COHSEM 2025: Govt School Student Lidia Tops Commerce, Riya and Hannah Lead Science and Arts Streams

Imphal, April 26 – The COHSEM Class 12 examination results for 2025 were announced on April 25, spotlighting three remarkable young achievers, each securing the top position in their respective streams – Science, Arts, and Commerce. Riya Khwairakpam, Keisham Hannah Devi, and Warepam Lidia Devi have proven that belief in oneself, strong family support, and the right mindset can take one to the top.

Science Stream: Riya Khwairakpam – 490 Marks

Riya Khwairakpam of Comet School, Changangei Ucheckon, emerged as the Science stream topper with an outstanding 490 out of 500 marks. A native of Ithai Bazar, Kumbi, she is the daughter of Kh. Surachand Singh and Shougrakpam Lukamani. Aspiring to become a doctor, Riya scored letter marks in – English, Manipuri, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics – setting an inspiring benchmark.

Speaking to the media, her mother highlighted Riya’s hard work and confidence throughout the year. She also reflected on how the competitive spirit built by the tuition culture can act as a motivational force for many students. “It’s not just about extra classes. It’s also about the drive it creates to keep doing better,” she said.

Riya’s father, too, shared his pride, mentioning how Riya had expressed her wish to become a doctor since Class 8. He said, “From the very beginning, she was determined to achieve this, and we always supported her.” He also gave credit to his wife, stating, “She worked tirelessly for her child, supervising her day and night and being the support and strength her child needs.” Her mother, while proud, had higher expectations. “I expected her to place between the top 1 to 5 positions, but she surpassed even that,” she added with a smile.

When asked what message she had for other students, Riya replied, “I want to say—don’t waste time. Instead of spending time on unnecessary things like too many celebrations or distractions, just focus on your studies. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should skip enjoyment entirely, but limit it. Limit social media use like Instagram. Focus on what you want to do in life—have a clear goal and work towards it.”

Arts Stream: Keisham Hannah Devi – 479 Marks

With 479 marks, Keisham Hannah Devi from Enlighten Knowledge Higher Secondary School, Sangakpham, took the first position in the Arts stream. The eldest of three siblings, Hannah hails from Yairipok Bishnunaha Awang Leikai and is the daughter of Keisham Okendrojit Singh and Keisham Binadarshini Devi.

Hannah scored letter marks in – English , Manipuri, Home Science , Sociology, Education and History – Her favorite subjects being History and Sociology.

“I expected to score above 90%, but I didn’t expect to get the first position,” she admitted. She believes that tuition is not necessary to achieve top ranks. “Believe in your own abilities and stop procrastinating. The time to act is now,” she urged fellow students.

Hannah aims to pursue her higher education at Delhi University and eventually prepare for the UPSC Examination. Commenting on the impact of the ongoing conflict in Manipur, she acknowledged, “Our school tried its best to shield us. The teachers stayed late and stood by us. That dedication is reflected in these results.”

Her proud father addressed the media, stating he always had faith in her, while her emotional mother reportedly shed tears of joy upon hearing the news.

Commerce Stream: Warepam Lidia Devi – 463 Marks

Warepam Lidia Devi of T.G. Higher Secondary School, Imphal, topped the Commerce stream with 463 marks – becoming the only topper in a stream, this year, from a government school. A resident of Uripok Khumanthem Leikai, she is the daughter of Warepam Opendro Singh and Warepam Medhapati Devi.

Lidia scored letter marks in – English , Manipuri, Accountancy , Business Studies and Economics. She credited her success first to her parents and then to her school teachers. She was elated when she heard about her results. While she did attend tuition classes – one at Commerce Academy and another for Mathematics – she kept her learning approach personal and flexible. “I didn’t have a fixed study schedule. I studied when I felt like it,” she said, adding that she preferred reading self-help books over academic texts.

Describing herself as an “average student” in her earlier years, Lidia said things changed when she entered Class 12. With a growing interest in Accounting, she began working harder and more consistently. She shared that despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, she remained focused on her studies. “The conflict disrupted regular schooling, and some parts of the syllabus were not covered in time, which did affect my preparation,” she acknowledged.

Nevertheless, Lidia’s determination to succeed prevailed. Looking ahead, after completing her CA Foundation Course and passing it, Lidia aims to pursue further studies at Delhi. She has set her sights on becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) and eventually plans to establish her own accounting firm.

Riya Khwairakpam, Keisham Hannah Devi, and Warepam Lidia Devi, all exceptional young women, have topped the COHSEM 2025 Class 12 exams in their respective streams. Their achievements in Science, Arts, and Commerce highlight not only their dedication and hard work but also serve as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and self-belief in breaking barriers.