Er. Prabhat Kishore
Examinations are often a source of stress for students and their families. This challenge is common across all age groups, especially among teenagers preparing for major milestones such as board examinations and competitive tests. The intense focus on academic performance, coupled with societal and familial expectations, frequently leads to stress, anxiety, and depression, adversely affecting students’ mental health.
To transform the narrative surrounding exam-related stress, Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) was initiated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 16 February 2018 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. This annual interactive event brings together students, teachers, and parents from across the country and abroad to openly discuss exam stress and to celebrate examinations as an Utsav—an integral part of life. During these interactions, the Prime Minister shares valuable insights on board and entrance examinations, stress management, personal growth, career aspirations, and life skills.
Pariksha Pe Charcha is, in essence, the Prime Minister’s masterclass on approaching examinations with clarity and confidence. It creates space for honest conversations on preparation, pressure, and purpose. The event promotes innovative approaches to addressing exam anxiety and encourages a celebratory attitude toward learning and life. For this vision to succeed, society, teachers, and parents must work collectively to foster an environment where students can thrive without undue pressure. With the right support system, students can overcome exam stress and unlock their true potential.
Since its launch in 2018, PPC has witnessed extraordinary growth.
The 1st edition (16 February 2018) saw 22,000 participants.
The 2nd edition (29 January 2019) recorded 1.03 lakh participants.
The 3rd edition (20 January 2020) received 2.63 lakh registrations.
The 4th edition (7 April 2021), conducted virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessed 14.02 lakh registrations, including 10.5 lakh students, 2.6 lakh teachers, and 92,000 parents.
The 5th edition (1 April 2022) recorded 15.73 lakh registrations, with 12.12 lakh students, 2.71 lakh teachers, and 90,000 parents; total participation stood at 12,03,553.
The 6th edition (27 January 2023) saw 38.79 lakh registrations, including 31.24 lakh students, 5.60 lakh teachers, and 1.95 lakh parents, with 8,48,991 viewers/participants.
The 7th edition (29 January 2024) marked a milestone with 2.2624 crore registrations, including 2.0562 crore students, 14.93 lakh teachers, and 5.69 lakh parents.
The 8th edition (10 February 2025) further expanded its reach with 3,56,68,817 registrations, creating history in the education sector worldwide.
In 2025, PPC 8.0 also set a remarkable Guinness World Record, with participation from students in 245 countries, teachers from 153 countries, and parents from 149 countries, underscoring the programme’s global relevance and appeal.
Over the years, PPC has evolved into a powerful platform that transforms exam-related stress into positive energy. By addressing real concerns and offering practical solutions, the Prime Minister has effectively bridged the gap between policy and practice, empowering students to perform confidently under pressure. Its inclusivity, digital outreach, and innovative format have ensured its continued success as a cornerstone of student engagement in Bharat. Each edition reinforces a vital message: examinations are not an end, but a beginning.
The 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha is scheduled for January 2026. Participant selection is being conducted through an online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) competition on the MyGov portal from 1 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. Students from Classes 6 to 12, along with teachers and parents, are eligible to participate. Students from all management categories—including Government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and CBSE schools—will take part in the event.
Registration is simple and free of cost. Participants can register using a mobile number, email ID, or DigiLocker (MeriPehchaan). The steps include:
1. Visit the official website: https://innovateindia1.mygov.in
2. Click on “Participate Now” on the homepage
3. Select one of the four categories: Student (Self Participation), Student (Through Teacher Login), Teacher, or Parent
4. Click on “Click to Participate” under the selected category
5. Register by entering personal details such as name, mobile number, email ID, date of birth, gender, and class
6. Answer five MCQs and/or frame a question (up to 500 characters) under “Question to PM” on themes related to life skills, exam preparation, stress management, or career guidance
7. Submit the entry
The competition serves as the gateway for participation in the PPC programme. Event themes include “Make Exams a Celebration”, “Contribution of Our Freedom Fighters”, “Save the Environment”, and “Clean India”. Questions shortlisted by NCERT will be featured during the programme. Selected students will get the opportunity to interact directly with the Prime Minister. All participants will receive a specially designed certificate of participation. Additionally, 2,500 participants will receive a PPC Kit from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, while 10 “Exam Warriors” will get an opportunity to visit the Prime Minister’s residence.
High-enrolment States are encouraged to achieve registration of at least 50% of students from Classes 6 to 12, while other States, Union Territories, and Autonomous Bodies should aim for 100% registration. All teachers teaching Classes 6 to 12 should also be covered under the outreach initiative.
It is time for everyone to join hands in celebrating the Utsav of examinations—Pariksha Pe Charcha—as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. To make learning joyful and meaningful for our future nation-builders, students, families, teachers, and society must collectively place examinations in the right perspective, rather than turning them into life-and-death situations burdened by unnecessary stress and pressure.
