When she failed to crack MBBS, she didn’t curse her luck, rather stayed focused and prepared for a tougher challenge. In recently declared UPSC results this Srinagar girl secured 115th rank, reports Umar Mukhtar
Last week, Bisma Qazi, 25, an engineering student from Gopal Pora locality created history of sorts by securing 115th in Civil Services.
Bisma, who lives in a newly constructed house on Srinagar outskirts, did her schooling from Mallinson Girl’s School.
After that she did her engineering in electronics and communication from SSM College Pattan.
Once she cleared her Class 12 exams, she got selected for BVSC and engineering courses. “I wanted to crack MBBS test but somehow I could not,” said Bisma.
But she didn’t lose her heart, instead started to stay focused on her studies. “Failure didn’t dishearten me,” said Bisma.
While doing graduation Bisma kept her eyes on the UPSC. But till the time she completed her graduation she stayed focused on engineering. “Once I completed my graduation then only I dedicated my energies to UPSC,” said Bisma.
But the race to reach the top was not an easy one as Bisma thought earlier. The first hurdle came in September 2014, when entire valley got inundated by floods. “Entire city was under water. I was holed up inside my house,” recalls Bisma. “I couldn’t even get study material. There was nothing available in the market.”
It was then Bisma decided get admission in a residential coaching academy at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. “Back home even internet was a luxury. I realized that I was losing precious time so I moved out,” said Bisma.
In 2015, Bisma first appeared in UPSC but couldn’t make it. “I was not sad as I knew it is not easy crack in the first go,” said Bisma. “This helped me get acquainted with the nature of the exam.”
This year when Bisma appeared for the second time in UPSC, she was sure to make it to the final list. “I didn’t prepare in the conventional way as such,” said Bisma. “I believe number of hours one spends studying hardly makes any difference.”
For Bisma the quality of study material is the key to success.
Bisma, who chose anthropology as optional subject for her main exam, is interested in studying societies. “For such a high level exam, one needs to have proper guidance, else it is not possible to crack it,” said Bisma.
Interestingly, Bisma would try again if she fails to get into IAS cadre, as desired. “I will definitely go for up-gradation of my rank if I don’t get the desired post,” said Bisma. “I am not yet sure if I will get IAS or IPS. But, I get IPS, I will join but at the same time I will retry.”
Eldest among her siblings Bisma’s father Mohammad Shafi Qazi, is a business man.
This year UPSC has recommended 1099 candidates for various government services, apart from 220 in the waiting list. Those selected will get either into Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) or Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.
“I have kept my fingers crossed. The tough part is over,” said Bisma.
