23-Year-Old Engineering Graduate from Kanpur Reportedly Tried Around 50 Times for Government Jobs; Separate NEET Aspirant’s Death in Rajasthan Also Highlights Pressure Faced by Competitive Exam Students
Kanpur/Jaipur (Economy India): A 23-year-old engineering graduate from Kanpur, who had reportedly been awarded a gold medal for his academic achievements, has died by suicide, with family members and reports pointing to prolonged pressure and disappointment related to his efforts to secure a government job.
The incident has once again brought attention to the intense academic and career pressures faced by young people preparing for competitive examinations and government recruitment in India.
According to reports, the deceased, Anand Kumar, was a resident of the Gujaini area of Kanpur. He completed his BTech in Electrical Engineering from PSIT College in 2024 and reportedly secured the third position across the state in his academic performance.
Gold Medal for Academic Excellence
Anand’s academic achievements had earned him recognition at the state level. Reports said that he was awarded a gold medal by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on August 13, 2024.
He was also reportedly among the top-performing students at his college.
Despite his academic success, Anand was reportedly dissatisfied with his private-sector employment and aspired to secure a government position.
Repeated Attempts to Get Government Job
According to information reported by his family and local sources, Anand had made around 50 attempts to obtain a government job but was unsuccessful.
A note reportedly recovered after his death mentioned his repeated attempts and expressed regret to his father. The note reportedly included an apology, highlighting the emotional distress he may have been experiencing over his career prospects.
The circumstances surrounding the note and the incident are being examined by the authorities.
Family Was Away in Bihar
Reports said Anand was alone at his Kanpur residence when the incident occurred.
His father, who is retired from a private company, and other family members had reportedly travelled to Bihar in connection with arrangements for the marriage of Anand’s elder brother.
According to reports, the family had also asked Anand to accompany them, but he chose to remain in Kanpur.
When a domestic worker arrived at the residence the following morning and received no response after repeatedly calling out, the family and police were informed.
Police subsequently reached the residence and took necessary action. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway.
Anand’s mother had reportedly passed away in 2011 following an illness.
Another Young Student’s Death in Rajasthan
The report comes amid another tragic case involving a young student preparing for a competitive examination.
On June 16, 2026, a 22-year-old NEET aspirant, identified as Umesh Mali, reportedly died by suicide at his residence in Sikar, Rajasthan.
Umesh, originally from Nawalgarh in Jhunjhunu district, was preparing for the NEET examination and was reportedly appearing for his third attempt.
Family Had Supported His Education
According to reports, Umesh’s father works as a tile contractor in Mumbai and had arranged accommodation in Sikar to support the education of his children.
Umesh reportedly lived there with his mother, elder sister, and younger brother.
Reports said that Umesh had recently returned to Sikar after accompanying his mother to their village. He was reportedly alone at the residence when the incident occurred.
Later, when family members returned home, they discovered the situation and alerted the police.
Police reportedly recovered a note from the residence, and the circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated.
Growing Concern Over Pressure on Young Aspirants
The two incidents have once again highlighted the intense pressure experienced by young people preparing for competitive examinations and government recruitment.
India’s competitive examination system attracts millions of aspirants every year, while the number of available government positions remains limited. Many students and graduates spend years preparing for examinations, often facing repeated setbacks and uncertainty about their careers.
Experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of emotional support, counselling, and open communication for students and young professionals dealing with academic or career-related stress.
Need for Greater Mental Health Support
Career setbacks and examination failures can feel overwhelming, but they do not define a person’s worth or future. Families, educational institutions, coaching centres, and government authorities can play an important role in ensuring that students and job aspirants have access to professional mental health support.
The tragic cases from Kanpur and Rajasthan underline the need for greater awareness about mental health and accessible counselling services for young people facing prolonged academic and employment pressures.
The investigations into both incidents are continuing, and the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths will be determined by the authorities.
(Economy India)
