CBSE UAE toppers 2025 reveal secrets to exam success, share smart tips

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: UAE students who topped the 2025 Grades 10 and 12 examinations of India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have shared the secrets behind their success.

From disciplined study routines to prioritising sleep, leisure and healthy food, these toppers offer practical advice and inspiration for students aiming to follow in their footsteps.

When all schools finalised and submitted their success reports, Syed Mohammad Habiburahman of Delhi Private School (DPS) Dubai emerged as the UAE topper in Grade 12, achieving an outstanding 99.4 per cent. He was also the topper in the Science stream.

Sharing his study strategy with Gulf News, Syed said he focused on developing strong fundamentals through regular reading. "I had a habit of constantly reading my textbooks and other material as well. I think reading serves as the best method of study because it directly helps you build the appropriate language to present answers well," he explained.

Interestingly, the bulk of his preparation happened just months before the board exams. "During this time, I made it a point to get adequate sleep every day—at least six to seven hours. I broke up my study into one- to two-hour sessions, separated by meals or some simple leisure activities to recharge," he said.

To keep himself motivated, Syed used a reward system. "After mock tests at school, I’d give myself a break—watch something on TV or talk with friends. That helped me recuperate and get ready for the next exam."

He also incorporated short daily revision sessions. "I used to spend 20–30 minutes reviewing what I studied the day before—once after waking up and once before going to bed."

Closer to the exams, he focused heavily on solving previous years’ question papers. "This helped me adjust to the expected difficulty of the papers. After attempting a sample paper, I would evaluate myself, identify weak spots, and work on them separately," Syed added.

Hafeed Meera Shahul Hameed from GEMS Our Own Indian School, Dubai, and Rishab Sinha from Mayoor Private School in Abu Dhabi emerged as the highest scorers in the Grade 10 board exams in the UAE, each achieving a remarkable 99.6 per cent.

Speaking to Gulf News about his stellar performance, Hafeed said:
"Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently."

Initially, Class 10 felt like a normal academic year for him.
“I was just like other students, not focusing much on academics. But as time passed, I realised the importance of this year. You only get one chance at Grade 10, and I had to put in the effort to achieve what I wanted.”

His interest to excel in academics, however, had begun as early as Grade 8.
“So, I started studying from the summer vacation and gradually increased my study time as the pre-boards approached. During the board exams, I got enough time to prepare, and honestly, the exams felt easier than the pre-boards,” Hafeed said.

·         Don’t study all day: “Studying 24/7 is not a good option,” he said. He preferred early morning study sessions and ensured he got at least seven hours of sleep.

·         Take breaks: “I took breaks between study sessions and spent some time on my phone to relax.”

·         Eat well: “I made sure not to skip meals and chose healthy food. Staying up the whole night isn’t helpful either.”

·         Understand concepts: “I cleared doubts as they came up and never studied blindly. I always tried to understand what I was learning.”

·         Be consistent: “It’s not that hard to score 95+ in boards if you are consistent and passionate.”

Meanwhile, Rishab Sinha shared a structured approach to academic excellence and his tips for fellow students.

·         Manage your time: Set a fixed time for learning. Even 30 minutes a day is enough to start—consistency matters more than duration.

·         Prioritise NCERT: Be thorough with the syllabus first and make your own notes before referring to external guides.

·         Practise past papers: Solve previous years’ question papers and conduct timed tests.

·         Don’t neglect enjoyment: Include time for relaxation, go for a walk, or spend time with family.

·         Sleep matters: “Get 7–8 hours of sleep. It helps retain what you’ve studied and boosts your next day’s performance. If possible, take power naps too.”