A Class 10 student in Greater Noida West, Uttar Pradesh, died by suicide on December 23, 2025, allegedly after being reprimanded for using artificial intelligence (AI) during a pre-Board exam. The girl's father has filed a police complaint against the school management, principal, and two teachers, accusing them of abetment to suicide and mental harassment. Police are currently examining the allegations before registering a First Information Report (FIR).
According to the father's complaint, his daughter "unknowingly" brought her mobile phone to school on December 22. The invigilator caught her using the phone, and it appeared she was using AI to answer questions on her pre-Board exam. The invigilator then informed her class teacher, and the student was taken to the principal's office. The principal then called the girl's parents to the school. The father alleges that the teachers and principal scolded and insulted his daughter aggressively, even in his presence, and called him "careless". He claims that the harsh words used by the teachers had a severe psychological impact on his daughter, leading her to take the extreme step of jumping from their eighth-floor apartment. He has requested the police to register a case under BNS Section 108 (abetment of suicide) and other relevant provisions and stated that his other two daughters are traumatized and fearful of returning to the school.
The school principal, however, denies the allegations of harassment. She told the Times of India that the school followed standard protocol prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The principal stated that the student was informed that using such methods during the CBSE board examinations could lead to a ban of up to five years from appearing in the exams. She also mentioned that the parents were immediately informed and reached the school quickly, as they lived nearby, and that the interaction took place in the reception area and was brief.
The incident has sparked debate about the use of AI in education and the potential consequences for students. It also raises concerns about the mental health of students and the role of schools in providing support. There have been other cases where AI chatbots are alleged to have contributed to a teen's suicide. Some parents are suing the companies that create these chatbots, alleging that they are designed to be addictive and can manipulate vulnerable minors.
The police investigation is ongoing, and the truth will hopefully come to light soon. This tragedy highlights the need for a balanced approach to technology in education and the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of students. It also emphasizes the responsibility of schools and parents in guiding children through the challenges of modern education and ensuring they have the necessary support systems in place.
