Women candidates have posted their best ever results in the UPSC exams in Jammu and Kashmir with three of the 11 successful candidates from the state belonging to the fairer sex.
Syed Sehrish (rank 23), Anchita Pandoh (rank 446) and Ruveda Salam Bajad (rank 820) were among the 11 successful candidates from Jammu and Kashmir who cracked the prestigious Union Public Services Commission examination this year.
While Shah Faesal is generally considered as an inspiration for the Kashmiri youth to give their best at the UPSC examination, it was Ovessa Iqbal who in 2010 became the first Muslim woman to qualify the examination, paving the way for young girls.
Although Iqbal was not the first one from the state to qualify the prestigious examination - Priyanka Dhar did it in 2008. Incidentally, the girl from a remote village in Leh district was the only one to qualify from the state that year.
The number was doubled last year as Sehrish and Pooja Hali cracked the examination.
Sehrish, who was allotted to IPS cadre last year and is currently undergoing training in Karnataka, wanted to join the IAS. She appeared for the examination again this year and cracked it, but she is not alone as Pandoh and Ruveda keep her company in this year's list.
"I was inspired to work for my society and the great potential of the IAS that makes a positive contribution for its growth and development," Sehrish said while explaining her decision to strive for improving her rank.
