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 plate forms started posting the successful stories on their pages and account handles. Candidates who successfully cleared the prestigious exam, were seen giving bytes on all social media plate forms appraising their journey of preparation and the challenges they have encountered to make it to the final list. After analysing statistics of the results, it is evident that few lucky ones have cleared the exam in their first attempt while many have passed the toughest exam in their second, third or fourth attempt. A female aspirant from Yaripora village of Kulgam district who earlier remained unsuccessful thrice due to slight margin, cracked this time securing a respectable eighth rank.

Likewise another female aspirant from Zakura area of Srinagar cleared the exam in her second attempt despite lacking adequate financial resources. From my neighbouring Kund valley, an abode of mesmerizing and enchanting natural beauty, housing a Miraculous seasonal natural spring Wasak Nag, one candidate managed to secure his seat among the successful aspirants. Entire Kund valley celebrated his success as a mark of love for the diligent and tireless hard workers belonging to the geographically far-flung and downtrodden areas.
There are similar success stories from each corner of the UT. Chenab valley, Pirpanchal regions and North Kashmir's border districts have also registered the triumphs in this exam. After topping IAS, country's toughest test in 2009, Dr Shah Faesal an inspiration to thousands of other civil service aspirants of valley, a big chunk of candidates kicked off to prepare and appear in both state public service and union public service Commission exams. It's impact is reflected from the growing number of aspirants appearing in these competitive exams each year since then. Few years ago, there were only two options resonating in the minds of students at intermediate level ie either medicine/MBBS or Engineering.
Now the things have altogether changed, NEET and JEE aspirants besides preparing for such exams are considering to go for the JKAS and IAS too. Earlier it was presumed to be a hard nut to crack but the success stories of qualified JKAS and IAS aspirants have helped them to break these stereotypes. Now an unexpected trend is emerging, dedicated passionate and competent lot of students instead of opting science background after matriculation are wholeheartedly showing an interest towards humanities and arts streams aiming to crack the three tier test of civil services. Also a big proportion who previously have studied science, engineering and other allied subjects are appearing in civil service exams through humanities and arts subjects.
Dr Shah Faesal too had opted Urdu and Public Administration in his maiden attempt for UPSC. Among many things which have drawn our youth towards civil services, internet and other information technology tools have helped and made easier for them to prepare for this esteemed exam as the exam related material and books are easily available on digital resources. Many academies and mock testing centres located in cities are receiving a good response from the aspiring civil servants which energizes them to face every challenge. To help aspirants and to inculcate civil services temper among our youth, some universities of the country too established coaching centres in their campuses to attract a formidable lot. The time has gone now when parents would suggest streams to their wards after matriculation who used to force them for science and non-medical. Which in past has shattered the dreams of thousands of young and energetic children. In the contemporary times, children are at liberty to choose their subjects at all levels besides career options. It has yielded desired results and academic experts too recommend the freedom of children with regard to choosing their streams and careers.
To boost the civil services temperament among young generation and to create a congenial environment for such competitive exams, it is crucial to establish civil services consultation centres in every district, libraries equipped with modern technologies and up-to-date study material related to these exams at every tehsil headquarter so that aspirants of far off places don't lag behind and they too get a chance to try their luck.
Taking a review of the syllabus of varied subjects alongside introduction of some newly born subjects for such exams can bring a lasting smile on the faces of such aspirants. Increasing the age bar can make a big chunk of unemployed youth eligible for these prestigious exams besides offering opportunities to those at the verge of crossing upper age limit. The upper age limit for these exams must be same as that of other services, so that competent and genius category aspirants aren't left behind just by crossing only the upper age limit. Seminars, workshops and symposiums must be organized at regular intervals, toppers of the IAS and JKAS of different batches must be invited in these events to receive from them tips and strategy procedure for these exams. Besides administrative departments, some NGOs and academies must sponsor such events in order to develop interest among youth towards these exams.

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