Supreme Court Addresses Student Mental Health Amid Rising Suicide Rates

The Supreme Court has raised alarms over the deteriorating mental health of students, attributing the rise in suicide rates to intense academic pressure. In a recent ruling, the court mandated educational institutions to implement measures ensuring mental health safety, including hiring qualified counselors and avoiding performance-based student divisions. The court's directives aim to create a supportive environment for students, especially in light of alarming statistics showing a significant increase in student suicides linked to exam failures. This ruling comes as a response to a tragic case involving a medical student, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes in the education sector.

By Ambika Singh Jul 26, 2025, 11:25 IST

Concerns Over Education's Impact on Mental Health

The fundamental essence of education has become distorted, as students are pushed into a relentless competition against one another. This ongoing psychological pressure has led to a troubling increase in suicide cases. These observations were made by the Supreme Court during a recent hearing. The court has mandated that all educational institutions, including coaching centers, must prioritize the mental health safety of their students.

Key Directives from the Court

The court issued several crucial directives to educational institutions. These include:

1. Hiring qualified counselors or psychologists.

2. Avoiding division of students into batches based solely on academic performance.

3. Ensuring mandatory training for staff by certified mental health professionals at least twice a year.

Creating Systems to Save Students' Lives

Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed regret that the education system has transformed into a high-stakes race focused on achievement, prestige, and financial security. They emphasized the need for a system to protect students who may take extreme measures due to various pressures. The ongoing psychological crises, academic burdens, and institutional insensitivity reflect a systemic failure that cannot be overlooked.

Education Should Empower, Not Burden

The court reiterated that the purpose of education is to liberate students, not to impose burdens on them. True success in education lies not in grades or rankings but in fostering individuals who can live with dignity, confidence, and purpose. This ruling was made in response to a petition filed by the parents of a medical student who had committed suicide, prompting the court to order a CBI investigation due to flaws in the Andhra Pradesh police inquiry.

Tragic Statistics on Student Suicides

The court has instructed states and union territories to notify regulations regarding the registration of all private coaching centers, student safety standards, and grievance redressal mechanisms within two months. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India recorded 170,924 suicide cases in 2022, with 7.6% (approximately 13,044) involving students. Notably, 2,248 of these deaths were directly linked to exam failures. The number of student suicides has surged from 5,425 in 2001 to 13,044 in 2022, as per NCRB data.