Iqra Farooq Bhat tops Kashmir region with self-study approach

Srinagar, Oct 30: In an inspiring story of determination, Iqra Farooq Bhat from Zakura, Srinagar, has achieved remarkable success by securing the first rank in the Kashmir region and second in Jammu and Kashmir in the JKAS (Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service) exam. Iqra, the daughter of a tailor, worked hard for three years to prepare for this important exam. She expressed her dream of wanting to make a positive impact in the Kashmir Valley, stating, “I have always wanted to reach a position where I can make a difference.”
Despite facing financial challenges, Iqra remained focused and proved that hard work and self-study can help overcome obstacles. Unlike many other candidates who attended coaching centers, she prepared independently using online resources. “I didn’t take any coaching, nor do I think it’s necessary if one can effectively use the internet. The internet guided me in everything I needed,” she explained.
Her journey to success was not easy, especially considering her family’s financial constraints. Her father, Farooq Ahmed, is a tailor, and the family sometimes faced difficulties. However, Iqra’s parents always supported her. “My mother and father never let me feel that we were financially struggling. They always believed it could be done, which kept me motivated,” she shared.
When the exam results were announced, Iqra felt nervous and uncertain. “I wasn’t sure if I’d rank so high, but I am grateful to Allah for this blessing,” she said. Her father, Farooq Ahmed, echoed her joy, saying, “Every parent does their best for their children. My daughter worked hard, and God has blessed her with this success.”
Iqra also had an important message for other parents: “If children don’t clear exams, they should encourage them to work harder rather than pushing them too much. Every child has potential, and they need their parents’ support to realize it.”