Star Performers: ‘Understand concepts; don’t rely on rote learning’

Every student’s academic journey looks different, but certain patterns remain common. Understanding concepts, staying regular, and learning with guidance all play a role in building confidence. The responses below highlight these everyday practices that support strong performance.

Meet three such students from Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, for the academic year 2025-26: Hemang, Pratyush, and Harshil. In an impromptu interview, they shared how they gained confidence with teachers’ mentoring.

Hemang opined that it really came down to hard work. “I stayed attentive in class and made sure I understood what was being taught, but during exams, I did not put unnecessary pressure on myself. I tried to remain calm and focused, and that helped me avoid nervousness and think clearly while writing my answers,” he said.

He found Social Science a bit difficult in the beginning. Some chapters felt heavy, and remembering details was not easy. “But our teacher helped us a lot. He would prepare questions from every paragraph, which made revision easier and helped me understand the subject more deeply. That practice really improved my confidence over time,” this now Class VIII student shared.

Interestingly, he found Mathematics quite easy, and he enjoyed solving problems regularly. “Outside studies, I like spending time with books. I especially enjoy reading Hindi poetry, particularly veer ras poems. There is something very powerful about the way they are written,” he added.

Harshil shared that he worked consistently throughout the year, so it feels good to see that effort reflected in the finals. “My study strategy was simple and steady. I focused on understanding each concept clearly rather than memorising. I revised regularly and made sure I stayed consistent with my work. Whenever I faced any difficulty, I would ask questions and clear my doubts without delay, which helped me stay on track,” he said, and added that he enjoys learning new things and staying engaged in his studies.

“My teachers have played a very important role in my learning journey. They explained concepts in a clear and supportive way and always guided me whenever I needed help. Whenever I had doubts, they encouraged me to keep going and stay consistent. Their motivation and support really helped me improve and build confidence over time,” he said in conclusion.