Karnataka: 18-Year-Old NEET Aspirant Dies by Suicide in Kalaburagi
An 18-year-old medical aspirant, Bhagyashree, died by suicide at her Kalaburagi residence. Scoring 92 per cent in her PUC exams, her father noted she showed no prior distress but may have been anxious about reappearing for the NEET-UG exam. The case follows the nationwide cancellation of the May 3 test, which the NTA rescheduled for June 21.
An 18-year-old medical aspirant allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, police confirmed on Sunday, May 24. The student, identified as Bhagyashree, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her home. The incident follows the recent nation-wide cancellation of the NEET-UG entrance examination, which has triggered widespread anxiety among students across the country.
Academic Background and Family Statement
Bhagyashree was an accomplished student who had recently cleared her Pre-University Course (PUC) examinations with an exceptional score of 92 per cent. According to her family, she had been preparing diligently for a career in medicine and had appeared for the highly competitive medical entrance test earlier this month. NEET UG Re-Exam 2026: Punjab Govt Announces Free Bus Travel for Aspirants on June 20–22 (Watch Video).
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, her father, Rajashekhar, stated that there were no visible signs of domestic strain or personal distress prior to the tragedy. "There was no distress or problem in our family, and we were living happily," Rajashekhar said. “She had performed well (in NEET), everything was going well. Maybe she had some feelings in her mind about writing it (NEET) again. I do not blame anyone, I do not accuse anyone. We do not know her pain or suffering. What can I say?" he added.
Police Investigation Underway
Local law enforcement officials from the Station Bazaar police station arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Preliminary investigation reports from a police source confirm that no suicide note was recovered from the premises, and no explicit reason for the extreme step was left behind. Authorities have officially registered a case regarding the incident. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact circumstances leading up to the student's death.
Context of the National NEET-UG Academic Crisis
The tragedy comes amid heightened stress within India's student community following severe administrative disruptions to competitive exams. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), which originally took place on May 3, was completely cancelled by national authorities after widespread allegations of a question paper leak surfaced. NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam: Dharmendra Pradhan Holds High-Level Security Meeting, Orders Crackdown on Fake Telegram Channels.
To rectify the evaluation process, the National Testing Agency (NTA) subsequently scheduled a mandatory national re-examination for June 21 Academic counselors note that the sudden cancellation and the pressure to reappear for the high-stakes test have significantly augmented stress levels among lakhs of medical aspirants nationwide.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 24, 2026 05:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
