2 min readSrinagarJul 17, 2026 09:55 PM IST
Hadiya Nisar from South Kashmir’s Anantnag, who secured All India Rank 99 and topped the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) among the candidates from J&K, said on Friday that despite the pressure of re-examination, she did not let “negative thoughts” creep into her mind while preparing.
“My parents always motivated and uplifted me, and it is because of them that I kept going,” Nisar said, adding that though she is overwhelmed at the moment, “it is a feeling of pride and joy”.
More than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET UG re-examination across 5,440 centres in India. The exam conducted earlier was cancelled amidst allegations of paper leaks, leading to widespread protests.
Hadiya secured rank 99 with a 99.9931 percentile. Describing her preparation for the exam, she said she did not tie herself to a schedule but planned her studies around a curriculum and aimed to study according to those plans. “I have no social media on my phone, and that helped,” she said.
Nisar highlighted that those who have not managed to clear the exam this year “should keep faith in themselves, and that will take you far”. “Everyone’s journey is different and unique,” she said.
As friends and relatives began pouring into her house with sweets, her father, Nisar Ahmad, couldn’t be prouder. “She is a hardworking child, and she has been rewarded for it,” he said.
Her first reaction to the news of her score was “shock and awe,” she said on Friday. She also credited her teacher with providing her direction in her studies. “But you have to put in the effort; there is no excuse around that,” she said.
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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated students from Jammu & Kashmir who cracked the NEET (UG) exam, especially Nisar and Zaidan Wani (AIR 124). He said their achievement reflects determination, hard work and “unwavering support of their teachers and families”. Omar also encouraged those who could not qualify this time to remain focused, work harder and return stronger next time.