Education Leaders | Top Interviews

In a moment of pride for Tripura’s academic community, Dipanjali Bhattacharjee, a meritorious student of Golden Valley Higher Secondary School, has been selected for the prestigious Young Scientist Seminar organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Her selection comes after successfully clearing a competitive entrance examination, placing her among a select group of students from across the country.

Dipanjali is set to attend the seminar at ISRO’s research centre in Ahmedabad, a hub known for nurturing some of India’s brightest scientific minds. The programme aims to identify and encourage young talent with a keen interest in space science, research, and innovation. Through interactive sessions, laboratory exposure, and mentorship from scientists, participants are given a rare glimpse into the workings of India’s space missions and technological advancements.

Her achievement has sparked celebrations not only within her school but across North Tripura district. Teachers at Golden Valley Higher Secondary School described her as a disciplined and curious learner, whose consistent academic performance and passion for science set her apart. “Dipanjali has always shown a deep interest in understanding how things work, especially in physics and astronomy. This recognition is a testament to her hard work,” a senior teacher said.

The Young Scientist Seminar is considered a stepping stone for students aspiring to build careers in science and research. Conducted by ISRO, the initiative plays a crucial role in promoting scientific temper among school students, particularly those from regions where exposure to advanced research facilities is limited. For many participants, it becomes their first direct interaction with real-world scientific environments.

For Dipanjali, the journey to this achievement was marked by rigorous preparation and determination. Competing with students from across India, she demonstrated not only academic excellence but also the ability to think critically and solve complex problems—qualities that are essential for future scientists.

Her selection has also brought recognition to North Tripura, highlighting the potential of students from smaller towns and districts. Local education officials and community members have lauded her accomplishment, noting that such milestones can transform perceptions about opportunities available to students outside metropolitan areas.

Beyond personal success, Dipanjali’s achievement carries a larger significance. It serves as a reminder that talent, when nurtured with the right support and determination, can break geographical barriers. Educators in the region believe that her success story will motivate other students to aim higher and explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

As she prepares to attend the seminar in Ahmedabad, expectations are high that Dipanjali will make the most of this opportunity. With access to ISRO’s scientific ecosystem and guidance from experts, she is poised to gain invaluable insights that could shape her academic and professional future.

Her journey from a classroom in North Tripura to one of India’s premier space research platforms stands as an inspiring example of ambition meeting opportunity—one that may well encourage a new generation of young scientists to dream beyond the horizon.

At a time when board exam success is usually marked with celebrations and career planning, 16-year-old Akshara Goel from Thane is choosing a different path—one that quite literally climbs above the clouds. Fresh from scoring an impressive 98.8% in her Class 10 exams under the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE), Akshara is preparing to trek to Everest Base Camp. But this is not just a personal milestone—she aims to set a world record by conducting a live online class from high altitude, redefining how and where learning can happen.

In this candid conversation, Akshara speaks about discipline, ambition, and why education should go beyond classroom walls.

Q: First of all, congratulations! 98.8% is an incredible achievement. How does it feel?

Akshara Goel: Thank you! It feels really special, but also motivating. I see it not just as a result, but as a stepping stone. I’ve always believed that marks are important, but what you do beyond them matters even more.

Q: Most students celebrate results differently. Why Everest Base Camp?

Akshara: I wanted to do something meaningful and memorable. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a challenge—physically and mentally. Combining that with a live online class is my way of showing that education doesn’t have boundaries. Learning can happen anywhere, even at extreme altitudes.

Q: Tell us more about this world record attempt.

Akshara: The idea is to conduct a live class from Everest Base Camp. It’s symbolic—it shows how technology and education can come together. If students can learn from such remote places, it opens up possibilities for global, accessible education.

Q: Preparing for such a trek isn’t easy. How did you train, especially during exams?

Akshara: I trained locally at Yeoor Hills in Thane with daily treks. I also did yoga and stair climbing in my 16-storey building. Even during exams, I stuck to my routine. It helped me stay focused and disciplined—not just physically, but mentally too.

Q: That’s impressive—balancing academics and physical training. Was it challenging?

Akshara: Definitely, but it also helped me manage stress. Physical activity kept me energised during exam preparation. I think students often underestimate how important fitness is for academic performance.

Q: Your initiative connects education with real-world experiences. Is that something you strongly believe in?

Akshara: Yes, absolutely. Education shouldn’t be limited to textbooks. Experiences like this teach resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability. These are just as important as academic knowledge.

Q: What are your future aspirations?

Akshara: I’m very interested in robotics and artificial intelligence. I want to work in a field where technology can solve real-world problems. This trek is also part of that mindset—thinking differently and pushing boundaries.

Q: Your family is accompanying you. How important has their support been?

Akshara: Very important. My parents and sister have always encouraged me to dream big and stay disciplined. Having them with me on this journey makes it even more special.

Q: What message would you like to give to students across India?

Akshara: Don’t limit yourself to marks or conventional paths. Work hard, stay curious, and try to do something unique. Education is not just about scoring—it’s about exploring your potential.

Akshara’s journey comes in a year when ICSE results saw a remarkable 99%+ pass rate nationwide. Yet, her story stands out—not just for academic excellence, but for reimagining what learning can look like.

As she prepares to take a classroom to the Himalayas, one thing is clear: for this young achiever, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

In an education system that often glorifies sleepless nights and marathon study sessions, the story of a Noida student quietly disrupts the narrative. Scoring an impressive 99.7% in Class 10 under the Central Board of Secondary Education, Hargovind Sharma’s success is not built on intensity—but on consistency.

And that distinction matters.

The Myth of “More Hours = More Success”

For years, India’s academic culture has equated success with endurance. The longer you study, the better you perform—at least, that’s the belief sold to millions of students.

Hargovind challenges this idea with disarming simplicity: “Even if I studied for 30 minutes, I showed up every day.”

This is not a rejection of hard work. It is a redefinition of it.

Consistency, in his case, replaces burnout. Discipline replaces panic. And perhaps most importantly, routine replaces pressure.

A Life Without Noise

There is something almost countercultural about his lifestyle. No personal phone. Minimal exposure to social media. A preference for writing, chess, sports, and family time.

In an age of constant distraction, his clarity stands out.

It also raises an uncomfortable question:
Are today’s students struggling not because of syllabus pressure alone—but because of the noise surrounding it?

The Power of Repetition Over Rush

When mathematics papers triggered anxiety across the country, Hargovind scored a perfect 100. His method was not extraordinary—it was methodical.

• Regular revision

• Practice worksheets

• Continuous feedback from teachers

This is not brilliance in the dramatic sense. It is refinement through repetition.

And that’s where most students falter—not in understanding concepts, but in revisiting them consistently.

The Role of Environment

Hargovind credits his school environment and teachers for supporting his steady approach. His principal, Alka Awasthi, highlights something rarely discussed in toppers’ stories—gratitude.

In a competitive ecosystem, where comparison often overshadows growth, this mindset becomes a differentiator.

Success Without Arrogance

What’s striking is not just the score, but the absence of performative achievement. He acknowledges peers, celebrates others’ success, and speaks without the usual rhetoric of “sacrifice” and “struggle.”

It suggests that excellence does not always have to come at the cost of balance.

Rethinking the “Topper Blueprint”

Hargovind’s journey forces educators, parents, and students to rethink the dominant blueprint:

• You don’t need 10-hour study days

• You don’t need constant pressure

• You don’t need to disconnect from life

What you do need is consistency, clarity, and control over distractions.

Looking Ahead

With aspirations in science and research, and a long-term vision to contribute to India, his goals reflect a broader shift—from marks-driven ambition to purpose-driven learning.

Final Thought

In many ways, Hargovind Sharma’s story is not extraordinary. That is precisely why it is powerful.

It reminds us that success in academics is less about how hard you push yourself in bursts—and more about how steadily you move forward, every single day.

In a culture obsessed with the grind, that might be the most radical lesson of all.

 CBSE Class 10 topper Gunnika Khurana turned anxiety into success through discipline, smart study, and support.

When the Central Board of Secondary Education declared the Class 10 results on April 15, 2026, thousands of students refreshed their screens with racing hearts. Among them was Gunnika Khurana, who would soon emerge as one of the top scorers with an impressive 99.6%. But her journey was not without moments of doubt and vulnerability.

Just a day before her pre-board exams, Gunnika found herself overwhelmed. “I started crying,” she recalled, describing a moment that resonates with countless students facing academic pressure. It was her parents’ reassurance that helped her regain composure—a reminder that emotional support can be as critical as academic preparation.

Unlike the stereotype of toppers studying endlessly, Gunnika focused on consistency rather than clocking hours. Starting her preparation in Grade 9, she built a disciplined routine centred on to-do lists and efficient study sessions. “I did not count hours,” she said. “Discipline and staying calm under pressure matter more.”

Her strategy was simple yet effective—thorough reading of NCERT textbooks, making mind maps and flowcharts, and practising past-year papers. For challenging subjects like Social Science, she relied on active recall techniques, often engaging in rapid-fire questioning sessions with her father.

Importantly, Gunnika did not ignore burnout. When overwhelmed, she took breaks, spending time with family to recharge. “Stepping away helped me come back with fresh energy,” she shared, emphasising the importance of balance.

Her story highlights a crucial lesson: success is not built on perfection, but on persistence. Beyond her marks, Gunnika advocates emotional honesty—encouraging students to seek help and express their struggles rather than suppress them.

Now aiming to pursue engineering and prepare for JEE, her journey continues. But her story already stands as a powerful reminder—behind every high score lies discipline, resilience, and the courage to push through moments of doubt.

In a candid conversation, a 19-year-old sophomore pursuing Data Science and AI shares how he balances a CPI above 8.5 with an active presence in campus clubs, competitions, and creative pursuits.

Q: You’ve managed to maintain a CPI above 8.5 while being active in multiple clubs. How do you strike that balance?
A: It comes down to clarity and structure. I don’t try to do everything at once. I prioritise what matters each week—academics always come first, but I make sure to leave room for activities that genuinely interest me. Once you enjoy what you’re doing, it stops feeling like a burden.

Q: Tell us about your involvement in extracurricular activities.
A: I’m part of dramatics, debating, photography, and filmmaking clubs. I also had the opportunity to represent IIT Guwahati at the Inter IIT Cultural Meet, which was a great experience. These activities helped me explore sides of myself I didn’t really get to during school.

Q: What does a typical day in your life look like?
A: Mornings are usually for classes, followed by labs in the afternoon. I also attend NCC sessions on some days. Evenings are reserved for club work, meetings, or events in the hostel. If I have time, I work on personal creative projects or just spend time with friends—it helps me reset.

Q: You participated in a 51-hour filmmaking challenge. How did that fit into your academic schedule?
A: It was intense, but that’s what made it exciting. I planned my academic work in advance so I could fully commit to the challenge. It taught me a lot about teamwork and managing pressure—skills that are useful even in academics.

Q: Do you think this balance is unique to you, or is it part of a larger IIT culture?
A: I think it’s definitely part of the larger culture. At IITs, including Indian Institutes of Technology, you’re constantly exposed to different opportunities. The peer group is very motivating, and professors are supportive if you’re genuinely trying to learn and grow.

Q: What advice would you give to students who struggle to manage academics and extracurriculars?
A: Start small and stay consistent. Don’t overload yourself. Find what you enjoy and build your schedule around it. Also, don’t underestimate the value of taking breaks—mental balance is just as important as productivity.

Q: How do you see this experience shaping your future?
A: It’s helping me become more adaptable. Beyond technical skills, I’m learning communication, creativity, and time management. I think these will be just as important in any career I choose.

At just 15, Garvika Singh has achieved what most students only dream of—an extraordinary 99.8% in CBSE Class X boards. With perfect scores in five subjects and near-perfect in Science, she now has her eyes firmly set on cracking the IIT entrance exams. In this candid conversation, Garvika shares her preparation strategy, mindset, and future goals.

Q: First of all, congratulations on your incredible result! Did you expect this score?
Garvika: Thank you! Honestly, I was expecting around 99%, but 99.8% came as a surprise. It made the result even more special for me.

Q: You’ve scored 100 in five subjects. What was your study strategy?
Garvika: I focused on consistency rather than long study hours. I made sure I understood concepts clearly, revised regularly, and practised questions from NCERT thoroughly. Solving sample papers also helped me a lot.

Q: Many students struggle with distractions. How did you stay focused?
Garvika: I stayed away from social media completely. I don’t have any accounts, which helped me avoid distractions and focus better on my studies.

Q: Tell us about your family’s role in your success.
Garvika: My parents have been my biggest support system. My father, Yudhvir Singh, and my mother, Prabha Rani, always guided me and motivated me. Their encouragement made a huge difference.

Q: Did you ever feel exam pressure or anxiety? How did you handle it?
Garvika: Of course, there was some pressure, especially before exams. But I tried to stay calm, take short breaks, and keep a positive mindset. My family really helped me stay balanced.

Q: You come from an academically strong background. Did that influence your goals?
Garvika: Yes, definitely. Being in such an environment inspired me to work hard and aim high. But my parents never forced me—they always supported my choices.

Q: What are your future plans?
Garvika: I want to pursue engineering and prepare for IIT. That’s my goal right now, and I’m ready to work hard for it.

Q: What advice would you give to other students preparing for board exams?
Garvika: Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing. Stay consistent, revise regularly, and don’t stress too much. Also, believe in yourself.