A 19-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide in Hyderabad on June 20, 2026, just a day before the scheduled retest of the medical entrance exam. The student, identified as Sana, had scored over 90 per cent in her Intermediate examinations and had been determined to secure admission to a medical college.
Incident Details
Sana was found hanging in her room at her residence in the Old City area of Hyderabad. Her family members rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. According to police, no suicide note was recovered, but preliminary investigations suggest that the pressure of the upcoming NEET retest and the recent paper leak controversy may have contributed to her extreme step.
Context of the Retest
The NEET retest was ordered by the Supreme Court following a major paper leak scandal that affected thousands of aspirants across the country. The leak had caused widespread anxiety and uncertainty among students, many of whom had to prepare for the retest under immense stress. Sana's father told reporters, "She was constantly worried about the retest and the impact of the leak on her chances. She felt no one was responsible for the chaos."
Rising Student Suicides
This incident marks the third student suicide in Hyderabad related to the NEET retest in the past month. Earlier this week, a 17-year-old boy died by suicide in the same city, and another student from Warangal took her life last week. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, student suicides in India have risen by 12 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year, with exam-related stress being a leading cause.
Official Response
Telangana Education Minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy expressed grief over the incident and urged students to stay calm. "We are deeply saddened. The government is providing counseling services for students appearing for the retest. No one should feel alone; help is available," she said in a statement. The National Testing Agency has also set up a helpline for students facing exam anxiety.
Impact on the Community
The repeated suicides have sparked outrage among student groups and parents, who are demanding better mental health support and accountability for the paper leak. A protest was held outside the Hyderabad District Collectorate on June 21, with demonstrators holding placards reading "Stop the Exam Madness" and "Students' Lives Matter." The Supreme Court has directed the NTA to ensure all security measures are in place for the retest to prevent further leaks.
Conclusion
As the NEET retest begins on June 22, authorities are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. Counseling centers have been set up at exam venues, and helplines are operational 24/7. The tragic loss of Sana highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in exam management and mental health support for students.
