SUPREME COURT-PANEL SURVEY FINDS 9% OF STUDENTS REPORT SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

September 29, 2026

A nationwide survey conducted by the National Task Force appointed by the Supreme Court has found that about 9% of surveyed students in higher educational institutions reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. The findings form part of the task force’s broader assessment of mental-health challenges affecting students across India.

The survey covered more than 2.43 lakh students across higher educational institutions. Around 15% of respondents said that the preceding six months had been stressful, while concerns related to employment and academic pressures also emerged as significant issues.

The survey also highlighted concerns about students’ sense of belonging and access to institutional support. About 67% of the surveyed students belonged to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Class categories, with a proportion reporting feelings of social isolation within their institutions.

The National Task Force was constituted by the Supreme Court in March 2025 to examine student suicides and mental-health concerns in higher education and recommend measures to strengthen institutional support systems. Its nationwide surveys were conducted across students, faculty members, parents, mental-health professionals and the general public.

The findings have highlighted the need for educational institutions to strengthen counselling and mental-health services while also addressing academic pressure, social exclusion, financial concerns and other factors affecting student well-being. The task force is expected to submit its final recommendations as part of the continuing effort to improve student support systems across higher education.