recurring concerns over mental health and stress management among aspirants, even as authorities emphasize adherence to exam protocols for a hassle-free process.