Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that his government will offer free online coaching for competitive exam preparation. This initiative comes just weeks after large youth-led protests led to the resignation of the education minister. Modi explained that the new program aims to reduce the financial strain on millions of families caught in India’s highly competitive education system.
Addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi during Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026, Modi stated, “We are launching free online coaching for various competitive exams for our youth. We have robust digital infrastructure and talented teachers and educators ready to assist.”
The announcement follows nationwide demonstrations sparked by the leak of a major medical entrance test paper and multiple recruitment scandals. These protests resulted in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month and highlighted the widespread frustration among Indian youth regarding access to jobs and educational opportunities.
In India, access to government colleges remains one of the most preferred routes to economic stability, fueling intense competition and the growth of an extensive coaching industry. Students often spend years and significant sums of money preparing for these exams. Modi emphasized that the free online classes would particularly benefit families from lower and middle-income backgrounds, allowing students to study locally without the added financial and emotional burdens of expensive coaching centers.
Additionally, Modi announced plans to train millions of young Indians in artificial intelligence over the next year, targeting 10 million youth in AI skills.
Since the protests, authorities have taken steps such as increasing penalties for exam leaks to address public outrage. Critics argue these protests represent one of the gravest challenges Modi’s government has faced since coming to power in 2014.
In a lengthy speech exceeding an hour, Modi reiterated his goal for India to achieve developed country status within the next two decades. He outlined a seven-point growth and reform plan focusing on manufacturing, agriculture, technology, defense, and promoting India’s “soft power” through yoga, tourism, and handicrafts.
He emphasized the importance of positioning India as a reliable partner in global supply chains. Modi revealed plans for eight new semiconductor manufacturing facilities and five nuclear reactors that aim to generate 100 gigawatts of electricity by 2047. The government has already begun allowing private companies to operate nuclear power plants as part of its push toward alternative energy sources.
Modi highlighted that young people will be the primary beneficiaries of this development vision, saying, “Youth have a significant role in building a developed India, and they are the biggest beneficiaries of our progress.”