Days before NEET re-test, student found dead in Rajasthan

Jaipur: A 22-year-old NEET aspirant was found dead at his residence in Rajasthan’s coaching hub of Sikar, just days before the scheduled NEET-UG re-examination, adding to growing concerns over the pressure faced by students amid the ongoing examination controversy.

The student, Umesh Mali, a native of Nawalgarh in Jhunjhunu district, was preparing for his third attempt at the medical entrance examination. He was staying in a residential complex on Piprali Road in Sikar along with his mother, elder sister and younger brother while preparing for the test.

According to police, the incident came to light on June 16 when Umesh was found hanging inside his room by his siblings after he had returned to the flat. His mother had earlier travelled back to their native place. Police recovered a suicide note from the scene and have launched an investigation based on its contents. Officials said the exact reason behind the death has not yet been established and all angles are being examined.

The body was sent to Shri Kalyan Government Hospital for post-mortem examination before being handed over to the family.

The death comes amid nationwide unrest over the NEET examination process. The original examination conducted by the National Testing Agency on May 3 was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak, with a re-examination scheduled for June 21.

Umesh’s death is the second reported student suicide in Sikar within a month. Another NEET aspirant, Pradeep Meghwal, died by suicide shortly after the announcement that the examination would be conducted again. The incidents have intensified concerns about the psychological burden placed on students by repeated exam disruptions and uncertainty surrounding the medical entrance process.

(Attention: If you are experiencing emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts, seek support from a mental health professional or contact a suicide prevention helpline. Help is available.)