Free online coaching, AI training for 1 crore: PM Modi's big push for youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced free online coaching for youth in his Independence Day address. He also said one crore young Indians will be skilled in artificial intelligence.PM Modi announces free online coaching for youth in Independence Day speechPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a new initiative to provide free online coaching to young people, in a major education-focused announcement during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.Addressing the nation on August 15, Modi said the government was working towards creating a network through which young people could access online coaching without having to pay for it.The announcement could be significant for students and job aspirants who depend on coaching to prepare for competitive examinations and other career opportunities. For many young people, the cost of coaching, travel and accommodation can become an additional barrier alongside the competition itself.TAKING COACHING BEYOND CLASSROOMSThe proposed network is aimed at using digital platforms to make coaching more widely available. Instead of students having to travel to coaching hubs or pay high fees for private classes, the initiative could bring learning resources directly to their screens. VIDEO | Independence Day 2026: Addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi, says, "The competition surrounding coaching classes has become a huge burden for middle-class families. Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching centre, they are pic.twitter.com/M2Tzle9Mkg— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 15, 2026 The move comes at a time when online learning has become an important part of how students prepare for examinations and build new skills. However, access to affordable and reliable coaching remains uneven, particularly for students who cannot afford expensive private programmes.A free online network could therefore help widen access, provided students have adequate internet connectivity and the courses offer consistent academic support.AI SKILLING FOR 1 CRORE YOUTH Alongside the free coaching initiative, Modi also announced a plan to provide artificial intelligence skilling courses to 1 crore young people.The focus on artificial intelligence reflects the growing importance of technology skills in education and employment. As workplaces increasingly adopt AI tools, students and young professionals are likely to face greater demand for digital and technology-related skills.The two announcements put both education access and future employability at the centre of the government's Independence Day message.The details of the free coaching network, including its launch timeline, participating institutions, courses and eligibility criteria, are expected to provide greater clarity on how young people will be able to access the programme.- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Aug 15, 2026 08:48 IST