In the bustling educational hub of Kota, Rajasthan, thousands of students converge each year to prepare for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). On October 26, 2026, two students lost their lives in the city.
Ajit Dhakad, a 16‑year‑old from Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh, appeared for the JEE that day. After the exam, he returned to his private accommodation (PG) in Kota. His family reported him missing, and police later found his body in his room, confirming a suicide. Ajit had requested a separate room in the hostel after initially living in a shared accommodation. According to his uncle, Sitaram Dhakad, "He had taken a separate room in the hostel. Initially, he lived in a shared room, but later he requested a separate one. He was preparing for the JEE. A test was scheduled for 9 AM on Sunday, but he did not appear for it."
Later that day, a 19‑year‑old student from Bihar was found unconscious in a hostel bathroom. Despite medical attention, he later died. The incident added to the day's sorrow and raised concerns about student well‑being.
Initially, he lived in a shared room, but later he requested a separate one.
In response to these tragic events, the Rajasthan state government has activated support mechanisms for students and families affected by such incidents. The state’s health line 104 and Tele‑MANAS 14416 are offering psychological support and counseling services.
The two deaths underscore the intense pressure faced by exam aspirants in Kota and the need for stronger mental‑health safeguards within the coaching ecosystem.