Published Jun 19, 2026 | 5:25 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 19, 2026 | 5:25 PM
(Representational/ iStock)
Synopsis: With the NEET re-examination scheduled to be held on Monday, 22 June, following the cancellation of the earlier examination, relatives alleged that Gopika had been under severe stress and anxiety over the test.
A 19-year-old student preparing for the NEET examination allegedly died by suicide, on Friday, 19 June, in Salem district, with her family claiming that fear and stress over the upcoming re-examination drove her to take the extreme step.
The student, identified as Gopika, belonged to Erumapalayam in Salem district and was the daughter of Sekar and Bhuvaneswari. Sekar works as a barber and the family has two daughters and a son.
According to family members, Gopika had scored 440 marks in Class 12 and had been preparing for the NEET examination for the last two years with the aim of pursuing a medical career.
She had reportedly appeared for the examination twice earlier but was unsuccessful in clearing it.
With the NEET re-examination scheduled to be held on Sunday, 21 June, following the cancellation of the earlier examination, relatives alleged that Gopika had been under severe stress and anxiety over the test.
She was staying at her grandmother’s house in Chinnappampatti near Ilampillai in Salem district, where she was found dead on Friday.
Her body has been shifted to Salem Government Hospital for postmortem examination.
Scenes of grief unfolded at the hospital as family members broke down in tears, with relatives blaming exam-related pressure for the tragedy.
Also Read: NTA to conduct NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam on 21 June
(If you need support or know someone who has suicidal thoughts, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist or contact the helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families. Tele-MANAS: 14416; Life Suicide Prevention: 7893078930; Arogya Vani: 104; Sahay Helpline: 080-25497777; Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584.)
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
