Star Performer: ‘Securing above 95% was a result of consistency, curiosity and confidence’

To achieve over 95% marks in class 8 is quite an accomplishment. This success is a result of sheer hard work, discipline and perseverance. In this enlightening discussion, we meet Kavya Vijayakumar, a student from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, who managed to cope with her studies with an excellent lifestyle, maintained a distance from all sorts of distractions and made an effort to learn instead of memorising. From finding Math a difficult subject to handling exams with immense maturity and stress management, Kavya tells us about useful study techniques and the motivation received from teachers, parents and friends. Read edited excerpts:

Class 8 results above 95%! That is absolutely amazing. In your opinion, what was the single biggest contributing factor to your spectacular performance?

I made sure to pay attention to my teachers and understand each concept thoroughly during class itself. Regular revision played a massive role. Beyond that, my parents and teachers were constant sources of motivation, and believing in my own ability to improve kept me positive the entire year.

Could you kindly take our readers through your typical daily schedule during the exam period?

During exams, I followed a regular routine. I usually woke up to study for about two hours. Throughout the school year, paying close attention in class saved me a lot of time during exams. I divided my exam-day study hours into smaller sessions with short breaks in between to stay focused. Before going to sleep, I would quickly review what I had covered that day. Finally, I made sure to be in bed by 10:00 PM because I genuinely believe that rest is just as important as study time.

For most students, gadgets and social media pose a major distraction. What technique did you use to avoid these disruptions?

I am not on social media apps like Instagram and Facebook. I set specific times for watching TV, usually treating them as a reward after completing my study goals for the day. Most importantly, I kept reminding myself that staying focused now would help me achieve my goals faster, which gave me the motivation to resist distractions.

Which subject posed the maximum difficulty for you, and how did you enhance your performance in it?

Mathematics was definitely my biggest challenge, especially complex problem-solving, where a single misunderstood concept can throw off an entire solution. To improve, I practised a variety of questions and never hesitated to approach my teacher whenever I got stuck. Gradually, my confidence grew, and I actually started enjoying the subject.

What role did Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, and your teachers play in your amazing performance?

I truly cannot thank them enough. My teachers always made themselves available to clear my doubts whenever I approached them. The school consistently reminded me that “soaring high is my nature,” creating a supportive environment that encouraged curiosity rather than just rote learning. Additionally, the well-stocked library and digital resources were incredibly helpful for my self-study.

Did you experience stress or feel under pressure while preparing? If so, how did you handle it?

Yes, there were definitely moments when I felt stressed, especially as the exams drew closer. However, I managed to stay calm by sticking to a proper timetable and focusing on one task at a time. Taking short breaks, talking to my family, and having faith in my preparation helped me manage that pressure effectively.

What study tips or revision techniques would you suggest to students aspiring for high scores?

• Aim to comprehend the concepts rather than just memorising them.
• Keep your study space and schedule well-structured.
• Take care of your physical and mental well-being, because a tired mind cannot perform.
• Study a little bit every day, not just right before the exams.
• Confidence in your own potential makes a massive difference.