Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently announced the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 for admissions into various undergraduate courses in medical colleges across the country.
In Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 48,545 candidates registered for NEET 2024, with 48,228 appearing for the exam and 24,565 qualifying. This marks an improvement from 2023, when 20,564 out of 36,431 candidates qualified.
Among the successful candidates are several students who have not only cracked the examination but also achieved significant milestones for their families despite limited facilities.
Many students from tribal and underprivileged communities in the valley overcame immense challenges, becoming inspirations for others in similar circumstances.
Laborer’s Daughter who Cracked the Test with Self-Study
Uzma, 18, from Bandipora, qualified NEET in her first attempt with 615 marks. “My father is a daily wager in the municipal corporation. During my 11th grade, I had to pay Rs 8,000 for my hostel fee. To manage this, he took on part-time work. His hard work always motivated me to work towards my dream,” she shared with TwoCircles.net.
She emphasized that students need to stay consistent with their goals regardless of their background, always remembering the struggles their parents endure to educate them.
Despite financial constraints, she was fortunate to have a supportive family environment. “My parents supported me a lot in my journey. I used to study seven-eight hours a day because this was not only my dream but also my parents,” she added.
A Daily Walk to Achieve the Dream of Becoming a Doctor
Dilawar Hussain Khan, a student from the Pharai ethnic community, is the first from his village of Anderwali in South Kashmir’s Pulwama who qualified NEET.
“I focussed on self-study and took help from YouTube lectures. Living in a remote village in dense forests, I had to travel four kilometers on foot every morning to catch mobile signals and download the lectures because our village lacks mobile connectivity,” he said.
He described spending two to three hours daily traveling to download lectures and then studying eight-ten hours a day for more than eight months.
“This routine was not easy for a student like me in a community with limited resources and guidance,” he stated.
According to the 2011 census, only 17.8 percent of people in the twin tribal settlements of Gujjar and Bakarwal are literate.
A Father’s Dream to Serve the Community
Tabinda Iqbal from the Dard community qualified NEET 2024, aiming to serve her community near the Line of Control (LoC). She scored 506 marks in her first attempt. She completed her basic schooling at the Army Goodwill School, Gurez, and pre-university from the Higher Secondary School Matrigam at Bandipora.
Her father, Mohammad Iqbal Magray, told TwoCircles.net, “It is important to support your daughters in achieving their dreams. Educating a girl child can light up a society. I want my daughter to become a doctor and serve our poor community in Gurez, where thousands have to migrate to urban areas for healthcare.”
Tabinda said she studied for 10-12 hours a day during her preparation.
Consistent Hard Work is the Key
Mehruk Ayoub from Watapora in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district scored 680 marks. She credited her parents and brother for their unwavering support. She said she had set her goal in the 11th grade and started preparing for it diligently.
“It’s not necessary to study 10-15 hours a day. With consistent hard work, a student can easily crack these exams,” she said.
The Kashmir Topper
Waris-un-Naveed from Brar Bandipora topped the NEET 2024 entrance exam in the valley, scoring 707 out of 720 points. He attributed his success to unwavering commitment, consistency and the crucial guidance from his teachers.
“Hard work and consistency were my success mantra,” he stated, acknowledging the support from his educators and his uncle.
He began his academic journey at Alfala Educational Institute at Aragam in Bandipora, completing his primary education up to the 12th grade.
Demonstrating ambition and determination, Waris enrolled at Physics Wallah for online coaching and diligently prepared for NEET.
Despite facing numerous challenges, such as financial constraints, lack of resources and geographical isolation, these students have shown that perseverance can overcome the toughest obstacles.