15 May 2024: Hiba Fatima Khan, a student from Hyderabad, has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award for achieving the highest marks in India for the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Speaking Endorsement) examination.
Cambridge Assessment International Education recognized Hiba’s remarkable performance, formally announcing the award via email and honoring her at a felicitation event with an official certificate and letter of appreciation.
Hiba’s journey from Dubai to India during the Covid-19 pandemic brought significant challenges, including adapting to new languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Sanskrit, and French. Despite these hurdles, she maintained a strong focus on English.
Her father, Shaji Khan, expressed immense pride in her achievement, noting her dedication to English and her academic interests. Initially inclined towards automobile engineering until the 8th grade, Hiba later shifted her focus and excelled in her chosen subjects.
Hiba achieved a perfect score of 100/100 and A+ grades in her Cambridge IGCSE exams, which included subjects such as English, Special English, Economics, and Environmental Management. Reflecting on her success, Hiba emphasized the importance of understanding the marking scheme, practicing past papers, and constant revisions.
She also credited her parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. “My parents have been my biggest support. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities kept me motivated throughout my preparation,” she said in an interview with DC.
Looking forward, Hiba, a student at Solitaire Global School, aspires to further her education in psychology and teaching, with a particular interest in studying in Finland, known for its top-rated education system.