Why? A majority of this year’s cream seem to effortlessly match their academic achievements with equally impressive activities outside the classroom.

Archana L, who secured a whopping 587 marks out of 600 is a multi-talented achiever. The commerce student from Jain PU College, who speaks English with an American twang says, “I was overwhelmed by the result but it is not just dogged hard work that got me the marks. I am committed to whatever I do and I play the piano and guitar with the same commitment.” And when she’s not studying, she figures out riffs on her guitar, plays classical on the piano or is busy drawing inspiration from another famous multi-tasker Stephen Hawking.

Naina Agarwal from Christ PU college got 581 marks in her commerce stream out of a possible 600 and still found the time to play state-level and district-level basketball tournaments. “There is no secret. Just that when I studied, I focussed on studies 100 percent and when I play I’m equally focussed,” she says.

Adding more credence to the theory about toppers being multi-taskers is Parashuram, another from Jain PU College who secured 587 out of 600. “There is no substitute for hard work but smart work is also important. Besides, academics I have been a regular at NCC camps and activities,” he says.

Reshma B S, a science student who secured 95.33 percent has also cleared her junior examinations in music and dance. “I intend to pursue engineering but at the same time I will not give up on music and dance either,” she says proudly.

Chandana from MES who secured a cool 97.5 percent in science declares that there is nothing called hard work. “I studied only when I was in the mood to study. But it is not as if I pursued a lot of other interests when I was free either,” she says with a hint of attitude. But the one thing that gave away the fact that they were not after all superhuman was their acknowledgement of the support which was given to them. All bar none thanked their teachers, parents and institutions and credited them with the achievement.