Achievements
Star Performers: ‘I studied with full concentration, not for endless hours’
Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park student shares how a calm exam mindset helped him deliver a strong academic performance
Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park student shares how a calm exam mindset helped him deliver a strong academic performance
Published
5 minutes agoon

His study strategy was to finish the most difficult topics first. He felt that once the challenging portions were covered, the rest of the syllabus became easier to manage. It also reduced a lot of stress because he was not leaving the tougher chapters for the last moment. Meet Ali Hasnain and Ishaan from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, who have recently gone to Class X.
In a candid interview, Ali talks about the reasons behind his study strategy for the final exams (academic year 2025-26) and his success.
How did teachers guide and mentor you?
I did not receive any special guidance separately, but I paid close attention to what was taught in class. That made a big difference. The teachers explained the concepts clearly, and that helped me build strong fundamentals during regular classroom learning. Because my basics were clear, self-study became much easier later. I did not have to struggle too much while revising because I already had a good understanding of the topics.
What was your strategy?
I focused more on the quality of my study than the number of hours I spent with my books. I may not have studied for very long hours every day, but whenever I sat down to study, I made sure I was fully focused. That helped me understand concepts better and use my time more effectively.
How did you tackle difficult subjects?
I did not find any subject extremely difficult, but a few topics in Mathematics were challenging. I made sure to work on them when I had enough free time, so I could understand them calmly without exam pressure. Regular practice helped me a lot. I solved examples, revised the methods, and kept practising until I felt more confident.
What do you think made the biggest difference in your performance this year?
I think focus made the biggest difference. I was not obsessed with studying for long hours. Instead, I tried to make every study session productive. During exams, I stayed calm, read the questions carefully, thought before answering, and remained attentive throughout. That helped me perform better.
Shalini is an Executive Editor with Apeejay Newsroom. With a PG Diploma in Business Management and Industrial Administration and an MA in Mass Communication, she was a former Associate Editor with News9live. She has worked on varied topics - from news-based to feature articles.