20-Year-Old Hyderabad Student Dies By Suicide Amid ‘Intense’ Exam Pressure, Parents Say

A 20-year-old woman in Hyderabad allegedly died by suicide following intense exam pressure, highlighting growing concerns over the mental stress faced by young students. The incident occurred under the Kapra Circle limits and has left the local community in shock.

According to Kushai­guda police, the dead, Harshita, was an Intermediate student living with her family in DLR Enclave, Madhavapuri. She had reportedly failed to clear a few subjects in her previous Intermediate examinations and had been emotionally distressed for some time. Family members said she had been anxious about her academic future and was struggling with disappointment over her results.

With supplementary exams approaching, Harshita’s mother had encouraged her to prepare again

and complete the remaining subjects. Determined to pass this time, the student had been studying intensely over the past few days. However, the vast syllabus and limited preparation time are believed to have added to her stress. The fear of failing again reportedly weighed heavily on her.

Police said on Friday night that Harshita went into her bedroom and did not come out the next morning. When repeated knocks went unanswered, family members forced the door open and found her unresponsive. She was declared dead at the scene. The sudden loss of their daughter has left the family devastated.

Based on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother on Sunday, Kushai­guda police registered a case and began an investigation. The body was shifted to a hospital for post-mortem examination. Preliminary inquiries suggest academic stress as a contributing factor, though officials said further investigation is ongoing.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the psychological burden students often carry during exam seasons. Mental-health professionals and educators stress that academic scores should not be viewed as a measure of a person’s worth or future potential. They also urge parents to watch for signs of anxiety or withdrawal and to offer reassurance rather than pressure.

Experts stress that students experiencing overwhelming stress should feel encouraged to speak openly with parents, teachers, or counsellors. Early conversations and emotional support, they say, can make a critical difference in preventing such tragedies.