India's PM Tells 48M Students: Trust Your Own Study Style

Millions of Indian students preparing for major exams just got permission to stop second-guessing themselves.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told students at the ninth annual "Pariksha pe Charcha" (Exam Talk) event that trusting their own study patterns matters more than following everyone else's advice. The February 6 interactive session reached students in five cities across India, from Gujarat to Assam.

"Listen to everyone's advice, but change your pattern only when you want to," Modi told the group he calls "exam warriors." He shared that even as Prime Minister, people constantly suggest he work differently, but everyone needs to find what works for them personally.

The message resonated because it came with real talk about self-doubt. Some students learn best in the morning, others at night. Some need quiet, others prefer background noise. Modi emphasized that advice only helps when it actually improves your results, not just because someone else swears by it.

He used his own event as an example. The first Pariksha pe Charcha looked completely different from today's multi-city format. "I've changed my approach, but I haven't abandoned the core pattern," he explained.

The Prime Minister also challenged teachers to stay one step ahead of students, setting goals that stretch without breaking. "Our goal should be something that is within reach, but not easily attainable," he said.

Why This Inspires

This wasn't just a pep talk for a handful of students. Nearly 48 million young people participated in activities leading up to the event, including runs promoting self-reliance and competitions at schools nationwide. The program aims to transform exam season from a pressure cooker into a celebration of learning.

Modi has written a book called "Exam Warriors" available in multiple languages and Braille, turning his exam philosophy into year-round support. The approach aligns with India's National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes holistic well-being over rote memorization.

Students responded by singing self-composed songs and asking questions ranging from time management to pursuing dreams. The event tackled the mental health crisis that exam pressure creates while validating that different brains work differently.

In a country where academic pressure drives serious anxiety among young people, hearing a national leader say "your way is valid" carries weight.