Shagufta Aqida Ahmed and Khan Umeira Irfan from Maharashtra College credit self-study, teachers’ support, mock tests, and steady effort for their success in the national-level examination
MUMBAI –Two Muslim girls from Maharashtra College have achieved a rare academic success by clearing the UGC NET examination in their very first attempt while still pursuing their MA Urdu second year. Their performance has drawn praise from teachers, classmates, and members of the Urdu academic circle.
Shagufta Aqida Ahmed Khan and Khan Umeira Irfan, both MA Urdu students, secured results that place them among the promising young scholars in higher education. Shagufta scored 234 marks out of 300 and qualified for Junior Research Fellowship, along with eligibility for Assistant Professor. Khan Umeira secured 202 marks out of 300 and qualified for Assistant Professor and PhD admission.
The achievement stands out as both students are still completing their postgraduate studies. Many candidates take years after their MA to clear this exam, yet these two students succeeded at an early stage through focused preparation.
Shagufta, a resident of Paydhoni in Mumbai, said her preparation was fully based on self-study. “I cleared this exam through self-study. Repeated reading of previous years’ question papers and regular revision were a key part of my preparation,” she said. She also acknowledged academic support at the college, adding, “Our teacher Dr Mohammad Azfar Khan, took mock tests from time to time, which helped a lot.”
She explained that online learning and books also played a role. “For Paper One and Paper Two, I used YouTube and good-quality books. In such exams, steady effort with full focus is very important. Proper use of time matters a lot. Positive thinking, self-belief, and regular study lead to success,” she said.
Khan Umeira, who lives near Mumbai’s Kurla Hilaal Pul, described her journey as demanding but meaningful. “Preparing for the UGC NET exam was not just an academic step for me. It tested my patience and consistency,” she said. She added that she also relied on self-study throughout the process.
“For Papers One and Two, I selected standard books and studied with a clear goal. I wrote down key points from each topic so that they could guide me when needed,” she explained. She said previous years’ question papers made the syllabus easier to manage, while mock tests helped her improve speed and reduce exam stress.
Speaking about the challenge of managing MA studies alongside NET preparation, she said, “Doing UGC NET preparation along with MA was truly difficult. On one side, there was the MA syllabus, assignments, and exams, and on the other side, the wide NET syllabus. Still, belief and hard work paid off.”
Khan Umeira also shared her plans. “I cleared the UGC NET exam in my first attempt. In the coming years, I want to continue teaching and also complete my PhD,” she said.
Teachers at Maharashtra College described the success as a proud moment for the institution and a sign of the growing academic presence of Muslim girls in higher education. Students from Urdu departments across Mumbai have also shared messages of support, calling the achievement a source of motivation.
At a time when many Muslim students face social and economic barriers, the success of Shagufta Aqida Ahmed and Khan Umeira Irfan shows how focused study, guidance from teachers, and personal effort can lead to strong results in national-level examinations. Their achievement contributes to the long tradition of Urdu scholarship and reflects the growing role of Indian Muslim women in academia.
