In a remarkable display of academic prowess coupled with exceptional athletic talent, Ratinderdeep Kaur of Muktsar district has clinched the second position in the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Class X examinations, the results of which were declared on Friday, May 16, 2025. What makes her achievement even more extraordinary is that she is also a national-level netball player, having recently secured a gold medal in the Under-17 National School Games held in Ludhiana.
Ratinderdeep’s stellar performance in the matriculation exams saw her score a perfect 650 out of 650 marks, a feat achieved by only a handful of students across the state. While multiple students, including Akshnoor Kaur from Faridkot and Arshdeep Kaur from Malerkotla, also achieved a flawless score, PSEB regulations stipulate that in cases of identical marks, age is used as a tie-breaker, with the younger student receiving a higher rank. This rule placed the 15-year-old Ratinderdeep in the coveted second position.
Hailing from Chhattiana village in the Gidderbaha Assembly segment of Muktsar district, Ratinderdeep’s success is a testament to her unwavering dedication and disciplined approach, both in her studies and on the sports field. Speaking to the media after the results were announced, a beaming Ratinderdeep shared her elation and her future aspirations. “I studied incredibly hard to achieve this position,” she stated, emphasizing the commitment she invested in her academic pursuits. Looking ahead, she revealed her ambition to become a doctor and has already opted for the medical stream in Class XI, signaling a clear path towards her professional goal.
Beyond the rigorous demands of her academic curriculum, netball remains a profound passion for Ratinderdeep. “Playing netball is my hobby,” she affirmed, highlighting the importance of balancing her studies with her athletic interests. Her recent gold medal at the national level underscores her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, demonstrating that academic excellence and sporting achievements are not mutually exclusive but can indeed go hand-in-hand.
Ratinderdeep’s family background further paints a picture of resilience and hard work. Her father serves as a driver in the fire brigade, while her mother is a homemaker. The family also owns a flour mill in the village, contributing to their livelihood. She proudly mentioned that her elder brother, who is also a topper, is currently pursuing his Class XII studies in the same school, indicating a strong academic culture within her family. She candidly admitted that while she has consistently been a top performer throughout her schooling, she had narrowly missed making it to the merit list in her Class VIII exams, a minor setback that clearly fueled her resolve for the Class X boards.
Harjit Singh Brar, the managing director of Baba Farid Public Senior Secondary School in Chhattiana village, Muktsar district, where Ratinderdeep is a student, extended his heartfelt congratulations to her. He lauded her relentless hard work and dedication, acknowledging that her efforts had finally culminated in such a remarkable achievement. Her success serves as an inspiration for other students at the institution and across the state, proving that with focus and perseverance, one can excel in multiple domains.
Ratinderdeep Kaur embodies the spirit of a true all-rounder, deftly navigating the demanding world of competitive academics while simultaneously shining on the national sports stage. Her story is a powerful reminder that holistic development, encompassing both intellectual growth and physical prowess, can lead to truly exceptional outcomes. As she embarks on her journey in the medical stream, her discipline and drive promise a future as bright as her recent achievements.