No last-minute cramming, say CBSE class 10 toppers from Bengaluru

If experiences of this year’s CBSE class 10 toppers are any evidence, scoring big is not about stressing oneself over studies, but is about striking the right balance between work and hobby.

Shashank Gangavatiker never compromised on his soccer games or the favourite pastime of playing the tabla. Yet, the Army Public School student managed to score 496 out of 500, a whopping 99.2%.

Better yet, if Hindi is excluded from the six subjects he wrote –an option the CBSE gives—Shashank’s score climbs even higher into the very best.

“It’s your own inspiration that helps,” says Shashank. “You must be motivated and persistent for the most part.”

Shashank is the son of two medical professionals and wants to follow in their footsteps. His father is an airforce surgeon and mother is a doctor at CMH Hospital. His obvious target is to pursue biology in PU and opt for medicine.

Never waited until the last minute

Daughter of a scientist, Chaitra made Kendriya Vidyalaya-DRDO proud by securing 99%. “I didn’t wait for the last minute and kept revising the subjects. Taking multiple (model) tests helped,” she says. Chaitra wants to pursue research in medicine.

And yes, Chaitra continued her singing and painting lessons all through the year. “I cleared my junior level exams. I didn’t take a break and it helped to keep me free from stress,” she said.

The two-hour routine

A student of National Public School in HSR Layout, Ila Manish’s schedule of studying two hours a day was iron-clad. She went about reading her favourite authors and wrote poetry and never let the pressure of Class 10 subdue her at any stage. “I also play the piano,” Ila, who scored 98.8%, reveals.

Ila’s mother is an ayurvedic doctor and father a software consultant. She says making social science notes and practising the math problems helped her excel.

“I’ll continue science for class 12 at NPS. I might opt for arts or humanities after class 12,” she says. “I always liked English. My dad is a book lover and I grew up around books. History interests me a lot.”

Consistency and hard work

Vatsal Gupta from Delhi Public School-East, who also has 98.8%, puts his success down to consistency and hard work. “My granddad is my biggest support. He was always willing to help me with my math problems,” he said.

Studying smart

Yogitha H K from Smart School believes in studying smart and remaining stress-free. “I never got stressed during exams,” Yogitha, who scored 98.7%, says.

Yogitha represented her school at state level athletics and long-distance running this year. “I was big time into sports,” she beams.

She is aiming to crack JEE, study at the IIT and later pursue civil services. “Marks never interested me,” she says. “Gaining knowledge and experience matters to me more.”