Introduction
On April 15, 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the Class 10 exam results, bringing mixed feelings for students and parents. One top scorer was Gunnika Khurana, who achieved an outstanding 99.6%. Her success is not just about marks but also about discipline, emotional strength, and strong family support.
Gunnika’s success didn’t happen overnight. It started quietly when she joined Shiv Nadar School in Faridabad in grade seven. She said, “My parents always supported me without pressuring me. But I wanted to make them proud.” This inner drive was the base of her academic journey.
By grade nine, Gunnika was already preparing mentally for the board exams. She shared, “Our teachers stressed how important the boards were, so I took a proactive approach to studying.” This attitude helped her face academic challenges ahead.
Facing Doubts and Overcoming Anxiety
Many students expect results day to be joyful, but Gunnika first felt confused. “When I checked my marks, I thought I got only 79 out of 80 in English,” she recalled. Soon, she realized her overall score was much higher, turning confusion into happiness.
Gunnika also faced emotional struggles. She said, “Before my first pre-board exams, I felt very stressed and cried the night before.” This is common for students under pressure. Luckily, her parents helped her calm down and focus again.
Instead of pushing herself too hard, Gunnika balanced study and rest. “When I felt low, I took breaks and spent time with family, which refreshed me,” she advised. Taking breaks helped her return to studying with more energy.
Effective Study Strategies: Discipline and Active Recall
As exams neared, Gunnika focused on reviewing rather than learning new topics. “I practiced a lot with past CBSE papers instead of going over everything again,” she said. This active recall method helped her remember better and get used to the exam style.
| Key Study Strategies | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Recall | Using past papers to strengthen memory. |
| Short Notes | Making brief notes for quick review. |
| Mind Maps | Visual tools to link ideas and concepts. |
Gunnika stressed the need to be thorough. “You must read every line of NCERT textbooks. The difference between good and perfect scores is in the details.” She used mind maps and flowcharts to revise well just before exams.
Lessons Beyond Academics: The Importance of Emotional Support
Gunnika’s story is more than just good grades; it shows how important emotional honesty and support are. “It’s important to share your feelings and ask for help when needed,” she said. Many students hide their stress, but Gunnika found that talking to family helped her feel better and stay motivated.
Looking ahead, Gunnika plans to study engineering and prepare for the JEE Mains exam. She knows this new phase will need balance and support, just like before.
Her journey reminds us that success is not only about marks but also about handling challenges with strength, staying disciplined, and caring for emotional health. Gunnika’s story encourages students to accept their feelings, seek help, and aim for success in a balanced way.
