The BYJU’S student who aced British Mensa with an IQ of 161

“I was answering the last question of the IQ test,” says Shagufta Shaukat. “Although I was confident, the thoughts of getting disqualified if answered wrong, somehow made me a bit nervous. But, when I got my results, I was shocked!”

Shagufta Shaukat, from Kolkata, set a new benchmark when she was just 13-year-old. She aced the British MENSA (the High IQ Society) test with a score of 161, a feat achieved by only 1% of those who sit for this test. As a result, she even received an invitation from Oxford University to pursue further studies in medicine. Her achievement is a true testimony of her dedication and her never-ending love for learning.

Girl with a mission

Daughter of Shaukat Ali, a businessman, and Shikha Sarkar, Shagufta wanted to become a doctor since the age of ten. As she enters her teenage years, she has started preparations towards achieving her dream. “I want to become a gynaecologist when I grow up and help women in India,” she states with a sense of pride. “ I currently read books on medicine, participate in online science quizzes, and keep a tab on my general awareness. When I got the news that Oxford University has invited me to pursue further studies in medicine, I was on cloud nine!”

A champion in many ways!

This self-assured, hard-working child has more feathers to add to her cap, besides her medical ambitions. She is a state-level karate champion who has represented West Bengal in the discipline of Kyokushin Karate. “I have been practising Kyokushin Karate since fourth grade. The Kyokushin style is known for being one of the toughest forms of karate. It improves my stamina and presence of mind.  With the help of karate, I have learnt to  keep myself steady and calm, concentrate better, and stay prepared for any kind of challenge,” says Shagufta, who is currently a Dan Black Belt holder.  She is also a voracious reader, loves to play the tabla, and takes part in online quizzes whenever she gets free time.

The lead role by BYJU’S 

It was during her preparations  that Shagufta stumbled upon an advert for BYJU’S – The Learning App. What captured her interest was the ‘Watch and Learn,’ method that allowed her  to visualise a topic instead of just going through textbooks .

She felt that BYJU’S visual lessons  helped her get a firm grasp on Biology. She says, “I have been studying using the BYJU’S App for four years now. What I like is the interface and the freedom to learn at my own pace, understand concepts through visuals as well as clear doubts through exercises that follow each topic.” She adds, “After using the app, I have noticed a change in my  approach towards studying. Over the years, I have gained  confidence in Science and Maths, and that has been reflecting well on my scorecards too.”

Expressing her gratitude, Shagufta’s mother says, “We are very thankful to BYJU’S App and her mentor for thoroughly guiding her towards her dream. We are sure that with hard work, dedication, and constant support from BYJU’S, Shagufta will surely fulfil her aim of becoming a doctor.”

Team BYJU’s is super proud of Shagufta and wishes her all the best for her future.