New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students from across the country on Friday during the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026. Ahead of the board examination season, he guided students on examinations, personal growth, skills, the use of technology, and nation-building.
During the interactive session, PM Modi engaged with students on a range of topics, including exam stress, time management, leadership, health, and pursuing dreams. Students also performed self-composed songs for him.
As the CBSE, ISCE, and other state board examinations approach, PM Modi interacted with selected “Exam Warriors” as part of this annual program. This year, the interactive sessions were held with students from Devmogra in Gujarat, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Guwahati in Assam, in addition to those at the Prime Minister’s official residence in New Delhi.
The focus of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 was on helping students cope with exam stress and emphasizing learning in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020.
PM Modi told the students, “Not dreaming is a crime. Everyone must dream, but merely thinking about dreams is not enough. Therefore, work should be given the utmost importance in life.”
Emphasizing the need for balance, he said that students should manage their studies, rest, skills, and hobbies simultaneously. “There should be 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. “Skill begins with knowledge; its importance cannot be underestimated,” he said.
PM Modi advised students not to consider education a burden and cautioned against incomplete learning. “Education should not feel like a burden. It requires our complete participation. Studying in bits and pieces does not guarantee success,” he said, adding that exams should never be the ultimate goal. “Life is not just about exams. Education is merely a means for our development. Instead of focusing solely on marks, everyone should focus on self-improvement in life, which goes far beyond classrooms and exams,” he further added.
Speaking about teachers, the Prime Minister said that good teachers focus on overall development rather than just exam-oriented studies. “Sometimes teachers only teach what is necessary 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 waste time just because internet is cheap in India. I have made laws against gambling. We will not let that happen,” he said. Acknowledging that gaming can be a skill if used wisely, he said, “Gaming is a skill. It involves speed and helps in personality development, but try to find your expertise by choosing better quality gaming.”
Advising students to trust their own study methods while remaining open to guidance, PM Modi said, “Listen to everyone’s advice, but only change your pattern if you want to. I have become the PM. Yet, people tell me to work in different ways. But everyone has their own pattern.”
“Some people study better in the morning, some at night. Trust whatever suits you. But also take advice, and only incorporate it into your life’s structure if it benefits you.” Sharing a personal anecdote, the Prime Minister said that growth doesn’t mean abandoning fundamental principles. “I too have changed some things, but I haven’t abandoned my core values,” he said.
Reiterating the broader purpose of education, PM Modi said, “The ultimate goal cannot be just the result of an exam, but rather the all-round development of life.” On mental health, he said, “Education should not be a burden, and everyone should be fully engaged because half-hearted learning doesn’t lead to a successful life.”
Looking towards India’s future, PM Modi reminded the students of their role in building a developed nation. “All of you will be 35-40 years old in 2047. For whom am I working so hard to build a developed India? Shouldn’t you also be working towards this goal?” he asked, and urged young Indians to support domestic manufacturing. “We should emphasize buying and using Indian products and ensure this,” he added.