Prayagraj Students Allegedly Sell Blood to Fund Competitive Exam Preparation

Students preparing for competitive examinations in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, are reportedly resorting to selling their blood to cover coaching fees, hostel rent and food expenses. An investigative report by Dainik Bhaskar has highlighted the financial distress faced by aspirants from economically disadvantaged families. One student preparing for the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations reportedly said he had fallen two months behind on hostel payments. With his father dependent on farming and the family struggling to meet basic needs, he said he had turned to selling blood to continue his education. Another student preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) reportedly said his father had mortgaged agricultural land to support his studies.

The investigation also alleged that middlemen operating near blood banks were exploiting students’ financial vulnerability, with some reportedly offering money in exchange for blood and claiming to arrange fake medical documents. According to the report, annual coaching fees at some institutes range from ₹1.2 lakh to ₹1.8 lakh, apart from accommodation, meals and study materials. The situation raises serious concerns about the financial pressures facing students and the risks associated with unsafe or unregulated blood collection. No student should have to jeopardise their health to pursue an education.