From cancer fighter to topper: Ishika Bala leads Chhattisgarh class 10 board exams with 99.2%

The title of "Supergirl" perfectly suits Ishika Bala. A Class 10 student from the Maoist-affected Kanker district, she not only triumphed over cancer but also topped the state board exams. The farmer's daughter scored an impressive 99.2%, securing the top position in an exam where only 76% of students passed. Ishika's success serves as a symbol of hope in a district where the female literacy rate is just 59.6%.

Ishika recently emerged victorious from her battle with blood cancer and continued to study for her exams despite the challenges posed by her treatment. Although she was supposed to take the Class 10 exams last year, her health was too fragile at the time. She attributed her success to the unwavering support of her parents and teachers, sharing that her dream of becoming an IAS officer motivated her to push through the weakness and pain whenever her life-threatening illness tried to hold her back.

Her father expressed immense pride in Ishika, noting that her remarkable recovery and determination have left everyone who witnessed her journey deeply inspired.


In an incredible twist, Akhil Sen, the Class 12 topper, also hails from Kanker. He achieved an impressive 98.2% (491/500) in commerce. His father operates a newspaper agency, and Akhil would help deliver papers each morning while preparing for his board exams. Out of the 85 students who secured spots in the top 10, eight are from the Bastar division, a region that has been grappling with Maoist insurgency for the past 25 years.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who declared the Class 10 and 12 board exam results at the secretariat in Nava Raipur on Wednesday, congratulated all the successful candidates, their families, and teachers. "To those who didn't succeed this time, don't be disheartened. Failure is often the initial step towards success. Approach your next attempt with even more determination," CM Sai advised.

Around 3.3 lakh students took the Class 10 exams, with 76% passing, showing a small increase from last year's 75.64%. In Class 12, Raipur led the merit list, with seven of the top 10 students hailing from the state capital. The overall pass percentage stood at 81.8%, with 84.7% of girls passing, compared to 78% of boys.

[Inputs from TOI]