He recently triumphed in the Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) competition, bagging the first prize. Though success did not come easily, his consistent efforts and perseverance bore the fruit of achievement. Meet Aabhas Sahu, a Class XI student of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. In a candid interview, he reflects on his strong scientific foundation, unwavering dedication, and deep passion for innovation that continue to drive his academic journey.
Share your recent achievement and success story.
I am grateful to have won the Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) State-level Competition, which is a prestigious national science talent search initiative. This achievement reflects my strong interest in science and research-oriented learning. Competing with some of the best young minds in the state has been a motivating experience and has strengthened my aspiration to pursue science at a higher level.
How did you prepare yourself for the competition?
My preparation was based on a clear understanding of the VVM syllabus, with a strong focus on NCERT concepts, especially Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and general scientific awareness. I followed a disciplined study schedule, practised previous years’ questions, read scientific articles, and regularly revised concepts. Logical reasoning and conceptual clarity played a major role in my preparation.
What were the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing school academics, JEE preparation (PCM), and VVM preparation was the biggest challenge. I overcame this by effective time management and prioritising concept-based learning instead of rote memorisation. Whenever I felt stressed, I broke my study sessions into smaller, focused slots and ensured regular revision to stay confident.
How did your school support your journey?
The school provided constant academic and moral support throughout my journey. My teachers encouraged scientific thinking, clarified doubts, and motivated me to participate in competitive platforms like VVM. The school’s emphasis on conceptual learning and critical thinking helped me perform confidently at the state level.
What are your plans?
I am, at present, pursuing PCM with a focus on JEE preparation and aspire to study engineering at a premier institute. In the long term, I wish to contribute to scientific research and technological innovation that can positively impact society.
Share a few mental Math skills that every student should have.
Some essential skills every student should develop are: Fast calculation of squares, cubes, and percentages; estimation and approximation techniques; quick multiplication and division tricks; understanding ratios and fractions mentally, and logical number pattern recognition.