CBSE toppers of 2025 have shown that success is not just about marks, but about the mindset behind them. From Tanvi Sharma’s Social Science surprise to Naisha Manchanda’s consistent excellence and Deepshikha Prasad’s passion-fuelled discipline, each story reflects resilience, balance, and a deep love for learning—proving that true achievement lies in the journey, not just the percentage.

It’s often said that marks don’t define who you are, and rightly so. Whether it’s the CBSE Board exams or life’s larger tests, numbers can never capture the full story. Yet, behind every stellar scorecard is a tale worth telling, of discipline, self-doubt, passion, and perseverance. These success stories aren’t just about results; they’re about resilience. They serve as quiet reminders that while marks may not shape our identity, the journey toward them can shape our character.Toppers aren’t made overnight. Their stories echo the struggles and victories of millions—students burning the midnight oil, balancing passions with pressure, and turning fear into fuel. Their journeys are not templates, but tool kits, filled with insights that can inspire and illuminate your own path.While CBSE toppers are often celebrated for their remarkable percentages, the truth is far more layered. Behind every 99% lies a student who didn’t chase numbers—but fell in love with the process of learning.Some found strength in unwavering consistency. Others anchored themselves in classroom notes and school lectures. Some stayed grounded through music, late-night cycling, or quiet reading. Academic excellence wasn’t a performance for them—it was deeply personal.Here are a few such stories—not of perfection, but of purpose.

Scoring well in CBSE Boards is a milestone, not the destination: Tanvi Sharma

CBSE Class 10th Boards: 99.4%

Tanvi Sharma, a Class 10 student from Bal Bhavan Public School, Mayur Vihar, stood out as the district topper of East Delhi, scoring a phenomenal 99.4% in her CBSE class 10 board exams. When asked about her first reaction on seeing the results, she admitted, “I could not believe my marks. I was overjoyed, especially because scoring above 99% was more than what I had imagined. I was hoping for a 100 in Artificial Intelligence, but getting a perfect score in Social Science was an unexpected surprise.”Her strategy was grounded in consistent effort. “I studied throughout the year. The most effective preparation tool for me was solving sample papers. It gave me a feel of the real exam and helped me manage time better,” she explained. Tanvi avoided distractions, choosing to focus solely on academics. She didn’t participate in extracurriculars during the exam year but found comfort in quiet moments spent reading or cycling.“I didn’t feel pressured at home. My parents always encouraged me to study for the joy of learning, not just for marks,” she shared. Her friend group maintained a healthy level of academic competition, and they frequently supported each other by resolving doubts and sharing study tips.Reflecting on her journey, Tanvi said, “This is just the beginning. Scoring well in boards is a milestone, not the destination. I want to keep pushing myself further.”

CBSE success mantra of Naisha Manchanda: Consistency

She has secured 99.6% in the Class 12th Humanities stream

In the CBSE class 12 2025 exam, Naisha Manchanda from ITL Public School, Dwarka, emerged as one of the top scorers with an astounding 99.6%, including a perfect 100 in Economics, Psychology, and Sociology. For Naisha, the result was a sweet reward for a year of unwavering dedication. “I had expected good results because I worked really hard. But seeing those 100s—it was like a cherry on top of the cake,” she said.Naisha believes that the one true mantra for success is consistency. “I stayed regular with my studies throughout the year. I paid attention in class, took thorough notes, and approached every school test like the actual board exam,” she explained.While academic pressure is inevitable, Naisha avoided burnout by immersing herself in extracurriculars. “I was involved in event management and other school activities. They helped me reset mentally. At home, I relaxed by listening to music or watching a good movie,” she added with a smile.Behind her success stood a strong support system. “My parents created the right environment for me to focus. No distractions, no pressure. Just unconditional support,” she said. Her friend circle was collaborative, often engaging in group discussions to tackle tough concepts together.When asked about challenges, Naisha pointed out Economics and Political Science as particularly demanding. “Economics had two bulky books, and Political Science required memorizing a long list of leaders and events. I tackled them with note-making and revision.”Naisha is now preparing for CUET, aiming to pursue Psychology Honours from Lady Shri Ram College (LSR). With dreams of becoming a clinical psychologist, she’s clear about her path forward. Her message to juniors? “Don’t take internal exams lightly. Be consistent and make the most of your classes. You don’t have to study all day—just study smart.”

Fall in love with learning while preparing for CBSE: Deepshikha Prasad

She secured 99.6% in Class 12th PCB stream

For Deepshikha Prasad, a Class 12th student from Neerja Modi School, Jaipur, success was always about consistency. She scored 99.6% in the PCB stream in CBSE Class 12 2025 exam. Though she did not study for endless hours, she made it a point that she would study every single day, no matter what.“There were days when I studied for just two hours, and on others I crossed six or seven,” she reflected, emphasizing that consistency, not duration, paved the way to her 99.6% score. Her days oscillated between regular school, online classes, and relentless practice with sample papers. Teachers played a pivotal role—not just in correcting mistakes but in transforming answers through diagrams, flowcharts, and presentation hacks.Physics, though her toughest subject, became her personal battleground—and eventually, her strength. She solved more physics problems than any other, simply because it challenged her most. But her journey wasn’t just academic. As music prefect and a member of her school’s orchestra and choir, Deepshikha never let her passion fade. “Even ten minutes a day with music helped me stay connected to myself,” she smiled.Battles with illness, distractions like YouTube shorts, and bouts of self-doubt often tried to derail her. But her mother’s unwavering support and friends’ comforting words kept her anchored. When the results finally flashed on screen, she was stunned—“Is this even mine?” she recalled, refreshing the page multiple times before belief took hold. She is currently preparing for NEET exams and aspires to get into a medical college and become a doctor.Her advice? “Fall in love with learning. Not the result, but the process. If I can do it, so can you.”