Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday advised students to treat examinations like festivals and not let marks become a burden, as he shared stress-management mantras during the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 ahead of the board exams.
Interacting with students from across the country, the Prime Minister emphasised that education should be meaningful and engaging rather than stressful. He said students should focus on improving their lives and skills instead of obsessing over scores.
“Education should not feel like a burden. It needs total involvement. Instead of focusing only on marks, everyone should focus on where they have reached in life,” Modi said, adding that comfort zones do not shape life — one’s lifestyle and discipline do.
He encouraged students to develop their own study patterns while remaining open to suggestions from parents and teachers. Responding to a student’s question about conflicting advice from parents and teachers, Modi said such differences continue throughout life and each individual must ultimately discover what works best for them.
“Everyone has their own rhythm. Some study better at night, some early in the morning. Listen to everyone’s advice, but adopt changes only when they suit you and your experience,” he said.
Cautioning against overemphasis on marks, the Prime Minister asked students whether they remembered last year’s board toppers, underscoring that such achievements are quickly forgotten and do not alone define success. He stressed that life is bigger than examinations and education is a tool for overall development.
On gaming as a career option, Modi described gaming as a skill that requires speed and alertness and can contribute to development if pursued constructively. However, he warned students against gambling-based gaming practices and urged them to focus on quality and skill-building.
He also highlighted the importance of balancing studies with rest, hobbies and skill development, saying both life skills and professional skills are equally important.
The Prime Minister welcomed the students at his residence with traditional Assamese gamosas. The programme was also screened at the Bal Yogi Auditorium in the Parliament complex.
Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown into one of the country’s largest student engagement initiatives. Registrations for the ninth edition crossed 4.5 crore, surpassing previous records and expanding the programme’s national reach.
