NTF flags IIT suicides, caste and competition

New Delhi: In light of recent student suicides at IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi, the National Task Force (NTF) on Mental Health of Students and Prevention of Suicides has come under scrutiny. Established by the Supreme Court in March 2025, the task force aims to address mental health concerns in higher education institutions. Their interim report, submitted by November, has highlighted several alarming issues, particularly at IITs and IIMs.

The report reveals a troubling dropout rate among students from disadvantaged communities, with 13,600 students from these backgrounds dropping out of premier institutions between 2018 and 2023. This trend persists despite fee waivers and other government support, suggesting underlying academic or other forms of stress. The panel also noted a significant faculty-student mismatch, with 56% of faculty members belonging to socially advantaged groups, while 60% of students come from SC, ST, or OBC communities.

Casting a spotlight on the competitive culture prevalent in leading institutes, the NTF emphasized the detrimental effects of a relentless academic competition, where success is measured by grades, ranks, and placement packages. This culture, they argue, can lead to depression, dropouts, and even suicide. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the caste factor, with faculty members noting that many students enter IITs with unclear academic intentions, often finding themselves stuck with courses they do not wish to pursue.

The emphasis on CGPA cut-offs and grade revisions fuels intense competition and can result in exclusion and isolation for students from disadvantaged sections.