Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 marked a major expansion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s annual student interaction programme. The ninth edition connected students from multiple regions of India through a pan-India format, reinforcing the idea of stress-free examinations, joyful learning and student well-being. The initiative has grown from a Delhi-based interaction into a large national platform involving students, teachers and parents.
Pan-India Interaction Format
This year’s programme linked students from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Dev Mogra in Gujarat and Guwahati in Assam. The format symbolically brought together different parts of the country on one platform. It reflected the programme’s shift from a single-venue event to a wider national dialogue on education and examination preparedness.
Participation and Reach
The 2026 edition recorded more than 4.5 crore registrations. An additional 2.26 crore people took part in related activities. Total participation crossed 6.76 crore, showing the programme’s rising popularity. The scale also indicates the strong public response to a model that combines exam guidance with broader discussions on learning, confidence and mental health.
Evolution of the Initiative
Pariksha Pe Charcha has been held annually since 2018. Participants are selected through a nationwide competition, and some interact directly with the Prime Minister. The eighth edition in 2025 introduced a multi-episode format and included students from diverse school systems, including government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, CBSE schools and Navodaya Vidyalayas. It also covered themes such as discipline, nutrition, technology, creativity and mental health.
Exam Relevance and Global Recognition
The programme has become a notable example of a government-led student engagement initiative. Recently, it set a Guinness World Record for large-scale participation, with registrations from students, teachers and parents across many countries. Its growth marks the increasing emphasis on reducing exam stress and promoting a positive learning environment in India.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026