Class VIII topper is 7-time national chess player too

Scoring 100 out of 100 in the annual examination remains an unfulfilled dream for most students in their school life. But there are very few, almost a rare breed of go-getters, who do it with clinical precision.

Puneet Verma of Sri Harkrishan Public School, Model Town, Hoshiarpur, scored 600/600 marks, the perfect score, to bag the top spot in the Punjab School Education Board Class VIII annual examination results.

Navjot Kaur of Sant Mohan Das Memorial Senior Secondary School of Kot Sukhian, Faridkot, also scored (600/600), a neat 100 per cent, but was unlucky to be adjudged second due to the age difference (June 24, 2010).

Their roaring success proves that clinical precision is no longer the exclusive domain of high-end coaching academies in cities, but very well possible in small towns and hinterland of the state.

State topper Puneet Verma is not just a bookworm but a seven-time national-level chess player who aims to make it to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Secretly, he aims to be a Grandmaster one day, but prefers not to disclose his moves too soon.

“I have only two interests in life — studies and chess. I was certain that I would score at least 599 marks, but got 600/600. Regular study round the year and following the timetable strictly helps you achieve 100 per cent result. ‘Thoda sa he jyada padta hun exam ke time’…,” said Puneet, who is a diehard Magnus Carlsen fan.

Not just in academic circles, Puneet (April 17, 2011) is well known among chess enthusiasts. The 15-year-old has played seven chess nationals, said parents Ashok Verma, a civil contractor, and mother Neetu Verma, a housewife. His rich haul in the game is enough to make any teenager envious of his sporting achievements also.

Principal Paramjit Kaur said it was a proud moment for them as two students of the school had made it to the merit list this time.

Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain lauded Puneet’s achievements. She said, “It is amazing to see Puneet get 600/600 marks. It speaks a lot about his focus in his life. He is good in studies and good in sports too. The administration will soon felicitate him."

Punjab