Lucknow witnessed a grand celebration of academic excellence as approximately 600 meritorious Class XII students from various city schools were felicitated at the Times NIE Merit Awards & Education Fair 2026. The event, held at a private hotel on Friday, not only recognized outstanding academic achievements but also provided students with a platform to explore higher education and career opportunities through interactions with leading colleges and universities.
Chief Guest Emphasizes Skill-Based Learning
The chief guest for the occasion was Anil Agarwal, President of the Unaided Private School Association. In his address, he congratulated the students and stressed the importance of shifting from rote learning to practical, skill-based education. He remarked, "There is no substitute for hard work and honesty. The education system should focus more on real-life learning and industry-oriented courses instead of rote learning."
Student Insights on Success Strategies
Several students shared their strategies for achieving strong performance in board examinations. Common themes included discipline, regular revision, and effective time management. Ishika Ratn of Lucknow Public Collegiate emphasized, "Consistency is the key, and listening to teachers is the biggest asset during board preparation." She also noted that balancing academics with extracurricular activities was one of her biggest challenges. Ishika aspires to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Ishan Sharma, also from Lucknow Public Collegiate, advised students to stay focused and understand concepts clearly rather than relying on superficial learning. Vandita Upadhyaya of DPS Jankipuram credited her success to proper time management, classroom learning, and effective use of CBSE study material.
Ashwary Sharma highlighted the importance of productive study hours, while Manal Saurabh encouraged students to avoid comparing their journeys with others and to remain consistent in their efforts.
Event Highlights
- Felicitated around 600 Class XII meritorious students from multiple city schools.
- Provided a platform for students to interact with leading colleges and universities.
- Focused on promoting skill-based and industry-oriented education.
The Times NIE Merit Awards & Education Fair continues to inspire young minds by celebrating hard work and guiding them toward a brighter future.
