‘Kashmir Holds A Promising Future For Competitive Exams’

Salman Shahid, an IIT Kharagpur graduate, chose to prioritize education in Kashmir over lucrative corporate roles. Along with other two partners, he established RISE, a private coaching centre in Srinagar, to provide quality JEE coaching to tens of hundreds of students from across the valley. Staffed exclusively by IIT graduates, RISE boasts the highest number of students passing the JEE Advanced, the world’s second most difficult exam.

In a detailed conversation with Farooq Shah, Mr. Salman discusses the challenges they face, their innovative teaching methods, and the holistic support systems that ensure the success and well-being of their students.

Excerpts of the interview.

Could you share your professional background and personal journey? What motivated you to partner with RISE Coaching Centre, particularly focusing on preparing students for the highly competitive JEE exams?

Graduating from IIT Kharagpur with a B.Tech was a transformative experience for me, emphasizing the value of quality education and rigorous preparation. After cracking the IIT JEE, I had opportunities for a corporate career or moving to the USA. However, I felt a strong calling to impact education in Kashmir, where ongoing conflicts have disrupted the system. In 2015, along with fellow IITians Mubeen and Imbesat, I partnered with RISE to provide high-quality education to the students in Kashmir. Initially, our focus was on JEE preparation, as awareness in Kashmir was limited, with only one or two students making it to IITs every 2-3 years. We aimed to change this by offering quality local JEE coaching and increasing awareness of available opportunities. Recognizing the growing demand for medical education, we expanded to include NEET coaching and foundation classes for 9th and 10th grades, building a strong academic base and producing top rankers from Kashmir. These initiatives have broadened our reach, helping more students excel in their academic pursuits.

The journey of establishing a successful coaching centre is often fraught with challenges. Can you discuss some of the significant challenges RISE has faced, particularly related to JEE coaching, and how you have strategically overcome them?

Establishing RISE in conflict-hit Kashmir has been challenging. Frequent curfews and shutdowns, coupled with internet closures, disrupted classes for extended periods, impacting students’ learning continuity. Many students had significant learning gaps due to mass promotions from previous disruptions, making it difficult to align them with the JEE curriculum. We implemented remedial classes and personalized learning plans to address these gaps. Retaining qualified faculty was also tough in Kashmir’s volatile environment. To tackle this, we offered competitive salaries, continuous professional development, and a supportive work environment. These efforts helped us maintain a dedicated team committed to our mission of academic excellence despite the region’s challenges.

The quality of faculty is a significant factor in the success of any coaching centre. How does RISE ensure continuous professional development, motivation, and retention of its faculty members who specialize in JEE coaching?

At RISE, we prioritize the quality of our faculty to ensure the success of our JEE coaching centre. We implement several strategies for continuous professional development, motivation, and retention of our educators. Firstly, we provide regular training and workshops to keep faculty updated with the latest teaching methodologies, curriculum changes, and exam patterns. These sessions enhance their teaching skills and help them adapt to students’ evolving needs. We encourage a culture of mentorship and collaboration, where experienced educators guide newer colleagues and share best practices. This supportive environment motivates and empowers faculty members to excel. Additionally, we offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent in JEE coaching. We also provide opportunities for career advancement and professional growth, encouraging faculty to pursue their teaching passion and contribute to our students’ success.

Your coaching institute exclusively employs IIT pass-outs as faculty. Is this primarily a marketing strategy, or a genuine effort to improve education quality? How do you attract and retain such in-demand professionals?

We employ IIT graduates as faculty to genuinely improve education quality, not just for marketing. Their deep understanding of JEE exams, coupled with their own experiences, provides invaluable insights and strategies, enhancing the learning experience. To attract and retain these professionals, we offer competitive compensation, including housing and food, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture. Our faculty have access to the latest teaching tools and technologies, ensuring they can deliver high-quality education. This focus attracts top talent, ensuring their long-term commitment to our mission of empowering students from underprivileged backgrounds.

In a field as competitive as JEE coaching, innovation is crucial. How does RISE incorporate cutting-edge teaching methodologies and technologies to ensure its students are well-prepared for the JEE exams?

We leverage cutting-edge teaching methodologies and technologies to prepare students for JEE exams. Our interactive approach includes lectures, hands-on problem-solving, and group discussions to stimulate critical thinking and deepen understanding. We integrate technology through educational software, online resources, and multimedia tools to enhance learning. Our faculty undergo regular training to stay updated with the latest pedagogical techniques, ensuring instruction is both rigorous and engaging. By embracing innovation, we equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive JEE environment and beyond.

Preparing for the JEE exams can be incredibly demanding for students. What specific support systems does RISE offer to ensure students receive holistic development, emotional support, and guidance throughout their JEE preparation journey?

We provide holistic support to ensure students’ well-being and success. Regular counselling sessions help manage stress and anxiety associated with JEE preparation. Our faculty members act as mentors, offering academic guidance and emotional support. Additionally, we conduct workshops on time management, study skills, and exam strategies, equipping students with tools to optimize their study routines and maximize their potential. These initiatives address the academic, emotional, and personal needs of our students, fostering a supportive environment that promotes overall success.

The pressure of preparing for the JEE exams can take a toll on students’ mental health. How does RISE address this issue and ensure that students maintain a healthy balance between rigorous study schedules and their mental well-being?

We recognize the mental health challenges of JEE preparation and have established comprehensive support. This includes regular mental health workshops and counselling sessions with professionals. Our faculty are trained to identify stress and burnout, providing timely interventions. We encourage a balanced study approach, incorporating breaks and recreational activities. Open communication between students, faculty, and parents ensures issues are addressed promptly. By fostering a supportive environment, we help students maintain a healthy balance between studies and mental well-being, ensuring they can achieve their academic goals without compromising their mental health.

Success stories can be incredibly motivating. Can you share some inspiring success stories of students who have achieved exceptional results in the JEE exams through RISE’s coaching? How do these stories reflect the effectiveness of your coaching methods?

One inspiring RISE success story is of a labourer’s son who overcame significant odds to excel in the JEE exams. Despite financial constraints, his determination and dedication were unwavering. With personalized coaching and support from RISE, he achieved a remarkable JEE score and gained admission to an IIT. His success transformed his life and inspired his community, showcasing the transformative power of education. Such stories highlight the effectiveness of our coaching methods and holistic approach, reaffirming our belief in every student’s potential and motivating us to continue providing the highest quality education and support.

Not all students succeed in their first attempt at the JEE exams. How does RISE support and guide students who face setbacks, ensuring they remain motivated and have a clear path forward?

We support students who don’t achieve their desired JEE results on their first attempt. Our faculty provides personalized feedback and tailored study plans to address specific areas of improvement. We conduct motivational sessions and counselling to help students regain confidence and stay focused on their goals. Additionally, we offer repeat courses at reduced fees to ensure financial constraints don’t hinder their preparation. Our goal is to help every student overcome setbacks and achieve their full potential, ensuring they remain motivated and have a clear path forward in their academic journey.

The role of parents is crucial in a student’s JEE preparation journey. How does RISE involve parents in this process, ensuring they are informed and supportive of their children’s academic endeavours?

Involving parents in the JEE preparation journey is crucial for a student’s success. We regularly organize parent-teacher meetings to keep parents informed about their child’s progress and address any concerns they may have. We provide detailed progress reports and keep them updated about the students’ day to day progress. Our counsellors are available to discuss any issues and provide guidance on how parents can support their children at home. By maintaining open communication and fostering a collaborative relationship, we ensure that parents are well-informed and can play a supportive role in their child’s academic endeavours.

Feedback is essential for continuous improvement. What mechanisms are in place at RISE to gather and act upon feedback from students and parents, specifically regarding JEE preparation?

Feedback is a critical component of our continuous improvement process at RISE. We have established multiple channels to gather feedback from students and parents, including regular surveys, feedback forms, and suggestion boxes. We also conduct focus group discussions and individual meetings to gather in-depth insights. All feedback is reviewed by me personally, and we take prompt action to address any concerns and implement suggestions. I am always available for all the students and they can come and meet me anytime. We also provide updates to students and parents on the changes made based on their feedback, ensuring transparency and demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement. This approach helps us refine our programs and enhance the overall learning experience.

What are your thoughts on the future of education in Kashmir, particularly in the field of competitive exam preparation like the JEE? How is RISE preparing to adapt and contribute to this evolving landscape?

The future of education in Kashmir is promising, especially for competitive exam prep like the JEE. With growing access to technology and digital resources, more students can receive quality education despite regional challenges. RISE leads this change with innovative learning models, ensuring uninterrupted education. We’re expanding through new branches and partnerships with local schools, aiming to build a strong educational ecosystem that nurtures talent and equips students for success in competitive exams and beyond.

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