Valley News Desk

Neyaz Elahi

Srinagar, Oct 21, KNT: At a time when almost every Coaching Institute in Kashmir Valley takes credit for the success of the NEET ‘topper’ Bilal Basit Khan, ironically his name is missing in the list of toppers issued by National Testing Agency which is an autonomous organization under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education Government of India.

In fact, the list issued by National Testing Agency mentions the name of Avikshit Gupta, the only student from Jammu and Kashmir with 139th Rank securing 695 marks out of 720.

“I was myself surprised when I found the name of Basit missing from the toppers list issued by National Testing Agency. I think he may be the topper from Kashmir not from whole Jammu and Kashmir. Let us see and wait for the list being issued by BOPEE likely on Thursday,” an owner of the reputed Coaching Institute told News Agency Kashmir News Trust.

“You can’t decide the topper unless National Testing Agency (NTA) and Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) issue formal list. It is very unfortunate that without checking the facts, people in Kashmir Valley jump to the conclusions,” he added.

As per media reports Basit Bilal Khan from Naru village of Pulwama topped the NEET exam in Jammu and Kashmir, scoring 695 out of 720 marks. However, in the NTA list, Avikshit Gupta has shown as the topper from Jammu and Kashmir scoring 695 out of 720 marks securing 139th Rank. Gupta is from Billawar area of Jammu.

“The list issued by NTA stunned me and I was too surprised after finding the name of Basit missing. It’s only BOPEE that can clear the confusion,” said the owner of another Coaching Institute.

Meanwhile, different coaching institutes have started taking credit for the ‘success’ of Basit Bilal Khan. Basit has reportedly studied at three different coaching institutes in Srinagar. He had taken admission in a coaching centre for his 11th class, switched to another in for the 12th class and for entrance examination, joined another coaching institute.

All these three coaching institutes are taking credit for his ‘success’. “Nothing bad if they claim the credit, after all in these institutes, he was imparted education,” said a teacher.

However, Coaching Centres Association of Kashmir has decided to hold a meeting to discuss the ‘credit taking’ syndrome.

Confirming the development, Managing Director Hope Classes Sajad Ahmed Lone told KNT that claiming credit for everything doesn’t send a good message. “This issue will be discussed in the meeting and it will be ensured that only rightful owners reap the benefits of the successful students. (KNT)