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Received Illam Tamil Arignar Award for my excellency in Tamil in X, Runner up in Volleyball Zonal Tournament in class VI, Runner up in Volleyball Zonal Tournament in class IX, Winner in Volleyball Zonal Tournament in class X, Runner up in District Volleyball Tournament in class X

1. Congratulations on getting the state rank in the HSC examinations. Was it a surprise when it came or were you expecting it?

All my life, I desired to join Mechanical Engineering in Anna University. Never thought of getting state rank but my teachers believed me a lot. My parents know me very well that I was striving hard and always asked me to relax. I studied hard with the aim of scoring centums in all the four mains and I was a bit surprised that I got this huge reward for my hard work.

2. Many schools and students start their preparation for the twelfth standard examinations while in the 11th standard itself. When did you start your preparations for the 12th standard public examinations?

I started my preparation as soon as my plus one exam got over. But my staff had covered three chapters in chemistry prior to plus two. In fact I wrote my Plus one public exam and I got 1148. From my perspective, everyone has to study plus one syllabus as it provides all the basic knowledge not only for plus two but also for competitive exams. Hadn’t I studied my plus one properly, I would not had obtained seat in NIT Trichy-Production and Chemical Engineering.

3. Was the teaching and materials provided by the school sufficient for your preparations or did you take any special coaching for any of the subjects?

They provided enough teaching materials for all the students. But whatever it is, the question is going to be from the book. So I followed book purely and to test me, I rely upon guides. I haven’t gone for coaching classes since my schooling.

4. For how many hours per day did you study?

I slept for 4 hours hardly. I used to reach home by 8.15pm. I used to start by 9pm. My sleeping hours were in between 1 and 5. I used to struggle many times ofcourse. I had to sacrifice my sleep for two years.

5. How was your typical school working day like? How would you allot time for each of your work?

Daily we had exam and I had to concentrate on that exam. In addition I had to go through the things which was being taught in class that day. 9pm-1pm, I prepared for the next day exam and during 5am-7.30am , I went through whatever being taught in class.

6. How was your typical school holiday (weekend etc) like? How would you allot time for each of your work?

Only Sunday holiday. I used to sleep till 8 and sometimes even 10. Then I had to start my routine work. Of course was tedious. Sometimes I have watched movies on Sunday.

7. Did you approach preparation for each of the subject (Language, English, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology/Computer Science) differently or was your approach the same to each of the subject?

I wanted to be an Engineer. But my mom kept on insisting me to become a doctor. I concentrated mainly on those four subjects. After getting result, I felt like I should have concentrated on the languages too which reflected in the scores for me loosing huge 20 marks. So everyone should give least importance to languages that I want to stress upon.

8. If your approach to each of the subjects were different, how did you approach the preparation for -

a. Language (Tamil) Paper

I used to study language the day before the examination and it was the reason for my low score in language papers. So I suggest people have to give some importance to languages too. This I realized only after getting state rank. Had I concentrated on languages, I would have obtained much higher marks.

b. English Paper

I used to study English with some importance when compared to Tamil. I used to concentrate upon essays and theory. But it should not be so. Due importance should be given to one marks which contributes to the maximum.

c. Physics Paper

Physics was my most favourite subject besides with Maths. I used to work out all the solved problems as well as exercise problems. I prepared physics with the purpose of entrance exam too. Cancellation of entrance exam was done at the last moment when we wrote public exam. So I was able to solve almost all problems and teachers too supported me. I purely followed text book and it’s enough too. Go through each and every line of your book from which they can ask one word. Practice diagrams for experimental questions.

d. Chemistry Paper

Easiest subject if you know all the equations. Not only me, all my classmates could solve what ever equation they asked in exam. The key to achieve this is to write and practice equations while reading. Repeated practice is necessary. For all the students, physical chemistry is very easy then comes inorganic and the toughest part is the organic. If you practice problems and equations then no one can overtake you in organic chemistry. I am telling this with experience.This is how I followed and it fetched me good marks.

e. Mathematics Paper

My another favourite subject. Within that one year I worked out all the problems atleast five times which made me say the answer for a particular question provided if they don’t change the items. Answers can’t be memorized. I don’t suggest that too.But it can be made familiar if you keep on working out problems. Just work out and score.

f. Biology Paper

It is really tough to study biology. I could study all other subjects together but not biology within that time. Things did’t stay in brain in zoology but botany was quite easy. I studied the entire book for about five times which made me to remember things. It took four days for me to finish zoology once whereas I could finish botany within half a day. It was a difficult task for me. I strived hard to finish it. So study things repeatedly so that you can remember. If you aim to be an engineer for sure, then don’t take biology. I don’t mean that you can’t study. You have to put extra effort and have to spend more time which can be used for other engineering core subjects.

9. How important are handwriting and learning to write speedily in the examinations? Is there anything that a student can do to improve these two aspects?

A good question paper leaves no extra time for some subjects. So I suggest to prepare thoroughly. And hand writing is must to create a good impression to the evaluation staff who doesn’t know about you and about your knowledge. You need not write so attractively. So write legibly so that staff can understand. The way is to write things down while reading. It not only makes you correct things but also to speed up your hand writing.

10. Are there any strict Dos and Donts that you would recommend a student preparing for his or her twelfth standard examinations to adhere to?

Concentrate only upon studies. This one year is going to be a turning point for your entire life. Don’t waste that one year .You can enjoy after that crucial period. You can go films, watch tv, play after your exam. Do focus on studies and ask yourself daily what you have done today? Is it enough for you to fetch enough marks? Test yourself daily. Its not only about scoring but testing yourself worth enough to get good college.

11. Did your school identify you as a prospective state rank holder early and give any special attention and coaching? How important is the choice of a school in achieving high marks in the examinations?

No. All the students in my class were toppers. It was like if u could get first among them, then you could easily overtake others in the rest of TamilNadu. Choose school by asking students who have already studied there. At the same time, take a concern about whether your parents are affordable with.

12. What was the role of your parents and family in your preparations for your public examinations?

A Tremendous support . I can’t explain in words. They supported me with each and everything during the crucial period. I hadn’t even talked properly with my parents during that one year. I am very much thankful for them and always will be.

13. How did you learn about your achieving the state rank in the examinations? What was your reaction when you first heard it?

My uncle called me telling that my mark had been displayed online and he told me the marks. I had no words to explain. It was possible because of my parents. Mom was not with me. I wanted to tell her first as soon as I heard of my marks. Without her, I am no one.

14. Did you have any time to play any sport, pursue any hobby during your preparation for the public examination?

I was playful till my tenth standard. I used to play for long. In fact I used to play during the week end during my plus one. When I came to plus two, I put an end to everything. But I used to read newspaper on weekends for long. Others than this, only studies.

15. Your life must have changed after achieving the state rank. You must be busy receiving lot of congratulatory messages, awards, recognitions etc. Could you tell your experience since the results were released?

Yes, I was first congratulated by my school teachers and my mom was also congratulated by them. Then We went to meet then Namakkal district collector Mr.U.Sagayam, I.A.S., who gave me the first award Agni Chiragugal by Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. Then I was awarded gold medal by school management. I received medals at three places by Kongu Nanbargal Sangam, Namakkal ,Erode and Chennai. Then I was awarded Mudhalvan Award by Raj TV. And I received the highest Award from our Chief Minister Mr.K.Karunanidhi. And things continued. Thanks to that, I could get along with my goal comfortably. And the greatest award is that everyone praises you and look at you differently. It’s a very nice experience and can’t be explained.

16. Are there any special people you would like to thank for your achievement?

Yes, of course. My mom, dad and sister. My family was the main reason behind my success. My teachers and friends also supported a lot. I am grateful to them always.

17. Tell us about your family.

Mine is a family of four. My dad Mr. K. Neelamohan is my hero and he is working as a driver. My Mom Mrs.N.Pappathi is my favourite and she is a house wife. My sister Mrs.N.Deepa is a college topper and gold medalist. I love my family the most than anything and they are the reason for my achievement and I am thankful to them and always will be.

18. What course have you chosen to pursue after your twelfth standard?

I have chosen Aeronautical Engineering as my under graduate program. I want to do MSc after my graduation.

19. Finally, what is your advise to the students who would be taking their public examinations shortly?

First of all, All the very best for all who are going to attend public exam. Don’t compare yourself with others. Sometimes, they may get high marks or low marks. Compare yourself with yourself. Fix your target and goal and proceed towards that without bothering about others. Plan yourself and execute it. Sleep atmost 5 hours a day. Don’t think of others things, just study. If you have studied everything, then you can proceed with confident and you can face the exam without fear. Take a look at the pattern, model question papers, previous year question papers and study accordingly. Write more exams , correct by yourselves. Self correction is the best way to study things and to correct mistakes. I struggled a lot during the entire year. Sometimes my body condition didn’t support. You have to bear all and have to be mentally fit. Believe in yourself and everything will happen as you wish. All the very best once again.