Rising with resilience and determination

From the quiet corners of the library to late-night study sessions at home, the journey of these Class XI toppers (academic Year 2024-25) has been defined by discipline, sincerity, and sheer determination. Now stepping into the crucial year of Class XII, they stand as examples of what focused hard work and goal-setting can achieve.

Meet Dakshita Singh and Kratika Bhardwaj, who scored 81.23% and 71.52% respectively in their final Humanities stream exams. Speaking about her preparation strategy, Dakshita said, “My study routine was quite unconventional. I am a night owl and often spend my time studying at night. While I did study during the day as well, I found myself a lot more focused and productive in the quieter hours.”

Dakshita added that the school had once organised a workshop that emphasised prioritising tasks based on urgency and importance to manage time effectively and reduce anxiety. “That’s exactly what I did. I targeted my weak zones first and worked on those until I felt confident in them, then I went to those topics which were a bit easier for me to grasp,” she recalled.

For Kratika, her preparatory approach began with an extensive review of the relevant chapter, followed by note-taking. “If I encounter uncertainties, I supplement my understanding by consulting additional texts alongside the NCERT materials. I do not adhere to a rigid study schedule; however, I strive to cover two subjects each day,” she mentioned.

Armed with well-structured timetables and a deep sense of responsibility, they balanced academics with co-curricular pursuits, proving that success lies in consistency. Their achievements are a source of pride for both teachers and parents, who have cheered them on every step of the way.

However, the success wasn’t an easy feat; rather it was filled with challenges which they both overcame with determination and positivity. “The biggest challenge I faced during my exam preparation was time management. Overcoming that felt very difficult to me at the moment, but I realised panicking would not do me any good and started by prioritising my subjects and making a schedule so I could give adequate time to everything,” shared Dakshita.

Kratika dealt with the pressure by employing various strategies to either redirect her focus or promote relaxation, including deep breathing exercises and ensuring adequate sleep.

Now with aspirations set higher than ever, these students are ready to embrace the challenges of their final school year — stronger, wiser, and more motivated than ever before.