‘Would’ve Never Made It as a Student in India’: Bengaluru-Based American Techie Tony Klor Reacts to Toppers’ 99% Scores (Watch Video)

For millions of students across India, exam results carry a weight far beyond academics - they shape social standing, college prospects, and family pride. In a fiercely competitive education system where scoring above 95% is increasingly seen as the bare minimum, one American techie's candid reaction to India's topper culture has struck a chord with millions online.

Tony Klor, a Bengaluru-based American technology professional, posted a video on X after spotting a roadside board displaying the names and marks of top-performing students. As he scanned through a list of scores touching 99%, his stunned and amused reaction quickly resonated with viewers across the country and beyond. Tony Klor Abused by Rejected Candidate in Bengaluru: Indian Sends Abusive Messages to US Startup Catoff Gaming’s Founder After Rejection of His Job Application.

American Techie Tony Klor's Reaction to India's 99% Toppers Is Breaking the Internet

These kids in India are too locked in pic.twitter.com/kVZ8RiGiLv

— Tony Klor (@TonyCatoff) May 15, 2026

"This is why I could have never freaking made it as a student in India," he said while pointing the camera at the board. "Look at the competition - Tanishka, 99.3%. Tanishka, leave a little bit for the homies," he joked. Continuing to read out the scores in disbelief, he added, "Ruchi got a straight 99 flat, these hudugis are on top always. Madhu 98.3, Madakari 97.5." Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal Addresses ‘Foxconn Not Hiring Married Women’, Says We Have No Such Policies and We Will Continue To Hire More Women: Report.

At another moment in the clip, he noticed a student's name and quipped, "These are like radio stations. Shankraya Gurumath - obviously he's a guru at math, physics, 98." Klor captioned the post simply: "These kids in India are too locked in."

The video went viral almost instantly, igniting a larger conversation about the immense pressure embedded in India's education system. Social media users were quick to respond with a mix of humour, pride, and sobering reality checks.

"You can't imagine how competitive India is. Even candidates who score 99% don't have the guarantee to get a tier-1 college," wrote one user. Another added, "Sadly even after studying this hard, so many students struggle to secure a high paying job." A third user pointed to a deeper systemic flaw: "The competition is the reason why there is no actual development. Each kid has their own strengths and weaknesses." A fourth went further, writing, "This sort of extreme competitive racing is benchmark of intelligence in our society! So is the board — sense of achievement. Majority of these toppers lack creativity, basic life skills or even application in real life. Our teaching methods need to change."

Klor's video has done what few education debates manage to do - made people laugh, reflect, and question a system that celebrates numbers while often overlooking the human cost behind them.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2026 06:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).