Over the past three years, the government has spent ₹62 crore on Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi's annual interaction with students on exam preparedness. Meanwhile, the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), a prestigious scholarship program supporting students up to their PhD, remains suspended.

The NTSE, administered by NCERT, was paused in 2021, with officials citing administrative reasons. If the scholarship had continued, its total expenditure over the same period would have been under ₹40 crore, significantly less than PPC's costs.

Critics argue this reflects misplaced priorities, favouring a public relations event over direct academic support for students.

PPC, held annually in Delhi, involves pre-screened student questions and is fully funded by the education ministry. In 2022-23, expenses soared due to ₹28 crore spent on appreciation letters from the Prime Minister to 38 lakh students, in addition to the event's ₹10 crore cost. While digital letters reduced costs in 2023-24, expenses still reached ₹16 crore.

Experts and parents lament the government's decision to suspend NTSE, which has identified and nurtured talent since 1963. The scholarship provided monthly financial aid from Class XI to PhD, benefiting 2,000 students annually. A government-appointed committee proposed changes, including rural and urban quotas, but the report remains unaddressed.

Critics, including educationists and parents, argue PPC is more about self-promotion than education. They question the government's commitment to mass education, highlighting ongoing infrastructure gaps in schools. No official response has been given regarding the suspension of NTSE or the rising PPC expenses.