Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 7: In an inspiring story of resilience and determination, Irfan Ahmad Lone, a 100 percent visually impaired youth from Mirpora Naidkhai in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, has cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025, securing All India Rank (AIR) 957.
Believed to be the first person from the district to achieve the feat, his remarkable success has brought immense pride to his family, village and the entire district, while inspiring countless young aspirants across the region.
Lone lost his eyesight during childhood after an accident, but despite the life-changing setback, he refused to allow his disability to define his future.
With unwavering determination and years of hard work, he continued his education and pursued his dream of joining the civil services. Click here to watch video
Family members said they were overwhelmed with joy when they learned about the result.
His sister said Lone’s success was the result of relentless effort and dedication. “My brother’s success is the outcome of his hard work. Clearing UPSC was always his dream,” she said.
His father, Bashir Ahmad Lone, said the family had known that he had appeared in the interview but did not expect the result at that moment.
“He lost eyesight in an accident during childhood and since then he has not been able to see. Today his success has made our entire family proud,” he said.
Lone pursued part of his schooling at a school for visually impaired students in Dehradun and later completed his higher education at Hindu College, Delhi University.
Despite personal hardships and challenges along the way, he remained focused on his goal.
His success sends a powerful message to young people that determination and hard work can overcome even the greatest obstacles.
Adding another inspiring success story from Kashmir, Muneeb Afzal, a resident of Kandigam village in Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025, securing All India Rank (AIR) 581.
Known for his academic brilliance since his school days, Afzal has consistently maintained a strong academic record, a trait that eventually culminated in his success in one of the country’s most competitive examinations.
His achievement has brought celebrations to his village and admiration from across Kashmir, with many describing his success as a source of motivation for aspiring students.
Afzal, who is currently serving as a JKAS officer, achieved the milestone through consistent preparation and determination.
Known for his academic excellence, he completed his Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Kashmir and had earlier qualified the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service.
His friend, Sameer Gulzar said that Afzal’s dedication and intelligence had always set him apart. Afzal’s elder brother, Irfan said the entire family was delighted by the news of his success.
“He has already been serving in JKAS, and now qualifying UPSC has made us extremely proud. It is a moment of joy for the entire family and an inspiration for many young people,” he said.
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