Cracking a state civil services exam and that too in Kashmir is a big deal, given the socio-political challenges of the region. However, it does not seem to stop young aspirants of the region from trying their luck with the ambition to change or improve the realities around them.
One such successful story is of Asim Zargar, who got the 207th rank in the state administrative service exam (KAS) and has been allotted to state services to start his career in Jammu and Kashmir. I spoke with him to understand how he managed to complete one of the journeys of life, successfully, and what plans he has for the future.
Rana Ashish Singh (RAS): Hello! First of all, I want to congratulate you on your success. Let’s begin by learning about your educational and family background.
Asim Zargar (AZ): Thank you very much! I have my Graduation (BA) from Govt Degree College Baramulla and an MA in Political Science from Central University of Kashmir. My father is self-employed and my mother is a homemaker.
RAS: Why and when did you decide to start the preparation for such exams?
AZ: During my bachelor’s degree, I decided to prepare for civil services but it was only after completing Master’s in 2019, that I devoted my time wholly to this exam.
There have been several reasons which motivated me to enter into this field. Firstly because of the social issues (a) corruption problem in govt departments and (b) drug abuse among the youth. I found civil services as the main platform that could make a difference in the lives of the people.
People see civil servants as saviors as they are the first responders but when these saviors don’t even hear them out while facing problems (civil servants don’t let people enter their offices many times), this creates a vacuum between the government and people. I want my office to be open to the public, hear them patiently, sympathize with them, and as per the rules try to solve that problem.
RAS: What were the main challenges you faced during the process?
AZ: There were several challenges, such as the internet shutdown. Living in a difficult zone, being mentally strong is very important because while facing setbacks, a strong mind keeps us going forward. I faced many setbacks. I couldn’t clear the UPSC prelims twice but reached to interview stage in my first attempt at State PSC (JKAS). There is always a constant societal pressure to give up, the syllabus is never-ending, and overcoming these challenges requires patience and hard work.
RAS: What do you think became the factor for your success?
AZ: Discipline, dedication, strategizing things, consistency, self-belief, prayers, and most importantly internet as 80% of my preparation was based on the sources obtained through the internet.
RAS: What has motivated you and given you inspiration during the preparation?
AZ: Issues faced by the common people always motivated me to work harder for this exam, along with support from family and friends. The kind of work civil servants can do has also been an attractive feature that kept me going.
RAS: How many hours did you study regularly?
AZ: 8-9 hours, except on Sundays.
RAS: Do you think such exams need any changes in their format?
AZ: These exams are designed to prepare officers for facing challenges in the field so naturally this exam is to be tough but concerning format, the marks obtained in the optional papers (papers 1 and 2 in the mains exam) need to be normalized. There has been a lot of difference seen in the range of marks being given to different optional papers. For instance, papers from political science can be tough as compared to papers from sociology. Sometimes, the evaluator gives disproportionate marks to one optional. So, these things need to be changed. Create a level playing field.
RAS: What do you think are going to be your new challenges given the background of Kashmir?
AZ: Expectations from people, security scenario, people want immediate results and political pressure.
RAS: Any words of motivation and advice for aspirants?
AZ: Keep working hard, there is no substitute for hard work. Work smartly, and keep patience your time will come. Dream big, anything is achievable if you believe so. If I can do it anyone can.
RAS: Thank you, Asim. It was great to talk to you and learn about your journey. I wish you good luck!
AZ: Thank you!