Toppers Aren’t Robots, We Just Recharge Differently

Being a topper is like wearing a crown made of expectations that looks shiny from far, but it hurts the head when you wear it too long.

People think being a topper means we know everything. As if we came into this world holding a textbook and reciting the definitions of Newton's laws. The truth? We’re just normal students who studied... and sometimes over-studied (with a glass of black coffee in panic mode the night before).

But here’s the catch! Once you become a topper, you're no longer allowed to be “normal.” Society upgrades you to an unrealistic version of yourself.

Let’s unpack that.

Topper ≠ Nerd

Let me tell you something nobody says out loud: not all toppers have their life figured out. We also stare blankly at the ceiling, wondering what we’ll do after college. We also scroll through job listings and feel like frauds. The only difference? We’re good at remembering things at the right time, usually right before the exam.

And that’s not talent, that’s trauma.

Also, can we stop thinking that toppers don’t have a social life? Yes, we have friends. And no, they’re not all books. Most of our best friends are the ones who sit on the last bench, laugh at memes during lectures, and somehow always remember to bring birthday cake. They tease us by calling us “Toppers” and still copy our assignments.

The Pressure Olympics

Here’s the real deal: Once you top, people expect it again. And again. And again.

I remember after my first 95% result, I got more attention than I ever did in school. Suddenly, relatives remembered my name. Teachers smiled like they had known me since birth. Even my neighbor, who used to think I was in Class 6 (I was in Class 9), called me a “future IAS officer.”

The next semester, I got 92%.

Silence.

It’s like society gives toppers a crown, then tightens it slowly until it gives you a migraine. You’re not allowed to have bad days. Or say, “I don’t know.” Or god forbid, fail. That’s for “normal students,” apparently.

You’re More Than Your Marks

Here's something I wish more people understood: I love storytelling. I love theatre. I love observing people and writing about them. But these sides of me were often ignored because everyone was too busy asking me, “Engineering ya medical?”

One time, I told them I wanted to pursue journalism. They stared like I just said I want to sell pav bhaji for a living.

Just because I score well doesn’t mean I want to become a doctor or code in Java. Some toppers want to create, not just calculate.

Being Good ≠ Being Better

Topping doesn’t mean you’re better. It simply means you've cracked your system of doing things that is working for you. But honestly, I’ve learned more from my “average” friends than I did from textbooks.

One taught me how to fake confidence during presentations. One taught me how to make people laugh when you’re nervous. One taught me that failing a test doesn’t make you a failure.

We need to stop this toxic topper vs non-topper mindset. Not every genius stands out in the classroom. Some shine when no one’s watching.

And remember, classroom toppers aren’t always life toppers. That’s something schools forget.

Toppers: The Most Misunderstood Species

Being a topper is like getting cast in a movie you never signed up for. You’re either someone’s competition or someone’s assumption.

• Say “I’m tired,” and someone shoots back, “At least you’re a topper.”
• Say “I’m exhausted,” and it’s “You should be happy you’re smart!”

Your pain comes with a disclaimer! “Not valid due to high marks.”

Somewhere down the line, confidence started looking like arrogance to people

And the stereotypes? Oh, they never end.

• Raise your hand - “show off.”
• Stay silent - “too full of yourself.”
• Help someone - “doing it for attention.”
• Score quietly - “proud.”

No matter how you act, someone's always ready to cast you as the villain in the story they've made up in their mind.

Then comes the classic:

You say, “I didn’t study this time,” and suddenly become the class's most hated liar.

Even if it’s true, no one believes you.

But honestly, sometimes we 'really' haven’t studied.

Like, we were on our phones, then scrolling reels, napping, then panicking.

And we say it not to sound cool, but because we genuinely weren’t ready.

But trust me, we’ve had more anxiety over our results than pride. Half of us toppers don’t even celebrate our marks; we just overthink the 2 marks we lost.

To Anyone Reading This

Whether you’re a topper, a struggler, a last-minute crammer, or someone who just vibes through school, please remember this:

Marks can open doors, but personality, empathy, and self-awareness keep you inside the room.

If you’re a topper, don’t shrink to fit into people’s boxes. If you’re not, don’t assume the topper has it easy.

We all carry something.

We all deserve a space where we are not judged by our marks.

Last but not the Least, Thought

Toppers aren’t superhumans. We’re not always sure, not always right. We just learned how to play a particular game. But life is a bigger game, and we all need different players.

So next time you see a topper, don’t ask “Kitna aaya?” Ask, “How’s life going?”

And if you’re a topper reading this, let’s remind the world that yes, we are smart and are not just scores. We are students, sons, storytellers, meme-sharers, overthinkers, and sometimes, even rebels with 98% marks.