5 female students die by suicide in Karnataka after class 12 results
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Bengaluru: In a tragic turn of events, five female students across Karnataka have reportedly died by suicide in the past 24 hours after being upset over their performance in the recently announced Second Pre-University (2nd PUC) or Class 12 Board Exams-1. The incidents occurred despite repeated appeals by the state government urging students not to resort to extreme steps over examination results.
The suicides were reported from different parts of the state, including Mysuru, Ballari, Davanagere, Haveri districts, and Bengaluru city. Preliminary information identifies the deceased as Ishwarya, a student of the Government PU College in the Vontikoppal area of Mysuru; Vijayalaxmi Siriguppada from Agasanuru in Siraguppa taluk of Ballari district; Krupa, a 2nd PUC science student from Davanagere; and Kavya Basappa Lamani from the Hamsabhavi police station limits in Haveri district, all of whom ended their lives following the announcement of the results due to their disappointment in not passing.
Another case emerged from the Vidyaranyapura police station limits in Bengaluru, where a female student allegedly took her life just hours before the results were declared on Tuesday. According to police, the student feared her performance and ended her life at her apartment in Sapthagiri Layout. Investigations into all five cases are ongoing.
In an effort to reassure students, Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa emphasized during the announcement of the results that this was merely the first of three examination rounds. “This is the result of the first examination. Two more rounds of exams will be held for students who haven’t passed. Our department has made the decision to hold three exams for students. We are not declaring any student as failed,” he said.
He further clarified, “We are only announcing the results of the passed candidates. Since the exam process is still ongoing, students have the opportunity to appear for the second and third attempts. Once the entire process is complete, the final result percentages will be updated accordingly.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also issued a heartfelt appeal to students, urging them not to lose hope. “To the students who have not cleared the exams, do not give in to disappointment or anxiety, and please don’t take any hasty decisions. Life is much bigger, and there will certainly be another chance to face the exam and pass with better marks. Do not let despair take over — stay calm and composed,” he said.
Despite the proactive measures and reassurances from state leaders and the education department, the occurrence of suicides has sparked concern over student mental health and the pressure surrounding academic performance.
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) announced the results for the 2nd PUC or Class 12 Board Exams-1 on Tuesday. Out of 6.37 lakh students who appeared, 4.68 lakh passed, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 73.45%. The education department has reiterated that students will only be officially declared as failed after the third and final attempt.
With IANS inputs