Education Minister Ashish Sood inspires students with lessons on confidence and balance

New Delhi: Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Friday interacted directly with students at CM Shri School, Nanakpura, Moti Bagh-II, under the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026' programme, and shared inspiring messages to help them overcome fear and anxiety related to upcoming examinations.

On the occasion, the Education Minister watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with students under Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 along with the students, and said that examinations are not something to fear but should be approached like a celebration.

Addressing the students, Sood urged them to stay focused on their studies, set clear goals, and work consistently towards achieving them. He emphasised that effective time management is the key to success.

Encouraging students to participate in sports and co-curricular activities alongside academics, the Minister said that balance in life is extremely important. Participation in sports helps in both mental and physical development, he added.

Speaking on exam stress, Sood said that there is no need to be afraid of examinations. He advised students to keep learning new things and build self-confidence, stating that true confidence comes from within, when one learns to trust oneself. Only then can one achieve their goals.

The Education Minister also advised students to develop the habit of making a daily ‘to-do list’ and using time wisely, stating that this discipline plays a crucial role in long-term success in life.

Sood further stated that examinations should never be considered the final measure of life. He acknowledged that during the exam season, students naturally face pressure from syllabus load, notes, and social expectations, but the purpose of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' is to transform this pressure into confidence.

Referring to the long-standing mindset that clearing Class 10 or Class 12 examinations alone determines one’s future, Sood said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through platforms like 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', has made a conscious effort to change this narrative. He added that when the Prime Minister interacts with students, the focus is not on marks, but on mindset.

The Education Minister clearly stated that while good marks are important, they are not everything. Sharing his personal experiences, he said that many HR professionals during placements value a student’s confidence, thinking ability, and subject understanding more than just marksheets.

“Your marksheet is not your visiting card,” he said.

He emphasised that deep understanding of subjects builds true confidence. While a little pressure and anxiety are natural, self-doubt and loss of self-belief cause the greatest harm. Every child is different, with unique thinking patterns, pace, abilities, and talents. Our scriptures also say that no individual on this earth is meaningless, he added.

Sood said that it is neither possible nor necessary for every student to go to IIT or crack NEET. The nation needs not only engineers and doctors, but also writers, artists, scientists, coders, and thinkers. “This country needs every kind of talent,” he said.

He appealed to students to stay away from social media comparisons and peer pressure, and instead focus on identifying their own strengths. He added that India today has a government committed to providing equal opportunities, and anyone with genuine merit can excel in any field.

Concluding the programme, Sood said, “Today, I am not speaking to you as the Education Minister, but as your guardian. Write your exams without fear and believe in yourself.”

He extended best wishes to all students on behalf of the Delhi Government and the Hon’ble Chief Minister for their success in the examinations.

Tags : Ashish Sood, Education Minister, Pariksha Pe Charcha, Narendra Modi, CM Shri School