‘9/10 feels like failure’: After IIT Bombay suicide, students talk about pressure

The death of an IIT Bombay student by suicide has sparked discussions among fellow students about the intense pressure they face at the institution. While entering an IIT can initially be exciting, students soon find themselves comparing academically and experiencing a fear of not performing well, known as FOMO. This pressure is especially acute for those who have spent years preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which is considered one of India's toughest entrance exams.

Once students arrive on campus, the competition does not end; they continue to navigate it through academics, internships, placements, research, and the expectations to excel in all aspects of college life. The student who spoke to the reporter said that even achieving a grade as high as 9 out of 10 can feel like a failure, and this sense of inadequacy can be overwhelming.

The IIT student population often identifies strongly with being IITians, which adds to the pressure they experience. Psychologists warn that this can create a strong sense of self-competition, leading students to feel they must be perfect, outperform everyone, and avoid being mediocre. Experts note that while striving to be the best is healthy, it should not come at the cost of mental well-being.

The pressure to perform can be so intense that students may neglect self-care, hobbies, and creative activities. They may also struggle with sleep, diet, and exercise, which can further affect their mood and concentration. Dr. Santosh Bangar, a senior psychiatrist, explains that students face multi-pronged pressure from academics, career expectations, competition, relationships, and the desire to meet societal expectations.

Without adequate emotional support, this pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, and in some cases, mental health concerns.

A major obstacle preventing students from seeking professional help is the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Dr. Bangar urges parents, teachers, and friends to watch for changes in behavior, such as social withdrawal, disturbed sleep, loss of interest, sudden academic performance changes, or persistent hopelessness. Early support and open conversations can make a significant difference, as students need to know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness and their worth should not be solely measured by their academic performance.

Some experts even propose the use of psychological autopsies to understand the circumstances leading to suicide. This involves gathering information from family, friends, teachers, and reviewing relevant records to identify stressors, behavioral changes, support systems, and warning signs that may have been present. By examining these factors, mental health professionals aim to provide better support and prevent future tragedies.