by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: In a resounding success story emerging from the recently announced results of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) examinations, a cohort of exceptional individuals has claimed their well-deserved positions. Among this distinguished group, Mohammad Huzaif Sheikhzada, hailing from Kupwara, has emerged as a standout achiever. Holding the zenith position within the Kashmir division and an impressive overall rank of four, Huzaif’s journey is one marked by dedication, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Reflecting upon the path that led him to this triumphant moment, Huzaif humbly acknowledged the formidable challenges that accompany such a prestigious examination. “To qualify for this exam, one must possess not only a tenacious work ethic but also the courage to persevere through the trials, dedication to the cause, and an investment of time that transcends the ordinary,” he shared. His candid reflection underscores the profound commitment it takes to succeed in a demanding endeavour of this nature. Emphatically, he declared, “Even in the face of previous setbacks, my determination remained unshaken.”
Huzaif, whose journey to this achievement was marked by perseverance, revealed that this was his second endeavour at the examination. In his first attempt, he navigated his way to the interview stage but narrowly missed the final qualification. Sharing his joy at this recent accomplishment, he conveyed that his achievement had set off ripples of happiness within his entire family, especially his parents, who stood as pillars of support throughout his journey.
With a professional background rooted in engineering, Huzaif elucidated the transformation that led him from the realm of engineering to the horizon of civil services. “After dedicating four years to the engineering domain, a profound realisation dawned upon me—my true calling lay within the civil services arena. The intellectual stimulation I derived from my studies and preparation for these examinations was unparalleled,” he elaborated. His transition not only reflects a change in career path but also a deep-rooted alignment with his passion and purpose.
For Huzaif, the crux of his accomplishment rested on meticulous preparation and an investment of substantial time. A philosophy he has staunchly upheld since 2020, buoyed by an unwavering support system. “The strategic allocation of time is the cornerstone of success in these examinations,” he emphasised. His remarks shine a light on the importance of structured and focused preparation, a strategy that proved to be his guiding principle.
Intriguingly, Huzaif’s affinity for political science as an optional subject stemmed from a genuine interest in the subject matter. He underscored two pivotal elements that paved the way for his achievement: “Devotion to the cause, coupled with effective time management, forms the bedrock of success.” Dispensing advice to future aspirants, he advocated crafting responses that precisely address the core of the question. “Staying on point and avoiding tangential information is essential. Drawing insights from the responses of prior top-ranked candidates can offer invaluable guidance,” he imparted.
The realisation of clinching a high rank left Huzaif astonished, as he confessed, “While I harboured hopes of making the cut, securing the fourth rank surpassed my wildest expectations. The unpredictability of these examinations adds to their mystique,” he acknowledged with a smile. The fruition of this dream was not merely an individual accomplishment but a testament to the support network that buoyed him along this arduous journey.
Delving into the discourse of coaching, Huzaif shared a balanced perspective. While he acknowledged the benefits of seeking guidance in mastering specific subjects, he affirmed that the ultimate determinant of success lies within the aspirant’s personal diligence, dedication, and time management. “The pursuit of excellence in these exams does not necessitate round-the-clock effort; channelling 5-6 hours of intense and productive study can suffice,” he affirmed, underlining the importance of quality over quantity.
Looking to the horizon that stretches ahead, Huzaif’s aspirations encompass the prospect of pursuing the UPSC examination, subject to conducive circumstances. Addressing fellow aspirants, he extended words of encouragement, “Tripping on this path should be perceived as a chapter of learning, an opportunity to seek guidance from those who have triumphed not only in this exam but across various domains. Above all, resilience is your greatest asset; adaptability is the compass that can navigate you to remarkable heights.”
In Mohammad Huzaif Sheikhzada’s narrative of perseverance and triumph, the aspirational journey of countless hopefuls finds resonance—a journey marked by dedication, introspection, and an unyielding spirit that conquers adversity and illuminates the path to excellence.
