The Making of a Gujarat Board Grade 10 State Ranker: Parshv Shah’s Journey

When the Gujarat Board announced the Grade 10 results in May 2026, Parshv Shah, who joined The Lightship Initiative as part of its 2024-25 Grade 9 cohort, achieved an extraordinary milestone - securing 3rd Rank in the state among more than 8 lakh students. His exceptional performance included a perfect 100/100 in Science, 99/100 in Mathematics, and 97/100 in English.

Behind those remarkable scores wasn't a secret formula or last-minute studying. Instead, they were the result of thoughtful planning and consistent effort. While many students were enjoying their summer vacation after Grade 9, Parshv had already begun preparing for the year ahead. He focused on building a strong foundation, understanding concepts deeply, completing his coursework early, and leaving ample time for revision and practice papers. That disciplined approach became his greatest strength.

For Parshv, success was never just about marks - it was about learning. He enjoys exploring science and mathematics, reading about India's freedom fighters, and challenging himself to think differently. He also refused to let the Board examinations become a source of stress, reminding himself, "This is just another exam." That simple mindset helped him stay calm and trust his preparation.

Equally important, Parshv believes that academic success shouldn't come at the cost of personal interests. Throughout Grade 10, he continued playing cricket and reading, helping him stay refreshed, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthy balance. His family quietly supported him every step of the way. Despite modest means, they ensured he had the encouragement and stability to stay focused on his goals, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to his studies. He is also grateful to Urvish sir, TLI's English and Personality Development tutor, whose guidance and encouragement not only helped him excel in English but also gave him a trusted mentor and sounding board whenever he needed advice.

While his board exam success is a testament to his own hard work and discipline, the experiences and exposure he gained through TLI broadened his perspective on what he could achieve. Before joining TLI, he was unaware of the educational and career opportunities available to him. Listening to the journeys of senior TLI students, learning from mentors, and participating in workshops sparked his interest in Aeronautical Engineering and strengthened his ambition to pursue it at IIT Bombay. Today, he is working towards that goal with the confidence that, supported by his parents, mentors, coaches, and the opportunities around him, he can make his dream a reality.

Parshv's story is a reminder that extraordinary results are rarely built on extraordinary moments. They are the outcome of consistent effort, curiosity, balance, and the willingness to start early. At The Lightship Initiative, we are proud to celebrate his remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next.

Reflecting on his journey, Parshv's philosophy is simple: "Never let pressure overpower your passion. Stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy the journey - because success follows those who love the process."