Aspirants spend ₹9 lakh over five years preparing for competitive examinations.

“Aspirants spend ₹9 lakh over five years preparing for competitive examinations.”Rahul Gandhi, Chhatron Ki Goonj rally, Dehradun, 17 July 2026

Rated False

The facts

1. Coaching, accommodation, and examination expenses can impose a serious financial burden. However, ₹9 lakh is not an official national average. Costs vary enormously by examination, city, online/offline preparation and whether candidates live at home.
2. Government platforms such as SWAYAM, DIKSHA and SATHEE provide free learning and competitive-examination preparation, reducing dependence on expensive private coaching.
3. Also, during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2026, PM Modi announced a nationwide initiative to provide free online coaching for competitive exams.72
4. A coaching-centre estimate cannot be presented as the compulsory cost paid by every Indian aspirant.

Sources

• 72indiatoday.in

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