Sharp rise in student suicidesStudents’ share of total suicides growsWhy the trend is alarmingSupporting students’ mental health: What can be doneThe number of student suicides in India has seen a worrying surge over the past decade, with data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) showing a 65% rise between 2013 and 2023. The steep climb in student suicides has outpaced the overall increase in suicide deaths in the country, raising urgent concerns about mental health, academic stress, and the socio-economic pressures faced by India’s youth.In 2013, India recorded 8,423 student suicides. Total suicide deaths in the country rose 27% over the past decade: from 1.35 lakh in 2013 to 1.71 lakh in 2023. Compared to 1.39 lakh in 2019, the total suicide toll in 2023 represents a 23% rise.Students formed 8.1% of the total suicide deaths in 2023, a significant rise from 6.2% in 2013. Policy measures, such as exam reforms and wider access to counsellors, along with financial support like scholarships, can ease stress.