HSC results: Dedication helped Deval Shah come first in Gujarat

This was totally unexpected, but I am really happy with the results", a jubilant HSC Science topper Deval Shah told DNA after the results were announced on Thursday.

"I was confident of being in the top ten in Vadodara district, but topping the board exams, across the state, has been a pleasant surprise", said Deval.

Deval topped the board exams by securing 95.2% (625 out of 650 marks). She scored 100 in Mathematics, 99 in Physics and 97 in Chemistry.

"I studied regularly from day one itself. Whatever was taught in school or tuitions, I used to complete the same day. I always practiced by writing, and revised everything several times, which has benefited me", she said.

Deval said that the last few months before the exams, she was studying 7-8 hours a day. "Earlier, due to school and tuitions, I only had time to study for 1-2 hours. But when the exams neared, I started studying much longer," she said.A vishaarad in singing, Deval wants to become an electronics engineer.