Media Release
Mangaluru, June 25: Lauren M Patrao and Rishon Fernandes, students of CFAL, have secured admission to the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI).
CMI is one among the country’s most respected institutions for mathematics, computer science and the theoretical sciences. Both have additionally been awarded the Shriram Scholarship, a distinction reserved for the very top scorers in CMI’s entrance examination.
CMI is regarded as one of India’s finest environments for students with exceptional mathematical ability. Its undergraduate programs are known for their depth, rigour and research orientation, and admission is through a national entrance examination that pairs an objective screening paper with a subjective, proof-based section.
The examination values originality and reasoning over rote preparation, making admission highly competitive and the achievement of two students from the same institution in the same year especially rare.
The achievement is further distinguished by the fact that both students are also the recipients of the prestigious Shriram scholarship. Awarded only to those at the top of the entrance merit list, it carries a full waiver of tuition across the programme together with a monthly stipend. For both Lauren and Rishon to receive it speaks not to good fortune but to the quality of their mathematical thinking.
The result adds to a notable year for Lauren, who also secured All India Rank 68 in the Indian Statistical Institute entrance examination and placed first in the district. Together, the two results mark him among the strongest young mathematical minds in the region.
A word from the academic team
“A place at CMI is not an ordinary admission. It is one of the most respected pathways in the country for students who genuinely love mathematics and want to pursue research, computer science and deep theoretical work. For two of our
students to earn it in the same year, both with the Shriram Scholarship, reflects what becomes possible when ability is met with discipline, curiosity and the right academic culture.”
At CFAL, students are encouraged to pursue excellence beyond conventional entrance examinations. Alongside JEE and NEET preparation, the institution has built a culture that supports the mathematical olympiads, ISI, CMI, IISER entrance examinations, and research- oriented learning.
At its core is the belief that lasting success comes from depth of understanding rather than exam-focused training.
The success of Lauren and Rishon is expected to encourage more students across the district to consider mathematics as a serious academic and professional path. Institutions like CMI open doors not only to mathematics, but to research, computer science, cryptography, artificial intelligence, economics, data science and scientific discovery.
About Chennai Mathematical Institute
Founded in 1989 as part of the SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai Mathematical Institute is a premier centre for teaching and research in mathematics, computer science and related theoretical sciences. Its programmes are known for academic depth, close faculty mentorship and a strong research culture. Its graduates go on to leading institutions in India and abroad.
About CFAL
CFAL, Mangaluru, builds rigorous foundations in mathematics and science and prepares students for premier national examinations including JEE, NEET, the mathematical olympiads, and the entrance examinations conducted by ISI, CMI and IISER. The institution is built around a culture of curiosity, discipline and serious learning.