‘Breaks are necessary to revive your energy levels and recharge your mental stamina’

“No doubt I was expecting a good percentage. After seeing my pre-board results, I was pretty sure that I was going to score more than 90%. And when I got to know that I am the topper, it’s just a very different level of happiness. My parents are very happy and proud, says Rashi Mittal, who scored 95.4% in the CBSE Class 12 Board examination and is the topper of Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri. 

The Commerce student scored a perfect 100 in Physical Education, 99 in Business Studies, 97 in Accountancy and 96 in Mathematics. “Theoretical subjects like Business Studies were easier but Accountancy and Mathematics needed constant practice. There is a vast syllabus and you have no idea what kind of questions you will be asked. That is why solving several previous year’s question papers are helpful as you become accustomed to the exam pattern. Also, I followed NCERT books for Business Studies and referred to different books for Accountancy.  I used to do 2 to 3 hours of self-study everyday after coming back from school.”

Sharing how she balanced her study between weekdays and weekends, she emphasised, “Honestly, Sunday was a holiday for me. Some think one should study more on weekends, but I was more active on weekdays, and I used to give myself a break during the weekends. This is necessary to de-stress yourself while performing for such national-level exams. Following the same pattern for 365 days may impact your output.” 

For Rashi, the key to success is: “Set your target and keep moving towards your goal until you reach it.” 

Highlighting the role of teachers in achieving this success, she said, “Teachers were a great help and I always approached them whenever I had a conceptual doubt. Even if it was for the 10th time, teachers were always ready to solve my doubts. They explained the concepts using different examples and that helped me to remember better.” 

Rashi’s mother, Monica Mittal is super proud of her daughter’s achievement. “I am very happy and we are planning a vacation to celebrate Rashi’s success. She has been working really hard and now she deserves a good break before starting college.”    

Rashi aspires to go abroad after she completes her undergraduate studies. Currently, along with pursuing B Com, she will also be preparing for  Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and other global courses related to finance.  

For Shruti, another topper from the Commerce stream, the result came as a surprise to her. “Since the weightage was given to both the terms for marks calculation, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to score more than 95%. I was praying that I at least score above 90%. But  when the results were declared I was so stunned to see that I scored 94.6%.” 

Shruti has scored 99 in Business Studies as well as Physical Education.  Her father, Bijendra Singh said, “I was very sure that Shruti will perform well, it’s a big achievement.”

While most class 12 students before the board exams say ‘NO’ to social gatherings, the Commerce student created a balance between academics and social life. “I don’t think I missed any family function as it helped me to de-stress after studies,” she added. 

She further highlighted, “I am not a morning person and hence I studied at night. Even during the exams, I used to begin studying from 8pm till 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning.” Shruti relied mostly on NCERT books to prepare for CBSE. She added, “For the subjective question paper, I practiced writing answers and that helped me increase my speed and accuracy.”   

Sharing tips for her fellow students, she emphasised, “ Work hard! Consistency is the key. From day 1, you are required to set this target that you want to be the topper. If you have this attitude – it will happen – then it’s the wrong approach. You need to give your best from the first day. Plus, if concepts are clear, then you will not face difficulty in solving even the toughest question.”     

From the Science stream, Jai Sangwan, who scored 93.4% in the CBSE Board examination, credits his teachers at Apeejay and parents for their constant support and motivation. Upon being asked how he aced the board exams he said, “I used to set my daily study target one day in advance. Studying at night was more peaceful; you feel more focused because there are fewer distractions. Everyday, I  used to pick only two subjects for revision, solved previous year’s question papers. I also used to eat healthier snacks at night to keep my attention span and energy levels up.” 

In addition to these, Jai used to go to the gym everyday as it acted as a stress reliever for him and further boosted his confidence. He also highlighted, “Creating a plan of action helps you to be more organised in terms of preparation.”

The 18-year-old scored 95 marks in both Chemistry and Mathematics. Jai’s next plan is to pursue BA Honours from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi and simultaneously prepare for Combined Graduate Level (CGL) conducted by SSC (Staff Selection Commission) to select aspirants for various government departments.   

Like Jai, Anushka, another student from the Science stream also scored 93.4%. She secured 95 out of 100 in Chemistry as well as Physics. Sharing her exam preparation strategy, she said, “I primarily focused on solving multiple sample papers as much as I could.  I read NCERT thoroughly.”

She also emphasised, “You must not get nervous before the exams and keep your mind calm. Focus on what’s being taught in the classroom. Do not juggle between different books or study materials. Just pick one NCERT book and prepare thoroughly from it.” Anushka’s next plan is to pursue B Tech in Computer Science.  

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“I on behalf of the Management and my team of talented teachers congratulate all the students and their parents for their excellent results. Though this year too was marred with pandemic, our students showcased immense grit and determination to conquer this academic achievement. Academics is just a part as we prepare our students for life. Hence we expect them to continue soaring higher and higher through their deeds, contributing towards the well-being of the society and mankind.”

-RUDRENDRA BASAK, PRINCIPAL, APEEJAY SCHOOL, CHARKHI DADRI