PM Modi Announces Free Online Coaching for Competitive Exams
Prime Minister says government will provide free digital coaching to help reduce the financial burden on poor and middle-class families.
NEW DELHI, August 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a free online coaching initiative for competitive examinations during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, saying the high cost of coaching has become a major burden for many poor and middle-class families.
WHAT HAPPENED
Addressing the nation on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said young people preparing for competitive examinations should not be forced to depend on expensive coaching centres or move away from their families for preparation.
The proposed online system is intended to expand access to preparation resources through digital platforms and make quality coaching more accessible to students across the country.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
The government will provide free online coaching for competitive examinations.
The initiative is aimed particularly at reducing the financial pressure on poor and middle-class families.
Students will be able to access preparation resources digitally rather than depending entirely on physical coaching centres.
The announcement was part of a wider youth-focused package unveiled during the Independence Day address.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE
Prime Minister Modi said the growing competition surrounding coaching classes has created a significant financial burden for families and argued that young people should have access to opportunities without having to leave their homes for coaching.
BACKGROUND
Competitive examinations are an important pathway to higher education and government and professional careers in India. The cost of private coaching has become a major concern for students and families, particularly where aspirants spend extended periods preparing for highly competitive examinations.
The free-coaching announcement came alongside another major youth initiative: a programme to train one crore young people in artificial intelligence skills.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how the government designs the online platform, selects or partners with qualified educators, provides study material and ensures that students across different regions have reliable access to the programme.