SHILLONG, MAY 4: Priya Ghosh of St Edmund’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, who topped the commerce stream in the HSSLC 2026 examination, today credited her success to consistent effort and the support of her teachers and family.
“I have secured the first position in HSSLC examination. Today I think the hardwork has paid off,” Ghosh said after the results were declared by MBOSE. She secured 458 marks.
She said her teachers, parents, and brother played a key role beyond academics.
“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.
Ghosh singled out her brother for his long-term guidance. “I just want to thank my brother Suman Das. He has taught me since I was in Class IV and I think the person I am today, he has also played a big role,” she said.
She also spoke of the encouragement she received at school. “My class teacher has always motivated me when the pressure was very high. She motivated and told me not to go down,” Ghosh said. “Sir Felix, he is like a father figure. He has uplifted me from day one I joined St Edmund’s.”
Stressing the importance of a strong foundation, she added, “Class XI also played a big role for your achievement in Class XII because I think the base plays a significant role in your achievement. I was consistent since Class XI and my teachers saw potential in me. They always motivated me. They are my building blocks and my backbone.”
“All the teachers in the school have not only made me a good student, but they have made me a good human being,” she said.
To other students, her advice was to follow their interests. “I want to say to the student: 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,” Ghosh said.
On her future plans, she said, “I want to pursue research in finance maybe in the future and I am interested in public service also. So let’s see what happens in the future.”
Asked about social media, Ghosh said it aided her learning but required discipline during exams. “I think social media has helped me a lot. I think the 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.
“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 added.
She also urged balance. “I think the students at the same time should enjoy their life and I have learned that from my preparation — that 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.”
By Our Reporter
