Srinagar

Srinagar’s Iqra Farooq, who secured second position in the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) Examination, says one can realize any dream with hard work.

Daughter of a tailor Farooq Ahmed, who earns just enough to make ends meet, Iqra’s success story is inspirational. Farooq Ahmed never compromised on his daughter's education and Irqa never cut short her dreams.

Iqra has graduated in Horticulture from SKUAST and has been preparing to clear the state services examination after completing her degree.

"I always wanted to help people": Iqra Farooq, second topper in the JKAS exam, shares her journey. It was her second attempt to clear the coveted examination.

The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) announced the results of the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2023, with Sanjeev Kumar securing the top position. Iqra Farooq bagged the second position and and Vasudha Sharma the third place.

Iqra’s father wanted his daughter to achieve a high position through studies. Iqra completed her postgraduate studies in 2021 and immediately started preparing for the civil services examination.

Iqra said in an interview, "My parents always supported me and never let there be any shortage in my studies."

Iqra believes that the cooperation and support of her parents is the most important element in her success. “It is important to maintain focus and keep away from distractions.”

Her father said, "Both my children were good in their studies. Iqra passed this exam without coaching. As a father, I have worked day and night to financially support my family."

Sanjeev Kumar, JKAS topper

Iqra says she followed a strict routine to prepare for JKAS. She followed a strategy for her studies, She studied 5-6 hours daily and evaluated her progress by taking mock tests.

She said it was not just about rote learning; her preparation was aimed at understanding the problems faced by Jammu and Kashmir and gaining in-depth knowledge of them.

She believed that an understanding of the social, political, and economic scenario of the region helped her in the exam.

In this JKPSC exam’s first round, 30,756 candidates wrote the preliminary examination; 18,882 appeared in the main examination held on October 15, 2023. In all 2,144 candidates cleared this followed by the personal interview.

Iqra says, "I want to reach a place where I can serve society and help the needy." To the youth, she says, ”If your resolve is strong then even financial difficulties cannot become a hindrance in the path.”

Her dream is to use her knowledge and administrative skills for social change.

Following the Mains, 274 candidates progressed to the interview stage, with 11 additional candidates added based on court orders.

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Interviews were held between October 21 and October 29, 2024, at the JKPSC Srinagar office, and the final results for 266 candidates were released after eight candidates did not attend.