In a landmark achievement that marks a turning point for education in the region, four young girls from RISE, Kashmir’s premier educational institute, have each scored above the 99 percentile in JEE Main 2025.
This unprecedented success marks the first time in Kashmir’s history that multiple girls have simultaneously crossed this competitive threshold, signaling a transformative shift in the valley’s academic and cultural narrative.
The high-achievers — Sadaf Mushtaq (99.50), Simrah Mir (99.39), Maleeha Haris (99.24), and Azmat Wani (99.08) — are now gearing up for the next challenge: the JEE Advanced. Each of them aspires to earn a coveted seat at one of India’s prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Founded by three IIT alumni — Mubeen Masudi (IIT Bombay), Imbesat Ahmad (IIT Kharagpur), and Salman Shahid (IIT Kharagpur) — RISE has become a beacon of quality education and mentorship in Kashmir. What began as a grassroots initiative to elevate local academic standards has evolved into a powerful movement, empowering thousands of students to pursue careers in engineering and medicine.
“This is not just a proud moment for us at RISE, but for the entire Kashmir valley,” said Salman Shahid, co-founder of RISE. “For years, we have worked to raise the aspirations of students here. Seeing four girls break into the 99+ percentile club is a dream realized. These girls are not only top scorers — they are trailblazers and role models.”
Co-founder Mubeen Masudi emphasized the broader cultural significance: “This isn’t just about academic excellence; it’s a cultural moment. For too long, systemic and societal barriers have limited the participation of girls in technical fields. These four young women have broken through. Their success will inspire generations of Kashmiri girls to dream big and pursue their ambitions fearlessly.”
Top scorer Sadaf Mushtaq reflected on the journey: “Coming from a place where girls pursuing engineering is still uncommon, this score means more than just numbers. It’s a symbol of hope and possibility. RISE believed in us from the start, and I hope this achievement encourages more girls to follow their dreams.”
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