IAS

Shah Faesal

IASBatch 2009Rank #1
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About

UPSC CSE 2009 Topper (AIR 1). Dr. Shah Faesal became the first Kashmiri to top the Civil Services Examination in 2009, marking a significant milestone for the region. His journey from a conflict-ridden area to the pinnacle of civil services is truly inspirational.

Quick Details

ServiceIAS
Batch2009
Rank1
Optional SubjectPublic Administration and Urdu Literature
Attempts1

Parents

Father NameGhulam Rasool Shah
Father OccupationSchool Teacher
Mother NameMubeena Shah
Mother OccupationSchool Teacher

Marks & Academics

Optional Subject Marks672
Interview Marks225
Total Marks1361
Essay Marks130
Gs Paper 1 Marks183
Gs Paper 2 Marks151
Optional Paper 1 Marks157
Optional Paper 2 Marks152
Twelfth StreamScience
Graduation College NameSher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar
Graduation DegreeMBBS
Post Graduation College NameHarvard Kennedy School (Fulbright Fellow)
Post Graduation DegreePublic Administration

Other Information

HometownSogam, Lolab Valley, Kupwara
Home StateJammu and Kashmir
CadreJammu and Kashmir
HobbiesWriting, Public Speaking
AchievementsFirst Kashmiri to top the UPSC Civil Services Examination; Fulbright Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School.
StrugglesLost his father to militant violence in 2002; overcame personal and regional challenges to achieve top rank.
Work ExperienceServed in various administrative roles including Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, Director School Education (Kashmir), and Managing Director of J&K State Power Development Corporation. Resigned in 2019 to join politics; reinstated into IAS in 2022 and currently serves as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Culture.