Baramulla, Mar 7: Raja Azhar, a young man from Bijhama village in Boniyar tehsil of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, has once again cracked the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, improving his rank in the latest results.
Azhar, who had earlier secured All India Rank (AIR) 1133 in the 2024 Civil Services Examination, has now improved his position to 886, marking another significant milestone in his journey.
Currently serving in the Indian Information Service (IIS), Azhar said the improved rank could lead to a change in his service allocation.
Speaking about his preparation strategy, Azhar said his overall approach to the examination remained largely the same, though he intensified his efforts during the latest attempt.
“My strategy was similar to what I followed earlier, but the intensity and focus were much higher this time,” he said.
Notably, Azhar has become the first youth from the Uri area to qualify the UPSC Civil Services Examination, earning widespread appreciation across the region.
Coming from a modest background in a remote border area with limited resources, Azhar said self-study played a crucial role in his success.
“Self-study has been the key to my success. I did not attend any coaching institute; instead, I relied on consistent learning and discipline,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of technology in overcoming resource constraints during his preparation.
“I did not have the luxury of coaching classes. However, online tools and digital study material helped me a lot during my preparation,” he added.
Azhar belongs to a humble family, and his father runs a small business in the village.
He expressed gratitude to his parents, friends and well-wishers for their constant encouragement and support.
“I share this success with everyone who believed in me and motivated me to stay focused,” he said.
Azhar’s achievement has become a source of inspiration for many young aspirants, particularly those living in far-flung and rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir where access to quality coaching and educational resources remains limited.
His success demonstrates that with dedication, perseverance and effective use of technology, even students from remote regions can compete in one of the country’s toughest examinations.
“One needs to remain fully devoted to the goal—success will follow. I chose my goal and pursued it with sincerity and determination,” Azhar said.
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