In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Medha S Rao shares her insights into exam preparation strategies and her aspirations for the future.
The 2024 board exam results by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) have heralded outstanding achievements, with a remarkable pass percentage of 99.47% for ICSE (Class 10) and 98.19% for ISC (Class 12). Among the shining stars of this academic feat is Medha S Rao, who clinched an impressive 98.8% in ICSE. Hailing from Orchids The International School, Sahakar Nagar branch in Bengaluru, Medha's journey exemplifies the fusion of dedication, familial support, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, she shares her insights into exam preparation strategies and her aspirations for the future.
Q. Please tell us something about yourself and your family background.
Medha Rao: We are a family of three, both my parents are working professionals, wherein my dad is employed in a financial services firm, and my mother is a primary teacher. We, as a family believe that commitment, hard work and the divine grace of God are the recipe for achieving goals in life.
Q. Please tell us about your stream, did you choose this stream by choice? How much have you scored?
Medha Rao: I have chosen the PCMC stream for 11th and 12th out of my love for science and computer science, which I intend to pursue even after my 12th course. In the aggregate of these four subjects, I have scored 99, of which Chemistry and Computers is a 100.
Q. What was your strategy to score above 95 %?
Medha Rao: Consistency, focus, and hard work were my strategies for scoring above 90%. Determination also plays an important role in terms of having to push forward without losing motivation throughout the 1-1.5 years of preparation for the boards. I made sure I was well-versed in all the 10 subjects and had a good grasp on the concepts of science right from the beginning.
Q. Who encouraged you the most in this journey?
Medha Rao: My parents have played the most important role in terms of motivating me when I was tired, or unfocused. The teachers of my school have also been a constant guide and support throughout my 1.5 years journey to the boards.
Q. What was your routine during CISCE board exam preparation?
Medha Rao: I would do up to 4-5 hours of self-study every day after school, which I increased as the boards arrived. During the boards and study holidays, I studied anywhere between 8 to 9 hours, to thoroughly revise the syllabus and make sure that I have no learning gaps. However, throughout the year I made sure I also had some time for relaxation and other hobbies.
Q. What are your future plans? Which career path are you aiming for?
Medha Rao: I intend to pursue computer science, AI and ML in particular for my higher studies.
Q. Which exam are you preparing for CUET, NEET or JEE?
Medha Rao: No, I am not preparing for CUET. Yes, I am currently preparing for JEE (year 2026), to pursue a career in CS, particularly AI and ML.
Q. Which courses and universities are you targeting?
Medha Rao: I will be particularly focusing on computer science in the IITs and the NITs.
Q. Please share some tips for students prepping to appear in CISCE Board Exams 2025
Medha Rao: The single most important tip is to stay consistent, and to stay ahead of your coursework so as to have ample time for revision as boards approaches. Although solving board papers, and question banks is important, what plays an even more vital role, in view of the new paper pattern followed by ICSE, is to focus on the concepts, especially in science, and have a thorough grasp of all the concepts, and to analyze the concept in your way of thinking. Lastly, stay determined, and focused but also make time for yourself and enjoy the process of learning and schooling.
Read More:
Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com
Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.
Next Story