Exams should not be seen as ultimate test of student's potential: PM Modi on Lex Fridman Podcast

Academic scores alone cannot define a student's true abilities and exams are just a small part of the larger journey of knowledge and self-growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

PM Narendra Modi said on Sunday that a strange mindset has developed in society today. Even schools measure their success by students’ rankings. Families, too, feel pride when their child achieves a high rank because they believe it improves their educational and social status, PM Modi said in a podcast with Lex Fridman released on Sunday.

The prime minister noted that when he conducts 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', he gets insights directly from the students, understands their parents’ mindset, as well as the perspectives of people in the educational field.

PM Modi said," Exams are valuable for assessing knowledge in a specific domain, but they can’t become the sole measure of someone’s overall potential." "Many people may not score high academically, yet can hit a century in cricket because that’s where their true strength lies. When the focus shifts to actual learning, scores tend to naturally improve."

PM Modi asserted that exams are valuable for assessing knowledge in a specific domain but they cannot become the sole measure of someone's overall potential.

"Parents must first understand that life is not just about taking exams. Families should understand that their children aren’t trophies meant to be displayed or models to show off in society. It’s not about saying, “Look, my kid scores so high.” Parents really need to stop using their kids just as status symbols."

PM Modi also shared his thoughts on how students should deal with stress and said that students should always keep themselves well-prepared beforehand and that they should have complete trust in themselves and their abilities.

When asked by  Lex Fridman  what  advice PM Modi will give to students on how to be successful on their path in their career and how to find success to which PM Modi replied,"  I believe that whatever task you get, if you perform that task with complete dedication and sincerity, they inevitably become an expert sooner or later, and their enhanced capabilities open doors to success."

During the podcast, PM Modi also shared anecdotes about innovative ways used by teachers during his childhood that helped him grasp concepts better.

Sharing his mantra of always focusing on learning, the prime minister said he used to learn a lot from reading, but these days, more and more he learns by being fully present.

"Whenever I meet someone, I am fully present in the moment. I give them my full attention. This complete focus allows me to grasp new concepts quickly. When I am with you, I am fully present, grounded in the moment. No calls or messages can pull me away from this moment with you. I am fully present focused on the here and now. That’s why I always believe this is a habit everyone should embrace.

"It will sharpen your mind and improve your learning ability. Besides, knowledge alone cannot light the way. You must immerse yourself in the flow of practice. You cannot master driving merely by reading the life stories of great drivers. You must get behind the wheel and take the road yourself," he said.