In a brief interaction with Nagaland Tribune, the toppers of of the 2025 High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) shared their journey to success.

Lungyihangle Nring: The state HSLC topper from St. Paul Higher Secondary School Dimapur, Nring scored a whopping 98.67% (592 out of 600 total marks). “I didn’t follow a fixed study schedule. I studied when I felt focused,” the topper said. She explained that on regular days, she studied around four to five hours but increased the time up to 10 hours during exams.

The young topper also says that although she expected to be among the top five rank holders, she was surprised to have emerged as the state topper.

Looking ahead, she expressed her passion for science and her ambition to become a doctor specializing in cancer research. “There’s no concrete cure for cancer yet, and that motivates me to find a solution,” she said.

Her mother, Inzina, who raised three children after losing her husband when Lungyihangle was in UKG, is filled with pride. “I’m overjoyed. This achievement is a result of hard work, and I’m grateful to God, her teachers, and our community for their support,” she said.

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Arti Kumari: The state topper in the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Commerce stream from Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School Dimapur admitted on taking serious note about her studies only two to three months before the exam. Kumari, who scored 94.60 percent, says that she had dedicated 10 to 12 hours to studying each day during that period. “My approach was to first understand each topic thoroughly before studying,” shares the Commerce topper who also attributed her success to YouTube which played a key role in helping her find additional resources as well. She also emphasized the importance of seeking clarification from her teachers and staying off social media to remain focused.

“God, my teachers, parents, and friends all played a huge role in this success,” Arti said. “Now, I’m planning to pursue law and will be preparing for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). I dream of becoming a lawyer,” she told NT.

Snigdha Mukherjee: For the HSSLC Science stream topper from St. John Higher Secondary Residential School Dimapur, it has not been an easy journey to the top.

“Initially, I struggled with consistency, but in the months leading up to the exams, I dedicated 10 to 12 hours a day to studying,” says Mukherjee who topped the Science stream in Nagaland with 93.40 percent.

Expressing her surprise at the results, she says her achievement is a gift from God, as well as the unwavering support from her parents, teachers, and school.

She plans to pursue a B.Tech in Computer Science, eager to embark on her next academic journey.

Vikhono Senotsu, the topper of the HSSLC 2025 examinations from Government Higher Secondary School Jotsoma, topped the Arts stream with a score of 96.20 percent. The youngest in the family, Vikhono is the daughter of Seyielebi Senotsu and Keviyano Senotsu and has three elder sisters and an older brother. A former student of St. Andrew’s School, Jotsoma, Senotsu not only topped the HSSLC exams but also aced the Tenyidie subject with an extraordinary score of 99.

Sharing her heartfelt emotions, Vikhono said that she was expecting good results, but becoming the topper came as a pleasant surprise. “It’s a rewarding feeling to see my hard work bear fruit,” she says.

According to the HSSLC topper, her study strategy revolved not around endless hours but focused dedication. 3-4 hours were dedicated daily to her studies with concentration as key factor to effective learning. “It’s about prioritizing tasks, staying consistent, and giving your best in the time you have,” she explained.

She also credited her siblings for their unwavering encouragement, which kept her motivated throughout her academic journey. Vikhono’s strategy includes a disciplined approach: mastering textbooks, crafting personalized notes for quick revision, and ensuring ample rest. “A calm mind and proper sleep are just as crucial as studying—they keep your brain sharp and ready,” she advised. She also stressed the importance of setting clear priorities, especially in academics, to stay on the right path. “Consistency and persistence are what help us reach long-term goals. No matter how tough it gets, never give up,” remarks Vikhono.

The topper also expressed gratitude to her teachers, parents, and siblings for their constant support. “Their belief in me kept me going,” she said.

To students aspiring to improve their grades, Senotsu encouraged the students to, “Believe in themselves. Stay determined, maintain consistency, and build a daily study routine. I want to encourage my fellow students to believe in themselves and keep pushing forward”..

Senotsu plans to pursue coaching and sit for civil service exam after her graduation from Sazolie College.