The border town of Poonch in Jammu frequently makes headlines for terror strikes. There exist extensive security covers, and it is no stranger to the sounds of gunshots and bullets. Come May 23, and the afternoon in Poonch broke out in celebration rejoicing the success of its daughter, Parsanjeet Kour, 23.
She did not only pass the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) this year but also the UPSC Civil Service Examination with the top position of 11! Indian Masterminds exclusively spoke with her to know more about her outstanding achievement.
DREAM FULFILLED
Daughter of pharmacist Nirmal Singh and Darshan Kour, Ms. Kour, who graduated from Government Degree College in Poonch, had come across an article about the local government and the role of a Deputy Commissioner in India while still in school, which greatly influenced her career trajectory. The University of Jammu postgraduate in science was determined to join the civil service and make a difference in the lives of others around her.
She went for JKAS and qualified with 32 Rank and is undergoing training. Parsanjeet did not take any coaching and cracked both KAS and IAS with outstanding ranks. Her dream of becoming an IAS will finally get fulfilled now.
FOCUS ON REVISION
Her preparation technique was straightforward: study less and revise more. She practised the mantra religiously and chose basic resources for preparation such as NCERT and ordinary standard books, as well as current affairs. She revised her notes numerous times.
Parsanjeet chose Zoology as an optional subject, a fairly challenging one. As it was one of her graduation subjects she believed she could do justice. “Moreover, I had plenty of study material and resources for Zoology which is why I thought it would be an ideal choice,” she told Indian Masterminds.
FITTED LIKE JIGSAW
The interview round regarded as the most difficult component of the exam, was a cakewalk for Ms. Kour. She had covered everything mentioned in her Detailed Application Form (DAF) and concentrated intently on learning more about her educational institutions, district, and state, as well as her subjects.
Ms. Kour, who loves mentoring young students from her district, considers herself fortunate that the questions she was asked centred around what she had prepared.
“I recall being asked how many mock interviews I had given before the real one. And I informed them that I had taken 2-3 mock interviews. They asked if the real one was better or if the mocks were more intriguing. When I told them that the real one was far superior, the panellists burst out laughing, making my day,” she expressed happily.
She was also questioned about J&K’s agriculture and security issues.
FUTURE PLANS
As a soon-to-be IAS officer, Parsanjeet wants to concentrate on enhancing the Education and Health sectors in her region. These, in her opinion, require the greatest amount of focus.
Talking about the challenges that she faced during the examination, Parsanjeet shared that having done complete self-study, she always found the guidance of a mentor missing in her preparation, but she did not let that hurdle bother her and emerged victorious in her very first attempt.
MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
Through Indian Masterminds, Parsanjeet wishes to tell the future aspirants: “The bigger our goal, the more the obstacles on our way. We shouldn’t fear setbacks and stay motivated. We have to fight and achieve our dreams, no matter how hard they seem.”
