Delhi boy Paras Sharma has topped the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 exams this year, scoring 99 percent.
A student of commerce from Lancer Convent School, Rohini, north Delhi, Sharma scored a perfect 100 in mathematics, accountancy, economics and business studies and 95 in English. He scored 495 out of 500.
"I feel out of the world. I didn't expect to be the all-India topper. I am excited and elated," 18-year-old Sharma told IANS.
The teenager wants to pursue his higher education in economics from Delhi University's St. Stephen's College or Shri Ram College for Commerce.
"I like economics. My mission is to eradicate poverty and illiteracy through economics," Sharma said.
He credits his parents and teachers for his success.
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"I am very grateful to my parents as they showed their confidence and trusted me. They never forced me to study. My teachers guided me throughout," said Sharma.
The results were declared across the country Monday, with the total pass percentage standing at 82.10. The pass percentage increased by 1.91 percent from 2012.
A total of 944,721 students took the Class 12 board examinations in India and abroad, which was also an increase of 15.81 percent over 2012.
Girls fared better than boys again thisn year with 87.98 percent clearing the exam as compared to 77.78 percent boys.