In a rare and touching story of academic synchronicity, twin sisters Riba and Rahin Hafezji, both 24, from Surat in Gujarat, have not only completed their medical degrees—but have done so with identical final scores. The milestone marks not just a personal achievement, but also a symbolic win for thousands of young women from modest backgrounds pursuing careers in medicine.
With a final score of 935 out of 1,400, the pair has graduated from GMERS Medical College in Vadodara, emerging as a testament to how resilience, discipline, and family support can triumph over economic limitations.
Sisters in Study and in Struggle
Raised by a single mother—Gulshad Banu, a government school teacher—the sisters grew up in a household where dreams were large but resources limited. Despite their circumstances, the family placed a premium on education. Books were shared, tuition was avoided, and learning became a collective ritual.
“We never studied to compete,” said Riba in an interview. “We studied to grow—together.”
Their bond wasn’t just emotional; it was academic. Throughout school, they often scored within points of each other. When the time came to take the national NEET-UG medical entrance exam, they again fared almost identically, with both scoring above the 97th percentile—without the help of private coaching.
Choosing Each Other Over the Elite Path
After clearing the entrance, the sisters faced a pivotal decision. They were eligible for seats in different government colleges across Gujarat, but ultimately chose to stay together at GMERS Medical College, Gotri, prioritizing proximity to home and to each other.
“It was our first time leaving Surat,” said Rahin. “Having my sister by my side gave me the strength to navigate hostel life and medical school pressures.”
Their decision to choose companionship over competitive edge speaks volumes about their values. In a world obsessed with rankings, the twins prioritized stability and support—an equation that paid off.
Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies
As members of the Sindhi Jamaati community, Riba and Rahin are among the very few women to earn MBBS degrees. For their family, their graduation marks the first generation of doctors—a milestone that has sent ripples of pride through their community.
“My mother and grandparents are the pillars behind our success. They never let us feel the weight of what we didn’t have,” said Rahin.
With plans to specialize—Riba in internal medicine and Rahin in gynecology—the sisters are preparing for postgraduate entrances. True to their nature, they hope to attend the same institution again.
“We’ve come this far together,” said Riba. “Why not continue?”
A Shared Future, Shaped by Grit
The Hafezji sisters’ journey isn’t just about a shared academic score. It’s a story about dual ambition shaped by shared adversity, and the quiet power of sisterhood in the face of systemic challenges.
Their story, while unique in its symmetry, resonates with countless others across India—students who rely on determination over privilege, and unity over individualism. In a world driven by lone success stories, Riba and Rahin are redefining what it means to rise—together.