July 1, 2025: In a moment that will be etched in the golden chronicles of Jammu and Kashmir’s tribal history, Iram Choudhury has blazed a trail of brilliance-shattering records and stereotypes alike. She now holds the record for the highest position ever achieved by a Gujjar candidate from the Union Territory after achieving an astonishing 40th All India Rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2025. Hailing from the scenic village of Leeran in Rajouri, Iram has not only excelled but has elevated the dreams of an entire generation. She could become the first Gujjar girl from Jammu & Kashmir to represent India abroad if she chooses the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), which would open a new chapter in the tribal history of the region. A Legacy of Daring Daughters: Before her, three brave daughters from Jammu & Kashmir had made their mark in the civil services: Ravida Salam, the first Gujjar woman to crack the UPSC; Dr. Rehana Bashir, who rose to the elite Indian Administrative Service; and Seerat Baji, who added to the legacy in 2023. However, Iram's accomplishments have raised the bar for ambition.

From Kachahri to Classroom:
Iram comes from a family rooted in public service and tribal justice. Her grandfather, Chowdhury Feroze, was a known figure in traditional Jirga-Kachahri forums, advocating justice with wisdom and dignity.

Her father, Nisar Hussain, and mother, Shamim Akhter, provided the moral compass and emotional strength that carried Iram through storms of competition. Shamim, who worked from home, nurtured not only a family but also a dream. Her journey has inspired her siblings, Huma Nisar Lodhi and Bilal Lodhi, to prepare to follow her. After completing her MBBS from Government Medical College, Jammu (2018), Iram first cracked the Civil Services in 2022, earning AIR 852 and joining the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). But she knew her mission wasn’t complete. With renewed dedication and spiritual resolve, she returned to the battlefield in 2025-this time, soaring among the top 50 in the nation.

IAS or IFS: A Choice Laden with Dreams:
Her current rank opens doors to both IAS and IFS, two of the most sought-after wings of the bureaucracy. The community watches in anticipation-not just for her decision, but for what it symbolizes. An IAS officer can serve her homeland directly, helping reform policies and uplift tribal communities. An IFS officer, on the other hand, would represent not just a nation, but a Gujjar girl from the mountains of Rajouri on the global stage.