A 21-year-old IIT-Bombay student from Rajasthan, Naman Agarwal, tragically died after falling from the hostel terrace in the early hours of Wednesday, sparking renewed concerns about mental health support on Indian campuses. Naman, a second-year BTech Civil Engineering student from Pilani in Jhunjhunu district, was found critically injured on the ground near Hostel No. 4 at the Powai campus and was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
According to police officials, Naman, who resided in Hostel No. 3, was discovered at Hostel No. 4 around 1:30 am. Security personnel and fellow students, alerted by a loud noise, rushed to the scene. Authorities have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), and no suicide note has been recovered. Investigators are recording statements from hostel mates and friends to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The student’s family has been informed, and a post-mortem examination is underway. This incident highlights a concerning trend of student suicides at premier institutes, with over 35 cases reported across IITs in the past five years. Recently, a PhD scholar at IIT-Kanpur died by suicide on January 20, 2026, and IIT-Bombay witnessed a similar tragedy in February 2023.
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Experts cite intense academic pressure, competition, isolation from family, and anxiety over future careers as key factors contributing to student distress. Mental health professionals emphasize that preventive measures need to go beyond reactive interventions to address underlying academic and social pressures on students.
In response to rising incidents, IITs have implemented measures including mental health screenings, expanded counseling services, restricted rooftop access, and safety installations in hostels. Despite these initiatives, students and experts stress that systemic changes in campus culture and sustained emotional support are crucial to curb the trend of student suicides.
The tragic death of Naman Agarwal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health frameworks in higher education institutions across India. Authorities and educators are being urged to prioritize student well-being alongside academic excellence.
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