Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced free online coaching courses for various competitive exams aimed at helping youth across the country during his Independence Day address at New Delhi's Red Fort on August 15, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Modi said, "We have decided to provide free online coaching for various competitive examinations for our youth. We have the digital public infrastructure, and we have highly talented teachers and educators" [1].
The program aims to ease the financial burden on millions of families caused by costly private coaching, which Modi described as a heavy strain on middle-class households. He said, "All parents feel if they do not send their children to tutoring, they will fall behind. Given tutoring costs have become a burden for families below the middle class, the government hopes to save this expense for the people" [2]. Another statement from Modi emphasized that this competition around coaching has become a serious weight for middle-income families, and students will now be able to stay with their families and avoid extra financial pressure [3].
The announcement follows widespread youth protests triggered by exam paper leaks and recruitment scandals that led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in July 2026 [1, 3, 4]. Modi also revealed plans to provide artificial intelligence skills training to 10 million young people within the next year, aiming to boost digital capabilities nationwide [3].
In addition, Modi stressed the importance of youth participation in the ongoing census using digital methods [2, 4]. He highlighted the role of "Yuva Shakti" or youth energy in India’s development plans targeting 2047, the centenary of India’s independence [2, 4].
Expanding beyond academics, the government will identify sports talents between ages 5 and 15 to increase India’s presence at the Olympics by 2036. Modi promised to provide the best training and support for youth athletes aiming to qualify for the Games [2, 4].
Modi, aged 75, positioned these initiatives as part of a broader push to develop India’s human capital through digital infrastructure and talented educators, leveraging existing public resources to aid millions of young people [1, 3]. The government remains on track with these programs as they prepare to roll out training and coaching offerings in the coming months.
