Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: ‘Practise previous years’ question papers,’ PM Modi to students

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: The second video under the 9th edition of the Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was livestreamed today (February 9) at 10 am. The PM advised students not to let technology enslave them, saying artificial intelligence should be used for guidance and value addition, not as a substitute for learning. He further noted that mobile phones are overpowering our children’s choices. “Every era has faced concerns with new technologies, whether computers or mobile phones. But the fear is unnecessary. Technology must not become the master of human life. You should be firm to not let technology enslave you,” Modi said in an interaction with students from Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati and Gujarat. The prime minister urged students not to be afraid of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), but use them to upskill yourself. “We should try not to make AI or mobile the master; some kids do not eat food unless they watch something on a smartphone. We can use AI efficiently. AI should be used for guidance and value addition, not as a substitute for learning. “The nature of jobs will always evolve, just as transport shifted from bullock carts to aeroplanes, but life continues,” Modi said and highlighted that understanding technology, expanding one’s own capabilities, and integrating its strengths into work ensures progress without fear. The prime minister also urged students to practise previous years’ question papers and get a good night’s sleep to perform better at examinations. “You will never feel tense after preparing well for exams. A good night’s sleep will keep you cheerful for the rest of the day,” Modi said. He also advised parents not to compare their wards with others. When asked what qualities he expects from the future generation of leaders, the prime minister remarked that the first quality is to be fearless. Leadership begins when one decides to act without waiting for others, Modi said and cited the example of picking up litter, thereby inspiring others to do the same. “Leadership is not about elections or speeches but about the ability to explain and convince others,” he said, adding that true leaders first understand people before guiding them. “To become a leader, develop a mindset to take initiative. A key leadership quality is the ability to communicate your thoughts clearly and effectively to at least 10 people,” the prime minister said. On career choices, he said that constantly changing aspirations confuses families, but it is natural to feel inspired by successful people. He stressed that one should not only look at their achievements but also at the effort and discipline behind the success. “True success makes its own noise, and when one becomes number one, the whole school, village, and community will recognise it.” Addressing another student’s concern about balancing studies and passion, Modi noted that both are useful and can complement each other. He illustrated with an example of combining art with science experiments, saying creativity can help in learning and reduce fatigue, recommending dedicating daily or weekly time to personal interests while ensuring education remains a priority. Responding to a student’s query on startups, he remarked that the first focus should be on what one wants to do, whether innovation in technology or practical solutions like drones or electricity systems. The prime minister advised forming small teams with friends skilled in technology or finance. PM Modi says that through interaction with Tamil Nadu students, he wants to learn from them. He asks students to share their views to start a conversation. On balancing between passion and studies, PM Modi said both of them are important. He guided students on how to mix Chemistry and the arts. “You can draw a lab and test tubes, name them and colour them. This way, you will be able to learn the concepts also and get hands-on arts too,” said PM. On how students can contribute towards 2047, Viksit Bharat, PM Modi said, “If we want to be like a developed country, we have to behave like people of these countries. We should not throw garbage, nor throw leftover food. If I buy local products rather than foreign ones, we can contribute towards Viksit Bharat.” Balancing between motivation and discipline, PM Modi said that in life, both are important. “Discipline is the key, inspiration only adds to it,” said the Prime Minister. After meeting with Tamil Nadu students, PM Modi talks about traditional food items like Kurmi and Thehtri with Chhattisgarh students. When a student asked the PM which places they should visit after the board exams conclude, he replied students should visit their state by train along with home-cooked food. “To be a leader, develop the mindset to take initiative. A good leader should communicate ideas clearly and effectively,” he said. Further, PM Modi speaks with tribal students from Gujarat. A student asked how to handle stress, to which PM Modi said, “Remember, stress is always before the exam, not after the exam. Always write answers, don’t mug them. If you prepare this way, you will not be stressed.” The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of sleeping to get fresh and new ideas. He also tells students that they should look up to the humble beginnings of the great people. “Don’t be impressed by success alone. Learn from the humble beginnings of the great people. Let the success make a loud noise alone,” said Modi emphasising the usage of technology among tribal people. He also spoke with Guwahati students, alongside the river of the River Brahmaputra. ‘Compete with yourself. It is important to reflect on ourselves,” he suggested. When asked what diet students should eat to perform better during the board exams, PM Modi said, “Diet should not be medicine. One should do breathing exercises once a day. Physical health should be given priority.” Further, he said instead of being pressured by comparison, try to learn and do better. Learn from people who are better than you. “Be your own anchor and celebrate your own strength.” In 2025, the Charcha was held with students across different parts of the country. The interactions were held across Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and at the Prime Minister’s residence, with a focus on stress-free exams, maintaining balance, building confidence, and addressing challenges faced by students. ## Here’s what PM Modi said on PPC Episode 1 –“Listen to everyone’s advice but change your lifestyle pattern only when you want to. Education should not feel like a burden, focus not only on marks but also on improving life,” said Narendra Modi with school students to de-stress themselves ahead of board exams. Modi also noted that exams are like festivals and should be celebrated. –“Education should not feel like a burden. It needs our total involvement. Education in bits and pieces does not ensure success. Instead of focusing on marks, everyone should focus on where they have made it in life. No matter what your parents, or teachers, or peers say, have faith in and follow your pattern, keeping in mind all the suggestions that come your way…,” he said. –On the balance between entrance tests and board exams, PM suggested that students should give priority to Class 12 exams. But if they have prepared their syllabus well, then appearing for the entrance is not difficult. PPC is open to students from Class 6 onwards, teachers, and parents. Live telecast will be made available on DD National, DD News, DD India, and major private TV channels, as well as All India Radio. It will also be streamed online on PMO, Ministry of Education, Doordarshan, and MyGov.in. Plus, PPC 2026 can be watched on YouTube (MoE), Facebook Live, and Swayam Prabha Channels.