Real Talk from CBSE Toppers: Study Hacks, Motivation and Beating the Exam Pressure

CBSE Class 12 toppers reveal smart study strategies, time management hacks, and real ways to stay motivated under exam pressure.

The CBSE Class 12 results brought with them more than just numbers on a marksheet. For a group of Humanities students who quietly carved their own paths to success, the results were a culmination of sleepless nights, silent sacrifices, and a steady belief in something far greater than academic excellence—a belief in themselves.

At first glance, they may seem like textbook toppers. But listen closely and you will realise—they were never aiming to be “toppers.” They were aiming to grow.

For Charulatha Ravichandran of VIBGYOR School, Bangalore, scoring 96.8% in Class 12 was never about perfection—it was about purpose. “Purpose fuels persistence,” she says with striking clarity. “On hard days, I reminded myself why I started. A growth mindset helped me look at setbacks not as failures, but as stepping stones.”

Aarohi Lal, also from VIBGYOR Bangalore, echoes the sentiment: “I did not let the stress take over. Some days were tough, but I would bounce back stronger. It’s okay to not meet 100% of your goals every day. Progress is still progress.”

Mayank Dahiya, who scored 95.4% from Orchids The International School, Sonipat, lived by a mantra many students overlook: consistency over perfection. “One bad day does not mean a bad outcome. I showed up, even when I didn’t feel like it,” he shares.

Study Smarter, Not Just Harder

What set these students apart was not just hours of hard work, but how wisely they used their time. From Prutha Pandya’s colourful notes and mnemonics to Charulatha’s belief that the textbook is your ultimate guide, the toppers made strategy their ally.

Aarohi built a flexible study plan where hitting 75% of the goal still counted as a win. Mayank turned stories into study hacks—“I used mind maps and storytelling to tackle History and Political Science,” he says.

None of them relied solely on tuition or guidebooks. Their secret? Personal accountability, active learning, and, most importantly, listening to their inner voice.

Battling Burnout: The Mental Health Mission

Behind the glowing percentages lies a darker truth—stress, self-doubt, and moments where giving up felt easier. Prutha admits, “There were many moments when I felt like giving up. Reading books and taking timely breaks helped.”

Mayank found comfort in journaling. Aarohi binge-watched feel-good shows or simply ‘hibernated’ to reset. And Charulatha introduced “micro-rewards”—a snack, a song, a walk—to make effort feel enjoyable.

Their message is loud and clear: Burnout is real. But so is bounce-back.

Social Media, FOMO & The Art of Discipline

All four students opened up about the toughest distraction—social media. None deleted it completely. But they did not let it rule them either.

“I turned off notifications, stuck to time blocks, and reminded myself—this sacrifice is temporary,” says Aarohi. Prutha eventually gave up social media altogether. Mayank built mindfulness. “I was not missing out. I was investing in something bigger.”

More Than Marks: Big Dreams, Bold Careers

These toppers are not just chasing degrees. They are chasing change. Charulatha aims to become an IAS officer through the route of law. Prutha is preparing for CUET to study Political Science and eventually crack the civil services. Aarohi dreams of being a psychologist who helps others find clarity in chaos. Mayank is torn—in the best way—between journalism, psychology, and public policy.

What they all share is a burning desire to make a difference.

A Message to the “Average” Student

“I was not born with straight A’s,” Mayank says, breaking the myth of the born genius. “It took effort, failure, and bouncing back. The secret is to keep showing up.”

Charulatha adds, “Don’t compare yourself to others. Greatness is not about starting first—it’s about not stopping.”

Prutha keeps it simple: “Study what you love. Passion makes effort feel lighter.”

And Aarohi sums it up beautifully: “Hard work is not inborn. We all learn it. There’s nothing you can not do if you put your mind to it.”

These students remind us that board exams are not a rat race—they are a rite of passage. Behind every topper’s mark is a story of self-discovery, sacrifice, and resilience.

They did not aim to be “number one.” They aimed to rise, quietly and consistently.

And rise, they did.