Driven by Aspiration to Serve: Iqra Farooq
Srinagar, Oct 30 (BANN): Iqra Farooq, daughter of a tailor and the second-highest achiever in the 2023 Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) exam, remained undeterred by financial hardships, aiming to reach a role where she can positively impact people’s lives.
In a conversation with News agency, Iqra shared that her parents, despite a modest background, wholeheartedly supported her educational pursuits. “I had to navigate a new field with limited resources, but my parents never hesitated to back my studies,” she said. After completing her postgraduate degree in 2021, Iqra dedicated around 5-6 hours daily to study.
She emphasized the importance of focus and reducing distractions to stay on track with one’s goals. “My ambition has always been to reach a position where I can be of service to others,” Iqra commented.
Her father, Farooq Ahmad, expressed immense pride, highlighting that Iqra achieved this success without private tutoring. “Both of my children have excelled academically. My daughter qualified for the exams with the second rank solely through her hard work. Like any father, I’ve worked tirelessly to support my family financially,” he shared.
Anka Binti Irshad, another KAS qualifier who placed 33rd, said, “A single exam doesn’t determine one’s worth. I extend my congratulations to all who passed. Those who couldn’t make it this time will still have opportunities to serve society.” Anka hopes to bring change at the grassroots level, particularly in health and education sectors.
Danish Hussain, who achieved 30th place and has an electrical engineering background, shared his journey, saying he began his civil service preparation in 2019 and maintained a balance between his studies and personal life.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), Sanjeev Kumar topped the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2023, and a total of 71 candidates are now scheduled for medical evaluations.
In total, 30,756 candidates were initially allowed to appear in the Preliminary Exam on October 15, 2023, with 18,882 participating. Of these, 2,144 candidates qualified for the Mains Examination, including 77 who were permitted following directions from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
The JKPSC announced that results for 266 candidates who appeared in interviews were released, while results for 11 candidates are currently withheld due to ongoing court orders. Selected candidates are required to complete medical evaluations at designated boards in GMC Srinagar or Jammu as per official guidelines.
