Not every topper follows a strict study timetable or spends sleepless nights with books. Proving that focused preparation matters more than endless study hours, Mainak Mandal from Bankura Christian Collegiate School secured third place in the state merit list in this year’s Madhyamik examination with 695 marks.
Mainak says he never believed in studying continuously for long hours. Instead, he preferred taking breaks, playing cricket with friends and then returning to studies with full concentration.
“I cannot study continuously for long periods. I would study for some time, then go and play, and later sit down to study again,” Mainak said.
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Despite his flexible routine, he studied around eight to nine hours a day with the help of school teachers and private tutors. " They explained things to me without getting angry in the slightest. This result would not have been possible without their help," he said.
Mainak credited his teachers for guiding him throughout his preparation. He said they patiently explained every doubt whenever he approached them. “This result would not have been possible without their help,” he added.
Cricket-loving student dreams of becoming an engineer
Apart from studies, Mainak is passionate about cricket and considers Mahendra Singh Dhoni his favourite player. He now hopes to pursue engineering because of his strong interest in mathematics.
“Mathematics is my favourite subject. That is why I want to study engineering,” he said.
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His parents are equally delighted with his achievement. His mother, Archana Mandal, who works as an Anganwadi worker, described him as restless but sincere.
“He never studied continuously. But he always kept books with him throughout the day. He also did not stay up very late at night — usually only till 11:30 pm,” she said.
His father, Shishir Mandal, who runs a book business, said the family would fully support whatever subject Mainak chooses in the future. “He knows what is best for him,” he said.
