CBSE 12th Topper 2025 Sidharth Mahapatra shares Secret to Score 99.4% without Coaching

With consistent preparation and revision, Sidharth Mahapatra secured 99.4% in the CBSE Board Exams 2025. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Sidharth shared his CBSE 12th exam preparation routine, career plans.

CBSE 12th Topper 2025 Sidharth Mahapatra

CBSE 12th Topper 2025 Sidharth Mahapatra, a Commerce student of ODM Public School, Odisha, emerged as a school topper with 99.4%. With an excellent academic record, Sidharth aims to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Mahapatra shared his CBSE 12th exam preparation routine, career plans, tips for aspirants and more.

The Board announced the CBSE Result 2025 Class 12 on May 13, 2025. CBSE Board Exams 2025 were conducted from February 15 to April 4, 2025.

Tell something about your family background.

I belong to a nuclear family. My father works as the Zonal Sales Head at Federal Bank, and my mother is a homemaker. I also have an elder sister who is currently working at an IT company as a QA Engineer. My family has always been supportive of my goals and has encouraged me to stay focused and committed to my career path.

Tell about your stream. Did you choose this stream by choice?

I’ve always been fascinated by the world of finance. So, after my 10th grade, I chose the commerce stream because I felt it would give me the right foundation to explore financial concepts and gain a head start in the field. This decision has helped me understand the basics of business, accounting, and economics—topics I find genuinely interesting and aligned with my career goals.

Did you take any online or offline coaching? What was your strategy to score above 95%?

I didn’t take any coaching classes.

Who encouraged you the most in this journey?

My parents, teachers, and friends all played a crucial role in my journey. Their constant encouragement and support kept me motivated and focused, especially during challenging times. I’m truly grateful for the positive influence they’ve had on me.

What was your routine during CBSE board exam preparation?

During my CBSE board exam preparation, I followed a well-planned and consistent routine. I used to start my day early to make the most of quiet study hours in the morning. I divided my time between different subjects, focusing more on the ones I found slightly challenging. I made daily and weekly study targets and revised regularly to strengthen my understanding. Closer to the exams, I practiced sample papers and previous years’ question papers to improve my speed and accuracy.

What are your future plans? Which career path are you aiming?

I plan to build a career in the field of finance. I will be pursuing a degree in Commerce with a focus on Finance, and I also intend to pursue the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) qualification in the future. My goal is to work in areas like investment analysis and portfolio management.

What entrance exams are you targeting?

No, at the moment I am not planning to prepare for any entrance exams. I am focusing on my current studies and building a strong foundation before considering any further competitive exams

What is your dream college/institute?
Studying at one of the top IIMs is my dream because they offer excellent academic programs combined with strong industry exposure, which I believe are essential for building a successful career in finance.