‘Lost eye in school accident during early childhood, continued studies, civil services prep over years’
Srinagar, Mar 07: A visually impaired candidate from North Kashmir’s Bandipora district has cleared the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination 2025.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Irfan Ahmad Lone, of Manzpora in Naidkhai area secured an all-India rank of 957 in the examination, the results of which were declared recently.
Lone lost an eye in a school accident during his early childhood but continued his studies and civil services preparation over the years.
He completed his schooling from the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun and later graduated from Hindu College under University of Delhi.
He went on to pursue political science at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.
Family members and residents said Lone prepared for the examination for several years.
His cousin, Feroz Ahmad, said Lone’s journey showed that sustained effort and focus can help achieve difficult goals.
Residents in the locality said people from nearby areas visited the family’s residence to congratulate them after the results were announced.
A neighbour said that Lone’s father, who worked as a casual labourer, continued supporting his son’s education despite financial constraints.
Lone’s younger sister Shabia said the family had confidence in his efforts and remained supportive during his preparation.
The Union Public Service Commission conducted the written main examination in August last year, followed by personality tests between December 2025 and February 2026, after which the final results were announced. (KNO)
