Select a stream that matches your strength and interests, say class 10 toppers of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park

Abhinav Khanna, the topper of class 10 with 97.8 %, believes students must make sure to choose a stream that matches their own interests, potential, and ability. “I chose PCM with biology after class 10 because I was interested in all the subjects. I was not under duress from my parents, teachers or friends. Sometimes students get influenced by their friends and end up picking streams that don’t suit their interest or skill set. One can also approach a counsellor when you are not sure about choosing a suitable path after class 10.”

Khanna scored 100 in Science, Social Science and Maths. Sharing his success mantra, he says, “I attended all the classes regularly and revised without fail what was taught in the class. To score well in Maths and Science, I revised NCERT books of these subjects twice before focusing my attention on NCERT Exemplars. For Social Science, as advised by my teachers, I focussed only on the NCERT book.”

Aditi Singh was a close second with 97.6 %. “I was really attentive and interactive during classes. This helped me clear all my concepts. When the pre-boards were approaching, I had already covered the syllabus, so my focus was on revision and solving sample question papers. I also made most of my weekends.”

Aditi, who scored 99 in Hindi, Social Science and Maths, said good and clear handwriting gives a positive impression to the examiner. “Writing a neat and clean answer paper is very important. I underlined important points and always used good quality ink pens. I also attempt the questions serial wise. But, this doesn’t mean you decorate the answer sheet. It’s also wise to go through your answer sheet before final submission. It has been my record since class 6 that I always finish my exams 15 minutes before the stipulated time. This gives me adequate time to revise my answer sheet.”

Aditi is in the Medical stream and aims to get into Lady Hardinge Medical College. “It was my decision to opt for the medical stream. Some people advised me to go for Commerce stream as I had got 99 in Maths, but I was clear that I enjoy studying Science more than Maths.”

Aryan Batra, who got 96.8 %, said it’s absolutely vital to attend classes regularly. “If you are not regular with classes, it will affect your learning curve and have a disastrous impact on your performance and grade. Secondly, it’s critical to take all your exams seriously. My school conducted two pre-boards, one in December last year and another one in January 2021. I took them pretty seriously.”

Batra also advised students to make the most of the pandemic. “During the pandemic we have enough time to prepare for boards or the competitive exams. Use this period to your advantage.”

He feels stream selection should be based on one’s interests and capabilities. “All my family members are from the Science stream, but I chose Commerce because I love Maths. You should choose a stream based on your passion and interest. Eventually, all streams offer good employment opportunities.” He has set his eyes upon Delhi University for graduation.

“Congratulations to all my students for the wonderful results. I would like to quote the famous quote by Anne Sweeney: “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” Wish you all good luck and success in your future endeavours.”

–Ritu Mehta, Principal, Apeejay School, Panchsheel

“The year was tough and while they may not have faced the Board examination, their fragile shoulders lifted other weights of anxiety, stress, and at times even health issues. Yet, all of them stood up and gave their best! They adapted to online learning and the school and teachers extended all possible help to ensure that learning was as joyous as possible and made sure that no student felt alone or felt any lack of attention.”

–Shalini Agarwal, Vice-Principal, Apeejay School, Panchsheel