GIIS is ranked #1* in Singapore for the IB Diploma Programme with an outstanding School Average of 37.4 in 2025. With over 125 IBDP World Toppers and Near-Perfect Scorers till date, 38.6% of our 2025 cohort achieved 40 grades and above.
Among these exceptional achievers is Jitisha Arora, a 2025 IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) World Topper from Global Indian International School (GIIS) SMART Campus, whose remarkable journey exemplifies the GIIS spirit of excellence.
In this feature, we speak to Jitisha whose journey from kindergarten to scoring a perfect 45/45 is a powerful story of perseverance, inspiration, and community support. Jitisha’s success is a shining example of what dedication, hard work and the right environment can achieve.
Jitisha now takes the next step in her academic journey at the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS), where she will be pursuing Computer Engineering with Data Analytics (Double Major). She also received offers from Georgia Institute of Technology, University of California, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, Singapore University of Technology & Design.
Can you describe your experience studying at GIIS?
My experience studying at GIIS has been extremely rewarding, given the abundant opportunities the school gives to the students to develop their personal and academic journeys. From academic support to a wide range of competitions and extracurricular activities, the GIIS community has provided me with various platforms to explore, learn and grow. My teachers have been extremely supportive all through my school years, and I’ve made friends for life at GIIS.
Which IB subject, project, or activity, supported by your teachers or mentors, had the biggest impact on your future plans?
Doing the Junior Achievement Company of the Year 2023 competition, as part of Creativity and Service under CAS (one of the core components of IB Diploma Programme), supported by my school teachers and external mentors, had a huge impact on my future plans.
Through this incredible opportunity, I was able to learn hands-on entrepreneurship, build a technical product and navigate the ups and downs of creating a startup. I also got to work with so many different students and made memorable friendships. This project helped me envision what it would be like to work in the tech field, and be an entrepreneur.
‘Bridging classroom concepts with practical problem-solving’
Can you describe a real-world problem you’ve solved using skills learned in IBDP subjects?
One real-world problem I helped solve was developing a personal air quality tracker as part of the Junior Achievement Company of the Year Competition, where my team represented Singapore in the Asia-Pacific round. Drawing on skills from my IB Physics HL and Math AA HL subjects, I applied my understanding of sensors, microprocessors, and data modelling to design a functional prototype.
I used knowledge of feedback loops and circuit design from Physics to integrate components, and employed mathematical functions to calibrate and analyse air quality data. Additionally, the CAS strand strengthened my collaboration and adaptability. Taking customer feedback into account, we iteratively improved the product, eventually creating a compact and user-friendly version by soldering the connections and redesigning the casing.
This experience taught me how to bridge classroom concepts with practical problem-solving, and how interdisciplinary knowledge – supported by IBDP – can be applied meaningfully to create products with real social impact.
How did the school help you embody IB learner profile traits like being reflective, open-minded, or principled?
The school helped me embody these traits in various ways, largely through the IB TOK (Theory of Knowledge, another core component of IBDP). Doing this unique course helped me change the way I view society and helped me connect my subject learnings to the world around me. It helped me be more open-minded to different cultures and view-points. I specifically learned these ideas during the TOK exhibition held at school, where I got to reflect on these abstract ideas about the world we live in and be more receptive to other opinions.
Was there a proud moment during your IB journey — made possible by the school — that still inspires you?
Opening the letter on 6th of July and discovering that I got a 45/45 was an incredibly proud moment at the end of my IB journey. It’s something that will always inspire me to work hard and have faith in my abilities. I’m so grateful to the school community for making this possible.
‘Teachers helped me navigate through intricacies of different languages’
Which second language did you choose (French/Spanish/Tamil/Hindi)? How was your learning journey? Would like to share about teacher support?
I did Hindi till grade 6, then French till grade 10, and then Spanish in IBDP. The learning journey was amazing because I got to learn so many languages. The teacher’s support was really good in helping me navigate the intricacies of these languages and preparing for my exams.
Which university have you chosen finally, and why did you choose it over others?
‘GIIS Career Counselling team was extremely approachable’
How did GIIS’ career counselling programme help with placement?
GIIS’ Career Counselling programme helped me discover my options and make a decision on where I wanted to study. During the application process, the essay support and guidance was really helpful. The counselling team was extremely approachable and accessible throughout the process as well.
Arts/ Sports/ Music /Writing/ Debate/ MUN or workshops, bootcamps, regular school events that you participated in and enjoyed in school?
One of the most impactful sources of support during the IB was my involvement in both debating and leadership roles across school clubs. Participating in MUN and debate, especially as Head Chair at various conferences, gave me an outlet to express myself beyond academics and sharpened my critical thinking and communication skills. These activities provided a sense of purpose and community that helped me navigate the challenges of the IB.
Taking on leadership roles in the STEM Club and Tech Club also played a big role in maintaining balance. Organising events like hackathons and speaker panels allowed me to engage in meaningful collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving- all of which re-energised me during heavy academic periods.
Ultimately, it was this blend of intellectual challenge, community service, and leadership- supported by my school’s vibrant extracurricular culture that helped me manage the IB’s academic rigour while safeguarding my well-being.
Learning for life: Time management, planning & organisations skills
What advice/ tips would you give new IBDP students about balancing academic rigour and well-being?
I would tell them to ensure they plan out their daily schedule to avoid academic overload. They could consider using management and productivity tools like Notion of YPT for this. Also remember to participate in CAS activities and outings with your friends to take care of your mental health alongside IBDP. It can be challenging in the start but with the support of your friends, who are also going through the same thing, it can be managed.
What’s the one thing the IB Diploma Programme taught you that you’ll carry for life?
Organisational and time management skills, as well as the importance of planning.
The only Singapore international school with the EduTrust Star Award, GIIS continues to set benchmarks in academic excellence and global university admissions. If you are keen to know more about GIIS, please feel free to contact our admissions counsellors.
Shubhdarshani Mitra
Shubhdarshani has over 10 years of experience in content creation, curation and editing. She has worked for Indian newspapers, school magazines and international news websites where she worked closely with the leadership on the execution and communication of the content strategy. Aside from work, she’s a passionate B&W photographer and storyteller.
