Meet Tapas Bhardwaj who Defied All Odds to Score 91.4% in CBSE 12th Boards 2015!

Tapas Bhardwaj, a student of DPS R K Puram, took the CBSE Board exams with the help of a scribe and scored 457 of 500, just 39 short of the all India topper M Gayatri, who secured 496. He managed to score a massive 91.4 per cent through his hard work and determination.

Tapas is not the conventional topper who devotes 16-18 hours to his studies. Even without eyesight, he has been a very active student all his life. Life is not about limitations, according to Tapas, who has always involved himself in extra co-curricular activities striking a perfect balance between academics and hobbies. He has always participated in various school competitions but once he began his preparation, he bid farewell to his cell phone and social life.

He widely credits the Principal of his school, Dr. Saini for his unparalleled support and guidance. He reiterates that the school treated him equally without any discrimination. Tapas is a standing example to all; that nothing, absolutely nothing can come in your way of success if you have set your heart and mind to it! As Tapas says, ‘’At the moment of commitment, the whole universe conspires to assist you’’. There are a thing or two that we can learn from his determination and positivity.

click4college chatted with this bonafide student for a sneak peek into his preparation strategies for Class 12 Board exam.

Who is Tapas Bhardwaj? Tell us about yourself.

I am Tapas Bhardwaj and I was the Head Boy of my school DPS RK Puram. I am a National Talent Search (NTS) scholar and a part of the CCM (Capital City Minstrels) Choir in New Delhi. I have taken part in national-level debates and possess a deep desire in my heart to serve the nation.

What was your reaction when you got to know your result? How did your parents react to it?

Earlier I was scared, anxious and tensed! But after the results were announced, I was thrilled with joy! One thing which gave me despair was the fact that I have to leave my school and teachers. The entire faculty at DPS RK Puram was extremely supportive and played a vital role in where I am today.

My parents were extremely happy when they heard the news and were called by the principal Dr. D. R. Saini to share the joy. They also distributed sweets to all the teachers and students.

Were you expecting it?

When I came to Class 12th, I made a resolution: desire-determination-direction-decision-destination. While appearing for the exams I was confident about my preparation, but 91.4% was surely a pleasant surprise.

Have you always been a topper?

Yes I have always been a topper! I scored highest in the class 10th board exam with a score of 10 CGPA. I have also scored a 91% in my class 11th (Humanities).

Please tell us about your preparation strategy.

I used to make notes because it was much easier to learn that way. I also took help of a computer and software programme called JAWS (Job Access With Speech), which provides speech and Braille output for the visually impaired.

Do you think a student’s school makes a difference in his result or it entirely depends on the student?

Surely school makes a huge difference! The teachers in my school used to push me to take part in debating competitions and extra co-curricular activities, which eventually shaped and boosted my confidence. But there is no replacement for hard work and the desire to succeed.

These days, students spend all their time in coaching centres. Do you think tuitions are necessary?

They are necessary at some point because practically speaking parents can’t give you their entire 24 hours. They have many other things to do. So the right coaching can do wonders!

Lately we’ve come across a few suicide cases where the student succumbs to exam pressure! What advice would you like to pass on to young people who sometimes tend to lose hope?

When you have hope, you will climb the rope to success! We shouldn’t let periodic setbacks ruin our whole existence. What truly matters is participation and hard work. Our work is to work and we should do it with full commitment.

Congratulations on your CLAT result! What attracted you to Law as a profession?

Thank you so much! Well, for this decision I credit my beloved principal Dr. Daini, who happens to teach Legal Studies as a subject. He inspired me to pursue this career. Apart from my principal, I also credit my friend’s dad, who’s the current Additional Solicitor General of India. He also motivated me to pursue the legal field. I also know the Preamble of the Constitution of India by heart!

Which University are you aiming for?

I am planning to stay in Delhi only. I have not really decided which college I would like to go to. I have also topped the IP University Law Entrance exam for the 5 years integrated course. So I am yet to decide the college.

How many hours a day did you devote to your Class 12 Board preparation?

Not many! (Chuckles) Mainly because I was involved in extra co-curricular activities! But once I started my preparation, I discarded my cell phone and became socially inactive so that I could give my 100 per cent.

How did you spend the rest of your time? What are your hobbies?

I love spending time with my family and cracking jokes with them. I am passionate about serving the nation, so I have made my passion a hobby.

Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?

I want to pursue Judiciary after I complete my Law course and serve the nation.

Any word of advice you would like to give to the students who would be appearing for Class 12th Boards Exams in the years to come?

I would like to share the five P’s: Passion-Performance-Patience-Perfection-Position. This is the philosophy of my life that I follow religiously.

The story of this bright young mind reinforces the fact that courage is mightier that misery! While the CBSE Board exams are considered an important apparatus for measuring a student’s aptitude, they should not be considered as the ultimate weighing tool! Ideally, a student should strive to give his/her 100 per cent and not get perturbed by periodic setbacks.

To get more insights about dealing with stress, please click here!

click4college salutes his courage and strength, and wishes him all the best for his promising future!