Bijbehara Mar 6: Muneeb Afzal Parrah from Krandigam village in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has qualified the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, securing All India Rank 581.
Parrah, who is currently serving as a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer, described clearing the prestigious examination as a humbling moment and attributed his success to sustained discipline and patience.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, he said his interest in civil services developed during his graduation while studying governance and social issues.
“I felt civil services provide a platform where ideas, policy and public welfare intersect,” he said.
Parrah said this was his third attempt at the examination and his second interview.
“Last year I appeared for the interview but could not clear the final cut-off,” he said.
He added that he relied entirely on self-study and did not attend coaching classes during his preparation. His optional subject was Political Science and International Relations, which aligns with his academic background.
“My preparation focused on conceptual clarity for prelims, analytical thinking for mains and maintaining balanced perspectives for the interview,” he said.
Parrah said maintaining motivation during the long and demanding preparation process was challenging, but the support of family, friends and teachers helped him remain focused.
He also said that being already in government service helped ease the stress associated with the examination process.
Advising civil services aspirants, he said patience, discipline and sincerity are essential for success.
“More important than qualifying the examination is the responsibility that comes with the opportunity to serve society,” he said.
Parrah expressed hope that he would be able to contribute towards inclusive development, improved education and responsive governance, particularly for vulnerable sections of society.
