NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, unveiled a significant initiative: free online coaching for young aspirants preparing for various competitive examinations. The announcement on August 15, 2026, underscores the government's commitment to youth empowerment and reducing economic disparities in education.
During his speech, PM Modi highlighted the growing financial burden placed on families by private coaching classes. "Coaching classes burden the poor and the middle class. We will provide free online coaching for various exams," he stated, emphasizing the need to democratize access to quality exam preparation.
Addressing Educational Inequality
The new program is designed to offer critical support to students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often face prohibitive costs associated with specialized coaching, study materials, travel, and accommodation. Beyond financial relief, the online format is expected to benefit students in remote areas where access to high-quality coaching facilities is limited.
This educational reform aligns with the Prime Minister's broader vision of placing India's youth at the forefront of the country's development journey. "When I speak of a developed India, when I speak of propelling the nation forward at a rapid pace, the greatest beneficiary and the greatest enabler of this vision is the youth of my country," Modi affirmed.
AI Skill Training and Viksit Bharat Vision
The announcement of free online coaching was accompanied by another major youth-centric initiative: a pledge to train one crore (10 million) young people in artificial intelligence (AI) through specialized skilling programs over the next year. Modi stressed the importance of embracing emerging technologies, stating, "This is the era of robotics, AI, quantum technology, space and data centres. Emerging technologies are presenting new challenges, and we must become a global hub of innovation."
Both initiatives are integral to the government's 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) vision, targeting India's transformation into a developed nation by 2047. The Prime Minister reiterated that the youth would be both the biggest beneficiaries and contributors to achieving this ambitious national goal, linking their aspirations directly to the country's progress.