New Delhi: The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) released the results of the Cambridge IGCSE and International A/AS Level June 2009 examination session on Monday.

It was a day of relief and celebration for students in cities across India. Over 230 schools in India offer Cambridge international examinations which are recognised by universities worldwide.

Anika Havaldar, a student at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai who achieved nine A* grades at Cambridge IGCSE, said, "I was absolutely thrilled when I heard the results, and was in complete disbelief for a few moments. My happiness could not be contained and I felt a great sense of accomplishment as my hard work had paid off. The course helped me become a more balanced human being, as it challenges both the logical and creative side of a learner".

At the Cambridge School in Kolkata, Deboleena Kanjilal achieved four A grades at Cambridge International A Level. She said it was 'lots of hard work, with a bit of fun!' Her classmate, Rohini Bhose, scored three straight As at Cambridge International AS Level. She said, "I am truly overwhelmed. I owe my results mainly to my teachers".

In Bangalore, Inventure Academy celebrated the success of their first ever cohort of Cambridge IGCSE students. Bharat Sekar, a Cambridge student, is already looking forward to the next challenge: "I am overjoyed with my Cambridge IGCSE results. I feel I can do even better in the Cambridge International A Levels".

Ian Chambers, CIE Regional Manager for South Asia, said: "I have spoken to a lot of schools and students about their exam results, and I am really pleased to hear so many success stories. Schools and students in India work extremely hard to achieve good grades in their examinations. Cambridge qualifications develop independent learners, and prepare students for success at university and beyond. These results will set students up for the future, and I would like to congratulate them and wish them well with the next stage of their studies".

CIE reports impressive growth in the number of entries for the Cambridge June 2009 examination session in India. Overall entries for Cambridge qualifications in India in June 2009 rose by 27% on the same exam session last year; entries for Cambridge International A/AS Level rose by 17% on June 2008, and entries for Cambridge IGCSE increased by 30%. The figures highlight the growing popularity of the Cambridge International Curriculum in India.

Worldwide entries in the June 2009 Cambridge examination session rose by 15% on the same session last year.

Cambridge International A/AS Level qualifications are a gateway for students to gain places on degree courses at leading universities worldwide.

They are also accepted as equivalent to 10+2 level qualifications by an increasing number of universities in India.