Indian students win top honours in international exam

Mumbai, Nov 7 (IANS) Four students of Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) have secured highest marks in subjects at all-India level while one student topped in two subjects at the international level in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGSE) conducted in 156 countries around the world.

According to the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), which conducts the exams, students in India have scored more than the global average, with a large share of high grades. While the global average is about seven percent, in India close to 15 percent of all grades earned A*s - the highest possible grades.

At a function Friday here to felicitate toppers of DIAS in 2008 examinations, Nita Ambani, the chairperson of the school, said: "Over the last three years, our students have delivered outstanding results developing a consistent track record. The children have worked hard and my heartiest congratulations to each one of them and their proud parents."

Four DAIS students who secured highest marks in subjects at all-India level are, Jessika Haria (English Literature, French, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics), Abhay Mittal (Geography, Computer studies and co-ordinate Sciences), Anvisha Pai (History) and Gaurang Poddar (Physics).

While Poddar is the international topper in two subjects - Mathematics and Physical Education - Haria was judged the best IGCSE student in India, for highest marks in over six subjects.

The coursework for this programme has a share of theoretical learning as well as hands-on pratical knowledge. The students take up actual case studies and industrial projects with companies in order to enhance their learning.

"This programme helps students become independent learners and completely involve themselves with the subjects of their choice. This aids in better performance," said Ian Chambers, South Asia region manager of CIE.

"It is a great experience for us as we get to apply our classroom lessons in order to find solutions to everyday practical problems," said History topper Pai.

"We studied in detail the Great Depression of 1929 and based on that pattern, could predict that India would undergo a financial downturn soon."

The IGCSE involves nearly 1.3 million students from 156 countries worldwide. Nearly 15,000 students across India appeared for the exams this year.