A student of the MC William Higher Secondary School, Alipurduar, Das scored 496 out of 500 marks and achieved 99.2 per cent in the examination.
Earlier, Das had secured the 4th rank in the state in the Madhyamik, or the class 10 exams. He mentioned, “Most of the time I spent studying, minimum 8-10 hours. I increased my study time and skills after Madhyamik.”
Das also dreams of becoming an astrophysicist. “I always had a keen interest in the vast universe. I always wanted to be a scientist researching astrophysics,” he said.
At just one mark behind Das is Soumyadeep Saha, who secured a 99 per cent after scoring 495 out of 500 marks. Saha wants to study statistics. “After my 10th, I was very clear about my aim of becoming a statistician. My brother, who was my backbone, always showed me the path as a friend, philosopher and guide. I worked hard and I love studying. Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science was my stream. I want to apply for Indian Statistical Institute (ISI),” Saha said.
He added, “I expected to be in the top 10 but getting the second rank was beyond my expectations. My parents almost cried out of joy.”
Saha has a great passion for recitation and swimming. Talking about the restriction on mobile phones in his school hostel, he said, “The Ramkrishna Mission has a strict rule of not allowing phones. If any information is needed, computers are provided. So, by spending time on the phone, I could concentrate on my studies. We are only allowed to use our phones even when we go back to our hometown for holidays.”
Abhishek Gupta from Malda, a student of Ramkrishna Mission Vidya Mandir, secured 494 marks and secured the third spot with a 98.8 per cent marks. He was once the 4th rank holder in Madhyamik, he said. “My mother cried the moment she heard the news, it was unexpected. I am happy that I went one step ahead of what I got in Madhyamik,” he said.
Regarding his further plans, Gupta said, “I want to be an engineer and will prepare for all India-based exams.”
His favourite subject is mathematics. He said, “I often used to watch different videos on math in my free time as math has been my favourite subject since class 5.”
This time, 58 students from 15 districts secured the top 10 spots. In the gender equation, 3,31,743 examinees were boys and 4,25,581 were girls, 12 per cent higher than boys. Among the minorities, 60 per cent were girls and 40 per cent were boys.