Daughter of house help scores 94% in CBSE, sets sights on cardiology

Lucknow: Neelu Verma, a Class XII student of Study Hall, has scored 94% in the CBSE board examinations, overcoming personal tragedy and financial hardship to pursue her dream of becoming a cardiologist.

Neelu, daughter of house help Raj Kumari and late Ram Lakhan, delivered an impressive subject-wise performance, scoring 100 in Biology, 95 in Chemistry, 94 in English, 91 in Physical Education and 90 in Physics. Her achievement reflects years of determination and academic consistency.

Calling her result a “stepping stone,” Neelu said the loss of her father to a heart attack shaped her ambition to enter medicine. She said she wants to become a cardiologist to help patients with heart disease while also fulfilling her mother’s dream.

Neelu began her education at Prerna Girls School, a unit of the Study Hall Educational Foundation, where she enrolled in kindergarten. Her strong academic record later earned her a scholarship to Study Hall in Class 11. She was also selected for the prestigious Vahani Scholarship, given to only 50 students across India.

Her journey has not been easy. Neelu lost her father while studying in Class 10, yet scored 86% in her board exams that year. Despite setbacks, she continued preparing for NEET and remains committed to improving her score after the exam cancellation.