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In a quiet lane of Ahmedabad’s Shahpur area, celebration rang out like a triumphant anthem. The modest home of Dr. Izma Banu Saiyed had become a hub of pride and joy after the declaration of the INICET 2025 results. Izma, a 24-year-old medical graduate, had secured All India Rank 39 in the prestigious Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INICET), which is the gateway to postgraduate courses in India’s premier medical institutions including AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and NIMHANS.
For many, this achievement marked the end of a challenging academic journey. But for Izma, it was a culmination of years of resilience, a testament to dreams nurtured through trials, and a tribute to the values instilled by her family and faith.
Humble Beginnings, Grand Aspirations
Izma Banu was born to Syed Irfan Ali, a school teacher, and Shabnam Banu, a homemaker, in a family where education was seen not just as a means of livelihood, but as an instrument of empowerment. Though resources were limited, encouragement was abundant. Books were her closest companions, and her father’s tales of great Muslim scientists and scholars sowed the seeds of ambition in her heart.
From a young age, Izma displayed both academic brilliance and empathy. During her 8th-grade science fair, she created a project on maternal health that won her accolades and confirmed her dream to become a doctor—not for prestige, but for purpose.
She graduated from B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, and her internship during the peak of COVID-19 exposed her to the fragility of life and the power of service. “Those days taught me that medicine is more than science. It’s humanity,” Izma recalls.
The INICET Journey: Perseverance Personified
The INICET exam is known for its grueling competition—over 80,000 aspirants for a few thousand seats. For Izma, preparing for it meant total commitment. She made a bold choice after her MBBS: to take a year off exclusively for preparation.
Every day was meticulously planned. She studied for nearly 10–12 hours daily, revising concepts, solving MCQs, and attending online test series. But what truly set her apart was her attitude. “There were moments of self-doubt, but I always reminded myself that Allah rewards effort. I just had to keep showing up, every single day.”
Izma’s preparation wasn’t just intellectual—it was emotional and spiritual. She began her mornings with Fajr prayer and supplication, finding strength in faith. “I used to make dua not just for success, but for sabr (patience) and barakah (blessings) in time,” she says.
Despite the pressure, she ensured she helped her juniors, engaged in small acts of community service, and remained grounded. Her circle of close friends describe her as “focused but not rigid, competitive yet compassionate.”
Breaking Stereotypes, Building Legacy
Izma’s success isn’t just personal—it’s symbolic. As a Muslim woman from a modest background, her triumph stands as a powerful rebuttal to stereotypes that question the ambition or capability of girls from conservative communities.
“Many people still expect girls to just settle down after MBBS,” she says, “but I was lucky—my parents believed in my dreams more than societal noise.”
Her father beams with pride. “We didn’t have wealth, but we gave her confidence. We told her she could compete with the best in India—and she did.”
Izma now has the opportunity to join AIIMS New Delhi, where she plans to specialize in internal medicine. Her long-term goal is to return to underserved areas of Gujarat to practice and mentor students from marginalized communities.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Izma’s story has already begun to inspire hundreds. Local mosques, women’s groups, and student organizations have invited her to speak. She uses every opportunity to urge youth to aim high, believe in their ability, and never compromise on values.
“To young girls out there: wear your identity with pride, study hard, and never let anyone else define your limits,” she says. “It’s okay to be scared—but don’t let fear decide your future.”
Final Words: A Dream Realized, A Journey Just Begun
Securing AIR 39 in INICET is no small feat. But for Dr. Izma Banu Saiyed, it’s only the beginning. In her achievement, we find a powerful message: that excellence has no religion, merit has no gender, and dreams—no matter how distant—are within reach with dedication, faith, and community support.
As the calls of “Mubarak ho!” echo in her neighborhood and garlands adorn her doorway, Izma remains the same humble daughter, student, and believer who once sat in the corner of her room with a stethoscope and a dream. Today, that dream has taken flight, not just for her—but for thousands who dare to believe.