Determination, consistency with hard work brought success, say UPSC toppers from Jammu

Jammu, Mar 8: They all aspired to revolutionise the world around by carving a niche for themselves in the arena from where this change could be effected.

Realisation of the dream came with their success in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025, the result of which was announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on March 6.

Yet the dreamy run meeting aspirations did not occur overnight.

Sheer grit and hard-work with consistency and above all, unflinching faith in their aspirational strength have made it possible for Suvan Sharma, Sugandha Gupta, Ritika Bhan and Sooyash Raj Shivam who are among 17 successful candidates of J&K who have qualified the prestigious Civil Services Exam.

For Sugandha (AIR 207), a resident of Shakti Nagar Jammu, her father Virender Gupta, JKAS officer, was her inspiration and her ultimate motivation to be part of the civil services.

“Perseverance in perfect alignment with the hard work worked as key to success. Right guidance during my college days, an unflinching support system in the family made it possible that I was able to crack this prestigious exam in my very first attempt,” she revealed while speaking to the media.

“On the basis of my experience and challenges I encountered in realising my dream, I will tell everyone who is aspiring to be part of this prestigious arena that he or she has taken a very tough yet spirited decision (to compete in CSE). You have to chase your dream with consistent hard-work and there will be no short-cut,” she asserted.

How her father inspired her, in response to this query, Sugandha pointed out, “My father has always been my main inspiration. I’ve seen him toiling hard, interacting with the people in his office; transforming things and bringing probably desired changes in the lives of people. That brought in motivation inside that probably I too want to bring changes through this medium.”

“Dream with conviction worked for me,” she said.

Suvan Sharma (AIR 148) was engrossed in some wedding celebrations in the family when Greater Kashmir called him to extend greetings and unravel the secret behind his success.

For Suvan, a DySP probationer, son of Dr T R Raina, former HoD Blood Bank, GMC Jammu and Nirmal Sharma, a retired IAS officer, this was not for the first time to taste success in such a magnificent manner that would become an inspiration for others.

Suvan, with his ancestral roots in Lamberi, Rajouri, had cleared the Civil Services Exam in 2023 as well by scoring 412 rank. He always envisioned the civil services as a medium to serve society and to repay the debt to the nation. Unflinching belief that it was doable was his Mantra to success.

Sooyash Raj Shivam, who has qualified CSE 2025 in his second attempt with All India Rank 572, is the son of State Election Commissioner Shantmanu. He did his MA in Philosophy and Economics from Delhi University. Sooyash is presently pursuing his PhD from Jammu University.

Ritika Bhan (AIR 456), born and brought up in Jammu, has her roots in Shopian district of Kashmir. Prior to her success in CSE-2025, she had qualified for Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) also.

“There is no chance for failure if you work with dedication and give your cent per cent performance with focus on your aim,” she reveals her secret to success.