‘Stick to a routine, revise daily, and always find time to do what you love’

In the academic session 2024–25, Apeejay School, Kharghar witnessed stellar performances from its students, particularly from Class 8. Now stepping into Class 9, three exceptional students – Namya Agarwal, Vihaan Govardhane, and Aayushi Patil – have made their school proud with their outstanding scores and commendable study habits. In a recent conversation, they opened up about their routines, strategies, and aspirations.

Namya Agarwal – Consistency, Creativity and Calmness

Scoring a brilliant 97.475%, Namya Agarwal believes in structured learning and staying away from distractions. “I have a phone but I only use it when going to classes or outside. During exams, I give it to my mother,” she shared. Not being active on social media helps her stay focused.

Namya follows a board-pattern approach to writing answers. “I read chapters thoroughly and then write answers in my own words using NCERT books,” she said. She also makes flowcharts while revising, which allows her to absorb concepts quickly without rereading the whole textbook. Her advice for juniors? “Start making notes early and revise everything taught in school the same day.”

A creative soul, Namya enjoys painting during her downtime. With a clear academic path in mind, she aspires to pursue PCB and enter the medical field.

Vihaan Govardhane – Self-Study and Scientific Curiosity

Vihaan Govardhane, who secured an impressive 95.4125%, credits regular self-study for his academic success. “I study daily from 4 to 6 pm, revising what was taught in school that day. This habit makes revision easy during exams,” he explained.

His exam days are planned with dedicated study slots and breaks. “I take 2–3 hour breaks in between and spend time reading books or watching science and geography videos,” he added. To avoid distractions, he simply keeps his phone away from his study space.

Vihaan, too, aims for a career in medicine, motivated by his love for science. “My teachers are always supportive and ready to solve even the toughest doubts,” he said gratefully. When not studying, he enjoys playing badminton with friends and siblings.

Aayushi Patil – Balance, Discipline and a Passion for Commerce

With a score of 95.9625%, Aayushi Patil believes that disciplined scheduling and targeted practice are key to performing well. “I made a daily study plan and focused extra on tougher subjects like Science, Math, and Social Science,” she said. She solved question sets from reference books regularly, especially before exams.

Aayushi prefers making mental timetables and dividing her day between studies and relaxation. “After school, I’d take a break and then study, while also finding time to dance, draw or play,” she smiled.

Interestingly, Aayushi has set her sights on commerce in Class 11. “I am interested in finance and I enjoy subjects in the commerce stream,” she added. She also recognises the growing challenge in Class 9 and plans to practise Mathematics and Science daily to stay ahead.