Bengaluru (DHNS): SSLC toppers, who scored maximum marks in all subjects, attributed their success to being consistent with their school work and not putting themselves under pressure.

Sumanth Hegde from MES Kishore Kendra school in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, was confident that he would do well in the examinations but to be on the safer side, he estimated that he would score 615 out of 625.

“I had prepared well, studying three to four hours a day. I paid equal attention to all subjects and did not put too much pressure on myself,” he said. Sumanth, whose father Sadashiv Hegde is a government employee, wants to become an engineer and take up research in the field of computer science. He keeps his mind sharp by taking quizzes and reading in his free time.

This year, students from rural parts of Karnataka have brought fame to their schools. Poornananda H of St Joachim’s High School, Kadaba, in Puttur taluk scored centum in Kannada medium. “I had expected to score above 620 marks. I used to study for four to five hours every day. I want to study science in PU but I haven’t decided what after that,” he said. Poornananda used to walk for more than a kilometre every morning and evening to catch a bus to and from his school. Along with his studies, he made time to pursue his interest in classical music and he has completed junior level. Next, he will be giving his senior level exams. A girl from a weavers’ family in the small town of Banahatti in Jamakhandi taluk of Bagalkot district, has secured 625 out of 625 in the Kannada medium.

Pallavi, the younger daughter of Ravindra Shirahatti and Bharathi, studied in SRA Composite High School of Janata Education Society. “I am surprised as I had expected 620 marks. I attribute my success to my parents’ support and guidance from my teachers, particularly my class teacher Neelu Kankanaveli,” an elated Pallavi said.

Her mother Bharathi said that they never put pressure on Pallavi. “She wants to study medicine and we will do everything we can to help her realise her dream,” she said.