Reshma Ravishanker

All government schools must have fully equipped science labs, a library and sufficient computers for students to learn better, urged a topper of Karnataka’s SSLC exams, results of which were announced on Friday.

Shagufta Anjum, the daughter of a Maulana, is among the 22 students who secured a perfect 625 score in Karnataka’s SSLC exams. Anjum, a student from Sirsi district studied at the Government Composite Urdu High School.

Even though she attributes her success to her teachers who helped clarify any doubts she had, Anjum insists that students’ learning abilities would only improve if they had science labs with all necessary equipment.

A medical aspirant, this student said, “Take for instance, in my school, we have one lab. But there is no equipment for teachers to demonstrate. They had to rely only on classroom teaching to explain the process to us. There are around 10 computers in the lab. It would be beneficial if government schools had atleast one computer for every three students. We have a library but just a handful of books”.

Anjum began her preparations early. While she spent two hours a day initially, between December and January, she increased the time spent. “The syllabus was completed by December. I started revision soon after. My parents put no pressure on me to perform,” sad this student who studied English medium.

Also read: Karnataka SSLC exams: Pass percentage improves, 22 students secure perfect score