Worried about student suicides, grandparents, mothers on sabbatical shift to Kota with children

Parents shift to Kota w/children to reduce stress of entrance exams; 22 student suicides in 2023; parents stay w/kids, provide comfort, acclimatize them to city to reduce risk of extreme steps.

From mothers on sabbatical to grandparents and homemakers, many people are choosing to shift to the coaching hub Kota with their children to ensure they are not stressed while preparing for entrance exams and do not take any extreme step.

Neeru Devi from Bihar's Sitamarhi has shifted to Kota, the country's coaching hub, at the age of 80 to be with her grandson who is preparing for the IIT entrance exam at an institute in Kota.

"We would not have been at peace back home," she said, shedding light on the mounting pressure faced by students preparing for medical and engineering entrance exams in Kota.

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The year 2023 saw the highest number of student suicides — 22 so far — with two ending their lives in a gap of a few hours on August 27. Last year, the figure was 15.

Packed schedule, cut-throat competition, constant pressure to do better, the burden of parents' expectations and homesickness, are among the common struggles of the students in Kota.

Many parents are now averse to putting their children in hostels. Instead, they are renting accommodation in Kota and staying with their children by even taking sabbaticals.