Who is Nilufa Yasmin? The UGC NET June 2025 topper who failed twice before scoring a perfect 100
UGC NET June 2025: In an inspiring feat that has brought West Bengal into the national spotlight, Nilufa Yasmin, a research scholar from Katwa in Purba Bardhaman, has topped the UGC NET JRF June 2025 examination in Bengali. Securing a perfect 100 percentile and the All India Rank 1, her story is not just about academic brilliance but also about perseverance, dedication, and the power of family support.
From small town to national topper
Nilufa’s journey is rooted in humble beginnings. A resident of Palita Road in Katwa, she grew up in an environment where education was deeply valued. With both parents being former schoolteachers, learning was never limited to the classroom: it was a part of daily life.Despite initial setbacks, Nilufa stayed determined. She attempted the UGC NET exam three times, only to finally succeed and how. Her third attempt turned into a dream run, as she not only cleared the exam but ranked first in the country in her subject.
Academic journey and research passion
Nilufa is currently pursuing her doctoral research at Burdwan University, where she is studying the intersection of Bengali literature and medieval music traditions—a subject that reflects both her cultural roots and academic curiosity. From school through her postgraduate years, she has consistently excelled, often topping her class and winning accolades for her dedication.But her interest doesn’t stop at books. Nilufa is also known for her musical talents and shares her singing online, merging art with scholarship in a way that is uniquely her own.
A word from the Chief Minister
The topper’s achievement caught the attention of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who congratulated Nilufa on social media. The post also acknowledged Rikta Chakraborty of Kolkata, who secured the second rank nationally in Mass Communication and Journalism.Here is the official X post made by CM Mamata Banerjee: Nilufa said the recognition was deeply meaningful, not just for her, but also for her parents, mentors, and the larger academic community in Bengal. It served as a powerful validation of her journey and a reminder that sincere effort does get noticed.
UGC NET June 2025 results: An overview
The UGC NET June 2025 results reflect a strong turnout and highlight the growing demand for academic and research careers in India. Out of 10,19,751 registered candidates, 7,52,007 appeared for the exam. The qualification outcomes show a competitive landscape: 5,269 candidates qualified for both Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professorship, while 54,885 qualified for Assistant Professorship and PhD admission. An additional 1,28,179 candidates qualified solely for PhD admission. The figures demonstrate the scale and rigor of the UGC NET, which continues to serve as a key benchmark for academic eligibility and research potential across disciplines. These results underscore the exam’s role in shaping the future of higher education in India, providing thousands of candidates with opportunities to advance in teaching and scholarship.
What lies ahead
Nilufa now aims to continue in the academic world by teaching, mentoring, and contributing to the field of Bengali literature and culture. Her success story is a reminder that failure is never final and that excellence often comes after multiple attempts.Her journey has already begun inspiring many across the state and country. As she looks to the future, she carries with her not just a national rank, but the hopes of a generation of scholars who believe in the value of hard work.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
