CBSE topper with 99.4% bags scholarship offer from University of British Columbia (2024)

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 19, 2024 10:05 IST

In a notable feat, a Class 12 student from Gurgaon achieved an exceptional milestone by attaining a remarkable score of 99.4 percent in the CBSE Class 12 board examinations. Originally hailing from Mumbai, Sanaa Shaikh defied expectations by showcasing a profound passion for humanities, despite being enroled in the commerce and economics stream during her schooling at Universal High School for Class 10.

For her higher secondary education, she transitioned to Delhi Public School, DPS Gurgaon, where she completed both her Class 11 and Class 12 studies. This achievement underscores her dedication and excellence in academic studies, highlighting her as a shining example of academic brilliance.

Driven by a passion for writing and a keen interest in psychology, they resolved to pursue higher studies in the field.

Encouraged by supportive parents employed in the insurance sector at Bajaj Allianz, the aspiring scholar's journey is a testament to dedication and familial encouragement. Moreover, the student's stellar performance has garnered attention internationally, with an offer from the prestigious University of British Columbia further illuminating their academic path.

Sanaa Shaikh, a student of DPS, Gurgaon, shared some effective study habits and techniques that helped her excel in the CBSE board exams during an interview with India Today. "I treated my textbooks like a bible, reading every bit of them without leaving anything out. I was fond of taking notes and would typically make 2–3 sets of notes throughout the year. I prefer writing and learning over speaking and learning, often scribbling down my notes diligently. I found that the act of writing helped solidify my understanding of the material," says Sanaa.

TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

"I initially found it challenging to manage my time effectively, so I began setting regular alarms. I felt a sense of urgency to wake up early, typically around 6 to 8 in the morning, to study. My parents supported me in developing good time-management habits," she adds.

Sanaa had a clear goal regarding the number of chapters to cover consistently in mind, with efforts made to uphold a disciplined routine for the efficient attainment of study objectives.

In addressing challenges encountered during preparation, Sanaa highlights her experience as a humanities stream student, covering subjects such as History, political science, English, Psychology, and Geography.

Throughout her academic journey, she acknowledges the value of delivering concise responses, a lesson imparted by her teachers who emphasise the necessity for clear and succinct answers within a 50 to 300-word range. Their mentorship has equipped her with the skills to effectively draft responses before initiating the writing process.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PREVIOUS YEARS' PAPERS

"Sample papers were important and helped me in my preparation. The key aspect was time management. Sample papers provide a conceptual understanding; even if you don't physically write an answer, you gain insight into how to structure responses. Regular practice is crucial, aiming to solve 1–2 papers each day," Sanaa explains.

FUTURE ACADEMIC AND LIFE GOALS

Sanaa's objective involves contributing to the psychology field through research. She aims to deepen our comprehension of how mental health concerns intersect with broader societal and healthcare systems.