Meet UAE's Indian CBSE board toppers

The results for the Grade 12 of Indian curriculum’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have been announced.

The UAE toppers for all three streams – Science, Commerce and Arts – are girls.

Adya Kiran from science stream is the UAE topper with 98 per cent. In commerce stream, Ashly Maria Saju from Gems Our Own English High School in Sharjah topped her school and UAE with 97 per cent.

In the humanities stream, it is a tie between Vidya Vijay from Delhi Private School, Sharjah and Aneika Sequeira from IHS with both girls scoring 94.8 per cent each.

‘Emirates24|7’ spoke to the three young achievers about their spot in the spotlight, and what it took them to get there.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing,” beamed Adya. “It’s fun, exciting and it feels great. It’s the best day of my life.” She had gone to the school in the morning, and “shared chocolates and laddoos”.

And, ever since her score of 490 on 500 (98 per cent) made her the UAE topper, she has been busy giving interviews, and even had to give a photo-shoot.

“At the moment it’s just elation and fun. Right now, I am thankful to my parents, teachers, friends.”

The 17-year-old claims it’s her optimistic mind that helped her climb the ranks. “No matter what obstacles come your way, you must always tackle it positively. You must never give up.

“Grade 11 and 12 are not easy, so constant motivation is key. And, you must also be down to earth,” she adds.

While Adya indulged in sports and music in school, back home, she took up gardening to de-stress. “It’s fun, and I have a small vegetable garden. Whatever the activity you take up, make sure that you take some time out for it. But you must not stretch your time, till it becomes a waste.

“At the most, a 30-minute-break would help your mind relax and rejuvenate, so use those breaks wisely.”  She’s also a passionate follower of Indian politics, and tuned into Indian news channels for her daily dose. “Social network sites were blocked out, and I logged on only during my holidays.”

Talking about her study pattern, Adya says it’s not the hours you clock, but the focus that’s key. “It’s impossible to study for five hours at a stretch. You could tackle a topic for 30 minutes to an hour. This would obviously vary from individual to individual.

“Also, the time of day is important. Depending on whether your morning person, or night owl, you need to tackle the toughest subjects during that time.” Adya didn’t follow any timetable, but her “moods”.

It’s a strange but sweet coincidence that Adya means “first”.

“I have consistently topped in my schools exams, and I was excepting good marks.” Adya claims she topped all the mains, and lost marks in English language. “Even in grade 11, English was tricky to score.”

Adya’s younger brother is now in grade 9, but she claims he’s under “no pressure” because “he’s enjoying all the celebrations”.

The celebrations are put on hold as her father is away in India. “It’s bad timing, but I spoke to him in the morning, and he’s ecstatic and has been spreading the (good) news.”

Just days ago, Adya took the entrance exams for BITS Pilani, and IIT. “I want to take up computer science engineering, and want to specialise in mechatronics.”

Adya’s marks

Maths – 99

Chemistry – 98

 Physics – 99

Computer – 99

English – 95

In the humanities stream, it is a tie between Vidya Vijay from Delhi Private School, Sharjah, and Aneika Sequeira from IHS with both girls scoring 94.8 per cent each.

Vidya Vijay is in Kerala and was truly surprised at being one of the UAE topper. “I was expecting above 90 per cent, but I never thought that I would become a UAE topper.

“I was one of the toppers in grade 11, but not this year.”

Vidya claims its important to read through and gather a good understanding on each topic. “I was consistent, and clocked in 5-6 hours a day during the boards.”

However, before the exams, she did systematic reading, but didn’t sit down for long hours with her books. 

While extra-curricular activities were out after moving into grade 11, and 12, Vidya still found time to hang out with her friends and even watch TV. “You are bound to be stressed, but it’s important to relax and put things into perspective, otherwise it won’t help.”

She’s now prepping to start college in Christ University in Bangalore, for BA in Journalism, Psychology and English Literature.

Vidya’s marks

English – 86

Multimedia – 96

History – 97

Psychology – 98

Political Science – 97

Anieka claims her new status is quite exciting. “It’s fun to give interviews.”

While she was expecting good grades and possibly being the school topper, she didn’t see the “UAE topper” title coming her way with 94.8 per cent.

“I was hoping to top the school. I came first consequently for two years, but I didn’t expect to be a UAE topper. It is surreal… very exciting but very nervous.”

Anieka was just getting ready to go out and celebrate, when she received our call.

Her twin sister Aaksha, who took the commerce stream, got 89.2 per cent. “It’s a good score, and she’s not disappointed.”

Highlighting what worked in her favour, Aneika says, “It was dedication and hard work. My seniors also were supportive, and inspiring.

“I didn’t have any fixed hours, and revised daily.”

She confesses that pressures of the CBSE boards did get to her, and she “tried to divert herself”.

From music to drama, to family, these were Anieka’s stress busters at home. “In school, I mainly focused on academics.”

She’s already got admission in Bangalore’s Christ University for triple bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Psychology and English. “My twin has also got enrolled in Christ, and we are both moving to Bangalore.”

Anieka’s marks

Psychology – 97

Sociology – 95

Marketing – 98

Entrepreneurship – 89

English – 95

Ashly Maria Saju from Gems Our Own English High School in Sharjah topped the commerce stream with 97 per cent.

Currently training for her CA entrance exam in India, Ashly told us she was elated at hearing the news. 

“I was expecting good scores because I really worked hard, but I didn’t ever imagine that I would be a UAE topper. You always hope to be a UAE topper, so it’s really the nice.”

Her success formula is to “work regularly and never to put things away for later.” Ashly believes “hard work always pays, so you need to be consistent and focused”.

The Indian High School, which has an outstanding grade in the DISB inspection report, has declared 100 per cent pass result.

Also read: Indian board CBSE results: UAE students pass with flying colours

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