Sikh Student Onkar Singh Tops Lahore Board Exams With 554/555, Excels in Islamiyat and Quran Translation
In a remarkable display of academic brilliance and cultural inclusivity, 15-year-old Sikh student Onkar Singh has emerged as the topper of the 2025 9th Class examinations conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore. Scoring 554 out of 555 marks, Onkar not only achieved near-perfect results across all subjects but also distinguished himself by excelling in Islamiyat and the Translation of the Holy Quran—two subjects generally considered optional for minority students. His decision to study them, and then score exceptionally well, has been hailed across Pakistan and beyond as a shining example of interfaith harmony.
A Stellar Achievement Amidst Low Pass Rates
The results of the BISE Lahore exams were announced on August 20, 2025, revealing a bleak picture for many students across Punjab. The overall pass rate stood at just 45%, underlining ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s education sector—ranging from inadequate resources to the lingering impact of previous years’ disruptions. Amid this discouraging backdrop, Onkar Singh’s phenomenal achievement has stood out like a beacon of hope.
Onkar’s total of 554/555 marks translates into a 99.1% overall score, a rare feat in Pakistan’s board examinations. While some reports cited his score as 550/555, detailed mark breakdowns confirm the official figure of 554/555 as recorded by BISE Lahore.
Detailed Breakdown of Marks
Onkar’s success was not limited to a single area but spread across all subjects:
- Islamiyat – 98/100
- Translation of the Holy Quran – 49/50
- Physics – 60/60
- Chemistry – 60/60
- Biology – 59/60
- English – 75/75
- Mathematics – 75/75
- Urdu – 74/75
This comprehensive performance ensured A+ grades in every subject, consolidating his place as the overall topper of the Lahore board.
Excelling in Islamic Studies
What makes Onkar’s story extraordinary is his performance in subjects that many minority students usually do not opt for. By law, non-Muslim students in Pakistan are permitted to replace Islamiyat with Ethics or Civics. However, Onkar chose to take Islamiyat and Quran Translation instead. His decision reflects not only his academic courage but also his deep respect for Pakistan’s majority faith.
Onkar himself has explained in interviews that his choice came from a genuine curiosity to understand Islam. He noted that the study of Islamic teachings has enriched his Sikh faith, which also emphasises respect for all religions, equality, and service to humanity.
Background and Family Support
Born and raised in Lahore, Onkar Singh comes from a family that values education and service. His father, Dr. Mimpal Singh, is a well-known physician and a recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, for his contributions to healthcare. Dr. Singh has been a guiding influence, encouraging Onkar to balance his academic efforts with personal growth.
Friends and teachers describe Onkar as disciplined, focused, and modest. Known to spend hours reading textbooks, he also takes part in extracurricular activities, particularly those related to science and interfaith learning. His parents’ encouragement and his teachers’ support have been critical in shaping his success.
Pakistan’s Sikh Minority and Onkar’s Symbolism
The Sikh community in Pakistan is small, numbering fewer than 20,000 individuals and making up less than 0.01% of the population. Despite its size, the community has historically contributed to Pakistan’s cultural and social fabric. Onkar’s triumph adds to this legacy, symbolising the potential of inclusivity and coexistence in the country.
His success in Islamic subjects is also deeply symbolic. At a time when minorities in Pakistan often face challenges, his story counters stereotypes and presents an alternative narrative of mutual respect and shared knowledge.
Reactions Across Pakistan and Beyond
Onkar Singh’s achievement quickly went viral across social media platforms and news outlets:
- Punjab’s Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, congratulated him publicly on X (formerly Twitter), using Onkar’s success to call for greater accountability among underperforming teachers.
- Sikh diaspora leaders, like Puneet Sahani, hailed him as an embodiment of Sikh resilience, tweeting: “Sikh student Onkar Singh tops the board exam in all of Lahore scoring 99.1%! This is Sikhi—where you succeed despite the weight of all odds.”
- Ordinary Pakistanis shared congratulatory posts, memes, and videos, celebrating him as a symbol of hope and interfaith harmony.
The story also received significant attention across the border in India, where leading outlets like India Today and News18 reported it extensively, framing it as a rare positive story from Pakistan amid strained India-Pakistan ties. In Pakistan, channels like Samia TV aired special reports on how a Sikh student excelled in Islamic studies.
Significance for Pakistan’s Education and Society
Education experts see Onkar’s performance as more than a personal victory. It reflects the untapped potential within minority communities and underscores the need for a more inclusive education system. His story has become an example for interfaith learning, showing that students from different backgrounds can excel in any subject with the right mindset.
Some analysts suggest that such narratives can help heal communal divides in South Asia, encouraging tolerance and dialogue.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Onkar Singh has set his sights on a career in medicine, following in his father’s footsteps. His goal is to become a doctor and serve Pakistan’s healthcare sector. With his record-breaking academic performance, he is expected to qualify for scholarships and opportunities at both local and international institutions.
When asked about the secret of his success, Onkar summed it up simply: “Knowledge belongs to everyone, and it is our duty to seek it.” His words, echoing the teachings of Guru Nanak, capture the essence of education as a universal bridge.
Conclusion
Onkar Singh’s journey from a government school classroom in Lahore to the top of the BISE board is a story of determination, inclusivity, and interfaith harmony. His achievement not only crowns him as a topper but also sends a powerful message: true education transcends boundaries of faith and culture. In a year marked by educational struggles across Punjab, Onkar’s success is a reminder that talent, when nurtured with support and sincerity, can inspire an entire nation.
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