What was their study routine? How do they feel about their success? What were their most challenging and favourite subjects? What’s their future plan? Ten toppers from various Indian schools in Qatar in CBSE XII exams talk to News Trail about their journey to the top.
It feels amazing. I poured my heart into studying and finally felt worth it. And I expected to be the school topper. I kept up with the portions at school and religiously studied NCERT. I made sure no stones were left unturned. Additionally, I solved NCERT exemplar and Previous Year Questions. I studied small amounts everyday but was proactive throughout the entire year. My favourite subject was biology. I have always had a fascination to study life. Physics was the most challenging in which I was so happy to top. I plan to pursue medicine in Mumbai, India.
– Ali Faiyaz Ahmed Ansari, M.E.S Indian School (97.4 %, Science)
Being a school topper feels incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. It’s a validation of all the hard work and effort put into studies. I aimed to excel, but being the school topper wasn’t something I took for granted.
I prepared for the board exam by maintaining a consistent study schedule, dividing my time efficiently among all subjects, and practising past papers regularly. My everyday routine included dedicated study sessions, breaks for relaxation, and staying organized with my study materials.
My favourite subject was chemistry, as I found it fascinating and enjoyable to delve into. All subjects were equally challenging, but I tackled them by seeking help from teachers, peers, and additional resources
I’m considering pursuing a degree in computer science as it’s something I’m passionate about. I’m exploring options both domestically and internationally. In India, I’m considering NIT Trichy, known for its excellent faculty and resources in my desired field of study.
– Jiya Jayaprakash, M.E.S Indian School (97.4 %, Science)
It feels great to be honest. To be able to make my parents, teachers, and the school proud is truly a special feeling. But more than being the topper, it is the satisfaction of being able to do my best that makes me happy.
I wasn’t very sure about this. There were equally competitive students in my class. Throughout the year, we would work together and would often receive similar marks. I just happened to get the highest overall score.
I made sure to listen in class and understand the concepts thoroughly by clearing doubts with the teacher during or after class hours. As board exams came nearer, I doubled the study hours. My teachers were all very approachable and more than willing to give any help they could. Finally, I made use of the study holidays between each exam to go through all the chapters once more and solve the previous year questions.
My favourite subject was Computer Science. The subject I found most challenging, was physics. I envision a future where AI and machine learning technologies drive innovation and sustainability. I am planning to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I am planning to do my major in the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, USA.
– Fardeen Riaz Ahamed, MES Indian School, Abu Hamour Branch (97 %, Science)
It feels truly amazing, and I’m extremely grateful to my teachers and family who made this possible. I did not expect to be a school topper, but I was confident considering the fact that I did well in all the subjects.
I was always very consistent in my studies and woke up early every day. I followed a strict schedule as the board exams approached, dedicating 6 to 8 hours every day. My favourite subject is Physics, and the subject I found most challenging was Mathematics.
I plan to pursue engineering, and I will be writing KEAM next month. I wish to pursue engineering in India at the College of Engineering, Trivandrum.
– Safa Fathima, Ideal Indian School (96.8 %, Science)
I feel proud and honoured to have achieved this recognition. It is both humbling and rewarding. It’s a testament to the countless hours of studying, perseverance, and support from my teachers and family. Becoming the school topper wasn’t something I anticipated.
I followed a structured study routine according to the demands of my subjects. Each day, I allocated dedicated time slots. I made use of textbooks, reference materials, online resources, and supplementary notes to enhance my understanding. Regular self-assessment through mock tests and solving previous years’ question papers helped me gauge my progress and identify areas needing further attention. Overall, a disciplined and comprehensive study routine, combined with strategic revision and practice, contributed to my success in the board exam.
My favorite subject was Informatics Practices because I enjoyed delving into computer science and exploring its practical applications. Accountancy and Economics presented more challenges for me.
I am interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) to further deepen my understanding of business concepts and management principles.
I’m planning to pursue my studies in Qatar. Qatar offers a vibrant and growing business environment, while I’m still exploring various colleges and universities.
– Fathimathul Shazna, Podar Pearl School (93.6 %, Commerce)
I am honoured and ecstatic to be one of the school toppers. I am thankful to God for placing me in this position and grateful to my parents for their unwavering support and to my teachers for their guidance and help.
Preparation for board exams starts from the beginning of the year, with your very first exam of 12th grade. Taking every school exam seriously helped me become thorough with my lessons before the board exams. I solved many previous years’ question papers and, for some subjects, focused on studying the textbook thoroughly. I didn’t follow a particular study routine, as it varied depending on the subject. I identified my weak points and focused on improving them.
My favourite subject was Computer Science because I loved studying it and solving problems. Physics was a bit challenging because it’s such a vast subject, and figuring out the numericals was tricky.
I plan to pursue a degree in engineering because I’ve always had a keen interest in it. I am considering universities in Qatar as well as abroad, particularly in Canada and the US.
– Hanan Anwar, Podar Pearl School (93.4 %, Science)
It truly feels amazing to be the school topper; all thanks to my teachers, friends and family who always motivated me and gave me the push required to achieve this. I did not expect to ace the exams. My class had a lot of bright minds and I didn’t think I would be able to surpass them all.
I tried to be on track since day one and didn’t waste a single moment. I would mostly study from YouTube and I managed to finish the whole syllabus beforehand. I would study at least 4-6 hours on school days and around 10-12 hours on holidays. After finishing the syllabus, I focused on doing Previous Year Questions of last 10 years. I revised my notes every day and for the final preparation I did lots of sample papers.
Physics was my favourite subject, but at the same time it was the most challenging one.
My future plan is to be an engineer, I wish to pursue B.Eng in electrical engineering at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (K.I.T) in Germany.
– Mohammed Saad Nawaz, Noble International School. (96 %, Science)
I feel immense pride and happiness. I am thrilled that my hard work has earned me the title of school topper. I definitely dreamed of and wanted to be the school topper but I kept my expectations in check.
I heavily relied on flash cards for this board exam and can confidently say it helped. I don’t have a fixed study routine as the time available for independent studying varied depending on school and tuition schedules, family plans, etc.
My favourite subject was Computer Science as I enjoyed studying it. Physics was challenging in this exam.
I am planning to pursue a degree in Computer Science. I’ll continue to remain in Qatar and plan to apply to as many colleges as I can and choose from the ones that accept me.
– Fathima Kabeer, Shantiniketan Indian School. (96.6 %, Science)
I feel very happy that my hard work paid off, and I am very grateful to everyone who helped me achieve this. I did not actually expect this; it truly came as a surprise.
For the last few months, I did a lot of revision. I solved a lot of past question papers. I did not have a fixed routine as such but I made sure to complete everything I had planned for a day.
My favourite subject is Biology, and the most challenging was Physics.
My plan is to pursue a career in medicine, and I am planning to return to India to pursue MBBS. I haven’t really decided on a college as of yet.
– Medha Krishnaprasad, Rajagiri Public School. (96.4 %, Science)
It makes me feel happy especially when my parents and teachers appreciated me. It makes me feel humble towards all my mentors, well-wishers and friends. I knew that I would achieve this because I had held on to this position for my entire academic session. The motivation and guidance of my parents and teachers enabled this confidence in me to maintain this topper badge.
For Class XII board exams, my preparation included:
- Getting thoroughly acquainted with the syllabus and the Question Paper Pattern.
- Developing time management skills.
- Having a fixed study routine which included 3-4 hours on weekdays and 7-8 hours on holidays.
- Identifying areas of weakness and strength.
- Having a normal healthy study-school work and family time balance to avoid burnout.
Maths is my favourite subject and I found Biology to be quite challenging.
I plan to become a technocrat in order to enhance the betterment of society. I plan to pursue a degree in engineering stream, at the eminent government colleges of India like IITs and NITs.
– Sripurna Bachaspati, Olive International School topper. (95.4 %, Science)
