In a competition where the answers aren't always found in textbooks, two students from a school in Meghalaya have demonstrated the power of thinking beyond the obvious. Adarsh Singh and Anisha Pathak of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Umroi Cantt distinguished themselves at Technothlon (an International School Championship organised by the IIT Guwahati since 2004 with an aim to 'Inspire Young Minds') held from August 28-30, securing an All India Rank of 27 and Meghalaya State Rank 1 among approximately 60,000 participants from across the world.
Adding to the significance of their achievement was the fact that they were the only team from the entire North Eastern Region to qualify for the Technothlon Mains at IIT Guwahati. It was a moment of considerable pride, not just for the two students, but for their school and the region.
For the two students, however, the numbers tell only part of the story.
"It feels absolutely amazing and very special," says Singh, reflecting on the achievement. Pathak shares the sentiment, but is quick to look beyond the rankings. "The achievement is memorable not only because of the rank, but also because of everything we learned throughout the journey."
And learning, as it turns out, was at the heart of their Technothlon experience.
Organised in association with IIT Guwahati, Technothlon is designed to challenge young participants through logical reasoning, analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving. Unlike conventional examinations, where familiarity with a syllabus often determines performance, the competition calls for an ability to approach unfamiliar situations, connect ideas and arrive at solutions through independent thinking.
Competing in the Junior Squad category, Singh and Pathak began their journey with a preliminary pen-and-paper round. The questions demanded more than the recall of information. They required quick thinking, concentration and the ability to look at problems from different perspectives. Clearing this stage was their first major step forward.
As the competition progressed, the duo discovered that knowing the answer was only one part of the challenge. Getting there efficiently, especially under time pressure, was equally important.
"Sometimes a problem may have more than one possible approach, and choosing the right strategy is an important part of solving it," Pathak observes.
That ability to think laterally, rather than rely on familiar methods, became central to their approach. Both students believe that preparation for such competitions begins well before the examination hall. It lies in developing strong fundamentals, cultivating curiosity and making a habit of engaging with problems that do not necessarily have immediate or obvious answers.
Singh believes students should move beyond the confines of prescribed textbooks. "Instead of memorising everything, we should develop the habit of asking questions and understanding how things work," he says.
Pathak adds another essential ingredient: time management. During a competition, she points out, knowing the answer is not always enough; one must also be able to reach it efficiently. Regular practice, therefore, must go hand in hand with the ability to balance speed and accuracy.
The competition was not without its challenges. For Singh, maintaining concentration while tackling difficult and unfamiliar questions under time pressure was perhaps the most demanding aspect. Anisha found managing time particularly challenging, especially when a question required more thought than anticipated.
Their response was to remain composed, explore different approaches and avoid getting stuck on a single problem for too long. Preparation and confidence mattered, but so did the ability to listen, discuss and work together.
"I think confidence and teamwork helped us," says Pathak. "We discussed ideas, listened to different approaches and tried to analyse the questions carefully."
It is this collaborative spirit that makes their achievement particularly interesting. In an age when academic success is often measured through individual performance and examination scores, their experience underlines the value of shared thinking. The ability to consider another person's perspective, rethink an approach and arrive at a solution together can be as important as individual aptitude.
Their success has also struck a chord within their school community. Classmates and friends have been enthusiastic in their appreciation, while teachers and parents have provided encouragement throughout the journey. More gratifyingly, their performance has sparked interest among other students in exploring Technothlon and similar opportunities.
For both Singh and Pathak, this is perhaps one of the more meaningful outcomes of their achievement - the possibility that their success might encourage others to test their own abilities.
And they are clear that such competitions should not be viewed as exclusive platforms for aspiring scientists or technologists. Logical reasoning, observation, creativity and problem-solving, they argue, are skills that transcend academic streams and future career choices.
"What matters most is curiosity, willingness to learn, and the ability to think logically," says Pathak. Singh agrees, believing that competitions such as Technothlon help students discover capabilities they may not even have realised they possessed.
For Singh, this appetite for exploration is already evident in a growing list of academic and scientific accomplishments. A Class X student with an impressive 97 per cent in Class IX, he has consistently demonstrated an interest in science, innovation, research and interdisciplinary learning.
Pathak, a Class IX student, brings her own combination of academic commitment, discipline and intellectual curiosity to the partnership. With a keen interest in science, technology, logical reasoning and problem-solving, she has demonstrated a willingness to take on challenging tasks and explore learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Her performance at Technothlon is a significant milestone in this journey.
Both have their sights set on the future, with preparations for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) forming part of their longer-term academic aspirations. Singh hopes to pursue engineering, while Pathak is keen to strengthen her academic foundations and continue exploring opportunities that challenge her thinking.
Yet neither seems inclined to treat Technothlon as a destination in itself. For them, it is a milestone in a much longer journey of discovery.
Their advice to other students is refreshingly uncomplicated: do not wait until you feel completely prepared before taking on a challenge. Start with the basics, practise consistently, learn from mistakes and, above all, remain curious.
"Don't participate only for prizes or certificates; participate for the experience and learning," Pathak says.
It is perhaps the most fitting takeaway from their story. In a competition that rewards the ability to think differently, Singh and Pathak have demonstrated that achievement begins with the willingness to question, experiment and persist. Their ranks have brought recognition to their school and the North East, but the more enduring accomplishment may be the mindset they have cultivated along the way.
After all, the most exciting discoveries often begin not with knowing all the answers, but with having the courage to ask better questions.