Aman Kumar
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 23
The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) on Thursday declared the HSLC and HSSLC Examination 2026 results a day ahead of schedule, catching many students by surprise and triggering celebrations among toppers who attributed their success to consistent effort, discipline and faith.
Aman Kumar of MGM Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, who topped the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination with 98.33%, said he maintained a disciplined routine from the beginning of the academic year. “I was very serious from the start and studied on an average 5–7 hours a day, focusing on at least three subjects daily,” he said.
Aman followed a structured approach, devoting early mornings to mathematics. “From 4 am to 6 am, I practised maths regularly. After school and tuition, I focused on subjects that required memorisation, like English,” he said. He added that he took coaching in mathematics and science while managing the rest of the subjects independently.
Recalling the moment he learnt about his result, Aman said he initially doubted the news as the official declaration was expected on April 24. “A friend told me I had secured the top position, but I wasn’t sure. When I checked online, I was very happy and excited. My parents were also very excited,” he said.
He admitted that while he hoped to secure a top rank, he did not expect to finish first. During exams, he increased his study hours significantly. “On normal days I studied 5–7 hours, but during exam gaps I studied day and night,” he said. He credited his success to his family, school and teachers, especially his classmates who supported him throughout.
Offering advice to juniors, Aman emphasised conceptual clarity. “Students should focus more on understanding the context rather than memorising. That helped me the most,” he said.
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‘Studied 12 to 14 hours a day’: HSSLC Science stream topper
In the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) science stream, Menguhaankum Chang of St John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur, secured the top position with 95.60 per cent and credited his achievement to faith and collective support.
“I give all credit to God, my parents, relatives, teachers and friends who supported and encouraged me,” he said. He highlighted the role of his school environment, particularly the ban on mobile phones in the hostel, which helped students stay focused and disciplined.
“The absence of phones helped us remain free from distractions and concentrate on studies,” he said, also acknowledging the role of his warden, Sir Murren, in maintaining a strict and supportive study atmosphere.
Chang admitted that he was not very serious in the initial months of Class 12 but became focused later. “After the winter break, I studied 12 to 14 hours a day,” he said. He also spoke about his struggle with biology, which he initially found discouraging but later improved through consistent practice and better understanding of concepts.
The result came as a surprise to him. “When a friend called and told me I had topped, I was shocked. I checked it myself and even called my parents immediately. Everyone was surprised,” he said, adding that he initially had doubts due to the early declaration.
Despite facing stress, particularly after examinations like physics, Chang said he managed pressure through self-motivation and prayer. “I was stressed and unsure at times, but I comforted myself and continued,” he said.
He plans to pursue engineering and aims to crack competitive entrance examinations to join an IIT, aspiring to become an aeronautical engineer. Advising students, he said, “Don’t be discouraged by failure. Surround yourself with good and competitive people, focus on concepts, and remember it is never too late to work hard.”
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‘I am very happy with my percentage,’ says Shreya Debnath
In the HSSLC commerce stream, Shreya Debnath of Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, also secured the top position with 96.00% and expressed happiness over her performance. “I expected to be in the ranks but did not expect to be first. I am very happy with my percentage,” she said.
Shreya said consistency was the key to her success rather than a rigid timetable. “I studied daily and never skipped. That consistency made the difference,” she said, adding that she studied around 6–7 hours a day.
She acknowledged facing self-imposed pressure during preparation. “There was no pressure from my family, but I used to put pressure on myself. I overcame it by praying,” she said.
Aspiring to pursue a career in banking, Shreya plans to continue her studies in commerce, likely pursuing B.Com. She also shared that accountancy was initially her toughest subject but became her strength through regular practice.
“Don’t take too much pressure. Be consistent and also enjoy your studies,” she advised, adding that limiting time on social media helped her stay focused.
She also spoke about balancing responsibilities at home, including helping take care of her younger brother, while continuing her studies. Thanking her teachers and school, she said, “They have been very good mentors not only to me but to all of us. I hope I have made them proud.”
The early declaration of results added an unexpected twist to the day, but for these toppers, the moment reflected months of perseverance, discipline and belief — offering a message of resilience and clarity for students across the state.
'When I am really motivated, I try to study as much as I can': Keleno Thorie
Securing the top 1 position in the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Examination 2026 in Arts Stream, came as a surprise to Keleno Thorie even as she expressed that, “it was unexpected, but I am very grateful.”
The Topper from Northfield Khikha scored an impressive percentage of 96.80%, which she impressed upon is an outcome of being consistent with her studies throughout the academic year and not just during the period of examination.
“I did not study for continuous hours or follow a strict routine but focussed on important points”, she related to The Morung Express. It wasn't just during examinations that she poured her heart into her studies but also ensured that she learnt something new on a daily basis.
There were times she lost her focus even as she confessed that, “I get distracted easily.” However, she said that, “when I am really motivated, I try to study as much as I can.”
As one of the best students throughout her high school, she earlier secured the top 19 position in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination.
Keleno Thorie is the youngest among four daughters and hails from Kigwema village. She also acknowledged her family and sisters for her success while expressing that “my sisters also gave me a lot of advice”. She further expressed gratitude to all her teachers even while making special mention of her class teacher.
She is currently looking to take up history honours at Assam Royal Global University and simultaneously prepare herself for Civil Services. To all the young students, she also advised, “don't feel pressured, study as much as you can and try your best.”
