Maharashtra aspirant dies by suicide after finding NEET retest 'difficult'

In yet another incident of NEET-related suicide, an 18-year-old student allegedly took his own life in Maharashtra’s Hingoli. The deceased, Sushil Dhage, a NEET aspirant, according to his parents, found the June 21 NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam difficult. The incident took place on Wednesday (June 24).

Before taking his own life, Dhange, in a 33-second-long video message, recorded on his phone, informed his mother about his decision. He asked her not to worry and to take care of himself. He sought her forgiveness, saying that he was unable to do or understand anything.

Video message to mother

"Mom, I am going to take my own life today. Mom, please don't worry at all. In my next life, I will be born from your womb again and won't cause you this kind of pain," said Dhange with folded hands.

Also Read: Tragedy on NEET re-exam eve: Teen aspirant allegedly dies by suicide in Hyderabad

"Just forgive me, Mom. Stay with Sumedh, Mom. Take good care of yourself and don't worry about me. I am in deep pain... I can't do anything... I don't understand anything anymore. Just forgive me, Mom," he added before breaking down, reported NDTV.

‘Found re-test difficult’

The report further stated that after sending the clip to his family, he died by suicide by jumping into a well. The family of the deceased has stated in the police complaint that he found the NEET-UG retest difficult.

Also Read: 17-year-old NEET aspirant dies by suicide in Ahmedabad; probe on

Dhage's death comes amid a series of suicides linked to the NEET re-examination. In the days leading up to the June 21 retest, at least four aspirants died by suicide across Telangana and Tamil Nadu, renewing concerns over the pressure surrounding the national medical entrance examination.

Deaths linked to re-test

In Hyderabad, 19-year-old Sheikh Sana was found dead a day before the re-exam. Police recovered a note stating that no one was responsible for her death and said they suspected academic pressure was a factor.

In Tamil Nadu, S. Gopika, 19, of Salem, R. Roshini, 19, of Dharmapuri, and C. Vetri Anandan, 20, of Krishnagiri, also died by suicide after preparing for the re-test. Family members and police said the students had been under stress after the original May 3 examination was cancelled over allegations of a question paper leak and candidates were asked to appear again, reported the Indian Express.

In neighbouring Nilgiris district, an 18-year-old aspirant survived a suicide attempt on the morning of the examination.