Dreams, discipline and a dash of doodling: Meet Oman's CBSE class 12 toppers

Times of Oman

18-05-2025

MUSCAT: Behind every top score is a story — of quiet resolve, unexpected surprises, snack breaks turned study sessions, and families that stood firm like a backbone.
What's common among Oman's Class 12 CBSE toppers is not just their academic excellence, but a deep sense of self-awareness, passion for learning beyond textbooks, and a belief in balance. Whether from commerce or humanities, these students charted their own unique paths to success — with creativity, curiosity and calm.
No rigid routine, just meaningful study: Sakina Jariwala, ISWK
In her remarks from Mumbai, Sakina — the Indian School Wadi Kabir student who topped Oman in the humanities stream (98.4%) — admitted her study routine wasn't rigid, but it worked for her. 'If I'm being totally honest, I didn't have a strict, fixed study schedule. I was mostly surviving off mini phone and snack breaks to freshen up. But when I did study, I made sure it actually counted,' she said.
Her approach leaned heavily on understanding over rote learning. Psychology was her favourite subject 'It wasn't about memorising random facts, I could actually see it play out in everyday life, which made it super interesting.'
Creative to the core, Sakina said she finds calm in origami, doodling, and Pinterest boards. 'Basically, if it's creative or calming, I'm into it,' she added.
Even during the intense prep months, she didn't disconnect completely. 'I believe you need little breaks to stay sane and focused.'
Though she wasn't expecting to top, the moment she found out was unforgettable. 'I was actually in shock when I saw my marks. But once it sunk in… yeah, I was over the moon. Still feels surreal.'
She is planning a BBA with a focus on marketing, right here in Oman. Family, she added, was her biggest emotional support. 'My parents didn't pressure me or stress me out about marks — they just trusted me to handle things my way. That kind of space made a big difference.'
She also recalled the warmth of celebrating with friends and cake, and thanked her teachers for being a calm, consistent support throughout. 'They were always there to clear doubts, motivate us, and just keep things steady even when we were all freaking out.'
From accounts to authors, joy in both: Sanghvi Anand, ISM
Sanghvi, a Class 12 student of Indian School Muscat, topped the commerce stream in Oman with 97.8%. She described her preparation as intense but ultimately fulfilling. 'There were times when it felt like a lot to handle... but gradually, I found my rhythm.'
Calm and composed walking into the exam hall, she aimed to top her school — but the Oman topper title left her stunned. 'It took a moment to sink in... I felt proud. All the late nights and revision marathons had truly paid off.'
With a natural flair for Accounts and Applied Math, Sanghvi also finds Economics deeply engaging. 'Understanding how real-world systems work, connecting theories to what we see in the news or experience in daily life — that was fascinating.'
Her hobbies span public speaking, baking, reading and playing the guitar. 'Reading became my go-to way to relax during breaks... baking was comforting. It gave me a moment to breathe.'
Sanghvi plans to pursue Chartered Accountancy in India. 'It's a field that's both challenging and rewarding. I see it as a solid foundation for the career I want to build.'
Her family's support, she said, was unwavering. 'They believed in me even when I was unsure, and that kind of emotional strength really helped me keep going.'
On her celebration to mark the occasion, she replied: 'It was simple and intimate. Just my family and I. They've been part of this journey from the very beginning, so celebrating with them felt right.'
She also credited her teachers and school for constantly encouraging growth. 'They went beyond the syllabus — they challenged us to think deeper. Co-curriculars like Model United Nations (MUN) and the business pitch competition ISM BRIDGE enriched my school life. MUN helped me grow as a speaker and critical thinker... and ISM BRIDGE gave me a real-world sense of entrepreneurship.'
Consistency and confidence: Tarnjot Kaur, ISWK
Ranked third in commerce across Oman (97.2%), Indian School Wadi Kabir's Tarnjot Kaur said her strategy was consistency. 'We started regular testing in November, and that gave me a solid base. By the time the final exams arrived, I felt prepared and confident.'
She scored a perfect 100 in Accountancy and said Economics helped her understand global trends. 'It was fascinating how events in the world suddenly made more sense when you studied them through an economic lens.'
A passionate debater and Model UN delegate, Tarnjot also led ISWK's Business & Entrepreneurship Club in Grade 12 and spearheaded a sanitary health campaign called SHE: Show Her Empowerment, collecting more than 4,000 sanitary pads for shelters and public outreach.
She now heads to the University of Bristol in the UK to pursue a degree in Law — a field she sees as her calling. 'My parents, both in STEM fields, always encouraged me to carve my own path. And my teachers — they were available at any hour, answering our doubts and offering reassurance.'
Her celebration was spiritual and sweet. 'We started the day with ardaas (prayer) at the Gurdwara, and then spent time as a family. I also made sure to call my grandparents back in India — they were waiting to hear the news!'
More than marks
From psychology to accountancy and economics to activism, these toppers displayed that excellence isn't just about textbooks — it's also about curiosity, community and calm. Whether planning a career in law, marketing or finance, each of them carries forward more than just marks — they bring with them confidence, character and compassion.