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1. X District III Rank
2. Hindi Prachar Sabha - all 8 exams completed (DBHPS)
3. State I in Talent Exam conducted in AKT Kallakurichi [Abdul Kalam Replica Award]

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?

Thanks! No, it wasn't a surprise and I didn't expect it too. I expected a good score in every subject and a total above 1180.

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 also starts its preparation for the XII standard examinations while in XI standard itself. After we completed our quarterly examinations, we will start with XII portions. Personally, I started my preparations (seriously) on the same day our school started.

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?

Yes, the teaching and materials provided by the school was sufficient for my preparations. So, I didn't take any special coaching for any of the subjects.

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

During ordinary day, I seldom study for 2 hours (at home). I pay full attention during class hours. I will spend my time in school hours properly from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

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

My school's working hours: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. I wake up by 6:30 or 7:00 am. I will be glancing at my lessons for half an hour and then I will get ready for school. Evening 7:45 to 9:00 pm are my prime hours of study and home work. Then 9:30 to 10:15 - concentrate on the day's topics.

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

Actually, there were no weekends for us. But, during some of the government cum school holidays, I will refresh myself for the next coming days' studies and will concentrate on the topics pending and some topics which needed more attention. I will plan what to do according to when to do.

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?

Differently for each of the subjects.

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

a. Language (Tamil) Paper

Actually, I will admire at the poetry, the verses and comparisons. So I would remember them and so I can also give a paraphrasing on it or comment on it in my own style. My II lanaguage was Tamil. I had writing practice periodically so I can improve and maintain my speed and handwriting. For prose, I will think at what the author comes to say and why he used such examples or quotes so I could remember them. I will actually try to repeat the dialect in drama so I could use for commentry and ERC's. Simply saying, I will find the REASON behind everything.

As far as grammar, I will come from basics and I got and collected as much as rules I could and had a gist of it and would not memorise but revise periodically. I took more practise repeatedly on my language paper.

b. English Paper

ADMIRATION, REASON were the key points. I got various ideas and tried to satisfy all aspects and expectations of every English teacher, I concerned. So I believed I could satisfy the teacher who is going to correct my paper. I had my own writing methods, my own quotes, sayings, proverbs, many collections of events and points. I tried to reduce my grammatical errors by continuous practise.

c. Physics Paper

I had a perfect plan on the paper and pattern and idea on the type of questions. I basically am a keen listener during class hours. Would put many questions until I got thorough with the concepts. I got repeated practice with various level of papers. I searched for all possible objectives from the book. I also collected various types of asking questions. I didn't concentrate more on diagrams but on core parts, special markings. I looked for all possible 3 mark questions in text book and prepared answers for it. For preparation, I start with problems from all chapters. Then I read entire chapters one by one, vague one first, easy one next.

d. Chemistry Paper

We must require a daily homework in this subject. We must study the concepts then and there or on the same day when it is taught. Try not to postpone because we may forget the concepts. It's a personal experience. First, I concentrated on 8 important chapters (according to me), then the other chapters. I always prefer short and apt answers. I don't attempt lengthy questions. Requires planning of time for each part of paper.

e. Mathematics Paper

I work out every problem at the beginning but not during the final revision. I will go through the book for results, rules, exceptions and mark it and revise it without fail.

f. Computer Science Paper

For 5 marks, I chose II Volume - 5 questions, I Volume -2 qustions (I - 5 chapters). I go through the entire book for objectives. I will question my friends with newer ones so they will ask me new ones. I prepare how to write for 2 marks, 5 marks with extra points not only with the exact 5 points.

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?

Very important. But during 11th standard, it is difficult to change handwriting. Instead of spending time on it, my brothers and sisters can concentrate on presentation of the paper (maintaining required speed). This will be a make up. By repeated writing practice with proper time plan, one can write speedily. Our thoughts become our actions. If it is true, then our learning determines our speed 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?

* (For the above question also, this can be added) Strictly follow your own planned time better a total of 2.45 hours
* Don't just stick on to a problem or answer which you can't complete or identify the error, just skip out for that moment, forget it (very important) and go to the next question. Can return to the question after sometime when the mind becomes peaceful and pacified. This matters for time managment, concentration
* Never hesitate or feel boring to check your paper. It occurs (for me too frankly), but shouldn't be
* Never read till last second before entering examination hall. A true fact:
Before entering examination hall, our mind remains blank which make us think, we did not prepare well but truth is we have prepared to our best so our mind prepares to show it
* First, while preparing, be positive, you can complete, don't haste, start with easier ones, then with difficult ones, so you gain confidence that you have completed.

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, but they did give special attention and coaching not only to me, but to a group of 25 students. For a student like me who relies on listening to the classes, the school matters to a great extent. A student must rely on any one school or coaching classes. If they tried to ride both horses, each horse goes in a different track which may end up in mess. He can leave one and ride the other one towards success.

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

The better role. My parents and my brother were a team to my path of achievement. They were in regular touch with me, my curriculum, my school and my performance. They always gave positive feedback and a thirst to win which made my path only forward. They never disturbed me for going for any ceremonies.

They satisfied me by all means. They gave me more care and affection.

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

I believed in getting good marks - above 1180. I got the news by watching television. I was pretty surprised. It was the happiest moment ever since I was born because I made my parents and teachers happy of me and feel proud about me. I loved it very much.

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

Yes, I used to play carrom, chess, shuttle with my brother and mother. Indeed, I had more time. Actually my hobby is listening to music during such circumstances. I pursue listening to music for about 45 minutes every day because I enjoy it and relax myself to a greater extent.

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?

It was difficult for me to reach a place on time since the results were released. The day the results were released, there were continuous phone calls. I was confused whether to attend the phone calls or give pose to the media or report or answer to press. I just can't imagine the day as reality. There were phone calls till midnight about 1:00 am. The happiness and greetings covered my sleeps. I was given awards by many organisations, banks, VIPS, schools, institutions.

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

For me, there are no special people. All are close and common to me. If so, I would like thank my parents, teachers, management, my good relatives, friends, non-teaching staff, guest teachers, my well-wishers and every heart that helped me and prayed for me.

17. Tell us about your family.

Our's is a small family. My father is an LIC agent. My mother is a Hindi teacher in our sister's school (Sri Vijay Vidyashram, a CBSE school). My brother is studying 7th standard. He is active and studies well more than me. Everyone cares for each other. We will force each other into small fight for interest and joy. A small sweet home.

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

Aerospace Engineering.

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

Believe in yourself
Never step back
Plan well. Execute the plan well
Obey the elders, teachers, parents. Be disciplines

"Be the best, Do the best, Achieve the best". ALL THE BEST!
Best wishes from your dearmost brother.