(PTI)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with students across the country in the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, offering guidance on exams, personal growth, skills, technology use and nation-building ahead of the board examination season.During the interactive session, PM Modi engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with students, addressing exam stress, time management, leadership, wellness and pursuing dreams. Later, students also sang self-composed songs before him.As examinations of CBSE, ISCE and other state boards approach, PM Modi interacted with select “exam warriors” as part of the annual programme. This year, the interactive sessions were held with students from Devmogra in Gujarat, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh and Guwahati in Assam, besides the prime minister’s official residence in New Delhi.The 2026 edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha focused on helping students remain stress-free during examinations and encouraging a stronger emphasis on learning, in line with the National Education Policy 2020. PM Modi told students, “Not dreaming is a crime. One should definitely dream, but merely humming about dreams never works. Therefore, one should consider action as paramount in life.”Highlighting the need for balance, he said students must manage studies, rest, skills and hobbies together. “There should be a balance in everything in life. If you lean too much to one side, you will surely fall,” he said.The prime minister stressed that both life skills and professional skills are equally important. “There are two types of skills – life skills and professional skills. If someone asks me which one to focus on, I would say focus on both. They go hand in hand,” he said, adding that skills begin with knowledge and cannot be acquired without learning and observation. “The beginning of skill is with knowledge; its importance cannot be underestimated,” he said.PM Modi cautioned students against treating education as a burden and warned against half-hearted learning. “Education should not feel like a burden. It requires our total involvement. Education in bits and pieces doesn’t guarantee success,” he said, adding that exams should never become the ultimate goal. “Life is not just about exams. Education is just a medium for our development. Instead of focusing only on marks, everyone should focus on improvement in life, which goes beyond classrooms and exams,” he added.Speaking about teachers, the prime minister said good educators focus on overall development rather than only exam-oriented teaching. “There are times when teachers only teach what is important for exams, but a good teacher teaches everything and focuses on overall growth,” he said.On digital habits, PM Modi warned students against wasting time online. “Don’t just waste time because the internet is cheap in India. I have made a law against betting. We will not let that happen,” he said. While noting that gaming can be a skill if used wisely, he added, “Gaming is a skill. It involves speed and helps personality development, but try to find your expertise by choosing better quality gaming.”
Advising students to trust their own study styles while remaining open to guidance, PM Modi said, “Listen to everyone’s advice, but change your pattern only when you want to. I have become PM. Still, people tell me to work in different ways. But everyone has their own pattern.”“Some people study better in the morning, some at night. Whatever suits you, believe in that. But also take advice, and if that benefits you, then only add it to your life structure.”Sharing a personal reflection, the prime minister said growth does not mean abandoning core principles. “Even I changed a few things but did not leave my principal pattern,” he said.Reiterating the broader purpose of education, PM Modi said, “Ultimate goal cannot be results in an exam, but all-round development in life.” On mental well-being, he added, “Education should not be a burden and everyone should be totally involved as half-hearted education does not make life successful.”The prime minister also urged students to focus on inner growth and self-awareness. “Tame the mind, then connect the mind, and then keep the subjects you need to study. Then you will always find the student successful,” he said, advising them not to dwell on the past. “Don’t think about the past. Try to live what is in front of you,” he added.Looking ahead to India’s future, PM Modi reminded students of their role in building a developed nation. “You all will be between 35-40 years old in 2047. Who am I working hard for to build a Viksit Bharat? Should you also not work towards it?” he said, calling on young Indians to support domestic manufacturing. “We need to emphasise and ensure to buy and use Indian products,” he added.Calling on students to become responsible citizens, the prime minister stressed cleanliness, awareness and wise use of technology. “Technology is a boon, and we need to embrace it… Use AI wisely to boost your wisdom and personality,” he said.During the interaction, PM Modi welcomed students with the traditional Assamese ‘Gamosa’, describing it as a symbol of women’s empowerment in the Northeast. “This is an epitome of women’s empowerment for the Northeast, especially Assam, as the women weave it at home with love and dedication,” he said.Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown into one of the country’s largest education engagement initiatives, with more than 4.5 crore registrations recorded this year. Go to Source
