Twin City School Toppers share their journey of success

Twin City School Toppers share their journey of success

Come exam season, there grips a sense of urgency among all students. Each student has his/her own style of preparation, strategy and differing levels of dedication for it. Success bolsters confidence, while an average performance gives disappointment to the sharp and sincere students. When the day of declaration of results come, all students have butterflies in their stomach. But only a few manage to prove their mettle, and earn the top spots in their respective schools. 

This year as many as 16 Lakh students appeared for CBSE 12th exam out of which 87.33% students were able to pass in all subjects. Girls have performed better than boys, with more pass percentage on the whole. Schools from Odisha have set new records with the performance of toppers reaching new highs. Most CBSE toppers got marks above 95% in their respective schools, with some schools even crossing the 99% mark. My City Links, in this story, interacts with different toppers from a few schools of the Twin cities, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and tries to figure out the secret of their journey of success.

Khirabdhi Tanaya Samal (Mothers Public School’s 10th CBSE Topper – 98.6%)

Focus on hard work than on marks.

I didn’t have a specific preparation strategy but I dedicated myself to daily consistent hard work. Even during school days, I found out time from my busy schedule for self-study. Apart from studying NCERT books, I also took help from YouTube videos for preparing subjects like social studies. I was pleasantly surprised to get so much percentage as I was expecting around 96 %. I was pretty nervous about the exams as we students had to go to a new place for appearing the tests. I had prayed to God that all goes well. I believe it is important to always be mindful of your studies but not be serious about it. My focus was not on marks but more on hard work.

Shreya Shreerupa Sahoo (Mother’s Public School’s 12th Humanities Topper – 95.4%)

Focused Study for less duration is the secret.

I studied 2-3 hours every day during school days, while during exams I used to study for 4-5 hours. Whatever I studied in school, I used to revise that portion every day after coming home. I used to prepare my own notes and complete school’s assignments in due time. I felt satisfied with the results and it was as per my expectations. The exams were pretty stressful, though I didn’t find it to be too difficult as I was thoroughly prepared for it. I did expect to top and was not surprised by the results. I want to pursue B.A. in English and work in a profession where I can use my knowledge of literature and English. My advice for the juniors is that they should try to study with focus for less duration, rather than more hours with less focus. Revising of subjects productively is always helpful in preparing for exams.

Saswat Panigrahi (SAI International School’s 12th Commerce Topper – 99.2%)

Practice to overcome difficulties.

During school days I focused more on attending all the classes, clarifying concepts, and strengthening the basics. I tried solving previous year questions and answering different types of questions. I expected to secure more than 95% and was shocked to know that I obtained such good marks. In the exams some subjects were very easy, there were more application based questions this year in some subjects. Because of practice of solving different types of questions I was able to solve most of the difficult problems in the exams. I was very happy upon knowing the results as my family members were all satisfied with me. I aspire to become a chartered accountant and am currently preparing for CA Foundation exams.

Himanshu Agarwal (SAI International School’s 12th Science Topper – 98%)

Study with consistency every day.

I was primarily focused on NEET preparations, which helped me clarify concepts. Before the exams, I immersed himself in NCERT textbook study. Mock tests at school helped boost my confidence for the final exams. I faced no problems with numericals due to entrance exam preparation, I accustomed myself with the course curriculum through thorough revision of the textbooks. I was not stressed at giving the exam and I was very comfortable with it. I didn’t harbour too many expectations from it, and was happy to know that I had topped in the class. I believe there is a need to study on a daily basis for the examinations and have an application based approach than rote learning. I used to study 6-8 hours every day during school days, and before exams he used to have a more relaxed approach with adequate time for sleep. 

Adyasha Syam (SAI International School’s 12th Humanities Topper – 99%)

Beat Exam stress with sincerity of preparation.

I didn’t take any coaching and relied more on textbook study and solving of sample papers. I am grateful to my school teachers who guided me during preparations. I didn’t take any extra help and solely depended on the guidance I was given. Prior to appearing the exams, I was slightly anxious expecting that there might be twisted questions in it. But after the exams, I became confident that I would perform well. I considers the day of declarations to be a proud moment, when all her friends and family came to congratulate me as I had topped in the entire state. I feel to be successful, it is important not to be too stressed about the exams. Rather it is helpful to be sincere and regular in preparation. I used to do self-study for 5-6 hours during school days, while before the exams I used to study for 10-12 hours. I aspire to graduate in law and have taken admission in National Law University Delhi for that.

Syed Ayaan Ali (SAI International School’s 10th Topper – 98.8%)

Revise repeatedly and keep notes of your doubts.

I mostly relied on NCERT textbooks, by writing the notes repeatedly. When we repeatedly study something it becomes imprinted in the mind. Everyone has a different style of studying, for me it was repeated revision. I honestly didn’t expect anything from the exams, I was prepared for whatever results I would obtain. I was going to be OK with whatever I obtained. The board exams were very easy as compared to the pre-board, so I was pleasantly surprised. I was very happy with the results as it was according to the hard work I had done. For juniors I would recommend that they should keep a diary while preparing, so that they can clear it later on. Also the most help you can get is from your teachers. On a lighter note, I would also credit my pet cat for my success, which would sit down on my books whenever I tended to study longer than usual. I believe it is more important to be a well-rounded person than topping the exams. My future aspirations are to become a doctor by cracking the NEET exam. 

Simran Jena (K.V. No.1 Bhubaneswar’s 12th Science Topper – 96.2%)

Follow instructions of the teachers.

My basic focus before 2-3 months of the exam was for NEET. I prepared for the boards with 3 months in hand by solving Sample Papers, appearing for monthly tests in schools, and following the teachers’ instructions. Being the topper for me was unexpected, though I had the confidence of scoring above 90%. During the exam, I gained confidence after observing that the questions in different subjects were not as hard as I expected them to be. The syllabus for NEET and Board exams are the same. I had prepared for MCQs and clarified the different concepts. The different preparatory exams at our school helped me prepare for the subjective pattern tests which characterize board exams. My advice to juniors who are about to appear the exams next year, is that they should follow the instructions of the teachers who are the best guides. It is important to clear all doubts in time and prepare with focus and determination. I used to study for 6 hours a day during school days, while during the exams I studied for 10-12 hours. I mostly relied on class notes and NCERT textbooks.

Parbati Tudu (K.V. No.1 Bhubaneswar’s 12th Humanities Topper – 94.8%)

Make notes from the textbook and don’t rely on too many sources.

My only focus was on the NCERT textbooks. It was my priority to read the NCERT books thoroughly and completely. Along with that I practised previous year question papers from whatever sources I had collected. I relied on multiple sources for information such as class notes, textbooks and informative YouTube videos. There was pressure from the society on me to secure good marks as Humanities is generally considered as an easy branch of study. But humanities can be very difficult indeed. The challenge is to remember a lot of facts, such as the dates of events in history in the proper sequence. I had apprehensions prior to the exam about the type of question papers that would be set. I commend the support of my teachers who were very supportive and caring of our emotions. It was their advice that there is no need to worry for a student, who has prepared well. It’s necessary to be focused on one’s own understanding rather than get distracted due to unnecessary discussions with peers. I used to study 10-12 hours a day, during the exam season. I expected to secure above 95% in the results and was slightly disappointed when I couldn’t make it. I was assured by her teachers that my performance in the exam was up to the mark, after which I felt satisfied. For juniors who are going to appear for the exams next year I advise that they should not rely upon too many sources and references as it might confuse them. Rather they should study NCERT textbooks line by line, and make their own notes. They should not refer to their friend’s notes, instead they should do their own in-depth study.

Sumit Mishra (Loyola School Bhubaneswar’s 12th Science Topper – 93.5%)

Have some extracurricular activities to kill exam worries.

I represented my school at the state and national level in cricket and love to play as it keeps the mind fresh. I didn’t take any coaching or tuitions for preparation and studied properly a few months before the starting of the exams. I used to study 4-6 hours per day prior to exams, while during exams I used to study for 8 hours. As I was busy with different tournaments throughout the year, I didn’t focus much in studies a few months before exams. The results were as per expectations. The questions in the exams were more conceptual and analytical with a few difficult papers. I was not so overjoyed with the results but was happy to learn that I had become the topper. I think it is no use worrying about exams, rather it is important to have some extracurricular activity going on apart from studies to have a fresh mind. I want to pursue BSc in Computer Science from Delhi University.

Shraddhanjali Swain (Loyola School Bhubaneswar’s 12th Arts Topper – 93.25%)

Make notes of important concepts for better preparations.

I didn’t have a specific strategy for preparation but I relied heavily on my own handwritten notes and classnotes. I didn’t take any tuitions or coaching. I had the results as per my expectations and had a good experience with the exams. I was very satisfied to know that I had topped the exam as my parents who supported me through the journey congratulated me. I had to appear for 6 subjects – English literature, English language, Economics, Political Science, Psychology and History. I believe once concepts are clear, half of the preparation is done. Making notes of concepts is very helpful during preparations. Practicing numericals in subjects like Economics is also necessary while preparing. I have taken admission in Christ University in BA Economics for my graduation. 

Ayush Ayushman (DPS Kalinga’s 12th Science Topper – 98.4%)

Work hard consistently without getting distracted from goals.

Like many other students, I was also preparing for NEET and the board exams side-by-side. I credit my teacher’s effective guidance behind my success. I used to study 7-8 hours per day during school days, while during the exams I used to study for 12-13 hours. I was satisfied with my results as I got most of the results as per expectations. I accept that I had slight anxiety before the exam, but I was confident of performing well in it. I observed that the Physics paper was a bit difficult, but I was able to face it due to my thorough preparations. My advice for juniors is that they should consistently work hard by not getting distracted from the goals.

Niyati Agarwal (DPS Kalinga’s 12th Commerce Topper – 96.4%)

A competitive spirit motivates to perform well.

I took tuitions for only a couple of subjects, but relied heavily on my teachers’ guidance. I gave ample importance to consistency in hardwork which I believe is the best preparation strategy. I had done her matriculation in ICSE boards, due to which I had a strong foundational base. I didn’t feel much difficulty in preparing for CBSE exams. I expected to get above 95% in the exams. I feel that the competitive spirit among my friends motivated me to performing well. I was not so happy with the results as I felt that I could have secured more. But on knowing that I had topped, I was content. I am currently preparing for CA foundation exams and want to be a Chartered Accountant.