Two NEET Aspirants Die by Suicide Ahead of Re-Exam Amid Paper Leak Controversy

Top Summary

• What happened: An 18-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide in Ahmedabad, and a 23-year-old medical aspirant was found dead in Dehradun, both days before the June 21 NEET re-examination.
• Why it matters: These tragic incidents occur amidst national protests and a CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak of the earlier NEET exam, highlighting immense student pressure.
• What changes: The re-examination proceeds on June 21, but police investigations are now underway into the circumstances surrounding both deaths, with family and electronic devices being examined.
• Who is affected: Thousands of NEET aspirants across India, their families, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) are affected by the ongoing examination controversy and these tragic deaths.

Ahmedabad Tragedy Unfolds Days Before Re-Test

An 18-year-old NEET aspirant, Kahan Patel, allegedly died by suicide in Ahmedabad's New Ranip area on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Police reported that Patel jumped from his residential building, just three days before the crucial medical entrance examination's re-test scheduled for June 21.

The exact reason behind this extreme step remains unclear as investigations are currently underway.

Police Launch Investigation into Incident

Senior police officer Rana Digvijay Singh confirmed that officers from Sabarmati Police Station received a call about the incident on Thursday morning. Police have registered an accidental death case and launched a thorough investigation.

Authorities plan to question Patel's family, examine his laptop, and speak with his classmates as part of the ongoing probe.

Re-Examination Amidst Ongoing Controversy

This tragic incident precedes the NEET re-examination on June 21, which was necessitated after the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the May 3 test. The cancellation followed widespread allegations of a paper leak, sparking nationwide protests.

The controversy is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Another Tragedy in Dehradun

In a separate but similarly distressing incident, Riya Kumari, a 23-year-old medical aspirant, was found dead in her room in Dehradun's Patel Nagar area earlier this week. Police recovered a note from her room where she apologized to her parents and cited her own “incompetence” as the reason for her decision.

Her family found her after she did not respond to calls for breakfast, prompting them to force open the door to her room.

Academic Background and Unanswered Questions

Riya Kumari had achieved over 96 per cent in her Class 12 examinations and was completing her final semester of a BSc degree. She had recently appeared for NEET and was actively preparing for the upcoming June 21 re-test.

Her father, a Kargil war veteran, informed police that there were no visible signs of depression. Preliminary findings suggest frustration over study results might be a contributing factor, though investigations continue.

What to Watch Next

Authorities will continue their investigations into both tragic deaths to ascertain the full circumstances. The NEET re-examination on June 21 will proceed, while the CBI's probe into the alleged paper leak remains ongoing, keeping national attention on the future of medical entrance examinations.