Competitive-exam aspirant dies by suicide in Navi Peth, Pune; police begin inquiry
Pune
A young man preparing for competitive exams was found dead by suicide in his Navi Peth home in Pune. Police say he had been under stress; investigation is underway.
Pune, November 29, 2025 – A 26-year-old aspirant preparing for competitive exams was found dead in his rented room in Navi Peth, bringing renewed focus to the pressures faced by thousands of students in the city. The young man, originally from Buldhana district, had been living in Pune for several years to prepare for government examinations. On Friday morning, neighbours alerted police after he failed to respond to repeated knocks. When the door was forced open, he was found hanging inside the room.
Police officers said the death appears to be a case of suicide, and an inquiry is underway to determine what may have led him to take the extreme step. According to early information, he had been under considerable mental strain due to exam pressure. Friends and acquaintances told officers that he had been studying intensely and keeping to himself over the past few weeks. Investigators have seized his phone, notes and study materials to understand his state of mind in the days leading up to the incident.
His family in Buldhana was informed immediately, and police are working to trace calls and messages from recent days. Officers said no foul play is suspected so far, but they will complete the investigation after speaking to people who knew him. His neighbours described him as quiet, focused and rarely seen outside except for coaching classes and library visits.
The incident has saddened the local student community. Pune is home to thousands of competitive-exam aspirants who arrive every year from across Maharashtra. Many live alone, often away from family support, and juggle financial pressure, academic expectations and uncertainty about future prospects. Several students expressed grief online and highlighted the growing mental-health struggles within exam hubs like Navi Peth and the surrounding areas.
Counsellors and mental-health professionals say such cases underline the importance of emotional support systems for young aspirants. They point out that long study hours, fear of failure and competitive environments can contribute to anxiety and depression, especially when students do not share their struggles with others. Experts stress the need for more awareness, counselling services and check-ins at hostels, coaching institutes and libraries.
Local organisations working with youth have also reacted strongly, urging authorities to expand mental-health initiatives specifically targeted at competitive-exam clusters. They emphasised that students often hesitate to speak up due to stigma or fear of being seen as weak, which makes early intervention challenging.
People living in Navi Peth say this is not the first such tragedy in the area and worry that increasing academic pressure is silently affecting many more. Some have called for stronger community engagement and regular guidance sessions to help students cope with stress.
Police officials handling the case said they will submit a detailed report once all statements are recorded and digital evidence is analysed. For now, the death has become a painful reminder of the hidden emotional toll competitive examinations can take. Friends and residents have come together to support the family and spread awareness about mental well-being.
