'Historic first': 6 girls from J-K, Ladakh crack JEE Advanced 2026

In a first, six girls from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have qualified the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2026 for admission to BTech programmes at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and other engineering colleges. Srinagar-based RISE institute has announced that over 15 of its students cracked the IIT selections.

Soliha, Hyfa, Nuha and Ayesha from Kashmir, along with Isma and Parveen from Kargil, Ladakh, all students of the RISE institute, have successfully qualified the JEE Advanced 2026.

Notably, last year, three girls from the RISE institute had cleared the exam for IIT admissions. The institute is known for its small batch sizes, personalised mentoring, and an unmatched track record.

“This year, RISE has doubled that number. Particularly noteworthy are the two selections from Kargil — Isma and Parveen — from a region that has historically had limited access to structured IIT coaching,” according to an official statement.

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Highlighting the growing reach of quality academic guidance in remote areas, the institute said that the inclusion of two girls from Kargil is seen as particularly noteworthy given the region's limited access to structured coaching for competitive examinations.

The milestone also reflects the increasing participation of girls in engineering entrance examinations, it said. Established in 2012, the coaching centre claims to have helped secure more than 1,000 selections to IITs and NITs (National Institute of Technology) over the years.

The JEE Advanced 2026 results have also been viewed as a positive development for girls' education in Jammu & Kashmir, where geographical challenges, social barriers and limited access to specialised coaching have historically affected participation in competitive engineering programmes, it added.

Commenting on the results, co-founder Mubeen Masudi said the achievement demonstrates the potential of students from the region when provided with the right academic environment and mentorship. Another co-founder Salman Shahid described the success of the six girls as an inspiration for future aspirants from Kashmir and Kargil.

The institute said it remains committed to expanding access to quality preparation for students across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with a focus on helping them compete for admissions to India's top educational institutions.