18-Year-Old Kills Himself Over Fear Of Failing An Examination

An 18-year-old boy allegedly killed himself after being consumed by fear of failing a medical entrance examination in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India on Wednesday, June 29.

The teen, identified only as P Dhanush, reportedly aspired to become a doctor and had previously taken the NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) exam in 2021. NEET is the qualifying entrance examination to gain admission to programs in Indian medical and dental colleges.

Dhanush reportedly scored 153 marks on the tests in 2021. However, he failed to clear the examination last year and decided to enrol at a private coaching center in the city to better his performance and retake the exam this year, the New Indian Express reported.

The private coaching center reportedly demanded an amount of US$126 (10,000 Indian Rupees) as a fee for their 10-day course. Dhanush's father Prathap worked as an autorickshaw driver and his mother is a daily wage laborer.

Even though Dhanush comes from a disadvantaged financial background, he somehow came up with the money for the course, paid the full amount, and attended the classes. However, after the 10-day course, when the institute demanded another US$126 (10,000 Indian Rupees) for more days of entrance coaching, Dhanush decided to quit the institute and started preparing for the exam on his own.

Despite all the preparations and planning, Dhanush allegedly feared that he might fail the entrance examinations again this year. According to Dhanush's father Prathap, his son was under a lot of stress recently as he was not proficient in English and feared that it might affect his performance in the tests. Upset over his fear of failure, Dhanush reportedly took his own life while he was alone at home on Wednesday evening, June 29, Times Now reported.

Dhanush was discovered hanging from the ceiling of their house when his mother returned home after work. With the help of neighbors and locals, Dhanush was immediately transported to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for treatment. However, the doctors at the facility declared him dead upon arrival.

Following the tragic death, the police have registered a case in connection with the incident and an investigation is underway.