Aashiq Ahmad Dar from Kharpora village in Kokarnag, Anantnag district, has achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying the prestigious Jammu and Kashmir Economic Services Exam and securing the position of Assistant Director in the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department. His success exemplifies how determination and hard work can overcome geographical and socio-economic barriers.
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A Triumph from Rural Kashmir
Kharpora is a remote village located approximately 12 kilometers from Kokarnag subdivision headquarters, with a population of 2,784 people residing in 389 households. The village faces significant educational challenges, with a literacy rate of just 30-42%, considerably lower than Jammu and Kashmir’s state average of 67%. While the village has government primary and secondary schools, students must travel over 10 kilometers to Kokarnag or Srinagar to access senior secondary schools, degree colleges, and professional coaching facilities.
Despite these infrastructural limitations, Aashiq Ahmad Dar’s achievement demonstrates that rural youth can compete successfully in prestigious competitive examinations when supported by dedication and proper preparation.
Understanding the Achievement
The position of Assistant Director (Economics and Statistics) is a highly coveted role in Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative framework, conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, Commerce, Mathematics, or related fields from a recognized university.
The selection process includes a rigorous written examination followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates. The JKPSC conducted interviews for this position from October 8-16, 2025, at their Solina office in Srinagar.
Career Prospects and Responsibilities
The Assistant Director position offers an excellent career trajectory with substantial growth opportunities. Starting at Pay Level 8, the position offers a basic salary of approximately Rs. 47,600, which with allowances reaches Rs. 80,000-85,000 per month. The role involves conducting economic analysis, formulating development strategies, monitoring government schemes, preparing statistical reports, and providing data-driven policy insights.
Career progression is well-defined, with promotions to Deputy Director (Level 11) after 8-12 years of service, offering salaries around Rs. 1.28 lakh monthly. Further advancement leads to Joint Director (Level 12) with salaries exceeding Rs. 1.6 lakh, and ultimately to the Director of Planning (Level 13), the topmost position in this cadre. Officers who join at a young age after completing their Master’s degrees can realistically aspire to reach the Director level through consistent performance and dedication.
As Assistant Director, Aashiq will play a crucial role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s economic and developmental policies. His responsibilities will include analyzing economic trends, evaluating developmental programs, maintaining statistical databases, and coordinating with various government departments to ensure data-driven decision-making. The position offers not just financial security but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Union Territory’s growth and development.
Part of a Larger Movement
Aashiq Ahmad Dar’s success is part of an inspiring trend of Kashmiri youth increasingly pursuing and succeeding in competitive examinations. In recent years, Kashmir has witnessed remarkable achievements including thirteen candidates clearing the Union Public Service Commission examinations, students from remote areas qualifying for prestigious medical and engineering programs, and young aspirants securing top ranks in various state and national level competitive tests.
However, Kashmiri students face unique challenges including disrupted academic calendars, limited access to quality coaching, financial constraints, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the rapid expansion of coaching centers in Srinagar, Anantnag, Sopore, and Baramulla, combined with improved internet accessibility enabling online learning, has democratized educational opportunities. Students from villages like Kharpora can now access virtual classes, mock tests, and expert lectures that were previously available only to urban aspirants.
Read Also: Suhail Ahmad Khoja Makes Kupwara Proud with JKPSC Success
An Inspiration for Future Generations
Aashiq Ahmad Dar’s qualification brings immense pride to Kharpora village and the entire Kokarnag region. His journey from a village with limited educational infrastructure and low literacy rates to a prestigious administrative position sends a powerful message: geographical location and socio-economic background need not determine one’s destiny.
For aspiring students across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those from rural areas, his success demonstrates that with dedication, strategic preparation, and access to educational resources, even the most challenging competitive examinations can be conquered. His achievement is not merely personal—it represents the rising aspirations of an entire generation of Kashmiri youth determined to serve their society and contribute to regional development.
The position of Assistant Director offers Aashiq a platform to directly impact the planning and development initiatives of Jammu and Kashmir, making his success story both professionally rewarding and socially meaningful. As he begins this new chapter, his journey will undoubtedly inspire countless young aspirants from rural Kashmir to pursue their dreams with renewed confidence and determination.
Source: The Kashmir Info Facebook Page
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