Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 2026 Independence Day address, highlighted India's expansion in higher education and medical education since 2014. He said India had fewer than 350 universities between 2004 and 2014, while 650 new universities have been established since then. Modi also highlighted the increase in medical seats from around 400 before 2014 to 850. He said foreign universities are now coming to India and pointed to initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs. Addressing the growing cost of coaching classes, Modi said the government has decided to create an online coaching network offering free coaching opportunities to students.