Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a nationwide free online coaching programme for young people preparing for competitive examinations. The initiative aims to reduce the financial pressure on poor and middle-class families who spend large amounts on private coaching.
Speaking from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, Modi said the government would combine India’s digital public infrastructure with its pool of skilled teachers and educators to create a nationwide network offering free coaching to students.
Coaching Costs a Burden on Families
Modi said the growing competition around coaching centres has created significant pressure on middle-class families. Many parents feel compelled to send their children to coaching centres because they fear their children could fall behind without additional preparation.
The Prime Minister said the new initiative would help families avoid spending thousands of crores of rupees on coaching. He stressed that financial limitations should not prevent talented young people from preparing for competitive examinations.
Students Can Prepare From Home
The government also wants students to access quality coaching without having to move away from their families.
Modi said young people should be able to stay close to their parents while preparing for exams, allowing them to receive family support and reducing the additional financial burden on households.
He said the government would use existing technology and educational resources to make free online coaching available to aspirants across the country.
Digital Infrastructure and Teachers to Power Initiative
According to Modi, India already has the digital infrastructure needed to support such a programme. The government plans to bring together this infrastructure with experienced teachers and educators to build a wider online coaching network.
The initiative is expected to provide students with greater access to learning resources regardless of their financial background or location.
One Crore Youth to Get AI Training
The Prime Minister also announced plans to train one crore young people in skills related to artificial intelligence.
The announcement was part of his broader vision of preparing India’s youth for emerging technologies and future employment opportunities. The government aims to expand access to technology-focused skills as India strengthens its position in the digital economy.
Focus on India’s Growth by 2047
Modi linked the new initiatives to his larger vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted the country’s economic and technological progress over the past 12 years and said India had moved from being counted among the Fragile Five economies to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
He said the country was moving forward with greater speed and confidence, supported by the determination of its 140 crore citizens to achieve the 2047 development goal.
Defence and Digital Growth Highlighted
The Prime Minister cited several figures to underline India’s progress. He said defence production had increased four times, electronic manufacturing seven times and modern railway coach production 21 times.
He also pointed to a four-fold increase in internet users and a 100-fold rise in digital transactions.
India Eyes Semiconductor Growth
Modi said India was also moving towards becoming a major semiconductor manufacturing hub. Production has already started at three semiconductor plants, while another five to eight plants are expected to come up in the coming years.
He said the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing would strengthen India’s technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Push for Sports Ahead of 2036 Olympics
Modi also highlighted India’s growing focus on sports infrastructure and athlete support.
He said India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and reiterated the country’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics. He added that India would need to expand its presence in sporting disciplines where the country has not previously qualified as it prepares for the Olympic goal.
