CBSE TN topper sets her sights on cancer research

A student of Vidhya Niketan Public School in Coimbatore, Varshini secured 497 marks with centum in Mathematics, Social Studies and Science, and 99 marks in Tamil, but was left disappointed after scoring 98 marks in English, her favourite subject. “Teachers in my school trained me very well by conducting several revision tests before taking up the final exams,” Varshini told DT Next.

The Class 10 student said that she also revised all the subjects periodically, which enabled her to attend the exams without fear. “The teachers also taught me well how to take out the exam fear from my mind,” she added.

Stating that worksheets also helped here to secure good marks, Varshini said parents, too, encouraged her a lot during her difficult times. “My parents supported and encouraged me, without putting any pressure to secure high marks,” she said.

Her ambition was to join MBBS course and specialise in oncology, Varshini said, adding that she would prepare well for NEET. “I will also do research activities to prevent cancer at early stage by discovering medicines for the needy.”

“I will also try my best to secure good marks in Class 12,” Varshini added. P Kavisha from Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Virugambakkam, Chennai, who do not figure in topper list, also scored 495 marks out of 500. Similarly, Rhea Joseph, Chennai Public School in Anna Nagar, Chennai, and Shivani, Trinity International school, Namakkal, also scored 495 marks.

In 2018, there were no Tamil Nadu students in the toppers’ list. In the overall tally, only three students were able to score 499 marks last year. Seven students secured the second position with 498 marks, while 14 students bagged the third spot with a score of 497.

The overall pass percentage across the country this year stood at 91.10 per cent as against 2018 figure of 86.70 – an increase of 4.40 percentage points. A total of 4,460 exam centres were setup in the State, including around 800 in Chennai. In Chennai region, 30 unfairness cases by the candidates were reported against the overall figure of 137 across the country.

CBSE had issued a notification stating that Class 10 students taking board examinations from 2018 with five main subjects would be exempted from the mandatory separate pass criteria in the subjects that have 20 marks internal assessment and the rest for board examination.

The candidates need to secure overall 33 per cent marks (internal and external) in each of the subject to be able to pass, the CBSE clarified.