Cambridge March exams witness record turnout in India

There was a record turnout of India students for Cambridge University Press & Assessment exams during March since it falls in alignment with the Indian academic calendar. India students also get an opportunity to sit for exams during the June & Nov series.

The results of the March series exams were declared on Wednesday across more than 420 schools and more than 17,000 students. Nearly 85,000 exam entries (total subject papers by total students) were noted, an increase of 11% over last year. Cambridge IGCSE (equivalent to Class 10) entries increased by 12% to reach the 62,000-level, while the AS & A level cohort (Classes 11 and 12 equivalent) increased 10% to more than 20,000 entries. There are nearly 120 CIE schools in Mumbai and 180 in Maharashtra.

Four students from Rustomjee Cambridge International Schools featured among world toppers with 100/100 marks in individual subjects: Dhruv Gambhire (mathematics) and Adit Telang (second language English) from Dahisar campus; Reva Vikas Hiran (mathematics) from Virar and Mukta Gautam (second language English) from Thane campus.

Debika Chatterji, principal director of JBCN International School, Borivli, indicated the school has two subject leaders achieving 100/100 in extended maths, with "more to come as we wait for the rest of the results from the May-June exam series."

"These were very diverse. Last year we had three world toppers, this year we have none. None of them managed 100, but all of them performed very well. There are two students who have 7A* and one 7," said Hema Doshi, director, Ajmera Global Schools. At Billabong High International School, Mulund, Aagam Malde won the exceptional Cambridge Learner Award, with a perfect 100 in chemistry in class 10.".

Maths, physics and chemistry remain the favorite among Indian students, "highlighting an enduring preference for STEM subjects", stated a Cambridge release. "Cambridge IGCSE biology is seen growing in popularity, with 16% more entries this year compared to the previous year. This indicates an expanding interest within the field of STEM and increased awareness of the relevance of biological sciences among Indian students."

Entries for exams also reflect a greater emphasis on acquiring skills for the future, with a 24% growth in entries for Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives. "By challenging students with some of the most significant issues facing the world at present, Cambridge Global Perspectives fosters critical thinking, research and collaborative problem-solving skills that are essential to success in a fast-changing global world," said the release.

Statistics indicate that economics and business are in equally strong positions in Cambridge International AS & A level, coming fourth and fifth, respectively, indicating a keen interest in learning about the "dynamics of the global economy.".