A rare honour is being bestowed on a Ranchi boy who secured 98 per cent in his CBSE Class XII exams in 2016.

Siddhant Sinha (18), an alumnus of Delhi Public School, Ranchi, will now watch the Republic Day parade from the Prime Minister's box on Rajpath on January 26.

Siddhant, who is pursuing BTech first-year from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in Allahabad, is among the 100 meritorious students from across the country to be invited by the HRD ministry, which will also bear their railway fare.

Speaking over phone from Allahabad, Siddhant couldn't hide his happiness.

"I am thrilled, can't express how much in words. Must thank my parents who have always supported me in all my endeavours. This honour is for them," said Siddhant, who was the state topper in the CBSE Class XII exams held in 2016.

Given the opportunity, will he have a question for Prime Minister Narendra Modi? "Yes, I will ask him about his next big plan to fight corruption after demonetisation," the youngster said.

The only thing clouding his joy is the fact that the Jharkhand state tableau did not qualify this year for the parade. "I will miss it," he said.

Siddhant's father Sanjeev Sinha, a CCL employee, said he was proud of his son. "My entire family will always remember this year's R-Day."

DPS principal Ram Singh said he was also very glad that one of his former students got this huge honour. "Siddhant's feat will inspire other students to excel in academics," Singh added.