SRINAGAR: The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the NEET-UG 2026 results on July 16, with Jammu and Kashmir registering one of its strongest performances as students from across the Union Territory secured impressive ranks in one of the country’s most competitive examinations.
Among the successful candidates is Gufran, a resident of Illahi Bagh, Srinagar, who qualified NEET-UG 2026 on his second attempt, turning last year’s disappointment into this year’s success.
Speaking to Kashmir Life, Gufran said consistency was the key to his achievement.
“Consistency is the key,” he said, adding that instead of relying on shortcuts, he gradually increased his daily study hours from three to five and beyond.
Gufran’s family is originally from Uttar Pradesh and moved to Kashmir when he was about one-and-a-half years old so that he could receive medical treatment. Since childhood, he has lived with several health issues, including weak eyesight and difficulty walking, making his educational journey particularly challenging.
He said balancing his health with preparation for one of India’s toughest entrance examinations was difficult, but he remained determined not to let his condition stand in the way of his dream of becoming a doctor.
The family had initially not planned to settle permanently in Kashmir and moved into a rented house, where they continue to live. Gufran completed his early education at Snowland School before moving to Hill Top School. He later pursued his higher secondary education at Government Higher Secondary School, Soura, and prepared for NEET at Rise Institute.
Gufran said his father, an Urdu teacher, had always wanted him to join the medical profession after losing his own father to alleged medical negligence. Having spent much of his childhood visiting hospitals because of his own health issues, Gufran said he gradually developed a deep connection with the medical field.
He credited his parents and teachers for their constant encouragement throughout his academic journey.
“My parents have been my biggest support since childhood,” he said. “Every teacher, from the time I first held a pencil in my hand, has contributed to shaping my future.”
Despite being a high-performing student during his school years, Gufran admitted that adapting to the highly competitive environment of NEET preparation proved emotionally challenging.
“I was a good student until my board examinations, but when I entered the competitive environment, it felt like I had to start from the beginning. It made me depressed,” he said.
Reflecting on his success, Gufran encouraged students who could not qualify this year not to lose hope. He also highlighted the limited number of medical seats, saying many deserving candidates miss out despite working hard.
“I couldn’t qualify last year, but today I have secured my place,” he said. “Believe in your destiny. God has written something better for everyone. If required, take another drop, work harder and come back stronger.”
He also appealed to the government to increase the number of medical seats to provide more opportunities for aspiring doctors.
Nationally, the NTA said more than 11.21 lakh candidates qualified the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination. The results were declared ahead of the counselling and admission process. The re-examination was conducted on June 21 after the original examination scheduled for May 3 was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak.
