Several students in the UAE achieved top marks in the CBSE Class 12 examinations, celebrating their results announced this week. Khaleej Times spoke with some top scorers, who shared their preparation strategies and spoke about what contributed to their success.
Syed Mohammad Habiburahman, science stream topper and Class 12 school topper, at Delhi Private School (DPS) Dubai, expressed his joy at achieving a remarkable score of 99.4 per cent.
“It feels amazing, but what truly touched me were the heartfelt messages and congratulations I received from so many people over the past few days.”
Habiburahman studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and credits his success to staying consistent and focused throughout the year. “I didn’t follow one fixed strategy,” he explained. “I just made sure to read my textbooks thoroughly. Sometimes, on the school bus, I regularly revised what I learned, even if it was just for 20 minutes in the morning or before bed. That helped me retain concepts for months.”
While he briefly took tuition classes in the first term, he later relied entirely on the support of his school teachers, who provided extra classes and resources. Known for maintaining top grades since his early years, he set a high standard in academics.
Despite the demands of studying, Habiburahman continued to pursue his passion for baking. “I love baking for my family and friends; it’s something that helps me relax,” he said, adding that managing time is all about setting priorities, and staying disciplined.
His family played a crucial role in his success, offering constant encouragement, creating a peaceful environment for him to study, and helping him relax during stressful times. “My parents were always there when I needed a break, and their support meant everything,” he said.
Looking ahead, Habiburahman hopes to pursue a degree in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in the United States.
Habiburahman said he would distribute sweets to teachers and friends at school to celebrate his achievement, and he will enjoy a family dinner over the weekend.
This year’s board exams concluded on March 18. While the initial results are now available online, students should remember that these results are provisional. The respective schools will issue official mark sheets essential for university applications and other formal procedures.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Kirti Roshankumar Thakar, school topper at GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai, said, “This achievement feels like a miracle! I feel incredibly humbled and overwhelmed with joy to see my dreams come true. I realised my true potential only when I topped the UAE in Grade 10. That motivated me to keep going in Grades 11 and 12.”
17-year-old Thakar scored 99 per cent in the Science stream, studying Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, English, and Computer Science. She attributed her success to staying consistent throughout the year, learning from past exam mistakes, and reviewing her lessons repeatedly. “I practised a lot of math and physics problems and solved many past year papers,” she said.
Thakar has maintained an excellent academic record since Grade 6, consistently scoring above 97 per cent, till Grade 10. She was recognised as the UAE topper in Grade 10 and the top scorer in Physics and Chemistry in Grade 11. She also secured top positions in the Gulf region in Grade 10.
Her dedication to academics didn’t stop her from pursuing her hobbies, which she believes helped her stay motivated and focused for long study hours. “I’m very passionate about dance. I’m a fourth-year student of Kathak, a classical Indian dance. I also enjoy painting, singing, swimming, and playing badminton. I would turn to my hobbies whenever I felt the need to recharge,” she said.
“As for dance lessons, I always scheduled them early in the morning,” she added.
She also credited her family for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her academic journey.
“My family stood by me whenever I felt exhausted from the academic pressure. They were my strongest support system and cheered me up whenever I felt low. My mom’s delicious food instantly calmed my anxiety! My dad’s encouraging words were my instant source of inspiration. My sister was always there for me; I didn’t need to say anything; her smile said it all.”
She explained that although balancing academics and daily life was challenging, it was essential for strengthening family bonds.
“It was tough to take time out from my study schedule for my family, but we made it a point to set our phones aside and spend half an hour together at the dinner table. Sometimes, we went for walks in the park and had a good time together.”
Thakar plans to celebrate this achievement with her family and friends.
“I plan on going out for dinner with my family and relatives, and I’d probably also go shopping with my friends”
She plans to continue her higher education in the UAE. “I enjoy learning physics and aspire to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. I wish to continue my studies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi–Abu Dhabi.”
© Khaleej Times
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