Self-study, class attendance, avoiding social media key

In Class 10 exam, Lucknow's rank improves to 16th position this year from 31 last year among 75 districts; in Class 12, state capital slips to 48th spot from third last year

- Rajeev Mullick

LUCKNOW: UP Board Class 10 and 12 toppers credited self-study, regular attendance in class and staying away from social media as the key factors in their success. The achievers were on cloud nine as chief minister Yogi Adityanath, in a social media post, announced that the UP government would felicitate district-wise toppers too.

Intermediate toppers Prayagraj girl, Mehak Jaiswal, who topped the Class 12 examination with 97.20%, said she relied on self-study and did not depend on any online tutorials/coaching classes. "Whatever I studied in school has reflected in my marksheet," she said, acknowledging the support she received from her teachers and family.

"My parents, teachers and sister supported me a lot. I was expecting 95% (PCM), but was pleasantly surprised when I topped in the state," said Mehak who wants to become a doctor. Her advice to others is - study hard, and if students are unable to understand something, they must devote extra time for the subject.

Amroha girl, Sakshi, who jointly shared the second rank with three others in Class 12 by notching 96.8% (PCM), aspires to become an IAS officer. Daughter of Ompal and Poonam Devi, residents of Phaundapur village of Gajraula block, she is a student of Shri Narayan Smarak Inter College. Despite being a science student, she wishes to take up the Arts stream for higher studies to become a civil servant. Sakshi credited her parents and teachers for her success.

"I used to study for 6-7 hours daily and get my doubts cleared by teachers. I want to take civil services exams to become an IAS officer. I am preparing for JEE and will pursue B Tech. For my success, I would like to give credit to my parents, grandfather and teachers," said Kaushambi girl, Anushka Singh, who secured second position in Class 12 exams with 96.8%.