Sudhanshu Kumar
Morung Express News
Zunheboto, Wokha | April 23
Students from Zunheboto and Wokha districts brought laurels to their schools and families by securing top positions in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) Examination 2026 conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), with many describing their results as both surprising and deeply rewarding.
Sudhanshu Kumar of Olympic Higher Secondary School (OHSS), Zunheboto, secured the second position, calling the achievement “unbelievable”. “I was shivering completely. I expected a good result, but not this good,” he said.
A student of OHSS for 13 years, Sudhanshu described the institution as his “second family”. Originally from Bihar, he said he never felt like an outsider. “My classmates and teachers were always kind, supportive and encouraging. I would give 100 per cent credit to my school,” he said.
His preparation was marked by consistency. Starting with one to two hours of daily study in earlier classes, he increased it to three to four hours in Class 10, making effective use of holidays and weekends. “It was not an overnight preparation,” he said.
Despite exam pressure, he maintained a balanced routine, playing cricket and engaging in recreational activities. “It was not stressful because I enjoyed the process,” he said.
Motivated by a desire to make his parents proud and avoid regret, he has now set his sights on cracking the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and pursuing engineering at a premier Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). “Don’t study under pressure. Even a few hours of focused study is better than long hours without concentration,” he advised students.
‘Work hard, never give up’: Kiphili Y Kiba
In the same school, Kiphili Y Kiba secured a place among the Top 10, adding to the institution’s achievement. “I was happy as well as shocked, as I didn’t expect such a position,” she said, crediting her success to God, her family and school authorities.
She recalled that her mother first informed her father about the early result declaration, making it an emotional family moment. Kiba emphasised discipline and consistency in her preparation, following a flexible routine based on completing daily targets. “If I finished early, I rested early. Otherwise, I stayed up late until I completed my portion,” she said.
She found Science and Mathematics challenging but overcame them through online research, YouTube tutorials and practising previous years’ question papers. She highlighted the importance of self-study, supported by teachers when needed.
Her father, Yesuho Kiba, expressed pride, calling the achievement beyond expectations. “Even in my dreams, I never imagined she would make it to the Top 10,” he said, while also acknowledging the role of teachers.
He said the family faced financial and emotional challenges while raising five children but remained committed to discipline and education. Advising parents, he stressed active involvement in children’s growth along with faith and perseverance.
Kiba plans to pursue Arts and prepare for competitive examinations. Her message to juniors: “Work hard, never give up, and always keep faith in God.” She described her feeling in one word—“Excited.”
Discipline mattered more than motivation, Benchumo reflects
Meanwhile, Benchumo Tungoe of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha, secured a place among the Top 3 with 97.67 per cent, saying his result exceeded expectations. He credited his success to faith, family, teachers and consistent effort.
“I did not follow a strict timetable but set daily targets and studied consistently,” he said. He admitted that English was challenging, particularly writing and expression, but improved through guidance and practice.
Benchumo balanced studies with relaxation, often playing the guitar to refresh himself. Managing stress before exams was a major challenge, but he relied on prayer and reminders of his goals to stay focused.
“Discipline mattered more than motivation. Even on difficult days, I completed my basic targets,” he said.
Aspiring to become a nephrologist, Benchumo plans to pursue the science stream. The youngest among four siblings, he is the first in his family to secure a top position in the HSLC examination.
His parents expressed immense joy, saying they had hoped he might make the Top 20, but his Top 3 finish exceeded expectations.
