Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s annual interaction program, Pariksha Pe Charcha, will take on a new format this year, featuring a host of notable personalities who will address students preparing for their board exams. Among the personalities joining the event are actress Deepika Padukone, boxer Mary Kom, Olympian Avani Lekhara, nutritionist Rujuta Divekar, educator Sonali Sabharwal, FoodPharmer, actor Vikrant Massey, actress Bhumi Pednekar, popular YouTuber Technical Guruji, and business leader Radhika Gupta.
The event, organized by the Department of School Education and Literacy, will be held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, following a town hall-style format where students can interact directly with PM Modi.
Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) is an initiative by the Prime Minister aimed at transforming exam-related stress into an opportunity for learning and growth. The program has gained massive popularity since its inception in 2018, with its 8th edition in 2025 attracting an unprecedented 3.56 crore registrations—up from 2.26 crore in the previous year, marking an increase of 1.3 crore registrations.
The initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, resonating deeply with students, teachers, and parents alike. PPC’s focus on turning exams into a celebratory “Utsav” has made a significant impact across the country, fostering a positive outlook on exams and mental well-being. This year’s program is a clear indication of the growing awareness surrounding holistic education and the importance of mental health.
The interactive format of the event, which fosters an open dialogue between students, teachers, and PM Modi, has contributed to its success. To expand PPC into a broader “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement), various engaging activities were conducted from January 12 to January 25, 2025, across schools nationwide. These activities encouraged 1.42 crore students, 12.81 lakh teachers, and 2.94 lakh schools to participate, making the program a nationwide celebration of learning and mental wellness.
Students engaged in a wide range of activities, including traditional games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, short-distance marathons, meme competitions, Nukkad Natak (street plays), and poster-making contests. In addition, yoga and meditation sessions were held to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Students were also encouraged to share their experiences through testimonials, participate in student-led discussions, and organize school plays or workshops to further foster a community spirit.
Since its inception, Pariksha Pe Charcha has provided valuable advice on managing stress during the exam period, with PM Modi interacting directly with students, teachers, and parents. Initially held in New Delhi, the event went online during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since returned to a town-hall format at Talkatora Stadium for the fifth, sixth, and seventh editions.
