Teen Suicides Rising Around Exam Results: Experts Call for Urgent Change in Mindset Towards Marks and Success

Hyderabad, April 29, 2026: Rising incidents of teen suicides, particularly during examination result season, have become a matter of grave concern, demanding an immediate shift in the way society views exams, marks, and academic success. Many students experience severe anxiety while awaiting results, and for some families, result day has turned into a day of unimaginable tragedy.

According to Dr. Shiwani Kohli, Clinical Psychologist, examinations are merely tools designed to assess subject knowledge or determine eligibility for qualifications. However, in today’s society, marks are often wrongly treated as measures of intelligence, capability, and self-worth. She emphasized that true intelligence is a combination of intellectual ability, emotional resilience, and social awareness, none of which can be judged by scores alone.

Dr. Kohli noted that students today face immense pressure due to constant comparisons with peers and siblings, fear of failure, negative labeling, and unrealistic parental expectations. Family conflicts, personality challenges, and low self-esteem further add to the emotional burden, leaving many students feeling trapped and hopeless.

She stressed the importance of recognizing warning signs such as withdrawal, irritability, sudden mood swings, crying spells, unusual behavior, giving away personal belongings, or expressing a desire to meet distant relatives. These signals should never be ignored, as timely support and intervention can save lives.

Dr. Kohli also highlighted the need to nurture emotional intelligence in children. She said students must be encouraged to accept their strengths and limitations, and understand that success is not confined to academics alone. While some may become doctors or engineers, others may shine as artists, teachers, musicians, entrepreneurs, or innovators. Every path deserves equal dignity and respect.

She further warned that forcing children into careers against their interests can crush curiosity and motivation, leading to frustration, dissatisfaction, and mental health struggles. Instead, children should be given the freedom to explore their passions and choose careers that bring meaning and fulfillment.

Calling teen suicide a serious societal issue rather than just a family tragedy, Dr. Kohli urged parents, schools, institutions, and policymakers to work together in creating environments where mental health is valued more than marks and percentages.