With recent JKAS results showcasing remarkable achievements, the shift in academic interests among the youth highlights a growing ambition to pursue civil services as a respected career path.
A few days ago, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission announced the much-anticipated final results of JKAS, in which 71 successful candidates made it to the final selection list. Soon after the declaration of the results, social media platforms started posting the success stories on their pages and account handles. Candidates who successfully cleared the prestigious exam were seen giving interviews on all social media platforms, sharing their journeys of preparation and the challenges they encountered to make it to the final list.
After analyzing the statistics of the results, it is evident that a few lucky individuals cleared the exam on their first attempt, while many passed the toughest exam on their second, third, or fourth attempts. A female aspirant from Yaripora village in Kulgam district, who had previously been unsuccessful three times by a slight margin, cracked it this time, securing a respectable eighth rank. Similarly, another female aspirant from the Zakura area of Srinagar cleared the exam on her second attempt despite lacking adequate financial resources.
From my neighbouring Kund Valley, an abode of mesmerizing natural beauty housing the miraculous seasonal natural spring Wasak Nag, one candidate managed to secure a seat among the successful aspirants. The entire Kund Valley celebrated his success as a mark of love for the diligent and tireless workers from geographically far-flung and downtrodden areas. There are similar success stories from every corner of the UT. Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal regions, and North Kashmir’s border districts have also registered triumphs in this exam.
After topping the IAS, the country’s toughest test in 2009, Dr. Shah Faesal became an inspiration to thousands of civil service aspirants in the valley. A significant number of candidates began preparing for both state public service and Union Public Service Commission exams. Its impact is reflected in the growing number of aspirants appearing in these competitive exams each year since then. A few years ago, there were only two options resonating in the minds of students at the intermediate level: either medicine/MBBS or engineering. Now, things have changed altogether; NEET and JEE aspirants, besides preparing for those exams, are also considering the JKAS and IAS.
Earlier, it was presumed to be a hard nut to crack, but the success stories of qualified JKAS and IAS aspirants have helped break these stereotypes. Now, an unexpected trend is emerging: a dedicated, passionate, and competent group of students, instead of opting for science backgrounds after matriculation, are wholeheartedly showing interest in humanities and arts streams, aiming to crack the three-tier test of civil services. Additionally, many who previously studied science, engineering, and other allied subjects are now appearing for civil service exams through humanities and arts subjects. Dr. Shah Faesal, too, opted for Urdu and Public Administration in his maiden attempt for the UPSC.
Among the many factors drawing our youth toward civil services, the internet and other information technology tools have made it easier for them to prepare for this esteemed exam, as exam-related materials and books are easily available through digital resources. Many academics and mock testing centres located in cities are receiving good responses from aspiring civil servants, energizing them to face every challenge. To help aspirants and instil a civil services temperament among our youth, some universities in the country have also established coaching centres on their campuses to attract a formidable group.
The time has passed when parents would dictate streams for their children after matriculation, often forcing them into science and non-medical fields. In the past, this has shattered the dreams of thousands of young and energetic children. Today, children have the liberty to choose their subjects at all levels, including career options. This shift has yielded the desired results, and academic experts recommend allowing children the freedom to choose their streams and careers.
To boost civil services interest among the younger generation and create a conducive environment for competitive exams, it is crucial to establish civil services consultation centres in every district, along with libraries equipped with modern technologies and up-to-date study materials related to these exams at every tehsil headquarters. This would ensure that aspirants from remote areas do not lag behind and have a chance to try their luck. Reviewing the syllabi of various subjects, alongside introducing some new subjects for these exams, can bring lasting smiles to the faces of aspirants.
Increasing the age limit could make a significant number of unemployed youth eligible for these prestigious exams, providing opportunities to those nearing the upper age limit. The upper age limit for these exams should align with that of other services, ensuring that competent and talented aspirants are not left behind simply because they exceed the age limit. Seminars, workshops, and symposiums must be organized regularly, and toppers of the IAS and JKAS from different batches should be invited to share tips and strategies for these exams. In addition to administrative departments, some NGOs and academies should sponsor such events to develop interest among youth in these exams.
By Rayees Ahmad Kumar
ra***********@***il.com