Bengaluru Student Samit Punamia Shines in ICSE 2025 with 99.66%, Aspires for IIT
For 16-year-old Samit Punamia, the morning of his ICSE board results turned into a moment of unforgettable triumph. The student from VIBGYOR High, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, scored an extraordinary 99.66% in the ICSE Class 10 board exams, including perfect scores in Mathematics, Science, History-Civics & Geography, and Computer Applications. His Best-of-Five score stands at an impressive 99.8%, placing him among India’s highest scorers this year.
“I feel on top of the world!” says Samit, still overwhelmed by his achievement. Despite the stellar result, he didn’t follow a rigid study plan. “I focused on finishing the syllabus a month before the exams. The final month was all about solving past papers and sample tests,” he shares.
Balancing academics with relaxation was key. Samit ensured at least one hour each day was dedicated to sports and music — practices that helped him stay mentally refreshed. “That time away from books really helped me focus better when I studied,” he explains.
Initially, he studied about 3–4 hours a day, gradually increasing to 8 hours as the exams approached. Samit credits consistency and discipline for his success.
Looking ahead, Samit has his sights set on Computer Science Engineering from IIT or any other premier institute that aligns with his passion for programming and technology.
His parents, while proud, say they simply focused on being a supportive presence. “We didn’t pressure him. We just made sure he believed in himself and stayed focused,” they say. Their advice to other parents? “Support your child’s journey instead of dictating it. Every child is unique.”
