Bengal’s higher secondary exam results, published on Friday, saw a new pass percentage record of 90.13. The Telegraph meets some gritty teenagers whose dazzling scores belie their everyday struggles.

Armaan Sheikh Telegraph picture

Name: Armaan Sheikh

School: Bahutali High School in Suti, Murshidabad

Score: 468 (Arts)

Armaan, the youngest of four siblings, manned the family tea shop at Kedua More last year when his father Nibir was diagnosed with a chronic respiratory condition. He went on to score 93.6 per cent, got 95 each in Bengali, education and Sanskrit, 93 in philosophy and 80 in history.

Nibir said no matter how tough the times, he would ensure Armaan studied. “I will sell my land if needed. He wants to become a professor.”

Aloka Rana Telegraph picture

Name: Aloka Rana

School: Khamarchak High School in Panskura, East Midnapore

Score: 468 (Arts)

Daughter of a carpenter, Aloka, the eldest of three siblings, helps parents Manik and Malti by making paper bags to sell vendors. On a good month, her father makes Rs 4,000. In her HS, she scored 93.6 per cent with 98 in sociology, 98 in education, 96 in geography, 93 in physical education and 83 in Bengali, without any private tutor.

How did she bag this feat? “I thank teachers,” she said.

Headmaster Ashok Hatua said the school would look into how it could support her education. Aloka dreams of going to Calcutta for college.

Sumit Basak Telegraph picture

Name: Sumit Basak

School: Phulia Sikshaniketan, Nadia

Score: 485 (Science)

Sumit’s 97 per cent is a statement of his fight against poverty. The boy from Phulia Bus Stand Para in Nadia is the son of weaver Nikhil Basak who barely earns Rs 4,000 a month and homemaker Lata.

Sumit, who got 87 in Bengali, 93 in English, 99 in mathematics, 98 in physics, 99 in chemistry and 96 in biology, wants to study computer science.

Sumit thanked his close relatives and schoolteachers for their “unconditional support” of financial help and guidance.