Dubai's 8-year-old math prodigy Shaurya Thakkar named among "World's Brightest" by Johns Hopkins

Dubai: Shaurya Yashesh Thakkar, an exceptional 8-year-old Grade 2 student from GEMS Modern Academy, has earned the prestigious Grand Honors SET recognition from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). His outstanding achievement places him in the 98th percentile globally—a distinction held by fewer than 30% of international test-takers.

A Pinnacle of Early Academic Excellence

Shaurya’s Grand Honors award comes after he excelled in the SCAT (School and College Ability Test), scoring an above-grade-level standard — a level comparable to Grade 6 performance — and ranking among CTY’s top students from over 90 countries. This distinction also grants him access to 250+ advanced CTY programs, including summer sessions at US universities and enrichment courses in mathematics, computer science, and more.

More Than Just Numbers

Shaurya's achievements span beyond CTY recognition:

Silver Medalist in Abacus, Vedic & Mental Math – Whizz Kidzs Academy International (2023)

Spelling Bee Champion (2024–25) – GEMS Modern Academy

Silver Young Performer Certificate – Trinity College London (2023)

4th Place Winner – Yas in Schools Formula Ethara, UAE National STEM Final (2023)

Citizen Scientist – Winner ADNOC Environment Day Challenge (2023) Documented UAE biodiversity on iNaturalist as part of the challenge.

Tech Communicator – Hosted a YouTube series “Shonty.Shaurya” at age 7, introducing kids to tech and machine learning

Young Innovator – Honored by Brainy n Bright for designing a Flood Prevention System using robotics and creative engineering

Emerging young cricket enthusiast

"This is not just recognition of students' performance on one test, but a testament to their curiosity and capacity for learning," said Amy Shelton, PhD, executive director of CTY. "These students have demonstrated enormous potential, and now we encourage them to seek out experiences and communities that help them challenge and stretch their knowledge, connect with other young scholars, understand diverse perspectives, think critically, and pursue their goals confidently."  Shaurya’s recognition is not merely a reflection of exceptional test scores - it is a celebration of his boundless curiosity, tenacity, and love of learning,” said Sapna Yashesh Thakkar, “We anticipate his journey will continue to inspire peers and bring honor to the academic community in UAE.”

A role model for global learning

This honor marks a remarkable milestone for Shaurya reflecting two years of disciplined study, mental growth, and dedication. He joins a cohort of globally celebrated young scholars, and stands as a role model in Dubai’s academic and STEM community.