Bihar Board Exam Tragedy: Class 10 Student Dies by Suicide After Being Denied Entry for Late Arrival

A tragic incident during the ongoing board examinations in Bihar has sparked widespread concern over strict exam entry rules and student stress. Authorities confirmed that a Class 10 student died by suicide after she was reportedly not allowed to enter her examination center because she arrived late. The incident has prompted calls for a review of enforcement policies during high-stakes exams.

Incident Reported During Ongoing Board Exams

According to officials, the case is linked to the matriculation examinations conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board. The state is currently holding its annual Class 10 board exams, which began earlier this week under tightened security and strict timing regulations.

The student, identified as a minor from a village near Patna district, reportedly reached her assigned examination center after the official reporting time had passed. Examination guidelines this year mandate that candidates must enter before the specified cutoff time, after which gates are closed and no entry is permitted.

Sources said she arrived approximately 15 minutes late. Despite requesting permission from staff and explaining that the exam had not yet started, she was denied entry as per the rules. She then left the premises.

Sequence of Events After Denial of Entry

Later that day, the student reportedly left home again and was found seriously injured near a railway stretch between two local stations. She was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Authorities initially faced difficulty identifying her, but after police circulated her photograph locally, villagers recognized her and informed her family.

Police officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Statements from family members and local witnesses are being recorded as part of the inquiry.

Family Background and Local Reaction

Residents of the student’s village said she was the eldest of three siblings and had been preparing for her exams with determination. Her father works as a laborer outside the state, while the rest of the family lives in the village. The incident has left the community in shock, with neighbors describing her as a hardworking student who had hoped to perform well in the board exams.

Local residents and education observers have expressed concern about the psychological pressure students face during board examinations, especially when strict rules are enforced without flexibility for exceptional situations such as transportation delays.

Political and Administrative Response

The matter has drawn attention at the state level. The issue was raised in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where Education Minister Sunil Kumar stated that the department would take cognizance of the incident. He said authorities would review the situation and consider steps to ensure that student welfare remains a priority while maintaining exam discipline.

Officials indicated that if any procedural lapses or negligence are found, appropriate action will be taken after the investigation concludes.

Debate Over Strict Exam Rules

The tragedy has reignited debate about rigid examination protocols. While strict reporting times are intended to prevent malpractice and ensure fairness, critics argue that absolute enforcement without discretion may unintentionally harm students, especially those traveling long distances or facing unforeseen delays.

Education experts emphasize the need for balanced policies that uphold integrity while also accounting for student wellbeing. Some have suggested buffer windows, emergency review committees, or grievance counters at exam centers to handle exceptional cases.

A Broader Concern About Student Stress

Mental health professionals say board exams can create intense pressure for adolescents, making emotional support and compassionate systems essential. They recommend that schools, families, and authorities work together to create supportive environments and clear communication so students understand rules without feeling overwhelmed.

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, reaching out to a trusted person, counselor, or mental health professional can help. Support is available, and seeking help is a sign of strength.