Medical Student, 20, Missing for Over a Week in Kota’s Coaching Hub

Tripti Singh, a 20-year-old NEET aspirant, has been missing for over a week in Kota, Rajasthan, known for its intense exam coaching culture. This has raised concerns about the pressure placed on students in the city. Singh, who hails from Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar, was reported missing on April 23 after going to write her exam on April 21 and not returning.

She was staying at a hostel in Gobriya Bavdi area of the city. A missing report was filed by the hostel owner, and the police have initiated a search, including scanning CCTV footage and sending a team to Uttar Pradesh. There have been growing concerns about the mental health and well-being of students in Kota, where a 19-year-old NEET aspirant reportedly died by suicide earlier this week, marking the seventh such case this year.

In 2023, there were 26 suspected suicide cases among coaching students in Kota. The city, a coaching hub attracting students from all over India, has a large floating population of nearly two lakh students, many of whom are away from home for the first time and are vulnerable. The police and the student’s family are actively searching for Tripti Singh, highlighting the need for better support and mental health resources for students in Kota’s competitive academic environment.