‘The other side’ of IITs: Student suicides haunt India’s top tech schools
In recent years, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has become synonymous with academic excellence and social prestige. However, beneath the surface of this prestigious reputation lies a troubling reality: a significant number of student suicides that have occurred across these esteemed institutions. Over the past two decades, at least 160 student deaths have been recorded, with 69 of those occurring in the last five years alone.
A Personal Tragedy
Sanjay Nerkar, a government employee from Nashik, Maharashtra, reflects on the loss of his son, Varad. Varad had achieved his lifelong dream of attending IIT-Delhi, one of the most prestigious IITs, only to succumb to the immense pressure and stress that accompanied his studies. On February 15, 2024, Varad died by suicide, marking the eighth such incident at IIT-Delhi since 2021.
“If I had known what IIT-Delhi would take away from me, I would never have sent him,” Sanjay laments. Varad had expressed feelings of intense academic stress and pressure from his supervisor just days before his death.
The IIT Admission Process
Admission to an IIT is a highly competitive process that symbolizes academic excellence in India. In 2025, approximately 1.3 million high school graduates took the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, with only about 250,000 qualifying for the next round, JEE Advanced. This final round allows candidates to compete for just 18,000 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) seats at the IITs. For Master of Technology (MTech) programs, the competition is similarly fierce, with around 800,000 to 1,000,000 candidates vying for about 8,500 spots.
The IITs have produced numerous successful figures, including Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, and Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM. Graduates from these institutions often command high salaries, with IIT alumni in the United States earning between $216,000 and $235,000 annually, significantly higher than the national average.
The Pressure Cooker Environment
Despite their reputation for excellence, life at the IITs is often characterized by intense pressure and relentless competition. While the institutes proudly announce record placement rates, many graduates face unemployment. In 2024, for instance, about 38 percent of IIT graduates were unplaced, a reality that is frequently overlooked to maintain the institutions’ prestige.
Dheeraj Singh, founder of the Global IIT-IIM Alumni Support Group, emphasizes the enormous expectations placed on students. “When academic pressure combines with placement stress, the situation becomes extremely serious,” he explains. Singh recounts a tragic incident involving a student from IIT-Kanpur who expressed suicidal thoughts due to fear of unemployment, ultimately leading to his death.
Tragic Stories of Loss
Among the many tragic stories is that of Darshan Solanki, a bright 20-year-old who dreamed of studying at IIT. His father, Ramesh, a plumber in Ahmedabad, recalls the joy of Darshan’s acceptance into IIT-Bombay. However, Darshan faced significant challenges, including discrimination related to his caste background as a Dalit, which deeply affected his mental health.
On February 12, 2023, Darshan died by suicide at IIT-Bombay. Ramesh describes the humiliation his son faced, stating, “The humiliation affected my son deeply, and then came the academic pressure. How can a 20-year-old bear both mental harassment and studies?” He criticized the IIT authorities for blaming Darshan’s inability to cope with academic pressure rather than acknowledging the systemic issues that contributed to his distress.
Addressing Mental Health
As the number of student suicides continues to rise, there is an urgent need for mental health support within the IITs. Many students struggle with the pressure to excel academically while also navigating the challenges of social dynamics and discrimination. The stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents students from seeking help.
Organizations like the Global IIT-IIM Alumni Support Group aim to provide support for students and bereaved families, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being alongside academic success. Singh advocates for a shift in focus from mere academic achievements to a more holistic approach that prioritizes mental health and emotional support.
Conclusion
The IITs, while celebrated for their academic rigor and successful alumni, must confront the darker side of their legacy—the tragic loss of students to suicide. As families like the Nerkar and Solanki families grieve their loved ones, it becomes increasingly clear that the pressure to succeed can have devastating consequences. Addressing mental health issues and creating a supportive environment for students is crucial to preventing further tragedies.
Note: The stories shared in this article highlight the urgent need for mental health awareness and support systems in educational institutions, particularly in high-pressure environments like the IITs.
