On the top,they eye IIT computer engineering

Dhruv Rattanpura,a student of St Kabir School,Sector 26,was the topper from the Tricity,this year with 96.71 per cent in the ICSE exams conducted by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Aspiring to become a computer engineer,Dhruv is presently undertaking a two-year coaching programme for the IIT-JEE at Kota. He had also taken a similar two-year coaching programme for the engineering entrance examination from Chandigarh in Class IX and X.

Speaking over telephone from Kota,he said,“Certainly,the celebrations would have been doubled if I was with my family at Chandigarh but I also understand the importance of staying focussed to achieve an aim in life. With the aim of getting into IIT (Mumbai),which is considered to be the best in the Computer Engineering branch,I want to make a mark in this industry.”

He explained that the inspiration to opt for computer science and programming came from one of the training programmes by a leading IT company where he was selected through a competition. Interested in quizzing and table tennis,Dhruv had participated in several national quiz competitions. The only child of Sunita and Amit Rattan,Dhruv said that one of the reasons he attributes to his result is that he not only focussed in Science subjects but also devoted enough time to other subjects as well. His father is working with ITC while his mother is a housewife.

The second position was secured by Harjeet Singh Kajal of Tender Heart School,Sector 33. He secured 96 per cent. The son of a civil engineer aspires to follow his father’s profession and become an engineer. Preparing to crack the IIT-JEE,he is focussing on preparations at the moment. “We hope that he maintains his performance and excels in whatever field he chooses for himself,” said his father Somlal Kajal.

When not studying,Harjeet can be seen playing video games and cricket. “Though in the last two years,I had devoted my most of my time to studies,whatever little time I could get I played video games. Many would say that video games are just a waste of time but I consider them helpful in developing certain skills which no other sport can,” added Harjeet.

“It was through facebook that I got to know about my result,” said Saruchi Aggarwal of Little Flower School,Sector 14,who has scored 95.86 per cent securing the third position. Though she topped from Panchkula,it was not a surprise for her as she was expecting such marks. Scoring 97 per cent marks in both Mathematics and Science,she wants to become a software engineer.

“I plan to take Non-Medical stream. I would like to do computer engineering from IIT,” she said. Daughter of Rajinder Aggarwal who runs a furniture shop in Sector 17,Saruchi has been coming first since Class VII. “Had I gotten 97 per cent,I would be happier,” she said. Putting in six to seven hours a day,she was able to find time for painting and basketball. “We will always support her with her choices,” said her father.

The pass percentage of Little Flower School is 100 per cent,with about 30 students scoring above 90 per cent. St Xavier’s High School,Sector 20,too,scored a pass percentage of 100 per cent — five scoring above 90 per cent.