Student from Kanpur Dies by Suicide on Railway Track Two Days Before JEE Main Exam
Kota, Rajasthan — March 31, 2025: In a heartbreaking incident just two days before the JEE Main April attempt, a 17-year-old coaching student from Kanpur died by suicide in Kota, the coaching hub of India. The student reportedly jumped in front of a moving train on the Mumbai-Delhi railway line near Rajiv Nagar on Sunday evening around 6:30 PM.
According to Sub-Inspector Dharm Singh of the GRPF Police Station, the student was seen lying on the tracks moments before a train passed. Identity documents and a mobile phone recovered from the site helped in confirming his identity.
A Promising Life Cut Short
The deceased, identified as Ujjwal Mishra, was a JEE aspirant who had been living in a hostel in Rajiv Nagar, Kota for the past two years while preparing for engineering entrance exams.
His father, Dr. Deepak Mishra, an agricultural scientist in Kanpur, shared that Ujjwal had completed one of his JEE Main papers on March 29 and was scheduled to appear for another attempt on April 2 in Lucknow. Dr. Mishra was en route to Kota to help his son pack and return home when the tragic news came.
“I last spoke to him at 11 PM. I told him I was coming to take him for his exam. His bus ticket was already booked,” Dr. Mishra said. “There was no suicide note. Only his admit card was found in his room. He seemed fine; we never imagined something like this.”
No Suicide Note, No Warning Signs
Police have confirmed that no suicide note was found in the hostel room, and no prior signs of distress were reported by hostel staff or family. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and potential mental health stressors.
A Grim Reminder of Pressure in Kota
Kota, often called India’s “IIT coaching capital,” sees thousands of students each year preparing for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. However, the city has also been the center of concern due to the mental health toll on young aspirants. This incident once again highlights the urgent need for emotional and psychological support systems in high-pressure academic environments.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a 24×7 helpline such as:
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iCall – 9152987821
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AASRA – 91-22-27546669 / 91-22-27546667
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Vandrevala Foundation – 1860 2662 345 / 1800 2333 330
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
