Kota: 20-Year-Old NEET Aspirant Dies by Suicide in Rajasthan
A 20-year-old medical aspirant from Madhya Pradesh allegedly died by suicide at her rented apartment in Kota, Rajasthan, late Tuesday evening. The deceased, identified as Khooshbu Patel, was found hanging in her room in the Landmark City area under the Kunhadi police station limits.
A 20-year-old NEET aspirant from Madhya Pradesh was found dead at her rented accommodation in Rajasthan's Kota on Tuesday night, police said. The incident has taken the number of reported suicide deaths involving coaching students in the Rajasthan education hub to eight since January this year. The student was found hanging from a ceiling fan, according to police. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, TOI reported.
Student Was Preparing for NEET
The woman had been living in Kota while preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), one of India's most competitive medical entrance examinations. Kota: Class 11 Student Dies by Suicide After Father Takes Away Mobile Phone Over Gaming.
Police are examining the circumstances leading up to the incident and are gathering information from people known to the student. No conclusion about the reason for her death has been established at this stage.
Eighth Reported Case in Kota This Year
The latest incident is the eighth reported suicide involving a coaching student in Kota since January 2026, according to the report. Kota is one of India's major coaching centres for students preparing for examinations such as NEET and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). Thousands of students move to the city each year, often living away from their families while attending coaching classes. The recurring deaths have renewed concerns about academic pressure, isolation and the availability of adequate mental-health support for students. Kota Shocker: NEET-UG 2026 Aspirant Dies by Suicide a Day Before Exam, Jumps From Hostel Roof.
Authorities Investigating
Police are investigating the case and are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death, including her recent academic and personal situation. Officials have not established a definitive cause or motive based on the information available so far.
The latest case adds to continuing concerns over student welfare in Kota, where authorities and coaching institutes have introduced measures in recent years aimed at reducing stress and improving access to counselling.
Wider Concern Over Student Mental Health
Student suicides in Kota have repeatedly drawn attention to the pressures associated with competitive examinations. The issue has prompted calls for greater emphasis on mental-health support, regular counselling and closer communication between students, families and educational institutions.
The latest death once again puts the focus on the need for students facing severe stress to have access to timely professional support and people they can approach without fear or judgment.
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.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 02:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).