What It Takes to Top: The Daily Habits of Bengaluru's Brightest ICSE/ISC Scholars

From space enthusiasts to future lawyers, Bengaluru’s ICSE and ISC toppers are proving that there is no single “formula” for success. Whether it was studying between basketball games or switching from Commerce to Science by accident, these students aced their exams with unique strategies.

Here is a quick look at the inspiring stories and tips from the city’s brightest young minds.

1. The “Accidental” Scientist: Victor Manoj (ISC Science – 99.5%)

Believe it or not, Victor ended up in the Science stream by accident! He initially found Commerce classes boring and made the switch early on.

The Goal: He wants to innovate in his family’s educational publishing business using AI.
His Advice: “Whatever I do, I make sure I give it my best. That matters more than just interest.”

2. The Future Space Explorer: Sragvi Bhagavan (ICSE – 99.8%)

Fascinated by the vastness of the universe, Sragvi has her sights set on Astrophysics.

The Strategy: She focused on conceptual clarity from day one.
Her Tip: Don’t just memorize; understand the “why” behind the concepts and practice as many papers as possible.

3. The “No-Stress” Pro: Ruchika K R (ICSE – 99.6%)

Ruchika attributes her success to a “chill vibe” and consistent writing practice.

The Secret: For subjects like English, she wrote regular essays to eliminate small errors.
Key Insight: With exams becoming more application-based, you must go beyond the textbook to score high.

4. The Law Aspirant: Vidhita Dhamija (ISC Commerce – 98.75%)

Vidhita balanced her Board exams with intense CLAT (Law entrance) coaching.

The Method: She used her school hours strictly for Board preparation and dedicated her time at home to competitive exam prep.
Benefit: She says preparing for competitive exams builds the endurance needed for long study sessions.

5. The Athlete: Harshil Praveen (ISC Commerce – 98.30%)

A basketball player who refused to give up his sport for studies.

The Strategy: He focused 100% during class hours so he didn’t have to study every single day at home.
His Take: Staying active helped him avoid burnout and kept his mind fresh for the exams.

Top 3 Takeaways for Students:

Consistency Over Intensity: You don’t need to study 12 hours a day if you are regular throughout the year.
Master the Basics: Modern exams test how you apply knowledge, not just what you remember.
Find Your Balance: Whether it’s dance, basketball, or painting, keeping up with hobbies helps manage exam stress.

What’s next for them? These toppers are heading to prestigious institutions like NLSIU, Ashoka University, and even the National University of Singapore!