Chhattisgarh 12th Topper from Kirana Family

Jigyasu Verma from Baloda Bazar district clinched the top spot in CGBSE Class 12 results 2026 with 98.60%, while girls dominated the merit list amid an 81.87% pass rate.

The Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) declared Class 12 results late last week, bringing cheers to thousands of students across the state. Jigyasu Verma, a student from Saraswati Shishu Mandir Higher Secondary School in Palari, Baloda Bazar, emerged as the state topper, securing 493 out of 500 marks. Initial reports from board officials confirm the overall pass percentage at 81.87%, up slightly from last year, with girls outperforming boys as usual.

Topper's Humble Roots

Jigyasu, who helps at his father's kirana shop after school hours, said the result came as a pleasant surprise. According to sources close to the family, he balanced studies with daily chores, often using AI tools for quick revisions during exam prep. "Papa's shop keeps us grounded; I studied late evenings there," he reportedly told local reporters who visited the modest home in Palari. The district, known for its rural pockets, now celebrates its second topper in recent years.

Girls Lead Merit List

Out of the top 43 in the merit list, 33 are girls, highlighting a trend of female excellence in CGBSE exams. Second spot went to Omni from Bemetara with 98.20%, followed by Krish Mahant from Raipur at 97.80%. Commerce stream saw strong showings too, including Raipur's Manasi Tandon from Mandir Hasoud, who bagged 96.40% despite family hardships—her mother works as a sanitation worker earning Rs 9,000 monthly. Local authorities confirmed Manasi's entry in the top-10 commerce list.

Paper Leak Challenges

Exams faced hiccups earlier this year with a Hindi paper leak, causing anxiety among students like Manasi. "We feared re-exams, but focused on preparation," she shared, crediting school teachers and online resources. Board officials noted over 2.38 lakh students appeared, with 1.37 lakh girls—pass rates reflected resilience amid such disruptions. Jigyasu mentioned similar nerves but pushed through with disciplined routines.

Family Struggles, Big Dreams

For Manasi, the achievement is bittersweet; her father passed away three years ago, leaving her mother Nandini to raise five daughters on a meagre salary. "I want her to become a banker, stand on her own feet," Nandini told reporters at their simple home, where celebrations were low-key amid cooking duties. Jigyasu eyes higher studies too, inspired by his father's grit at the kirana store. Both stories underscore how economic challenges don't dim ambition in Chhattisgarh's heartland.

Board Stats Snapshot

Path Ahead

With results out, counselling for higher education kicks off soon. Officials urge toppers like Jigyasu and Manasi to aim for professional courses. Families in Palari and Mandir Hasoud see this as a beacon for other underprivileged kids. As one teacher put it, "These stories motivate the next batch."