Udupi: For Preetham Poojary, who secured a flawless 625 out of 625 in the SSLC examinations and emerged as one of the state toppers alongside seven others, success was not about studying endlessly but about having clear goals, consistent revision, and keeping stress at bay.

A student of Mother Teresa School in Shankaranarayana, Kundapur taluk, where he has studied since LKG, Preetham credits his achievement to a disciplined yet balanced approach to academics. Reflecting on his preparation, he highlighted that managing stress was a key factor in his success.

“There is no need to take stress. The moment you feel tense, you should consciously divert your mind. Talking to parents really helps in such situations,” he said.

Rather than following rigid study hours, Preetham focused on setting practical daily targets. He broke down his syllabus chapter-wise and fixed deadlines for completing each portion. “I made it a point to revise whatever was taught in class on the same day before going to bed. That helped me retain concepts better,” he explained.

Regular assessments also played a major role in keeping him on track. Monthly unit tests conducted by the school ensured steady preparation. “Those tests motivated me to study consistently. Daily revision is essential, and it reduces pressure during exams,” he added.

Speaking about his exam strategy, Preetham stressed the importance of staying calm inside the examination hall. “Even during exams, the mind should be stress-free. I attempted the tough questions towards the end. It is important not to let unnecessary thoughts disturb your focus,” he said.

Preetham hails from Bidkalkatte and is the eldest son of Ganapathi Poojary and Nagarathna. His father works as a bus conductor in a private transport agency. He expressed deep gratitude to his parents, who stood by him as a constant source of support throughout his academic journey.

Looking ahead, Preetham has clear goals. He plans to pursue Science in Pre-University, choosing Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science (PCM with CS), and aims to prepare for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) with the ambition of becoming an engineer.

Teachers say Preetham’s achievement is a strong example of how consistency, self-discipline, and emotional balance can lead to outstanding academic success.