Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that academic scores alone do not define a student’s true abilities, and exams are just a small part of the larger journey of knowledge and self-growth.

In a podcast with Lex Fridman released on Sunday, Modi expressed concern over the growing societal pressure on students, where even schools and families measure success by rankings.

“A strange mindset has developed where a child’s worth is judged by marks, and schools take pride in rankings. This has led to unnecessary pressure on students, making them believe that their entire future depends on their Class 10 and 12 results,” he said.

The prime minister highlighted the New Education Policy (NEP) as a step toward reducing this academic pressure, but he also acknowledged that mindset shifts take time. Until then, he sees it as his responsibility to ease students’ burdens.

Through his ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ initiative, he gains first-hand insights from students, parents, and educators, helping him better understand the challenges they face.

Modi stressed that exams are essential for assessing knowledge but should never be the sole measure of a person’s potential.

“A student may not score well academically but could excel in cricket and hit centuries. True strength lies in different abilities, and when we focus on actual learning, scores tend to improve naturally,” he explained.

The prime minister urged parents to stop treating their children as trophies or status symbols based on their exam results. “Children are not meant to be showcased as models of academic success. Life is not just about taking exams, and parents must stop adding to this pressure,” he said.

For students, he advised confidence, preparation, and mindfulness before exams. “Those who lack confidence often look for distractions. But if you have worked hard, just take a deep breath, relax, and focus. Exams are just one step in a long journey,” he added.

Reflecting on his own learning experiences, Modi shared how he has developed the habit of being fully present in every interaction, which helps him grasp concepts better.

“When I meet someone, I am fully present in that moment—no calls or distractions. This sharpens the mind and improves learning ability. Knowledge alone isn’t enough; one must practice and immerse themselves in the experience,” he concluded.

Through this conversation, Modi reinforced the need to shift from a marks-driven mindset to a learning-focused approach, ensuring students grow beyond exams and unlock their true potential.

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