'What was my fault?': How India's exam paper leak ended young lives
The article explores the tragic suicide of 17-year-old Kahaan Patel, one of many students who took their lives following the cancellation of India's NEET medical entrance exam due to a paper leak. It highlights the immense pressure on students and the subsequent public outcry that led to political resignations.
Why it matters
It underscores the severe mental health crisis among Indian youth driven by high-stakes competitive education systems and systemic administrative failures.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Three days before his rescheduled exam, 17-year-old Kahaan Patel took his life
India correspondent Published 1 hour ago Three days before he was due to sit India's rescheduled medical entrance examination, 17-year-old Kahaan Patel jumped from the sixth floor of his family's apartment building in the western city of Ahmedabad.
When his family entered his bedroom after his death in the early hours of 18 June, it looked as though he might return at any moment.
His laptop was still open. Text books, notebooks, pens and markers lay scattered across his bed and study table. He was wearing his headphones when he jumped. In one corner stood his electric guitar, plugged into an amplifier. On the shelves were Harry Potter novels, a book on Elon Musk, a collection of Goosebumps horror novels and board games. There was a trophy for "consistent academic performance".
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in