A deeply distressing incident has once again highlighted the immense pressure students face in competitive exams. Aditi Mishra, an 18-year-old engineering aspirant from Uttar Pradesh, died by suicide on February 12 after failing to qualify for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). In a heartbreaking suicide note, she apologized to her parents, writing:
“Sorry Mummy, Papa, forgive me… I could not do it… this was the end of our relationship… you guys don’t cry… you gave me a lot of love. I could not fulfill your dreams… please take care of Choti… she will definitely fulfill your dreams. Your beloved daughter – Aditi.”
Aditi had been preparing for JEE for two years at Momentum Coaching Center in Gorakhpur while staying at the Satyadeep Girls Hostel. The results for JEE were declared a day before the tragedy, and Aditi failed to meet the required cutoff. She spoke to her parents that morning, even asking her father to recharge her mobile, but was reportedly devastated. When her roommate returned to their hostel room later, she found Aditi had hanged herself using a stole. The hostel warden and police were immediately informed. Her body has been sent for postmortem to determine the exact cause of death.
The Bigger Issue: Is the Reservation System Fair?
Beyond the personal tragedy, Aditi’s death has reignited a long-standing debate on the fairness of India’s reservation system. Reports indicate that Aditi scored 90% in JEE Main but could not qualify as the cutoff for the general category was 92%. Meanwhile, the cutoff for Scheduled Caste (SC) category was 48%, and for Other Backward Classes (OBC), it was 78%.
This stark disparity has raised pressing questions:
- Is this form of reservation truly justified?
- Should educational and job opportunities be determined by caste rather than merit?
- Are we sacrificing talented students’ dreams, thus betraying our nation’s future?
The Evolution of Reservation: Necessity or Injustice?
The reservation system was initially introduced to uplift marginalized communities, ensuring equal opportunities. However, many argue that over the decades, it has evolved into a political tool rather than an empowerment mechanism.
- The framers of our Constitution intended reservations to be temporary, yet they continue decades later.
- Reserved categories receive significant relaxations in education, government jobs, and other benefits, while many economically disadvantaged students from the general category struggle for opportunities.
- A system meant for social justice has, in many cases, led to reverse discrimination, depriving meritorious students of their deserved chances.
A More Equitable Solution
To ensure fairness, reforms in the reservation system are necessary. Instead of caste-based reservations, an economic-based system should be implemented.
✅ Economic-based reservations – Poverty and financial struggles do not discriminate by caste. ✅ Equal opportunities in education and competitive exams – Merit should be the top priority. ✅ Policy reforms – The government must introduce policies that promote true equality in society.
Time for Change
How long will India’s youth continue to suffer under a system that ignores merit? This tragic incident is not just about one student but about millions of hardworking, deserving candidates who lose opportunities due to an outdated structure.
Aditi Mishra’s story is heartbreaking, but it should not be in vain. It is time to reconsider and reform the reservation system, making it fair, need-based, and truly empowering for all.
Let’s start a conversation—because every student’s dream deserves a fair chance. Isn’t it time for a change?
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