After spring-loaded fans in rooms, “anti-suicide nets” are now being installed in balconies and lobbies of hostels in coaching hub Kota to prevent students from taking any extreme step. Hostel owners said such steps to make their premises “suicide proof” are crucial to avoid tragic incidents.

Over two lakh students move to Kota annually to prepare for competitive exams such as the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to medical colleges. According to authorities, 20 students preparing for competitive exams in Kota ended their lives so far in 2023 - the highest for any year. Last year, the figure was 15.