• Adolescent girls have a higher prevalence of suicidal tendency. • Suicidal tendencies are more among adolescents with moderate to severe symptoms of depression, who consume tobacco, alcohol and who are physically inactive. • Adolescents in the age group 16–19 years, and married girls have more suicidal tendencies. • Adolescents who are engaged in work have more suicidal tendencies. Suicide is a significant public health problem. A rise in the trend of suicide among adolescents, therefore warrants special attention. The present research is undertaken because of the dearth of literature and limited knowledge about prevention of suicide among adolescents in India. By analyzing the data of Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults project survey in two Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the study aimed to understand the risk factors associated with the suicidal tendency among adolescents. The study hypothesized no association of suicidal tendency among adolescents with depressive symptoms, physical activity, and substance use. The bivariate and multivariate results indicate a strong significant and positive association of severe depression, physical inactivity, and substance use among adolescents who have suicidal tendencies. The findings imply that an early detection of depression, awareness about the harmful affect of tobacco and alcohol consumption, and encouragement of adolescents to participate in physical activity will avert adolescents from having suicidal tendencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]