Kota’s Coaching Hub in Crisis as Student Enrollment Plummets by 40% Over Suicide Fears

Rajasthan’s Kota, once a beacon of hope for aspiring medical and engineering students, is now facing a significant decline in enrollment. The city, renowned for its extensive coaching facilities, has witnessed a staggering 40% drop in student numbers in just one year, from over 2 lakh to 1.2 lakh.

This exodus has left thousands of hostels and coaching institutes struggling to survive, with many properties now on the market.

The decline can be attributed to several factors, including high costs, increased competition from coaching centers in other cities and a troubling rise in student suicides. The intense pressure and financial strain of living in Kota, where students spend up to Rs 2 lakhs a year, have prompted families to seek alternative options.

The Kota coaching industry, estimated to be worth Rs 6000 crore, has long been a popular destination for students preparing for competitive exams like IIT and medical entrance tests. Renowned institutions have played a significant role in transforming the city into a leading educational hub. However, the recent events have cast a shadow over its reputation.

Parents are increasingly concerned about the well-being of their children. The tragic news of student suicides has prompted many to reconsider sending their children to Kota. Families from Jhansi, Kolkata, Bhilai, Patna and other cities are opting for coaching centres closer to home.

The constant display of top rankers’ achievements on billboards and hoardings across the city creates unrealistic expectations among students. Many arrive in Kota with dreams of success, only to face the harsh reality of rigorous competition. This often leads to anxiety and, tragically for some, suicidal tendencies.

As a result, the city’s once-thriving coaching ecosystem is facing an uncertain future. Luxury hostel projects, once bustling with students, are now resembling ghost towns. With occupancy rates plummeting, hostel operators, landlords, and investors are feeling the pinch.