Her next target, Sultana said, will be to clear the UPSC exams
Rukaiya Sultana, the daughter of a humble family from Murshidabad’s Daulatabad, has fulfilled her cherished childhood dream of becoming a public servant.
The 27-year-old woman qualified as a WBCS officer on Friday, securing 27th rank.
“I come from a poor family. My father works at a garment store and my mother is a para-teacher. Yet they have supported me throughout my academic journey. I can’t thank them enough,” Sultana told The Telegraph.
In her last attempt two years ago, Sultana could not clear the WBCS preliminary exams. However, she did not give up. She simply decided to work harder for the next time. That’s when her parents proved to be her biggest support, she added.
“I did not take admission to any coaching centre. My family couldn’t afford it. However, one of my cousins who had cracked the WBCS exams earlier is currently serving as a revenue officer. I would call her from time to time for help. She was my only guide,” Sultana said.
According to Sultana, she failed in her first attempt as she “did not prepare smartly enough”. However, this time she has secured the 27th rank and successfully completed all three steps — the preliminary, main and interview.
Her next target, Sultana said, will be to clear the UPSC exams. “I’m not stopping now,” she smiled.
It only shows how far she has come.
Sultana’s village Daulatabad, is a hamlet about 15 km away from the district headquarters in Behrampore. Since Class V, an independent-minded Sultana has been going to Kashiswari Girls’ High School in Behrampore all by herself. In both her Madhyamik and higher secondary tests, Sultana secured 85 per cent marks.
Later, she enrolled herself at the Krishnanath College in Behrampore for a BSc in chemistry and completed her post-graduate degree from Kalyani University in Nadia.
Throughout these years, Sultana never enrolled herself in any private tuition. “I knew I would not burden my parents. Their encouragement was enough,” she said.
Ruhul Hasan, Sultana’s father, earns around Rs 10,000 a month. Her mother Arjuma Khatun earns about Rs 12,000 to 13,000 every month. The cumulative amount could only provide for the family’s basic needs.
“We never had extras. We live in a two-room house and I had to arrange for the books I studied myself. I consider private tuition a luxury,” Sultana said.
Hasan could not praise his daughter enough.
“I could never admit my daughter to fancy institutions, nor am I educated enough to help her. She studied in a government school and whatever she has achieved is hers alone. I am very happy,” Hasan said.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / Telegraph Online – Edugraph / Home> Edugraph / by Alamgir Hossain / August 30th, 2023
With only 23 candidates qualifying, results for Muslims worst in 12 years.
New Delhi:
Shruti Sharma, Ankita Agarwal, and Gamini Singla have secured the first, second, and third rank respectively in the civil services examination 2021, results of which were announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Monday.
Among the 685 candidates, 23 Muslim candidates managed to crack the exam and have been qualified for the Public Service.
pix: @suhailakbar
The most significant rank among the 23 Muslim candidates was Areeba Nomaan who secured the All India Rank of 109 followed by Mohd Suboor Khan who secured 125th rank and Syed Mustafa Hashmi with an All India Rank of 162.
Afnan Abdu Samed (274), Arshad Muhammed (276), Mohd Saquib Alam (279), Asrar Ahmad Kichloo (287), Ashik Ali (304), Mohammed Abdul Rawoof Shaik (309), Nazish Umar Ansari (344), Faisal Khan (364), Shumaila Choudhary (368), Mavis Tak (386), MD Qamaruddin Khan (414), Mohd Shabir (419), Faisal Raza (441), Masoom Raja Khan (457), Ashif A (464), Muskan Dagar (474), Tahseenbanu Dawadi (482), Shaikh Mohd Zaib Zakir (496), Mohammed Siddiq Shariff (516), Mohammed Shaukath Azeem (545), Makakmayum Hosni Mubarak (575), and Anwar Hussain (600) are the other Muslim candidates who cleared the exams and stand qualified for the services.
The performance of Muslim candidates in the Civil Services 2021 exams is worst if compared with their results in the last 12 years. The last time Muslims had performed poorly was in 2010 when 21 Muslims out of the total 875 had cracked the Civil Services Exam. Dr. Shah Faesal, a Muslim candidate had however bagged the All India Rank 1 in that year.
In 2020, a total of 31 Muslim candidates cracked the Civil Services exam from the total of 761 candidates that were selected for the services. In 2019, the bar was even higher with 42 Muslim candidates qualifying for services.
The years 2016 and 2017 were the brightest period for Muslim candidates. In 2016, 52 Muslims figured in the list of successful candidates whereas in 2017 their tally was 50.
The years 2016 and 2017 were the brightest period for Muslim candidates. In 2016, 52 Muslims figured in the list of successful candidates whereas in 2017 their tally was 50.
In 2015, 34 Muslims were among the 1,078 candidates recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) whereas 38 Muslims were on the list of a total of 1,236 candidates in 2014.
In 2013, a total of 34 Muslims had cleared the exam, whereas, in 2012, 30 Muslims were among the successful candidates, and four of them were among the top 100.
Similarly in 2012, 30 Muslims were among the successful candidates, and in 2011, 31 Muslims were among the 920 selected for the civil services.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> India / by Vartha Bharati / May 30th, 2022
After SSC, HSC and UPSC exams, the girl students extended their winning streak yet again by securing the top two slots in the list of the successful students in M. Sc. exams when Pune University announced the results last week.
Saima firdaus who topped MSC Maths
Saima Firdaus Mohd. Yaseen,a Muslim girl student from Malegaon, the textile town in North Maharashtra top ranked the Pune University in M. Sc. (Mathematics) scoring a thumping 88.35% in M.Sc. final year, a result normally not achieved by the students in Mathematics. She is followed by another girl student Deepali of neighboring Ahmadnagar.
Pune University has a criterion wherein it has different syllabus, examination pattern and question papers in the exams for the University campus and rest of Maharashtra. The syllabus and exam pattern for the University campus are relatively difficult and a student has to be compulsorily in the campus during the entire course.
Saima secured the first position in M.Sc. Mathematics after completing the course from the University campus, ahead of 70 other students, half of them being boys including foreigners from countries like Iran and Africa.
Acknowledging her achievement Omar Farooque of Malegaon who had secured the top rank in 2004 scoring 79% and right now working as a Mathematics lecturer at Saboo Siddique Engineering College Mumbai said, “Very few students normally opt for the tough Mathematics subject. A girl choosing the subject in itself is something different. By scoring 89% percent, Saima deserves all praise from everyone.”
A beaming Saima on the other hand is cool. “Mathematics has always been a child’s play for me”, she said to ummid.com. “Since childhood I had scored excellently well in every exam with maximum marks in Mathematics.”
Saima cleared all her earlier exams with distinction and in B. Sc. Mathematics too she scored an impressive 88.75% marks. After clearing NET/SET – a compulsory test for a college post, she is now eying for the post of lecturership at any reputed college.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by ummid.com staff reporter / August 10th, 2009
The free coaching centre on Mohammed Ali Road boasts residential facilities for out-of-town girls
Muslim girl aspirants of civil services have just got a reason to rejoice. The Fatimabai Musa Patel Competitive Examination Training Centre for Women (residential and non-residential) at Mohammed Ali Road, opening this week, fulfils an old need of the community.
Initially accommodating 20 residential and around 30 non-residential candidates, the Centre helps give wings to many girls who aspire to become civil servants and want to give the tough IAS and provincial services exams a shot.
“The need for a proper place exclusive for the girls who want to prepare for UPSC and MPSC exams has been felt for a long. Some like-minded people have joined hands to prepare this facility,” said former MLA Bashir Musa Patel who owns this place and has dedicated it to the memory of his mother Fatimabai.
Though Patel and a few other good Samaritans came forward to create this Centre, the motivating force is former CEO of Haj Committee of India and ex-registrar, Mumbai University, Dr Maqsood Ahmed Khan. With experience of mentoring civil services aspirants at the Haj House’s coaching centre, Khan was suited to show the path here too. “They roped me in to do honourary mentorship here. We have already selected candidates. Initially most of the candidates are those who previously appeared for the UPSC entrance examinations but didn’t succeed and wanted to prepare again,” said Khan.
On Friday, the Centre’s director Zubia Shaikh, through a power-point presentation, explained the abysmal low representation of Muslims in the civil services. According to the Sachar Commission Report, the representation of Muslims in the civil services is only 3%.
“This Centre will propel girls to reach their goals. Even if some don’t succeed in these tough examinations, the very dream and preparations will equip them to face challenges in life,” said Shaikh.
Two candidates who cracked UPSC exams last year and were allotted IPS cadre-Mavis Tak and Tahseen Banu Dawadi-too addressed the small gathering virtually. Both are preparing again to upgrade their UPSC ranks.
“The facility created here for the girls is very important. It is not possible to prepare for this examination at home as you need the right environment, guidance, mentorship and company of fellow aspirants,” said Tak who graduated from Mira Road-based Royal College.
Soon after Tak, daughter of a freelance translator cracked the UPSC exams, several organisations and individuals, including Mira Road based ex-MLC Muzaffar Hussain and Royal College, felicitated her and her parents. In her interview to TOI, she had said that her father was the main motivating force as he had dreams of becoming an IAS. “He wanted me to achieve what he could not,” Tak had told TOI.
Hijab-wearing Dawadi comes from Karnataka and said that hijab was no hindrance to education and qualifying for the UPSC. Ayesha Kazi who is awaiting her UPSC final results this year said a centre like this where girls felt secured, confident and comfortable was needed to encourage others to aim for a career in civil services.
The Centre is getting community’s applause. Philanthropist Kaderbhai Fazlani lauded the amenities.
“The densely populated Muslim pockets in the city do not have enough facilities for students, especially girls, to concentrate and study for UPSC exams. More such centres are needed at different pockets in the city,” said businessman Sabir Nirban.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mumbai News / by Mohammed Wajihuddin, TNN / February 26th, 2023
For decades, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has been one of the most coveted careers for young graduates in India. However, the IAS exams are considered one of the country’s toughest competitive exams, requiring extensive preparation and guidance. This is where Khan Study Group (KSG), one of India’s best IAS coaching institutes, comes in.
Established in 2008 by Dr. A.R. Khan, popularly known amongst Civil Services aspirants as Dr. Khan, KSG India has quickly risen to become a leading institution in the field of IAS coaching. Its unique teaching methodologies, experienced faculty, and comprehensive curriculum have helped thousands of students achieve their dream of becoming civil servants.
Dr. A.R. Khan, the founder of KSG, is a well-known personality in the field of civil services coaching. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, he has trained and mentored thousands of aspirants. His expertise in the field of IAS coaching is unparalleled, and he is widely recognized as one of the best faculty members in the country.
KSG’s success is primarily attributed to its holistic approach toward IAS coaching. The institute not only focuses on the academic aspect of IAS preparation but also the overall personality development of its students. The curriculum is designed to cover all aspects of the IAS exam, including the preliminary, mains, and interview stages.
The institute’s faculty members are experts in their respective fields, with years of experience in civil services coaching. They are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and provide personalized attention to each student. Their faculty members believe in imparting knowledge and the skills and strategies required to crack the IAS exam.
KSG’s curriculum is comprehensive and covers all the subjects that are a part of the IAS exam. The institute provides study material that is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the exam. The material is regularly updated to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date. KSG also conducts regular mock tests, which help students understand the exam pattern and evaluate their progress.
The institute also offers a range of specialized courses that cater to the specific needs of students. These courses include crash courses, weekend courses, and online courses. Online courses are top-rated among students who cannot attend regular classes due to time constraints or geographical barriers. The online courses are designed to provide the same quality of coaching as the regular classes, and students can interact with the faculty members through online platforms or speak to them over the phone.
The institute has a strong focus on personality development and communication skills. The institute provides soft skills, public speaking, and interview skills training. This training is designed to help students overcome their fear of public speaking and improve their communication skills, which is an essential part of the IAS exam.
It also has a dedicated team of mentors who guide and support students. The mentors help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and provide personalized advice on improvement. The institute also has a library that is well-stocked with books and study material related to the IAS exam.
In conclusion, Khan Study Group (https://www.ksgindia.com/) is undoubtedly one of India’s best IAS coaching institutes. Its unique teaching methodologies, experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and focus on personality development and communication skills have helped thousands of students achieve their dream of becoming civil servants. If you are an aspirant looking for quality civil services exam coaching, KSG is worth considering.
source: http://www.mid-day.com / mid-day / Home> Brand Media News / by brandmedia@mid-day.com mumbai / April 12th, 2023
Ibrahim Shahbandari, hailing from Bhatkal, Karnataka, achieved an outstanding second place in the fifth category of the 43rd King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an.
The event, held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, featured 166 contestants representing 117 countries across all five categories, with a total prize pool of SAR4,000,000.
In the first category, Ayoub bin Abdulaziz Al-Wahibi from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia secured first place and received a prize of SAR500,000. Saad bin Saadi Sleim from Algeria came in second place, earning SAR450,000, while Abu Al-Hasan Hassan Najm from Chad achieved the third position, receiving a prize of SAR400,000.
In the second category, Ammar bin Salem Al-Shahri from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia claimed the first position and was awarded a prize of SAR300,000. Mohammed bin Adnan Al-Omari from Bahrain secured second place, receiving a prize of SAR275,000. The third position went to Abdulaziz bin Malik Atli from Syria, who received a prize of SAR250,000.
In the third category, the winners include Mohammed bin Ibrahim Mohammed from Somalia, who clinched first place and received a prize of SAR200,000. Second place went to Shuaib bin Mohammed Hassan from Sweden, who was awarded SAR190,000 while Faisal Ahmed from Bangladesh secured the third position, earning SAR180,000 Saudi Riyals, and Mohammed Mufid Al-Azza from Indonesia claimed the fourth spot and received SAR170,000. Siraj Al-Din Muammar Kandi from Libya rounded off the top five, receiving a prize of SAR160,000.
Regarding the fourth category, the winners are as follows: Mohammed Ghai from Senegal secured the top position, earning a prize of SAR150,000. Hatem Abdulhamid Falah from Libya claimed the second spot, receiving an award of SAR140,000, and Yassin Abdulrahman from Uganda achieved the third position, with a prize of SAR130,000. Mashfiqur Rahman from Bangladesh attained the fourth position and was granted SAR120,000 while rounding off the top five, Abdulkader Yousef Mohammed from Somalia received a prize of SAR110,000.
As for the fifth category, Elias Abdou from the country of Larionion secured the first position, earning a prize of SAR65,000 while the second place went to Ibrahim Shahbandari from India who was awarded SAR60,000. Marwan bin Shalal from the Netherlands achieved the third position, receiving SAR55,000, and Mustafa Sinnanovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina attained the fourth position and received SAR50,000. Lastly, Hassib Amrullah from North Macedonia took fifth place, earning a prize of SAR45,000.
Before earning recognition at the 43rd King Abdulaziz International Competition of Holy Quran, Ibrahim Shahbandri showcased his remarkable talents on a global stage in July 2016. At just eight years old, Ibrahim was awarded the prestigious title of “Preacher of the Nation” in an Arabic religious sermon contest held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ibrahim’s astonishing oratory skills astounded both the predominantly Arabic-speaking audience and judges as he outshone more than 70 contestants to clinch this coveted title. The contest was an integral part of the 13th annual Ramadan Forum, hosted by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.
source:http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / September 07th, 2023
Mohammad Kasim (as his name is spelled in UP Judicial Services Exam Result Sheet) secured the 135th rank in the coveted exam result of which was declared on August 30, 2023.
Justice Mohammad Qasim (sitting in the middle with specs and in white t-shirt )(Photo shared by Adv S G Rabbani Alig (@sgrabbani_ias) who described Mohammed Qasim as his mentor and friend)
Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh):
Nobody can fail you if you are determined and committed to what you have planned to achieve, Mohammad Qasim, 29-year-old Judge from the Muslim dominated but neglected district of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh said.
Mohammad Qasim is one of the six students from the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to crack the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service Civil Judge (Junior Division) Examination 2022, conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC).
Mohammad Kasim (as his name is spelled in UP Judicial Services Exam Result Sheet) secured the 135th rank in the coveted exam result of which was declared on August 30, 2023.
Earlier, Mohammad Qasim had bagged the All India Rank 1 in the LLM Entrance Exam in 2019. He later also qualified for the UGC NET in 2021.
The story of Mohammad Qasim’s impressive success run however is full of struggle and challenges.
Mohammad Qasim’s Journey to Success
Qasim was born in a very poor family of Ruknuddin Sarai in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. His father used to sell Haleem (a type of Biryani) on a handcart on roadside. In his early days, Qasim used to wash plates to help his father. As he grew older and learnt the art of making Haleem and Biryani from his father, he set up own stall. During this journey however, Qasim did not stop his education.
“My mother is the motivational force behind me and never permitted me to drop out of the school”, he recalled.
“If you are not son of a celebrity or do not belong to a political family then the only option for you to become big is education. It is only through education that you can become a hero. And, today the way I am being felicitated and being welcomed is the testimony of this fact”, a beaming Qasim said while talking to a local YouTube Channel.
Qasim completed his early education from a government school in Uttar Pradesh and passed Inter from Warsi Junior High School of Ruknuddin Sarai. He later joined Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and graduated in BA LLB and then passed LLM from Delhi University (DU).
“At AMU, I saw a number of students in Law department who after completing LLB go to DU and pursue LLM and then join the judiciary. Law always fascinated me, and the immediate thought that came to my mind is if I wish to fulfil my dreams I too will have to follow the same route”, he recalled.
After BA LLB from AMU, Mohammed Qasim started practicing as a lawyer and simultaneously joined Delhi University to complete LLM. He then appeared for the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Services exams in 2022.
“The most interesting part of my judicial service exam was personal interview. There was a panel headed by a High Court judge. They were all too impressed by my “direct approach” of engaging with the people”, Mohammed Qasim recalled explaining about the art that he perhaps had mastered when he was a roadside food vendor.
Besides his mother who motivated him, Mohammed Qasim gives credit for his success to his teachers in his own home town and at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
“I was quite weak in few subjects, especially English and Mathematics. Coming from a small village it was unbelievable for me watching AMU students read English language newspapers. I used to become nervous. But teachers there helped me which is why I could become successful”, he said.
(With inputs from Hukoomat Express YouTube Channel)
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Aneequa Sabaha, ummid.co / September 06th, 2023
Global NRI Official presenting a memento to Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani, presented by Azmat Ali Emran and Syed Abdul Hadi / SG Photo by Abdul Rahman M Baig
Jeddah:
Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani, winner of the annual Qur’an memorization contest organized by Jamiat Khairokum Li Tahfizul Qur’an Kareem (Khairokum Qur’an Memorization Society) for Makkah region, was recently felicitated by the Global NRIs Youth Club here.
Abdullah Usmani won the first prize from among 1,000 participants out of which 13 candidates were bracketed in the category of those securing between 95 and 99 marks. In the ensuing round involving the 13 finalists of the competition, he was declared the winner.
Abdullah Usmani was presented a car by Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal Bin Majed.
Jamia Al Khairiya Li Tahfiz-ul-Qur’an Kareem is a semi government institution and center established for the students to memorize and recite the Holy Qur’an. It holds the competition every year to encourage students and other participants.
Hafiz Abdullah Usmani is an Indian and belongs to the city of Hyderabad in Telangana state.
Syed Abdul Hadi, vice president of Global NRIs Youth Club, presented a Mishla’h (an adornment cloak wore by men) to Hafiz Abdullah Usmani as a token of appreciation. It was followed by a memento presented by Azmat Ali Emran, president of the club. Bouquets were presented to the contest winner by Fysal Ali, Farhan Baig and Syed Khaja Viqaruddin.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Hafiz Abdullah Usmani said: “It took me four years to memorize the Holy Qur’an. I was 11 years old when I started the memorization.”
He is also the alumnus of IISJ from the batch of 2017. Initially he was admitted to Muaz Bin Jabal School where he memorized about one/sixth of the Qur’an. Later he got enrolled in Dar Ul Furqan School from where he completed his memorization of the Holy Qur’an while learning Tajweed. He completed the memorization of the Qur’an four years back. It was last year when the Masjid Al-Aziziyah officials advised him to appear for the Qur’an memorization contest.
Hafiz Abdullah Usmani took the opportunity and appeared from Masjid Al-Aziziyah under the supervision of Sheikh Hamza Rayyan, imam and khateeb of the mosque.
Abdullah Usmani continued with his worldly pursuits along with his Qur’an memorization and took an open school examination from 6th to 8th standard from IISJ. He became a regular student of IISJ from 9th standard after completing his Qur’an memorization.
Initially, he started memorizing of Holy Qur’an on the instructions of his mother. Later after getting admitted in Muaz Bin Jabal School he gained interest in memorizing and was very much motivated by seeing his peers doing so.
While memorizing the Qur’an, he got a chance to meet Sheikh Ayman Rushdi Suwaid, and learned Tajweed from him. He is known to be the Sheikh Ul Tajweed in Jeddah. In his early days of memorizing Qur’an, he used to listen to the Qirat of Sheikh Abdurrehman Al-Sudais and learned the ayats (verses) of the Qur’an that made him memorize the Qur’an faster.
Talking about his future plans, Abdullah Usmani said he would like to learn more Arabic, Islamic history and Qur’an. He said he was interested in pursuing advance accounting courses and build his career. He also has plans to lead Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan in any of the mosques of Jeddah.
Listening to the recitation of Sheikh Meshary Alafasy, Sheikh Mohammed Ayub and Sheikh Al-Sudais helped him learn the correct pronunciation and also helped him in the memorization process.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, the award winner’s father, Abdul Mateen Usmani, said: “I would first thank and express my gratitude to Almighty Allah for the honor bestowed on my son.”
In this context, he said, efforts of Jamia Tahfiz-ul-Quran was exceptional. “This prize is more than a hundred billion dollar for me. I have not even dreamt that my son Abdullah will be winning the first prize.”
He said all his children initially received their early education having British curriculum. “Me and my wife decided that we will invest money on good education for our children. All my children were enrolled in Al-Waha International School for their primary education. It was my wife’s plan that we will encourage Abdullah to be a Hafiz. So after completing 5th standard, we removed Abdullah from the school and admitted him in the institute for Qur’an memorization. I was a little reluctant but my wife played a major role in making my son Hafiz.
“I advise all unmarried as well as married people not to waste or kill their time by watching movies and TV serials and spoil their future but instead focus on their education both for the deen (religion) and duniya (world). Even the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that one should give priority to the Seerah of anbiya (prophets).”
He said his wife started attending religious classes with other women in our neighborhood soon after she landed in Jeddah. She sacrificed her sleeping hours during daytime to attend these classes.
“It’s the parents responsibility to mold their children as they want. One can lay the right foundation from the word go,” he said.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Azmat Ali Emran, president of Global NRIs Youth Club said: “It’s an honor for our club to be the first to felicitate Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani.”
Syed Abdul Hadi, vice president, said: “Abdullah made the Indians and specially the people of Hyderabad very proud by winning this award. I would like to thank Allah the Almighty and also congratulate his parents on behalf of Global NRIs Youth Club.”
source: http://www.saudigazette.com.sa / Saudi Gazette / Home / by Abdul Rahiman M Baig, Saudi Gazette / Headline edited / September 18th, 2018
Syed Mohammad Hussain said Failing in four attempts disappointed me, but it did not let me break down. I worked hard and cracked the UPSC exam.
Hussain, a resident of Sholapur Lane, Wadi Bandar, Mumbai, has secured the 570th rank in the UPSC Exam 2022.
Success for Hussain was full of struggles and hard work. Hussain lives in a small shanty on the roadside adjacent to the Wadi Bandar Majgaon Dock area. It is the hub of godowns; loading and unloading heavy vehicles is routine here. When I reached Wadi Bandar, Hussain met me enthusiastically and immediately reminded me by saying, Sir, I promised that this time I would definitely give you an interview opportunity.” Now that it has been fulfilled, I remembered that meeting in my flashback. After a while, Hussain got busy between some TV channels and YouTubers and then said, “Sir, we sit at a place nearby; the house is small; people will keep coming to meet me; we will not be focused.” We reached the nearby Jafar Sulaiman Hostel. Hussain said, Sir, the complete preparation of my 5th attempt has been done at this place.
On a question about the journey from primary to graduation, Hussain replied that he studied from 1st to 5th standard at Khwaja Shia Asana Ashri School, then joined St. Joseph High School Dongri in 6th standard, from where he passed the 10th exam in 2012 with 61% marks. Later, I passed 12th Commerce in 2014 from Anjuman Islam Alana Junior College in Vermont with 72%, joined Elphinstone College for graduation, and completed my B.Com. in 2017 with 86%.
Hussain reveals the story of how the idea of doing UPSC came to his mind. My father is illiterate; his childhood was spent in an area that was once considered a hotbed of crime. My father had dreamed of making us government officers by giving higher education to my siblings. He was a member of the Mohalla committee, so he used to participate in the programmes organised by the police station. When I was a school-going boy, I had the opportunity to visit government offices. Then I got inspired by the officers, and the idea of becoming an officer came into my mind at an early age. After graduation, I decided to pursue a career in competitive exams. My father wished that if the situation in the area were to change, I would have to prove myself.
Not having much career awareness, I moved from Mumbai to Pune based on whatever I had learned by myself. There I took admitted to Unique Academy and started regular civil service studies. Alhamdulillah I qualified for the preliminary exam on my first attempt in 2018 after only eight months of preparation, but failed the main exam due to my lack of experience in studying.
Meanwhile, I came to know about Jamia Residential Coaching Academy. I cleared its entrance and went to Delhi, where I learned a lot from seniors. Appeared for the 2019 prelims but didn’t qualify. The reason was that I focused all my attention on the main study. As I had no experience studying, it was a big lesson for me.
Unfortunately, due to the Corona lockdown, I returned to Mumbai. Here, then, CEO Maqsood Khan Sahib gave me an opportunity to prepare in Haj House. With all the facilities near my home, I worked hard and qualified for the 2020 and 2021 prelims, respectively, but failed again in the mains. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, senior students left the Hajj House. It was a sign of great sorrow for me.
At the same time, with the efforts of Maqsood Khan sb., a centre for the preparation of the civil service examination was started at the Jafar Sulaiman Musafir Khana hostel. I was very happy that Allah provided us with the means. It was impossible to study with uniformity among all the members of the house. After joining Jafar Sulaiman Hostel along with my own studies, I started coaching other students as well. Alhamdulillah, ever since this centre was established, students have been achieving success in one or another examination. The full credit goes to Maqsood Khan Sahib and his teammate, who laid the foundation of this centre in times of need. Despite very limited resources and a lack of facilities, doing my studies here has been quite fruitful for me. Having qualified in three out of the four attempts in the prelims, I was very disappointed with the continuous failure in the mains but did not let myself break down.
One day, I sat in the courtyard of the mosque in Jafar Suleman Musafirkhana and wept before Allah. I did introspection on myself and found out my weaknesses, strengths, and the reasons behind my failure. In the end, I stood up with determination by committing myself, “Now the next journey will be for success.” Then I qualified for the May 2022 preliminary exams. This encouraged me. The main exam took place in September 2022. Alhamdulillah, I had success in that too. In preparation for the interview, I went to Jamia RCA Delhi, where I got training and guidance from seniors. Through hard work and continuous mock interviews, I gained confidence and appeared for the interview in February 2023. Alhamdulillah, I succeeded with a 570 rank on my 5th attempt. Due to the support of my parents, relatives, friends, Haj House, Jamia RCA, Jafar Sulaiman Musafir Khana Civil Service Centre, and especially Maqsood Ahmad Khan Sb.
Mohammad Hussain said in a message to the students: The civil service exam takes time. It’s a test of patience and requires hard work with comprehensive planning, concentration, a positive attitude, and consistency. Sometimes you have to go through a lot of stress and pressure. I would like to tell the students that success is not within their realm and takes time.” It’s a test of patience and requires hard work with comprehensive planning, concentration, a positive attitude, and consistency. Sometimes you have to go through a lot of stress and pressure. I would like to tell the students that success is not within their realm.” It’s a test of patience and requires hard work with comprehensive planning, concentration, a positive attitude, and consistency. Sometimes you have to go through a lot of stress and pressure. I would like to tell the students that success is not within their realm. Everyone has a share in it. Meet the professionals with whom you want to make your career, get full knowledge of the field, and work hard.
Interviewer Akhlaque Sk (career counsellor) can be reached at sakhlaque@ymail.com.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Education / by Shaikh Akhlaque / May 28th, 2023
Burhan-ul-Zaman, a resident of Kolkata, has secured the 768th rank in the UPSC 2022 exam. He worked hard, underwent many problems, struggled a lot, and fought through hurdles, but by keeping his morale high, he achieved success.
Burhan shared his educational details, from primary to higher education: he did his primary education at Rajabazar Boys & Girls English School. After that, he completed 10th grade at ML Jubilee School with 91% marks in 2013. Due to my interest in math and science, I chose the science stream and passed 12th grade in 2015 with 91.4% from Shri Jain Vidyalaya. My JEE score was not so good, but based on that, I took admission to B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shabpur Howrah. I completed my degree in 2019 with an 8.27 CGPA.
About the idea of preparing for the Civil Service Exam, Burhan said that in the final year of my B.Tech., I appeared for the GATE exam, in which I got an All India rank of 141. During GATE preparation, seniors were seen as busy preparing for the competitive exams. I got more information from them, and my good rank in GATE boosted me. Then I did a Google search and gathered more information about the UPSC. I got information about the Sitendra Nath Tagore Civil Services Centre, which is run by the West Bengal government. The institute provides an opportunity for the youth to prepare for the WB State Services with the facility of day boarding (weekend classes and week-long library self-study). I started my regular UPSC preparation in 2019. After spending almost two months there,I appeared for the first preliminary exam. But I could not qualify for the exam. At that time, my goal was to familiarise myself with the exam, which I accomplished.
In the meantime, I came to know about the Haj House IAS Coaching Centre from a senior colleague, and I appeared for the entrance exam for which I was qualified. Thus, in September 2019, I came to Haj House Mumbai. With the best arrangements and a favourable environment, I studied with more enthusiasm.
Maqsood Khan Sahib’s role was very positive; he made all kinds of facilities easily available.
Staying here, I appeared for the 2020 and 2021 UPSC exams, cleared both prelims and mains and reached the interview but unfortunately failed to make my name on the final list. After failing the interview twice, it was sad to be demoralised, but I had braced myself. Both times I prepared for the interview at the Sitendranath Tagore Civil Service Study Centre in Kolkata, but due to some shortcomings, I could not crack the interviews.
Then, due to policy matters or some other reason, the senior students had to vacate the Haj House.
I went straight to Kolkata, stayed at home, and worked hard on the basis of self-study. Qualified for the 2022 prelims, I got the opportunity to get admission in the MS IAS Academy, Hyderabad, which provides a quality environment for students to prepare for UPSC. While staying here for 3 months, I worked hard day and night. There is a very good environment for self-study at MS Academy. I cleared the mains exam and went to Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, for interview preparation. I didn’t want to miss this opportunity. This is the best place to prepare for the interview. Guidance from seniors and mock interviews are well-practised and painstaking. The interview went well, the results were announced, and, Alhamdulillah, I got the 768th rank.
Burhan-ul-Zaman advised UPSC applicants that students pursuing careers in this area should carefully comprehend the following information: More than 11 lakh candidates registered for the prelims, out of which 14 thousand showed up for the mains, and out of which 2529 qualified for the interview, according to the UPSC 2022 results. 933 candidates made up the final list, which was eventually made public. The information above is intended to highlight the significant distinction between individuals who appear in the “exam” and those who appear on the final list. The “hard worker” is “rewarded” by UPSC. An endeavour may occasionally take 15 months to complete. You must patiently wait for the second attempt if, regrettably, one of the stages fails. Professionals in the civil service are respected by society. You need to work hard and be patient if you want to pass the exam; those who quit the UPSC in the midst of it lose all opportunities. So continue your diligent preparation and keep showing up for other government job examinations. The rest is up to Allah.
Burhan discussed his accomplishments and the people who contributed to them. I’ve had the thought of being an officer since I was a young child. Therefore, whether deciding whether to pursue further education or begin preparing for the UPSC following aeronautical engineering, I had already made up my mind to apply for the UPSC during my preparation, but I ultimately chose after talking to my family. Everyone was incredibly supportive of me. I thank God that I made the right choice.
In the meantime, I received step-by-step assistance from the SNT Civil Service Centre in Kolkata, Haj House, MS Academy, teachers, and all of my family, friends, and seniors (who are closer to me than teachers and parents). All of these people, in addition to Allah, are my success co-partners, and they all provided me with advice. Thanks to all the well-wishers.
When asked about his family, Burhan-ul-Zam said that his father’s name is Muhammad Masih-ul-Zaman, who is a science graduate and a cloth merchant in Kolkata. Mother Sabiha Begum is a housewife and has studied only up to high school.
The two elder brothers run a clothing business with their father. One brother has a B.Tech. One sister is a doctor, and the youngest is preparing for UPSC.
Interviewer Akhlaque Sk can be reached at sakhlaque@ymail.com
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Education / by Shaikh Akhlaque / June 07th, 2023
