By: Tariq Bin Nawaz
As exam season approaches, a silent crisis unfolds in classrooms and homes across South Asia and beyond. The pressure to excel academically is mounting, and for many students, the stakes feel impossibly high. Hidden behind closed doors and beneath the surface of school rankings is a growing epidemic: student suicides linked to exam stress. This is not just a statistic—it’s a human tragedy that demands urgent attention.
The Weight of Expectations
In many Asian societies, academic achievement is often seen as the primary path to success and social mobility. Parents, teachers, and even entire communities invest hopes and dreams in the results of a single exam. In India, for example, every year two major board exams—at the end of 10th and 12th grade—can determine a student’s future opportunities. The competition for limited seats in prestigious colleges is fierce, and media coverage of results only amplifies the pressure.
The numbers are sobering. In Pakistan, reports indicate that student suicides related to exam pressure have been steadily rising, with estimates suggesting that a significant portion of youth suicides are linked to academic stress and failure, though comprehensive national data remains limited due to underreporting and stigma. In 2022, India reported 170,924 suicides, with 7.6% attributed to students. Of these, 2,248 deaths were directly linked to exam failure. In South Korea, exam-related suicides accounted for 12.9% of all suicides, while a study in Bangladesh found that 25% of students had attempted suicide before sitting for university entrance exams. These figures represent real lives—young people who felt trapped by expectations and unable to see a way forward.
The Psychological Toll of Exam Stress
Exam pressure doesn’t just affect grades—it takes a profound toll on mental health. Students experiencing chronic stress often report symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, and even physical ailments like headaches and muscle tension. Performance anxiety can erode self-confidence and create a cycle where fear of failure leads to poor performance, which in turn fuels more anxiety.
Mental health experts warn that these issues are escalating. In cities like Bikaner, India, the number of students seeking psychiatric help for exam-related stress has doubled in recent years. Symptoms range from low mood and irritability to a sense of worthlessness and, in severe cases, suicidal ideation.
Depression is a particularly dangerous consequence. Studies show that one in four students may experience depressive symptoms, and one in ten may have suicidal thoughts. Depression impairs academic performance, increases the risk of dropping out, and, most tragically, can lead to self-injury or suicide.
Stories Behind the Statistics
Behind every statistic is a deeply personal story. In Pakistan, the intense pressure surrounding board exams and competitive entrance tests has led to heartbreaking consequences. In 2022, following the announcement of results for the Medical and Engineering College Admission Tests (MDCAT and ECAT), several students tragically took their own lives, overwhelmed by the weight of disappointment and the fear of letting down their families.
One particularly poignant case came from Lahore, where a 16-year-old girl left a note expressing that the relentless pressure to achieve top marks had become unbearable. She wrote about the constant fear of failure and the feeling that her worth was tied solely to her exam results. Her story resonated deeply with many families facing similar struggles across Pakistan’s urban and rural areas.
In Karachi, a young boy preparing for his board exams suffered from severe anxiety and depression due to the high expectations placed on him by his parents and teachers. Despite his best efforts, he felt isolated and unable to share his fears, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome.
These stories are not isolated incidents—they echo across cities, towns, and villages throughout Pakistan, revealing the hidden and urgent crisis of exam-related stress and student suicides. Each story is a stark reminder of the human cost behind the numbers and the urgent need for compassion, support, and systemic change. Why Is the Pressure So Intense?
Several factors contribute to the overwhelming stress students face:
Cultural and Familial Expectations: In many families, academic success is equated with worth and future security. Parents may unintentionally project their ambitions onto their children, creating a climate where anything less than perfection feels like failure.
Educational System: Systems that emphasize rote learning, high-stakes exams, and one-point evaluations leave little room for holistic development or alternative pathways to success.
Lack of Support: Many schools lack adequate counseling services, and mental health remains a taboo subject in many communities. Students often feel isolated, unable to share their struggles with family or friends.
Media and Social Comparison: The public celebration of top scorers and the stigma attached to failure further intensify the sense of pressure and shame.
The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Individual
Exam stress doesn’t just affect individual students—it ripples through families and communities. Parents may experience guilt or grief, siblings may feel increased pressure, and entire peer groups can be shaken by the loss of a friend. The societal cost is immense, affecting not only educational outcomes but also long-term mental health and productivity.
Breaking the Silence: What Can Be Done?
Addressing this hidden crisis requires a multi-pronged approach:
Promote Mental Health Awareness: Schools and communities must recognize the signs of stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Early intervention can save lives.
Provide Support Systems: Access to counselors, peer support groups, and mental health professionals is critical. Workshops and stress management programs can equip students with coping skills.
Rethink Education: Shifting from a narrow focus on exam scores to a more holistic approach can reduce pressure. Encouraging diverse talents and alternative career paths helps students find value beyond marks.
Engage Families: Parents need guidance on how to support their children emotionally, set realistic expectations, and recognize when professional help is needed.
Encourage Open Conversation: Breaking the stigma around mental health and failure allows students to seek help without fear or shame.
A Call for Compassion
Exam pressure and student suicide are not just educational issues—they are matters of life and death. Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream without the shadow of overwhelming stress. As a society, we must listen to their voices, recognize their struggles, and offer the support and compassion they need.
No exam result is worth a life. By addressing this hidden crisis with empathy and action, we can ensure that education becomes a source of hope, not despair, for the next generation.
Also read: Educational use of Social media and Parental Control: A Comprehensive Analysis
