Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students Pariksha Pe Charcha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students Pariksha Pe Charcha. During the interaction, Mr Modi advised students to trust their own unique learning patterns, emphasising that no two individuals think or grow in the same way. He said that every student has a distinct style, and it is important to have full faith in one’s own pattern of preparation. He noted that at the same time, students should listen carefully to suggestions given by teachers, parents, and mentors and should understand them deeply, and then adapt what is useful.
The Prime Minister encouraged students to add their own experiences and self-understanding to any advice they receive, instead of blindly copying others. Mr Modi underlined that true confidence comes when students combine guidance with self-belief. Prime Minister advised that teachers should remain sensitive to the learning speed of every student. He said that a teacher should stay just one step ahead of the student and not too far, so that guidance feels achievable and not intimidating.
He noted that goals should be aspirational yet within reach, motivating students to grow without overwhelming them. Mr Modi compared teaching to farming, saying that just as a farmer carefully tills the soil before sowing seeds, teachers must patiently nurture the minds of students so that learning can take root naturally.
Savabat Venkatesh, a student, asked the Prime Minister whether skills are more important than marks. Mr Modi replied saying balance is essential in every aspect of life. He explained that leaning too much towards one side either marks or skills, can lead to imbalance, whereas maintaining the right balance ensures stability and growth.
The Prime Minister highlighted that skills can broadly be divided into two categories, life skills and professional skills, and students must focus on developing both. He stressed that no skill can be acquired without proper study, observation, and application of knowledge.
Mr Modi cautioned students against adopting the wrong methods of preparation, such as relying only on sure-shot guides, important-question books, or question banks. He said good teachers focus on the entire syllabus, encourage hard work, and help students understand the real-life applications of what they learn, ensuring holistic development rather than exam-oriented learning.
Emphasising holistic growth, the Prime Minister said the development of the body and mind is equally important. He urged students to include exercise, yoga, a nutritious diet, adequate rest, and mental strength in their daily routine. The Prime Minister further reminded students that life is not limited to examinations and marks. He said education is a medium to shape life, while examinations are merely a way to examine oneself.
Mr Modi noted that the ultimate goal should not be scores alone, but the complete development of life. He appealed to students to prepare themselves to make their lives meaningful, excellent, and fulfilling, adding that education should be a tool for life-building, not a burden.
Mr Modi mentioned that students must keep the learner within them active and curious at all times, with full involvement in the learning process.(UPDATED ON 6TH FEB 2026)
