Shillong, May 4: For Priya Ghosh, the topper HSSLC 2026 Commerce stream, Class XI played a critical part in her Class XII performance.
“The base plays a significant role in your achievement and I was consistent since Class XI,” the St Edmund’s Higher Secondary School student, who scored 458, said after declaration of the results on Monday.
“My teachers saw potential in me, they always motivated me. They are my building blocks and my backbone,” she added.
She admitted that her hard work paid off, saying, “I have secured the first position in HSSLC examination. Today I think the hardwork has paid off.”
She credited her family, especially her brother Suman Das, who has tutored her since Class IV.
“My teachers, my parents, my brother — they all have worked harder and they have played a significant role in not shaping only my academics, they have instilled in me moral values, ethics which I think I will carry forward throughout my life,” she said.
“The person I am today, he has also played a big role.”
At school, she found steady encouragement during stressful periods.
“My class teacher has always motivated me when the pressure was very high. She motivated and told me not to go down,” Ghosh said.
She described Sir Felix as “like a father figure” who “has uplifted me from day one I joined St Edmund’s.”
“All the teachers in the school have not only made me a good student, but they have made me a good human being.”
Her message to fellow students emphasized passion and character: “Pursue what you like, love what you do and give your best whatever you can do. And not only be good in your work, be good as a person and help others understand — that also makes you one of the achievers in your land.”
She is considering research in finance but is also interested in public service.
On social media, she struck a balanced note.
“I think social media has helped me a lot. Students should go beyond books. Social media has played a significant role in my general knowledge. It depends on how you use the social media platform,” she said.
Still, she cut it out completely during exam prep. “In the two months I prepared for the board examination, I did not open any social media. I have to be so consistent with my studies,” she said.
The process taught her the need for balance.
“Studies matter but at the same time how do you enjoy your life, it matters a lot. Because I think my studies have made me rigid and I want to tell other students: enjoy the process and at the same time enjoy your life too,” Ghosh said.
