What does it take to be a CBSE topper?

CBSE results touched new heights in 2015 with the toppers scoring as high as 99.2% marks in class 12th across streams. While such scores leave us awestruck, they also get us wondering what does it take to be a CBSE topper.  Most of us end up with assumptions like:

“Maybe they are blessed with super high IQs!” “Oh they must be studying day in and day out.” “They could be attending expensive and time consuming private tuition!” We find reasons to believe that they are different from most of us. But is that really true?It was an eye opening experience to go through the interviews of CBSE Class 12 toppers and hear their inspiring stories, because it led to crossing out most of these misconceptions. What is bound to surprise you from the following excepts is the fact that they aren’t anything extraordinary, supernatural  or magical. Just the right steps taken and the right amount of time spent on the same! Read on and be amazed!

TIPS FROM CBSE TOPPERS

Regularity of studies, sticking to a time table and balancing time between studies and hobbies seem to stand out in all the cases. Almost all the toppers stress that 5 to 6 hours of study everyday is sufficient provided one is regular and sticks to an organized time table. They also stressed on self study and that they did not feel the necessity of opting for any private tuition.

1. M Gayatri of New Green Field School, Delhi is the overall topper in the 2015 CBSE class 12 exams with 99.2% marks.

In her interviews with TV channels and National dailies, Gayatri has stressed on Regularity of Studies. “It works if we maintain regularity in studies”, she said. She undertook 5 to 6 hours of daily study, divided into 2 hours in the morning and 4 in the evening. She said that regularity is the key, and in fact went further to caution against 10 to 12 hours of study every day.

It is most interesting to note that Gayatri relied completely on self study and never opted for any tuition classes. The regularity of her study time table helped her afford spending time on her singing classes as well, which is her favorite hobby.

Gayatri stated that proper study schedule, planning and regular study of six hours throughout the years helped her secure the top position. “I use to study around six hours daily, so that there would be no extra burden before exam. But I never took tuition for any subject. My teachers helped me a lot,” she added.

2. Mythili Mishra from Amity International School, Noida, scored 495 out of 500 (99%). Mythili stated that she studied regularly for 4 to 5 hours per day after attending school. Only during exams she studied for over 12 hours daily.

She stressed on complete attention in class. She never missed classes. “Continuous attention in class provides strong base to students and revision at home helps imbibe the chapter while it is in the second revision when the chapter is completely understood“, she says.

Like Gayatri, Mythili also did not take tuition classes but got help from parents and teachers when needed. Mythili says “The kind of teaching we got in our school, there was no need for joining coaching classes. I just followed the guidelines of my teachers sincerely.”

Another important tip shared by Mythili was that one should not take stress during exams and study regularly throughout the year. She said students should take rest to relax their minds before studying and de-stress and refresh by listening to music.

Empower your self study efforts with simplified and comprehensive revision notes.

3. Saurabh Bhambri, a student of humanities at KR Mangalam World School in Delhi, scored 495 out of 500 in the CBSE result 2015.

Saurabh too claimed that he devoted not more than 4 to 5 hours each day to studies. Saurabh too did not attend any private tuition other than guidance from school teachers.

Saurabh is an all rounder. Apart from studies, he is an avid drummer and takes classes for it. “I want to perform with a music band in the future,” said Saurabh. He is also a national champion in ice skating and a black belt holder in Tae Kwondo.

Archana Sagar, principal of KR Mangalam World School, described Saurabh. “Saurabh is an outgoing person who enthusiastically took part in all activities. He was the head boy of my school during 2014-15. He is an all-rounder, a good orator, actor and athlete. We are proud of him,” said Sagar.

4. A student of Police DAV Public School, Gurwinder has topped in Punjab with 98.8% marks in Science. He scored a full 100 marks in physics, chemistry and physical education. (interview with HT)

Gurwinder bagged the 3rd rank in India with just self study as he did not opt for any tuition throughout his class 12. “I use to give four to five hours to my studies and have not taken any tuition. I believed in self study. You just need to have a friendly ambience so that you can study peacefully. Nobody in my family used to watch television during my exams days. They cooperated with me till my exams were over,” he said. he also added that his success mantra was to work harder and concentrate on studies with full dedication.

Discover the power of self testing with sample papers and live test series.

5. Another story that has inspired the nation this year was of 18 year old Tapas Bhardwaj, a visually impaired boy, who scored 91.4% marks in CBSE Class 12th boards and topped his class. Tapas is a student of DPS R K Puram Delhi, and has no vision in both his eyes since birth. He took the exam with the help of a scribe. He studied for 7 to 8 hours each day using a special software that converts text to voice on his laptop.

In addition to his great score, he also scored 92 marks in Hindustani Musical Vocal which was as an additional subject he had opted for.

Tapas’ story is a glowing example of how we can achieve anything we set our minds to in spite of all odds, if we are determined to do so.

It is most interesting to note that these students relied on self study. In today’s digital age, students are blessed to have access to all study related resources that they might need for free on online sites and study apps. Below are some recommendations from our team.