Fighting personal challenges and the pandemic, class 10 toppers from Apeejay School, Faridabad share their success secrets

The shift towards an online mode of learning has been a game-changer for Indian education in the last year. Despite challenges regarding internet connectivity, lack of practical classes and tough syllabus, students at Apeejay School, Faridabad strategised for success in the CBSE Class 10 examinations.

“My whole concentration was on NCERT books,” says Dishita Srivastava, whose highest scoring subjects are: Science (100), Mathematics (99) and Social Studies (100). Looking to pursue +2 in the Medical stream, she wants to take up Psychology as an additional subject.  “I further want to study microbiology and prepare for the Civil Services exam. I want to serve my country,” says Srivastava, remarking that this was her late grandfather’s wish, who lost his life due to Covid-19.

As students have had to overcome several hurdles in the last year, Srivastava also relates worrying about her class 10 marks initially. “I used to cry and worry a lot but then I decided to study and increase the number of hours I put in every day. I also took optimum breaks during my study every hour, and would go for a walk to freshen up my mind,” she says.

Classes were not easy at first for her, but according to her, the evaluation criteria set by the Board worked well. She credits her teachers at Apeejay who were always available to resolve her doubts, even at 2 AM in the morning.

Tina Sharma, who also scored 99% in the Class 10 results, relates how multiple revisions and re-readings of the course books helped her enormously. Following the syllabus as told by her teachers, she recalls being very attentive in online classes and making regular notes. “In the online setup, we have missed having classes for practical subjects, but the school ensured that we learn through virtual labs,” says Sharma. She states that one should indulge in any recreational activity that helps balance the academics.

Reading all the notes provided by the teachers, Vimukta Sharma went through the NCERT books of all subjects at least thrice. “I have got 100 marks in Science and Social Science and I am very happy. I further want to become a gynaecologist like my mother.” She is currently preparing for NEET examinations and advises fellow students to divide the time well. “Don’t miss out on delivering your assignments even during an online learning mode,” she says.  

“I am very proud of students from the 2020-21 batch, who have worked hard to secure brilliant results despite a challenging academic year dotted with pandemic uncertainties. It is gratifying to see that with their focused approach, students consistently raised the bar of excellence, creating inspirational success stories. My best wishes for all their future endeavours and as a true Apeejayite, may they keep soaring high!”

-Dr. Parul Tyagi, Principal, Apeejay School, Faridabad