The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2024 has witnessed outstanding success from candidates hailing from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. This year, 14 candidates from these regions have made it to the final list, showcasing the region’s growing contribution to India’s civil services. Among them are 12 from Jammu and Kashmir and 2 from Ladakh, some of whom are already in government service, further emphasizing their commitment and potential.
Noteworthy Achievements from Jammu and Kashmir
A standout performer from Jammu and Kashmir is Iram Choudhary from Rajouri, who has secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 40. This achievement is even more significant considering that Iram had previously qualified with AIR 852 in UPSC 2023, showcasing her consistency and relentless pursuit of excellence. Iram’s remarkable performance places her among the top achievers in India, a feat that brings pride not only to her but also to the region.

Other notable achievers from Jammu and Kashmir include Mohammad Muneeb Bhat, who has secured AIR 131 and is currently serving in the Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS). Mohammad Haris Mir from Handwara, North Kashmir, secured AIR 314. Haris had also qualified the UPSC examination in 2023, securing AIR 345 and was selected for the Indian Revenue Service. His consistency is a testament to his dedication to public service.
Achievements from Ladakh: Rigzen Angmo and Ghulam Haider
Ladakh too has made a significant mark this year, with Rigzen Angmo and Ghulam Haider from the Union Territory securing impressive ranks. Rigzen Angmo from Leh secured an AIR of 848, while Ghulam Haider from Panikhar, Kargil, secured AIR 633. These successes from Ladakh are a reflection of the region’s increasing aspiration and hard work in cracking one of the most prestigious exams in India.
Lt Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Dr.) B D Mishra, congratulated Rigzen and Ghulam Haider on their remarkable achievements. His message highlighted the hard work and dedication these candidates have exhibited, offering well wishes for their future endeavors and emphasizing the importance of their success in inspiring other youth in the region.
A Diverse Group of Successful Candidates
The success of candidates from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh is not only a matter of individual achievement but also a testament to the growing diversity and talent pool in the country’s civil services. The final list of successful candidates comprises individuals from various backgrounds, with 11 women and 14 men in the top 25 ranks alone. Among the top 5 successful candidates, three women and two men secured the top positions, further breaking barriers and making a mark in a traditionally male-dominated field.
UPSC Examination Details: Stages and Statistics
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted annually in three stages—Preliminary, Main, and Interview—to select candidates for prestigious services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. In 2024, a staggering 992,599 candidates applied for the examination, with 583,213 appearing for the Preliminary test. Out of these, only 14,627 qualified for the Main Examination held in September 2024. After the Main exam, 2,845 candidates advanced to the Interview stage, which took place from January 7 to April 17, 2025.
Ultimately, 1,009 candidates were recommended for appointment, including 725 men and 284 women. The recommended list comprises candidates from various categories, including 335 from the general category, 109 from the economically weaker sections, 318 from other backward classes, 160 from Scheduled Castes, and 87 from Scheduled Tribes. Furthermore, 45 candidates with benchmark disabilities were included in the final list, showcasing the UPSC’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Opportunities for Candidates in Civil Services
The Civil Services Examination 2024 aims to fill 1,129 vacancies, including 180 in IAS, 55 in IFS, 147 in IPS, 605 in central Group A services, and 142 in Group B services. The examination not only provides an opportunity to serve the nation but also paves the way for individuals to take on leadership roles in various government sectors.
The success of candidates from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh is a reflection of the evolving ambition and dedication within these regions. Their achievements provide valuable inspiration for young aspirants, urging them to follow their passion and pursue their dreams of public service.
Read also: How Youth from Jammu & Kashmir Can Apply for the PM Internship Scheme
The outstanding performance of 14 candidates from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 is a proud moment for the entire nation. Their success highlights the hard work, dedication, and perseverance required to crack one of the toughest examinations in India. It also reflects the changing landscape of the Indian civil services, where more and more young individuals from diverse regions are stepping up to contribute to the nation’s governance.
These candidates serve as role models for thousands of young aspirants from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, encouraging them to aim higher and strive for excellence. The increasing number of in-service officers making it to the final list is a testament to the growing level of ambition and professionalism in these regions. With more young individuals following in their footsteps, the future of India’s civil services looks brighter than ever.