Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship student engagement initiative, Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), has made a triumphant return in 2026, achieving unprecedented participation and establishing a truly pan-India footprint. The announcement of its comeback was officially released on the Prime Minister's YouTube channel, generating significant excitement among the educational community.
Direct Engagement with Students Across the Nation
In the latest edition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged directly with students from diverse geographical locations, including Delhi, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Dev Mogra in Gujarat, and Guwahati in Assam. The video footage captures the Prime Minister in heartfelt conversations with children, offering valuable advice on studies, examinations, and life skills. He is also seen sharing light-hearted moments and jokes with the young participants, creating a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
Many children expressed overwhelming excitement at meeting the Prime Minister. One student emotionally shared, "Not even in my dream, did I think, PM Modi will himself come to meet us." This personal interaction highlights the initiative's profound impact on students' morale and confidence.
Record-Breaking Participation in the 2026 Edition
The 2026 edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 4.5 crore students registering for the programme. Additionally, 2.26 crore individuals actively participated in various activities organised in connection with PPC. This brings the total engagement footprint to an impressive over 6.76 crore participants this year, marking a significant milestone in the initiative's history.
Evolution and Growth of Pariksha Pe Charcha
The previous eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha was telecast on February 10, 2025, from Sunder Nursery in New Delhi, introducing a new format. That event brought together 36 students from every State and Union Territory, representing a wide array of educational institutions such as government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, CBSE schools, and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Participants also included PRERANA alumni and winners of Kala Utsav and Veer Gatha competitions.
The 2025 edition featured seven thematic episodes covering crucial areas like sports and discipline, mental health, nutrition, technology and finance, and creativity and positivity, with insights from noted personalities. Notably, in 2025, the programme set a Guinness World Record for global participation, with students from over 245 countries, teachers from 153 countries, and parents from 149 countries taking part.
Registrations have seen exponential growth, rising from just 22,000 in the first edition in 2018 to 3.56 crore in the eighth edition in 2025. An additional 1.55 crore people joined PPC-related Jan Andolan activities that year, taking the total participation to nearly 5 crore.
A Nationwide Movement for Positive Examination Culture
Pariksha Pe Charcha serves as a vital platform for students, teachers, and parents to discuss exams, stress management, and essential life skills. According to the Ministry of Education, it has evolved into a nationwide movement promoting a positive, confident, and holistic approach to examinations. The initiative's consistent growth and innovative formats underscore its role in transforming the educational landscape and fostering resilience among young learners.
