Topper Prerita loves sport, art and writing!

THERE's a happy buzz in Prerita Bahety’s voice. The phones did not stop ringing at her place post the declaration of CS Foundation Exam results. She secured an All India Rank 2. But success in the academic realm is not new to Prerita. She has been the topper in Indore and Central region in her Class 10 and 12 exams, respectively. Interestingly, she tells us that she has never been a bookworm in her life.  She loves to paint and has won numerous art competitions as well. She talks to Careers360 about her life as a student, CS examinations, importance of coaching and her future plans.

FAST FACTS
Name: Prerita Bahety
City: Indore
Exam: CS Foundation course
Rank: AIR 2
Marks:  317/400
Percentage: 79.25%
School: Queens’ College
College: IGNOU
Course: B Com - A & F and CS

Q. Tell us about your life as a student…
A. I have never been an extremely serious and a studious student, but was always sincere. I have been a school topper throughout, which put me in the good books of all teachers. I secured 94 % in Class 10 and was the topper in Indore, and with 95.4 % in Class 12, I topped in the Central Region.

Q. How do you spend your time when not studying?
A. I was the head girl of my school and lead it quite well. But along with studies, I devote my time for other activities as well. Apart from academics, I have been involved in various co-curricular activities. I was also the member of my school volleyball team, an active participant and winner of debates and extempore competitions held at various levels. Painting, art and writing are also my passion. They provide me with creative satisfaction. I am also a complete movie freak and watch most of the new movies that come up.

Q. What would you like to do after CS – practice or higher studies?
A.I think it is too early to say. This is just the first Level of my CS Journey. However, I aim to study more and make my career in the field of financial advisory. I will think about practice after that only.

Q. Did you take any coaching for preparation?
A. No, I did not take much guidance for the preparation. For the CS Foundation course, the Class 12 syllabus helps. Since I was a topper, I trusted myself and went ahead with my preparation.

Q. Your study strategy…
A. At the Foundation level, it's very important to go through every aspect in detail. Probably, you can clear the exam if you do it superficially but to perform well you need an in-depth knowledge. The module provided by the institute is a great help and a one-point solution for all problems. I suggest regular studies for four months would be sufficient to clear the Foundation Course in one go.

Q. How good are coaching institutes?
A. As of for the foundation level, coaching institutes are not a necessity. But they surely help in revising whatever you have studied in Class 12. I also feel coaching has become a business, these days. So one ought to be very careful while choosing a coaching institute. As long as an aspirant is satisfied with the coaching institute, nothing else matters.

Q. Tell us about your articleship plans…
A. No concrete plans for Articleship. I am looking forward to working with corporate houses in metro cities for my industrial training.

Q. Your message to CS aspirants…
A. I would say - give 100%. Have confidence that whatever you do is the best and the most appropriate thing to be done. It doesn’t matter how long you study or how many hours you devote, but your approach does. However, enjoy life also and take a break from studying at times. I believe in living life king size.