Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Jammu & Kashmir has once again demonstrated its academic and professional potential with 17 candidates from the Union Territory clearing the prestigious Civil Services Examination 2025, the final results of which were declared by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) on March 6.
The success figure this time is a notch above the previous high of 16 from the region in 2022. The selected candidates represent diverse districts and backgrounds across Jammu, Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region, reflecting the widening reach of competitive education in the UT.
Suvan Sharma, who secured All India Rank (AIR) 148, emerged as the top performer from J&K. He was followed by Sugandha Gupta (AIR 207) and Towseef Ahmad Ganie (AIR 254). Several other candidates also figured in the final merit list, including Ritika Bhan (AIR 456), Sooyash Raj Shivam (AIR 572), Muneeb Afzal Parrah (AIR 581) and Ghulam Maya Din (AIR 683).
Many of the stories behind these successes are deeply inspiring. Towseef Ahmad Ganie, a veterinarian from Pulwama and the son of a labourer, overcame financial hardships and repeated attempts before finally cracking the examination. His journey underscores the determination of young people from modest backgrounds striving to reach the country’s highest administrative services.
Another remarkable achiever is Irfan Ahmad Lone of Bandipora, who is visually impaired since birth. Despite significant physical challenges, he continued his studies and preparation with unwavering determination, becoming a role model for aspirants across the region.
The success of these candidates comes at a time when Civil Services preparation has gained momentum in J&K, with increasing access to coaching facilities, digital learning platforms and mentorship programmes. Educational institutions and civil services academies in the region have also played a key role in nurturing talent. The results also highlight a broader social transformation in J&K, where education is increasingly seen as a powerful instrument of empowerment and mobility.
