During his annual interaction with children ahead of examination season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised them to balance studies with rest and extra-curricular activities for better growth.
As part of his popular ‘Pariksha pe Charcha’ programme, running in its 9th edition this year, PM Modi addressed students’ queries and shared guidance on preparation for exams and stress management, especially for those appearing in board examinations. This year’s programme recorded unprecedented participation, surpassing the 2025 Guinness World Record with over 4.5 crore registrations from students, parents, and teachers.
Sharing his own mantra for success, the Prime Minister said it was important to strengthen the foundation of learning in school, so that success in competitive exams follows naturally. Talking about two kinds of skills–life skills and professional skills–the PM said students must maintain a balance between the two since no skill can be learned without observation and knowledge.
Answering a question on what’s more important between skills and marks, PM Modi said everything requires balance. “Your studies, skills, and hobbies should grow together - that balance is the real key to progress,” he said.
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Urging teachers to remain only a step ahead of students so that they remain acutely aware of where the children require help, PM said, "Teachers should ensure that their pace is only one step ahead of the students, so that learning remains easy and accessible for them."
To parents concerned about cut-throat competition, PM Modi advised that they allow their wards to grow according to their natural strengths and aptitudes instead of forcing them to take a certain path.
Conflicting advice on life and choices, said the Prime Minister, is a challenge that he too continues to face. Explaining that everyone has their own learning pattern, he said some prefer waking up early, while others study better at different times. “The first step is to trust your own pattern. But at the same time, it's important to listen to others' advice and incorporate it if you feel it will help you improve,” he added.
The first edition of the Prime Minister's interactive programme with school and college students was held at the Talkatora Stadium in February 2018.
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