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1) T.M.H.Nu.U. Matric. Hr.Sec. School, Theni (Plus 1 and Plus 2)
2) Y.R.T.V. Matric Hr.Sec. School, Sivakasi (9th and 10th)
3) Cheran Matric Hr.Sec. School, Karur (6th - 8th)
4) Velammal Matric. Hr.Sec. School, Chennai (3rd - 5th)
5) Vidyadiraja Vidyaniketan, Kollam, Kerala (2nd)
6) St.John's English Medium School, Perambur, Chennai (LKG - 1st)

Under Graduate degree chosen:

B.A. Economics

Under Graduate college chosen:

Loyola College, Chennai

Marks scored in the HSC examination

Subject	Mark
Tamil	196/200
English	191/200
Economics	200/200
Commerce	200/200
Computer Science	200/200
Accountancy	199/200
TOTAL	1186/1200

Marks scored in the Matriculation (10th) examination

Subject	Mark
Tamil	91/100
English	80/100
Mathematics	100/100
Science	99/100
Social Science	97/100
TOTAL	467/500

Hobbies/Favourite past times:

Reading books, watching and playing cricket

Other achievements:

1) Time Quiz 2008 - 3rd Prize - Madurai Region
2) Reliance Spell and Win - I Prize - District Level
3) Vivekananda Kendra Mono Acting - I Prize - District Level
4) Inter-School Quiz - I Prize
5) MEPCO College 'Exhybites' - Puzzle Presentation - II Prize

Other prizes at school level

The books I read ...

(i) Civil Services Chronicle
(ii) Philosophical Books
(iii) Fictions
(iv) Novels
(v) Personality Development Books
(vi) Books related to Indian history, Indian economy etc

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

Thank you. Infact, I was not having any expectation stored in my mind with respect to state rank. However, I had set the target of scoring maximum marks in every paper and worked towards it. When you work sincerely towards attaining your goals, success will come your way. As such, I was not surprised.

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?

Our school teachers started teaching the 12th standard portions from April and finished teaching them by end of August. I kept learning my lessons regularly and by the end of September, I had finished revising the entire syllabus. Thereafter I wrote nearly 10 full portion exams for better accuracy and time management.

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?

The teaching at school was good enough to make me understand the concepts thoroughly. I didn't take any extra tuition for any subject. In my school, special classes were conducted upto 7:30 pm. My teachers were very helfpul and clarified my doubts then and there. For core papers, I referred some other books apart from the school books.

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

I used to study from 4:30 - 6:30 am and from 9pm - 10pm everyday. That is 3 hours of concentrated study which was more than sufficient for me.

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

For the first few months, our teachers were very busy completing the portions. After that, we had regular special classes upto 7:30 pm. I was given the freedom to study as per my wish since I wrote full portion tests frequently. I had ample time at school to learn the portions thoroughly according to my plan. Learning was the only thing I had to do and I alloted equal time for learning each subject.

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

I had classes in the weekends also. So there was not much difference between weekdays and weekends.

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?

First of all, I am a Commerce Student. My approach was the same towards the preparation of each of my subjects since I knew the importance of treating even the language papers with equal status as that of core papers. Conceptual clarity was my prime theme. Further I studied my lessons with great passion.

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

a. Language (Tamil) Paper

---

b. English Paper

---

c. Physics Paper

Not Applicable

d. Chemistry Paper

Not Applicable

e. Mathematics Paper

Not Applicable

f. Computer Science Paper

---

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?

I conducted exams for myself during Sundays. I tested how my handwriting was during such exams and whether I was able to complete it within time comfortably. So I humbly feel that when the examiner values the paper, a reasonably good handwriting is essential to impress him/her. Both these aspects, ie. handwriting and speedy writing, play a vital role in the success of the student in the public examination. Accuracy coupled with good handwriting and faster writing can fetch you good marks.

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?

Dos:
1) Self integrity
2) Concentrated effort
3) Perseverance
4) Time-management
5) Learn with passion
6) Self-confidence

Dont's:
1) Complacency
2) Over-confidence
3) Fear of failures
4) Tension
5) Inferiority Complex

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?

Yes, my school did identify me as a prospective state rank holder early. I studied in T.M.H.N.U. for just 2 years. But right from the beginning of my schooling at T.M.H.N.U, the teachers recognised my potental to become a state topper. They kept encouraging me constantly and had immense trust in my abilities. I was well supported by my subject teachers as well as by my Principal and Management. My teachers clarified my doubts then and there and conducted a series of full portion tests for me. It is not the choice of the school alone which would fetch you high marks. More than anything else, it is our hard work and sincerity which will lead us towards success.

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

How can I keep them out of the party? They never pressurised me for any matter. Right from my early childhood, they have made me realize the importance of education and the heat of this competitive world. I get tensed very often. My parents constantly kept advising me to hold my nerve at any situation and be cool so that I can face the upcoming challenges boldly. They have nurtured in me a great sense of responsibility and that has helped me enjoy this status.

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

I was on my way back to Chinnamanur from Chennai on the day of result. I came to know that I have secured District I rank through my school. Reaching home by 9:00 am, I saw my name in the newsflash that I have stood third in the state with 3 other friends. I felt elated.

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

As I have told earliers, I used to play as well as watch Cricket. At the time of public examinations, the ICC cricket world cup was in progress and I watched it too. I pursued playing Cricket during exam time and kept reading newspapers and other books also.

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?

Of course, I was very busy attending a number of phone calls from my relatives, friends, colleagues and higher officials of my father for about a week. I was interviewed by print media and visual media. It was an emotional and a thrilling experience. I am looking forward to take up more and more endeavours of national interest and succeed in such endeavours.

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

To tell frankly, all the efforts and endeavours I had taken over these years have paid me rich dividends in the end. I would like to thank all my teachers, Principal and my parents for having supported me over these years. Last but not the least, I owe my success to Almighty.

17. Tell us about your family.

I have a loving mother, caring father and a sweet brother. My father is the Manager of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Chinnamanur Branch. My mother is a homemaker. My brother is studying in 8th standard. My family is a sweet family.

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

I had chosen to pursue B.A. Economics in Loyola College, Chennai. After completing my graduation, I have planned to appear for civil services exam. Since Social Studies can help me get into civil services easily, I have chosen Economics.

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

Stop revising the lessons atleast an hour before the exam and relax yourself. Complete the exam atleast 20 minutes before the scheduled time and check the answersheet thoroughly. Be unique in your presentation. Finally, please refer to my answer to the 1st question - set self-imposed goals. Try hard and be sincere in achieving it. The desired results will come your way.