Four students from Wokha district secured places in the Top 20 list of the High School Leaving Certificate Examination 2024 conducted by Nagaland Board of School Education – Nchumbemo R Lotha of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School (7th position), Ruth Y Lotha of Libemo Memorial School (14th position), Meriyani C Humtsoe of Libemo Memorial School (17th position) and Zaren Taslim Khandakar, also from Libemo Memorial School (17th position).

Nagaland Tribune has a chat with each of the exceptional students to get a glimpse what contributed to their success.

Nchumbemo R Lotha secured the Top 7th Position in the HSLC exam 2024 with 97.17%

Nchumbemo reveals to Nagaland Tribune that he does not study for several hours a day but whenever he does, even if it is just for 30 minutes, he gives his full concentration. However, before he begins, he always dedicates a moment to God and pray for wisdom, which he believes to be very important.

The young man says whatever his teachers taught in the classroom was enough and that there was no requirement for external materials to prepare him for the Class 10 exam.

Speaking about challenges, Nchumbemo shares that ‘people’s expectations’ had put a bit of pressure on him. After the exam was over, he says he was confident of his performance, however, such expectations made him feel nervous and doubtful.

Nchumbemo thanks his mother who had been taking good care of him his entire life and is grateful for his father’s constant support although he is mostly posted out of station. He also thankful for his grandparents’ prayers and the good wishes of his friends and relatives.

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The real pillars of my achievement are my teachers, the topper says, adding that his feat would not have been possible without them. He gives a special shout out to the Administrator of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School who has been looking out for him with motherly love ever since he moved to the school’s hostel in Class 8.

Nchumbemo aspires to become an IAS officer.

His advice to fellow students is: Understand the topics you are studying and give it your 100%. He also reminds all to pray.

Ruth Y. Lotha secured the Top 14th Position scoring 96%

16-year-old Ruth that she followed her everyday routine without any special study plan, focusing on one subject at a time, with particular emphasis on grammar and writing skills. She mentions that her textbooks and past question papers were integral parts of her preparation. Ruth also underscores importance of having self-believe, determination and hard work to achieve one’s goals.

She expresses gratitude to her family, teachers and friends for their support and encouragement, acknowledging the role they played in her achievement.

Ruth aspires to become a neurologist in the future.

Meriyani C. Humtsoe secured the Top 17th Position with 95.67%

Daughter to Chumdemo Humtsoe, Meriyani is the eldest of three siblings. She expresses gratitude to her teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her academic journey. She also acknowledges the prayers and encouragement from her family, friends, relatives, and neighbours.

While preparing for the exam, Meriyani reveals that she particularly concentrated on improving her mathematical skills, often studying in the evening and revising in the morning.

Despite of ill health during the exam, she did her best, Meriyani says, giving credit to God’s Grace. Her faith is her primary source of strength, she asserts, citing Philippians 4:13 as a guiding verse.

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Looking ahead, Humtsoe aspires to become an engineer, a dream she has nurtured since childhood.

She encourages fellow students to prioritize God in their lives and to persevere in their efforts, reminding all to never give up but to continue striving for excellence. Meriyani also emphasizes staying calm and focusing on one subject at a time.

Zaren Taslim Khandakar secured the Top 17th Position with 95.67% score

Originally hailing from Patharkandi, Karimganj district, Assam, Zaren attributes her success to the standing support of her parents and teachers. Her mother proudly discloses that she has consistently excelled in her studies since childhood, always ranking at the top of her class.

Zaren says that she relied solely on school textbooks putting all her focus on studies with occasional breaks.

Her aim is to become a doctor.

Zaren encourages fellow students to ‘go with the flow’ stay focused on their dreams.