PM Modi urges students to avoid internet distractions, focus on life skills at Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday cautioned students against excessive internet use , warning that cheap data and constant connectivity were leading to unhealthy digital habits, while urging a renewed focus on life skills, balanced education and mental well-being.

Interacting with students during the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 , Modi said education should not become a burden and requires total involvement . “Education in bits and pieces does not ensure success. Life is not just about exams—education is a medium for overall development,” he said, advising students to look beyond marks and focus on long-term growth.

The prime minister cautioned against excessive gaming , particularly for monetary gain , describing it as harmful and akin to gambling . “Do not indulge in gaming just to pass time because data is cheap. Those who play for money will only be ruined. We should not encourage gambling,” he said, while adding that gaming, when used constructively, can help develop alertness and skills.

Modi’s remarks come amid growing concern among educators and parents over emerging digital-age issues such as nomophobia —the fear or anxiety of being without a mobile phone—and dopamine dependency , where constant digital stimulation reduces interest in offline activities, learning and social interaction. Experts warn that prolonged screen exposure and excessive phone use can impact attention span, emotional regulation and overall mental health among children and adolescents.

Highlighting the role of families, Modi underlined that parents have a critical responsibility in guiding children towards responsible internet use. He said parents should lead by example through balanced digital behaviour, set reasonable screen-time boundaries, encourage sports, reading and hobbies, and maintain open communication to promote purposeful use of technology and emotional well-being.

Emphasising individuality in learning, the prime minister said every student has a unique pattern of functioning. “Some study better in the morning, some at night. Believe in what suits you, but take advice and adopt it only if it benefits you,” he said.

He stressed the need to maintain balance between studies , rest , hobbies and skill development , noting that life skills and professional skills must go hand in hand. “Skill starts with knowledge. If you lean too much on one side, you will fall—balance is key,” he said, urging students to set goals that are achievable yet challenging.

Reflecting on his own approach, Modi said he focuses on the future rather than the past. “I don’t count what has passed; I count what remains. Don’t dwell on the past—live what lies ahead,” he told students.

The prime minister also highlighted the role of teachers , saying their effort should be to stay one step ahead of students to guide holistic development beyond examinations .

At the outset, Modi welcomed students at his residence with an Assamese gamosa . The interaction was also screened at the Bal Yogi Auditorium in the Parliament complex.

Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has evolved from a townhall-style interaction into one of the country’s largest education engagement initiatives. Registrations rose from 38.8 lakh in 2023 to 2.26 crore in 2024 and 3.53 crore in 2025 , earning a Guinness World Record . The ninth edition surpassed the milestone with over 4.5 crore registrations.

This ninth edition featured curated student interactions from Devmogra in Gujarat , Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Guwahati in Assam, and at the Prime Minister’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi.