Thane: A 17-year-old student who scored 95.7 per cent in his Class 12 science examinations died by suicide after failing to secure admission to the institute he hoped to join, police said.
A high score could not ease his disappointment
The teenager, who lived with his family in Hiranandani Estate on Ghodbunder Road, had hoped to pursue a BS-MS dual degree at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, in West Bengal.
Despite his strong Class 12 performance, he could not secure a seat after obtaining rank 10,474 in the institute’s aptitude test. Police said the disappointment over missing admission to his preferred institute appeared to have caused considerable academic and admission-related distress.
Family alerted police after distress message
According to police, the boy left home around 7.30 pm on September 4, telling his family that he was going cycling. At about 8.15 pm, he sent a message to the family WhatsApp group indicating that he intended to end his life.
The family immediately alerted Kasarvadavali police after finding his phone switched off. Police personnel joined relatives in searching the area and found the teenager severely injured near his residential complex.
He was taken to Thane Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. An accidental death report has been registered based on his father’s statement, and police said the family does not suspect foul play.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about the intense academic pressure faced by young people, particularly when admission outcomes are seen as defining their future. A single examination or college decision cannot determine a student’s worth or potential, and families and educational institutions have an important role in recognising distress and offering support