
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the ninth edition of his annual interaction with students, "Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026" on Friday, February 6. The event, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2018, saw a record participation of over 4.5 crore students, teachers, and parents from across the country.
Breaking from previous years where the event was largely held at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, the 2026 edition featured a multi-city format. The Prime Minister interacted with "Exam Warriors" at several locations, including Guwahati, Coimbatore, Raipur, and Devmogra, alongside a session at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
Focus on Stress Free Learning
A central theme of the interaction was the need to treat examinations not as a source of dread, but as a "festival" or Utsav. PM Modi encouraged students to remain calm and confident, reminding them that exams are merely a tool to hone one's life rather than the final goal. He noted that "life is not for exams, but exams are for life," and urged learners to focus on all round development.
Trusting Individual Rhythm
Addressing a common concern about differing advice from parents and teachers, the Prime Minister advised students to trust their own study patterns. He explained that everyone has a unique rhythm, some work better in the morning, while others prefer the night.
"Listen to everyone’s advice, but follow the pattern that suits you best," he told the students. He used a cricket analogy, suggesting that just as a batsman must focus on the ball despite the noise in the stadium, students should focus on their own preparation rather than external pressure.
Technology and AI
In a timely discussion on modern tools, the Prime Minister described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a "boon" if used wisely. He suggested that students could use AI to find reading recommendations, such as biographies of great personalities, but cautioned against becoming overly dependent on it.
He also touched upon the world of gaming. Responding to a student interested in the field, PM Modi suggested that those with a passion for gaming should look into game development and creation, particularly focusing on Indian history and culture, rather than just playing to pass the time.
Advice for Parents and Teachers
The Prime Minister had a clear message for parents: avoid imposing uniform expectations and timelines on children. He stressed that every child progresses at a different pace and that constant comparison with others can damage a student’s confidence.
For teachers, he suggested staying "one step ahead" of their students' pace to inspire them, rather than focusing solely on completing the syllabus or highlighting "important" questions for the sake of marks.
Building a 'Viksit Bharat'
The session also touched upon national responsibility. PM Modi encouraged students to be "vocal for local" by checking how many products they use daily are made in India. He linked personal discipline and cleanliness to the larger vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047, telling the youth that they are the primary stakeholders in this future.
The event concluded with students performing self composed songs and the Prime Minister wishing the "Exam Warriors" the best for their upcoming board and entrance examinations.
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