IIT Bombay student dies after jumping from hostel terrace

A 21-year-old student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay allegedly ended his life in the early hours of Wednesday, raising concerns about student wellbeing at one of India’s most prestigious engineering campuses.

According to police, Naman Agarwal , a second-year engineering student from Pilani, Rajasthan , reportedly jumped from the terrace of Hostel No. 4 on the Powai campus around 1 am . He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. The Powai police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Investigators said no suicide note has been recovered , and statements from Naman’s friends and hostel mates are being recorded. Authorities are trying to determine if there were any interpersonal or campus-related issues that may have contributed to his death. A post-mortem examination is underway, and the family has been informed.

Students on campus expressed deep shock. Many took to social media to mourn the loss and urged the administration to provide greater support for student mental health. Candle marches and awareness initiatives are being planned in his memory.

This is not an isolated case at IIT Bombay. In 2023 , another student, Darshan Solanki , died by suicide after reportedly struggling with academic pressure. Reports had indicated poor academic performance and personal stress as contributing factors, highlighting the intense pressure students face at top institutions.

Student suicides across India’s IITs have been a growing concern. Data suggest that around 65 students across IIT campuses died by suicide between 2021 and 2025 , with nearly half of these cases occurring in the last two years. Academic stress, family pressures, social isolation, and mental health challenges are commonly cited as underlying factors.

Experts highlight several causes contributing to distress in such elite institutions. These include intense academic pressure , separation from family support , anxiety over placements and career prospects , and interpersonal challenges on campus . Surveys indicate that students often struggle to access timely mental health support, and stigma around discussing mental health issues remains a barrier.

In response to rising incidents, the Supreme Court and Union government have called for preventive measures. These include expanded counselling services , mental health awareness programs, safety measures on campus , and systems to identify at-risk students early. Student groups, however, stress that long-term structural changes are needed to address the pressure-cooker environment of elite technical institutions.

As the IIT Bombay community mourns the loss of Naman Agarwal , the tragedy has once again brought attention to the urgent need for mental health support, counselling, and a more supportive campus environment to prevent such incidents in the future.