Kulgam duo shines in JKAS Exam: Afiya Javaid secures 8th rank, Shakir Hussain Malik 58th rank

Kulgam, Oct 30: Two talented young individuals from Kulgam have made their district proud by performing well in the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination (JKAS) – 2023, conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC).
Afiya Javaid, 28, from Katapora Yaripora, secured an impressive 8th rank in the open merit category with a score of 1063. Afiya, the daughter of Javaid Ahmad Lone, shared that this was her fourth attempt at the exam. Although she reached the interview stage in her previous attempts, success had eluded her until now.
She credited her success to the guidance and resources she received from Humdard Study Circle, where she worked as an academic associate for two years, and from the Initiative for Competitive Promotion (ICP), which helped her prepare for the interview stage. “The experience at these institutions was invaluable,” Afiya said, adding that her family’s unwavering support was crucial throughout her journey.
Shakir Hussain Malik, 27, from Nowbugh Kund, located about 12 kilometers from Qazigund town, achieved the 58th rank in the RBA category with a score of 956. A graduate in Political Science and History from the University of Delhi, Shakir’s journey to passing the JKAS exam took three attempts.
He explained that he had been preparing for the exam since 2018 while also focusing on other state-level exams. “The long exam schedule taught me a lot, including accountancy and a deeper understanding of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. Shakir prepared independently without formal guidance, relying on a supportive classmate for study materials.
Both Afiya and Shakir faced unique challenges, especially candidates from remote areas like theirs, which include limited infrastructure, access to educational resources, and basic facilities. Afiya graduated in computer science, while Shakir comes from a family without a background in civil services; his father is a shopkeeper and his mother a homemaker.