Two Kashmiri girls make history by scoring 99+ percentile in JEE 2025 aim to solve ‘real-world problems’

NEW DELHI: Breaking the glass ceiling, two Kashmiri girls hailing from Pulwana, a region often in headlines for unrest, have made history by securing 99+ percentile in Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Mains 2025). Sadaf Mushtaq and Simrah Mir wrote “a new narrative of hope and excellence” by obtaining 99.50 percentile and 99.39 percentile respectively, RISE, an institute co-founded by 3 IIT alumni, said.

Sadaf, who had also secured rank 1 in the JKBOSE Class 10 board exam , said: "JEE felt like an uphill battle with the immense syllabus and intense competition, but I relied on self-belief and consistent hard work. Late-night revisions, endless mock tests, and resilience kept me going. Now, I aspire to become an engineer and inspire more Kashmiri girls to break barriers and pursue their dreams."

Sharing her JEE Mains preparation method, Simrah, who is known for her “perseverance and ambition” in the coaching institute, said: "Balancing rigorous JEE preparation with my own high expectations was my biggest challenge. I stayed focused by creating a disciplined study plan and never letting doubts overpower my determination. My dream is to study at IIT and use technology to solve real-world problems, especially in underprivileged communities."

Congratulating the students, RISE, in a statement said: “They represent thousands of Kashmiri girls who refuse to be defined by limitations, proving that education is the most powerful tool for empowerment.”

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In a first, 2 Kashmiri girls score 99+ percentile in JEE

RISE, is an institute co-founded by 3 IIT alumni, for transforming education in Kashmir a decade back. In JEE Main 2025, a record number of six students from this institute have scored 99+ percentile, of which two are girls - Sadaf Mushtaq and Simrah Mir.

Moreover, 65 students have secured above 90+ percentile, representing all districts across the Valley, including Budgam, Kupwara, and Shopian. This year, a total of 14 students scored a perfect 100 NTA score, among the JEE Main toppers 2025 only one is female.

The co-founder of RISE and an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Salman ShahTwo Kashmiri girls make history by scoring 99+ percentile in JEE 2025 aim to solve ‘real-world problems’id, said: "Every year, students from our institute make it to IITs, but this year is special because two girls have scored 99+ percentile, first time in the history of Kashmir. Sadaf and Simrah's success will inspire more Kashmiri girls to pursue engineering and secure seats in top institutions like IITs."

“This achievement is more than just statistics—it signifies a movement. A movement where Kashmiri youth, especially girls, are breaking stereotypes and claiming their place in premier institutions like IITs and NITs. This shift is paving the way for a future where neither gender nor geography limits success,” Salman added.