Benchumo Tungoe, the youngest among four siblings from Wokha, has brought pride to his family by securing a place among the Top 3 in the HSLC Examination 2026 conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education. A 16-year-old student of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, he scored an outstanding 97.67%, becoming the first in his family to achieve such a distinction.

Sharing his reaction, Benchumo said the outcome came as a pleasant surprise. While he had worked hard throughout the year, he did not expect such a high ranking and described the moment as both shocking and fulfilling.

He attributed his achievement to a combination of faith, discipline, and strong support from those around him. He expressed gratitude to God, his teachers, school administration, and especially his parents for their constant encouragement, prayers, and emotional backing. He also acknowledged the role played by friends, relatives, and church members in motivating him along the way.

Rather than following a strict or fixed study timetable, Benchumo adopted a consistent approach, setting achievable daily goals and focusing on regular study habits. This method, he said, helped him stay organised without feeling overwhelmed.

English posed a challenge during his preparation, particularly in writing and expression, but he overcame this hurdle by seeking guidance from his teacher and working steadily to improve his confidence.

Despite keeping academics as his top priority, he ensured time for relaxation. Activities like playing the guitar helped him unwind and maintain mental balance.

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He admitted that handling exam pressure was one of the most difficult aspects of his journey. However, staying focused on his preparation and relying on prayer helped him overcome moments of self-doubt and regain confidence.

Highlighting the importance of discipline, Benchumo noted that consistency matters more than motivation. Even on difficult days, he made it a point to complete his minimum study targets.

Encouraging other students, he stressed the need to understand concepts thoroughly, stay consistent, and remain attentive in class. He also underlined the value of self-study, adding that while coaching can support learning, individual effort is key to success.

Looking ahead, Benchumo aims to pursue a career in medicine and hopes to become a nephrologist. He plans to opt for the science stream to move closer to his goal.