The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad receives best IB results to date

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad’s Class of 2021 achieved the Academy’s best results ever in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). In addition to their outstanding results, the percentage of top scorers was also above the global average with 18 students scoring an impressive 40 points and above. Of these, one student, Janel Gilani, scored 45 points, the highest possible score.   

The cohort of 86 students achieved an average score of 34.3, above this year’s global average score of 33.0. These results represent a remarkable achievement, especially considering the ongoing global circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Class of 2021 completed their Diploma Programme through online learning with constant support and encouragement from their teachers.  

Along with the cohort receiving top scores this year, 36 students from the Class of 2021 also received a bilingual diploma as they completed two DP Language and Literature courses. Students studied Hindi, Telugu, Russian and Persian Literature alongside their studies in English. 

Janel Gilani, in addition to receiving the top score in his cohort, also received a bilingual diploma. He said he was able to accomplish this and much more because of the Academy’s supportive community and its commitment to ensuring each student strives for excellence in becoming leaders in their classrooms and beyond. Janel hopes to build upon the values instilled in him by the Academy whilst attending the University of Toronto to pursue the  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Honours programme.   

“At the Academy, I have transformed into a thoughtful and aspiring individual with the skills, aptitude and temperament to embrace the ethos of His Highness the Aga Khan by striving for excellence,” Janel said. “From leading school clubs and initiating projects, to being a part of the Student Representative Council and participating in professional internships, I have been able to hone my holistic potential, both in and outside the classroom. Apart from the exceptional teaching staff and excellent resources, the Academy’s outstanding Distance Learning Programme amid COVID-19 has been the backbone of my academic success. I also owe this achievement to my family and friends who have constantly supported and encouraged me during this rollercoaster ride of the Diploma Programme." 

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad strives to develop home-grown, ethical leaders working towards a shared goal of sustainable development to improve the lives of those not only in their communities, but across the world. The IB programme aims to develop critical thinkers and inquirers who are courageous, principled and open-minded. Throughout their time at the Academy, the Class of 2021 have exhibited these qualities and much more with graduates receiving admissions to numerous prestigious universities including, but not limited to, Tufts University, Brown University, the University of British Columbia, Purdue University, Northwestern University in Qatar, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Georgetown in Qatar.  

Another top scorer, Diana Nazari, scored 44 points out of a possible 45 and will be attending Brown University, an Ivy League university, with a full scholarship. Originally from Kabul, Afghanistan, she is a beneficiary of the Academy’s Talent Identification Programme, which was developed in line with the Academy’s vision to provide exceptional students with a full scholarship from Grade 6 onwards to access an international-standard education and leadership opportunities, regardless of their ability to pay. 

"My education at the Academy provided a holistic approach to learning,” said Diana, who also received a bilingual diploma. “Had I not attended the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, I would know education to only be lines, pages and chapters of textbooks. Today, I am proud to say that every second I spent at the Academy, inside and outside the classroom, has helped me shape meaningful principles and values. I am looking forward to carrying these learnings and memories with me for a lifetime.”   

The Academy’s IB programme opens doors for students to attend the top universities and colleges around the world. In addition to their remarkable academic achievements, students from the Class of 2021 received over USD $6 million in university scholarships. Two students were awarded the Concordia International Scholars award from Concordia University, which acknowledges students who show resilience and can overcome personal hardships whilst achieving academic excellence.  

Head of Academy Dr Jonathan Long expressed his admiration of the students and commended their dedication, despite the unprecedented times and uncertainties of the future.  

“I am immensely proud of the Class of 2021 and their achievements,” Dr Long said. “These results reflect the hard work of an exceptional group of young people who have remained tenacious and resilient in the face of challenge. Our approach to education celebrates academic success most authentically when it stands alongside the development of character. Behind these impressive results are many individual stories of courage and determination. The Class of 2021 has shown that it is possible to achieve outstanding academic success, accessing universities of quality around the world, whilst at the same time being fully engaged in a robust and demanding holistic education.” 

Congratulations to the Class of 2021! We are so proud of their achievements and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavours.