Zahra's parents and two sisters today attended a felicitation ceremony held in the presence of the state education minister, Sudhir Joshi and his deputy, Anil Deshmukh, to honour the meritorious students. Her mother attributed her success to her hard-work. Zahra aspires to be a computer engineer.

Shubha Parameshwar Hegde, who tied for the top position with another student of her school in the overall merit list, just never thought that she could do it. So, the news came as a pleasant surprise. She said her coaching class and also her college played a vital role in her success. "Not necessarily in that order," she winked. Shubha wants to study computer science atVeermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI). Her dream: "To be another Bill Gates."

Vivek Vedagiri of D G Ruparel College, Mahim, who bagged the second position in the overall merit list, took the unexpected success with a pinch of salt. He said: "The two girl toppers did shake my male ego. But they should be given their due." Vedagiri did not attend any coaching class, nor did he invest in any guide books.

Being among the best in his class, he did get that extra bit of attention from his teachers. He is one of those serious student studying for four hours throughout. His aim is to get a berth at BITS, Pilani. If not BITS, then at least VJTI in Electronics and Computer Engineering.

Sonia Daryanani of St Xavier's College, who came first in Arts stream, too never attended any coaching classes. She would like to pursue psychology and become a counsellor. Both Abhijit Prakash Deshmukh of R A Poddar College, Matunga and Gavin Gonsalves of N M College, Vile Parle, the joint toppers in commerce, would liketo be Chartered Accountants. Deshmukh, a native of Dhule district, feels that being a Mumbaiwallah helped him. A P L Deshpande fan, Deshmukh had all along studied in Marathi medium.