Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi Tells Students Marks Aren’t Life, Skills Are

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with students across the country during the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha, delivering a clear message ahead of the board examination season: exams matter, but life is bigger than marks.

Addressing students from multiple regions including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Assam, the prime minister spoke extensively about exam stress, skill development, discipline, technology use and the long-term role of youth in nation-building.

“Not Dreaming Is a Crime”

Urging students to think beyond textbooks, PM Modi emphasised that dreaming alone is not enough unless followed by action.

“Not dreaming is a crime. But only humming about dreams does nothing. Action is what gives dreams meaning,” he told students, encouraging them to work steadily rather than chase shortcuts.

Marks Are Not the Destination

The prime minister cautioned students against treating exams as the ultimate goal of life, calling education a medium for self-development rather than a burden.

“Life is not only about exams. Education should never feel like pressure. Half-hearted learning does not lead to success,” he said, adding that improvement in life matters more than scorecards.

Skills Over Syllabus Panic

PM Modi highlighted the importance of balancing academics with life skills and professional skills, noting that both are inseparable.

“There are two kinds of skills — life skills and professional skills. One cannot survive without the other,” he said, underlining that real skills are built through observation, curiosity and consistent learning.

He also advised students to trust their individual study patterns rather than blindly copying others. “Some study better in the morning, some at night. Follow what suits you,” he said, while remaining open to constructive advice.

Technology: Tool, Not Trap

Warning against excessive screen time, the prime minister cautioned students about the misuse of cheap internet and online distractions.

“Technology is a boon, but only if used wisely,” he said, urging students to avoid digital addiction and betting platforms. While acknowledging that gaming can be a skill, he advised students to focus on quality and purpose rather than endless consumption.

He also encouraged responsible use of artificial intelligence, calling it a tool to enhance wisdom and personality, not replace thinking.

Teachers, Parents and Pressure

PM Modi noted that good teachers focus on overall growth, not just exam performance, while also advising parents to reduce pressure on children during the examination season.

Education, he said, should help students become confident, capable individuals rather than anxious score-seekers.

Youth and Viksit Bharat

Linking education to India’s future, the prime minister reminded students that they would be at the forefront of the country’s growth by 2047.

“You will be in your prime years when India completes 100 years of independence. Should you not work for a developed India?” he asked, urging students to support domestic innovation and Indian products.

A Growing National Platform

Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has evolved into one of India’s largest student outreach initiatives. The 2026 edition recorded more than 4.5 crore registrations, reflecting its expanding reach among students, parents and teachers nationwide.

As exam season approaches, the message from the platform remains consistent — education should empower, not exhaust.