L-R Suniti Jha, chief guest Colonel Sachin Randale (retd), topper Adhiraj Agarwal(receiving the school award for Overall Academic Excellence), Shivaji Shinde, Adhiraj’s brother and parents.

How does it feel to be a school topper in the board examinations? Who do you want to attribute this achievement to?
I feel content as well as detached. I wish to attribute this achievement to those I spent the maximum time with at school — my friends and teachers. I have sent a message of thanks to each of my teachers, even those who guided me years ago, in Primary and Middle School. I also thank my parents and the school management for encouraging and supporting me always. Spending 8 wonderful years of my life at New Era has been an awesome journey. Partaking in dramas, community service such as Build a Life project of the school and the Editorial Board gave me the opportunity to interact with diverse people and situations even beyond the scope of textbook learning.

Share your daily study regimen.
It was more about backing myself and trusting myself that I had done enough. In my opinion productivity is more about doing just enough with the right levels of motivation and discipline, not undercutting or overdoing it. A few months prior to the boards, I had committed to myself to maintain the same pace of study that I am used to without taking additional stress. That helped to bring the best out of me.

Elaborate on your food and sleep regimen in the months preceding your boards
Nothing special, I had three square meals a day and 8 hours of quality sleep.

What sacrifices did you have to make to achieve such a brilliant result?
I did not do anything differently. There is always some luck and creativity involved with success in the languages and the sciences. I think being composed and having a clear mindset makes all the difference. At that moment, your preparations start to become insignificant, it’s all about how you hold yourself in those few hours.

Any particular hobby or activity that motivated you to better prepare for the exams?
I have hobbies but nothing particular that motivated me to better prepare. I enjoy the creativity that Mathematics demands in its most abstract form and the depth and surprise of science.