New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged students to focus not only on academic scores but also on improving their overall life skills, cautioning them against wasting time on the internet and online gaming.

Interacting with students during the ninth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026' at his residence here, Modi said education should not be treated as a burden and stressed the importance of wholehearted learning.

He advised students to set realistic but challenging goals and develop control over their minds to achieve success. Warning against excessive gaming, he said indulging in online games merely for entertainment or money could be harmful, though he acknowledged that gaming could help develop alertness and skills when used constructively.

The prime minister said each student had a unique learning pattern and should identify what suited them best, while remaining open to useful guidance. He also underlined the need to balance studies, rest, skills and hobbies for holistic growth.

Recalling personal experiences, Modi said one should focus on future goals rather than past achievements. “We should not just focus on marks, but on improving life, which goes beyond classrooms and examinations,” he said.

Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown into one of India's largest student engagement initiatives, recording over 4.5 crore registrations this year.