From Dreams to Reality: CBSE Class 12 toppers from Mumbai triumph

In the realm of academic brilliance, Apeejay School in Nerul, Navi Mumbai stands tall, boasting a legacy of nurturing exceptional talents and fostering a culture of excellence. The Class 12 students of the school have once again set the benchmark high, displaying outstanding achievements in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examination.

Come and explore the remarkable journey of these students, highlighting their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. Read on.

A tradition of excellence

Kundan Maiti, a Science (Non-Medical) student of the school secured an enormous 99% in the examination. We could not hear from him because he is currently attending an Astronomy Olympiad conducted by HBCSE. However,we spoke to the student’s mother, Mrs Kakoli Maiti, a Mumbai-based architect, who told us that he has been a sincere and hardworking student year-round. She says, “He is quite focused about anything he does. Beyond academics, he is passionate about playing the violin. He has secured the topmost positions since class 6 in the school and is currently preparing for JEE Advanced examinations. An interesting thing about him? He doesn’t rest till the problem at hand is solved.” He was an NTSE scholar as well as the winner of the President’s Gold Medal of Apeejay School, Nerul for the past year. 

Kundan belongs to a family of achievers. His father is an IITian and elder sister is pursuing MBBS from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The young student likes to spend his free-time reading Science-based books and nature truly soothes his soul. Besides, his career goal is to become a Computer Engineer or explore the field of Pure Science and Research.

A valuable lesson, Mrs Maiti shared with him during his preparation is: ‘Error-analysis’ which means to revisit and analyse the faults done in the past and rectify those in the current situation. “Go on solving the questions, whatever it takes, and learn from the errors,” advised the mother.

The conventional wisdom

The other topper Atharva Krishnan, who secured the same score 99%, also had a unique approach. He says, “I wasn’t expecting such a positive result, but I am truly elated with it. To ace the exam, I always made it a point to plan my study. Besides, the notes given by my school teachers were extremely helpful for quick revision of concepts. As the syllabus was vast, I broke it down into smaller goals to be achieved every day. Slowly and steadily, I reached the end of it throughout the year.”

In the future, the student will appear for JEE Advanced and BITSAT entrances. He comes from a family of engineers and hopes to become one too. Further, he credits his family, elder brother and teachers for helping him out during his preparation. Like others, he too had stressful days during which he visited his grandparents near his residence. He says, “Before every exam, I sought their blessings and spent time with them. They encouraged me a lot. Moreover, they never set any academic targets for me but told me to give it my best shot.” 

Finally, the student opines there is no one size fits all strategy to ace Boards. “Every student must know what works for them and how they can tackle it.”

Quality than quantity  

Recording the second highest in the school, Arnav Bhate, the Science (Non-Medical) student bagged 97.6 %. He too is attending the same Olympiad as Kundan Maiti and so, we spoke to his mother, Mrs Purva Bhate. According to her, “All of the family, friends and relatives were looking forward to the good news. This was the first year of Boards for my son and I am proud that we did well. Further, he is attending the orientation cum selection camp at HBCSE after which his team may be selected for an International round scheduled to be held in Poland.”

She shared that Arnav has been a bright child throughout his school years. His childhood was full of appearing for different competitions and exams. Besides, he is an avid reader and likes to play the keyboard. “Arnav is not a regular topper, he takes breaks and ensures quality rather than quantity. He is a good time manager and finishes tasks in time. Further, he aspires to do something in Computer Science.”

A motivating tip, the mother often shared with him during Boards is: ‘We are not chasing after results. Gaining knowledge and implementing the lessons is the goal. Just focus and compete with yourself.”

Consistency is key

Amogh Kapoor scored 96.4 % in the Science (Non-Medical) stream with Economics. He says, “I am satisfied with the result. My parents were quite happy too.” He credits his tutors and educators in the school, especially for subjects like Physics and Chemistry.

“My strategy was to study by myself and solve as many mock tests. So, my tip to the juniors is to practice as much as you can. Don’t miss classes and stay in touch with your teachers.” He dreams to secure a seat in one of the premiere institutions of the country for which he will appear for JEE Advanced and BITSAT entrances soon.

All about focus and films

Securing 96%, the highest in the school with Commerce stream, Shriya Nandini is thrilled with the result. The student says, “I have been raised by the school because my mom is a teacher here. I am truly grateful to all my educators for my success. They held a ‘Havan’ ceremony before the Board examinations to pray for us (students). I think it is that deep emotional connection which made me achieve this mark.”  

Nandini started her preparation in class 11 itself. By class 12, she began to understand the concepts better. She has been planning and working ahead of her peers for months. She says, “I did the practical subjects beforehand. And then, I learnt the theory in class through my teachers. To ace the exam, I revised the theory the same day it was taught.”

Beyond academics, she is a Hindustani Classical vocalist as well as a Kathak dancer. Currently, she is learning acting and direction from Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares in Juhu, Mumbai. She aspires to become an actress and a filmmaker. When asked if she found it difficult to manage it all, Nandini says, “Not really! If someone truly wants to do something then it doesn’t feel like work. Besides, Apeejay was with me, I had so many opportunities to showcase my talents. I never felt overburdened. Sharing a tip with others, the multi-talented achiever says, “Even in the smallest moments of life, you can achieve a lot. So, whether it was a cab ride or workout session, I carried my books along and brushed up the concepts.”

Her advice for juniors? “Ensure that your presence of mind is in place during Boards. Don’t overthink or overwork as it will hamper everything you know. To cut off your social circle and compare your performance with others is not a good idea. Take your time, have your breaks and keep going. Enjoy what you are studying and attempt to learn beyond the subject.” 

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“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. I congratulate all students, parents and teachers for the wonderful CBSE results 2023.”

-MR P. SUBHASH, PRINCIPAL, APEEJAY SCHOOL, NERUL