In a defining moment for education and social progress in Kashmir, Maleeha, Sadaf, and Janees, students of RISE, have created history by cracking the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) and securing entry into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
This achievement marks the first time in Kashmir’s history that any girl has made it to the IITs, making it a milestone not just for these three students, but for the entire Valley. Their success stands as a powerful symbol of change—one that challenges long-held assumptions and opens new doors for generations of young women in Kashmir.
At the center of this historic breakthrough stands RISE, Srinagar, an institute that has steadily emerged as the best and number one coaching institute in Kashmir, known for its results-driven approach and transformative mentorship.
A Historic Breakthrough for Girls’ Education in Kashmir
For decades, the idea of girls from Kashmir entering IITs remained distant—limited by lack of access, social barriers, and the absence of role models. There was no precedent, no local success story to look up to.
Maleeha, Sadaf, and Janees changed that forever.
By clearing one of the toughest examinations in the country, they didn’t just earn seats in IITs—they redefined what is possible for Kashmiri girls. Their achievement is now being hailed as a watershed moment in Kashmir’s educational and social landscape.
“This is not just a result; this is a revolution,”
said Salman Shahid, Co-Founder of RISE, IIT Kharagpur alumnus, and recipient of the Young Alumni Achiever Award from IIT Kharagpur.“For the first time, our girls have made it to the IITs. They haven’t just cleared an exam—they’ve smashed through decades of doubt, social expectations, and systemic barriers. This moment belongs to every girl in Kashmir who was told to stay within limits.”
The Journey Behind the First: Preparation at RISE
All three students prepared for JEE Advanced at RISE, a Srinagar-based premier coaching institute that has been quietly transforming education in Kashmir for over a decade.
Their journey was not easy. Preparing for IIT in Kashmir comes with unique academic, logistical, and social challenges—especially for girls. Yet, through structured learning, consistent mentorship, and an environment that encourages ambition, RISE provided them with the foundation they needed to succeed.
Janees reflected on her journey with quiet determination:
“When I started preparing, I didn’t know anyone like me who had done this. There was no roadmap. But I had belief—and RISE gave me the direction and push I needed.”
Sadaf shared her experience of overcoming challenges:
“Preparing for IIT in Kashmir wasn’t easy—socially or academically. But I was fortunate to have mentors and a family that supported me. I want girls across Kashmir to know that they are stronger than the boundaries placed around them.”
These stories reflect not just academic excellence, but resilience, confidence, and clarity—values deeply embedded in RISE’s approach to education.
RISE: The Best Institute in Kashmir for Competitive Excellence
When students and parents search for the best institute in Kashmir or the number one coaching institute in the Valley, results matter more than claims. RISE’s track record speaks for itself.
What sets RISE apart:
- First institute in Kashmir to produce girls selected into IITs
- Led by IIT alumni with national recognition
- Proven success in IITs, AIIMS, GMCs, and top global universities
- Strong focus on personalized mentorship and discipline
- Talent identification from every district, including remote regions like Kupwara and Bandipora
- Equal emphasis on academic rigor and emotional resilience
RISE doesn’t just prepare students for exams—it prepares them for challenges far beyond the classroom.
A Decade of Transforming Kashmir’s Academic Landscape
Since its founding in 2012 by three IITians—Salman Shahid, Mubeen Masudi, and Imbesat Ahmad—RISE has been on a mission to make world-class education accessible to Kashmiri students.
What started as a vision to bridge the gap between Kashmir and national-level opportunities has now become a powerful movement. Over the years, RISE students have secured admissions to:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- AIIMS
- Government Medical Colleges (GMCs)
- Top universities in India and abroad
Earlier achievements, such as Toiyeb Ashiq securing AIR 152 in JEE Main and emerging as the J&K State Topper, further reinforce RISE’s position as the top coaching institute in Kashmir.
You can read that success story here:
👉 https://risewithrise.com/blog/toiyeb-ashiq-jee-jee-2025-topper/
Together, these successes reflect a consistent legacy—not isolated results.
Beyond Results: A Social and Cultural Shift
Girls entering IITs for the first time is not just an academic achievement—it is a cultural turning point.
This moment:
- Expands aspirations for families across Kashmir
- Encourages schools to aim higher
- Creates visible role models for young girls
- Challenges outdated narratives around girls’ education
The impact of Maleeha, Sadaf, and Janees’ success will echo far beyond exam halls—into homes, schools, and communities across the Valley.
A Message of Hope for Kashmir’s Future
Reflecting on this historic achievement, Salman Shahid shared:
“When brilliance is nurtured with belief, care, and consistency, there are no limits. This is a proud moment for RISE—and for Kashmir.”
The founders of RISE returned to the Valley with a simple belief: talent exists everywhere; opportunity does not. Through mentorship, discipline, and inclusion, they have worked relentlessly to change that reality.
Final Words: The Future of Kashmir Is Rising
Maleeha, Sadaf, and Janees have shown that history can be rewritten, and ceilings can be shattered.
As Kashmir steps into a new academic era, one thing is clear:
When students search for the No.1 institute in Kashmir, the answer is no longer a question—it is a proven fact.
RISE — where belief becomes achievement, and Kashmir’s future rises.

