Nearly 1 in 11 Students Experienced Frequent Suicidal Thoughts: SC Survey
What Happened
A nationwide survey conducted by a Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force found that 9% of over 2.43 lakh higher education students reported experiencing suicidal thoughts "often" or "very often" in the past year. Additionally, 15% said they had faced a prolonged period of distress, low mood or anxiety during the previous six months. The survey also highlighted concerns about campus life and institutional support: 34% of students said they felt like outsiders on campus. Only 56% trusted their institution's administration to handle serious issues fairly. Around 32% reported that their institution did not provide counselling services. The findings will form part of the task force's final report on student mental health and suicide prevention, due to be submitted to the Supreme Court by 31 October 2026.
Key Takeaways
The findings suggest that student mental health challenges are widespread, with significant numbers reporting distress, isolation and inadequate support, prompting calls for systemic reforms across higher education institutions.