New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- The number of student suicides in India climbed to 13,892 in 2023, marking a 6.5% rise from the preceding year, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). While overall suicides in India rose by 23.2% in 2023 to 171,418 from 139,123 in 2019 and 27.2% higher than 134,799 in 2013, student suicides showed an even sharper increase - climbing 34.4% from 10,335 in 2019 and 64.9% from 8,423 in 2013, the NCRB data released on Monday showed. In 2022, 13,044 student suicides were reported, 13,089 in 2021, and 12,526 in 2020. In total, 117,849 students died by suicide between 2013 and 2023. Dr Om Prakash, professor of psychiatry and deputy medical superintendent, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, said the increase in student suicides is "deeply concerning", saying the deaths reflect the emotional and psychological challenges many young people face, often due to academic pressure, family expectations, or personal difficulties. "Each such incident is a loss that affects not only the family but the larger society," he said, adding that schools, colleges, and families must strengthen support so that students feel heard and seek help. According to NCRB's 2023 report, student suicides accounted for 8.1% of the total 171,418 suicides reported in the year. Of the 13,892 students who died by suicide, 7,330 were male, 6,559 female, and three were transgender. The highest proportion of student suicides was reported in Maharashtra (14.7%), followed by Madhya Pradesh (10.5%), Uttar Pradesh (9.9%), and Tamil Nadu (9.6%). In the 171,418 suicides reported in 2023, the largest share were those educated up to Class 10 or secondary level (24.6%, 42,238 cases), followed by Class 8 or middle level (18.6%, 31,834 cases), Class 12 or higher secondary (17.5%, 29,920 cases), Class 5 or primary level (14.8%, 25,303 cases), and illiterate individuals (11.8%, 20,149 cases). Only 5.5% of victims (9,353) were graduates or higher....