Tragic Death of NEET Aspirant Highlights Mental Health Crisis Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's Visit

The recent suicide of a NEET aspirant in Sikar has brought to light the pressing mental health issues faced by students preparing for competitive exams. This incident occurs just before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Kota, where he plans to address the challenges students encounter. Umesh Mali, the 22-year-old victim, was preparing for his third attempt at the NEET exam. His death follows another recent suicide of a NEET candidate, raising concerns about the support systems in place for students. Gandhi's upcoming program aims to foster dialogue on these critical issues, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms in the education sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 11:43 IST

A Grim Incident in Sikar

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Jaipur, June 16: As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi prepares for his visit to Kota on June 17 to protest against a recent paper leak, a tragic incident has emerged from Sikar, Rajasthan, where a NEET aspirant was discovered dead, underscoring the ongoing mental health challenges faced by students preparing for competitive exams.

Umesh Mali, a 22-year-old NEET candidate attempting the exam for the third time, was found hanging in his family's residence in Sikar on Monday. Authorities have retrieved a suicide note and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

This incident marks the second suicide of a NEET aspirant in Sikar within a month.

According to Rajesh Kumar Budania, the SHO of Udyog Nagar, Umesh, who hailed from Kari village in Nawalgarh, was residing in a private housing complex with his mother, sister, and younger brother while he prepared for the exam. His family discovered him upon returning home in the afternoon. After a post-mortem, his body was returned to the family. Umesh's father, Laxmanram Mali, is a tiles contractor based in Mumbai, and the family owns the flat where Umesh was studying.

The NEET re-examination is set for June 21, marking Umesh's third attempt. Family members reported that he had returned to Sikar on Monday morning after taking his mother to their village.

Umesh's death follows the suicide of another NEET aspirant, 23-year-old Pradeep Mahich from Jhunjhunu district, who took his life in Sikar just a month prior. Pradeep had been preparing for NEET for three years and was considered academically capable, yet he had been experiencing emotional turmoil leading up to his death.

Pradeep's case gained national attention when NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar arranged a meeting between his family and Rahul Gandhi. The family later met Gandhi in New Delhi, where he expressed his condolences and promised support. This latest tragedy occurs just before Gandhi's visit to Kota.

During his visit, the Congress leader will engage in a program addressing student suicides and the immense pressures faced by students in the country's largest coaching hub. Congress workers indicated that Rahul Gandhi will spend around four and a half hours, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., interacting directly with students. Notably, there will be no formal speeches from political figures; instead, Gandhi will have one-on-one conversations to hear students' concerns and suggestions.

Students preparing for various competitive exams, including NEET aspirants, are invited to participate in this event.

This initiative marks the Congress party's launch of a nationwide outreach campaign aimed at addressing issues impacting youth, such as alleged irregularities in competitive exams, the NEET paper leak scandal, and broader educational concerns.

In light of another aspirant's tragic death just before the visit, the focus on student welfare in Rajasthan's coaching centers has intensified, prompting renewed discussions about the adequacy of current support systems and the necessity for systemic reforms, according to officials.