Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): "I aspire to become a scientist. As astro-physics interests me the most, I would like to take up this subject for my higher studies," said an elated Shruti Singh who topped the country in the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) examinations 2007-08.

Shruti Singh of St. Joseph Convent, Varanasi, and Janki Kirit Sheth of Sulochana Devi Singhania School, Thane, jointly topped the Class 10 exams, both scoring 98.6 percent marks this year.

CISCE Results 2008

Shruti secured full marks in two subjects - Computers and Environmental Science, said her teachers.

Shruti said she did not opt for any coaching or study material other than the prescribed books. "I religiously studied for 4-5 hours. I do not believe in last-minute studies," she said.

Her hobbies include reading books and newspapers and quizzing. "Quizzing helps me a lot in brushing up my general knowledge. It is my favourite pass-time," she said.

She recommends changes in the Indian education system. "We need to have more practical sessions. The knowledge we gain from doing practical is long lasting. We need to have more practical classes," she said.

Her elder brother is pursing M.Tech from IIT Delhi. Shruti's mother Usha Singh is a homemaker while her father Amrendra Singh is an accountant with a nationalised bank. IANS