Srinagar, Feb 13: In the face of challenges, a quiet revolution is unfolding within Kashmir’s educational landscape. Leading the way are Sadaf Mushtaq and Simrah Mir, who have made history by securing 99 percentile in JEE Main 2025. Sadaf achieved an incredible 99.50 percenile, while Simrah secured 99.39 percentile—a momentous achievement for Kashmiri girls in competitive exams.
For decades, Kashmir’s education system, particularly for girls, has faced societal, cultural, and infrastructural challenges. Competing at a national level in rigorous exams like JEE once seemed a distant dream. However, Sadaf and Simrah’s success story proves that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, Kashmiri students can now excel at a national level.
RISE, an institute co-founded by 3 IIT alumni, has played a crucial role in turning the impossible into reality. In JEE Main 2025, six students from this institute achieved 99+ percentile, a record-breaking achievement for Kashmir. Moreover, 65 students from all corners of the Valley, have secured 90+ percentile, showcasing the vast potential within Kashmir’s youth.
Salman Shahid, co-founder of RISE and an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, shared, “Every year, our students make it to IITs, but this year is special because two girls have scored 99+ percentile and Sadaf has scored 99.50 which is all time highest in the history of Kashmir. Sadaf and Simrah’s achievements will inspire countless other Kashmiri girls to pursue engineering and realize their dreams of studying in top institutes like IITs. At RISE, we believe that talent exists everywhere, not just in cities, and that everyone deserves the best possible and equal chance. Through the RISE Talent Search Examination (RTSE), we continuously reach out to students across Kashmir, especially in rural areas, and our efforts seem to be paying off.”
This achievement is more than just numbers—it’s a movement. A movement where Kashmiri youth, especially girls, are challenging stereotypes and claiming their place in prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs. This shift signals a new era where geography and gender no longer hinder success.
Sadaf, who had also secured Rank 1 in the Class 10 JKBOSE board examinations, and Simrah exemplify the spirit of perseverance, hard work, and ambition. Simrah, hailing from Pulwama, is now making headlines for hope and transformation. Together, they represent thousands of Kashmiri girls who refuse to let societal barriers define their futures, proving that education is the path to empowerment.
Simrah Mir shared, “Balancing JEE preparation with my personal expectations was my biggest challenge. I stayed focused by creating a disciplined study schedule and overcoming doubts with determination. My dream is to study at IIT and use technology to solve real-world problems, especially in underprivileged communities.”
Sadaf Mushtaq reflected, “JEE felt like an uphill battle with the intense syllabus and competition, but I relied on self-belief and consistent effort. Late-night revisions, endless mock tests, and resilience kept me going.”
