Gujarat’s Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) has achieved a remarkable milestone with 26 of its candidates clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2024. The results, declared on Tuesday, mark a proud moment for the state, especially with two women from Gujarat making it to the top 5 nationwide. Chartered Accountant Harshita Goyal secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 2, while Margi Shah followed closely at AIR-4. Additionally, Smit Panchal earned AIR-30, placing three Gujarat candidates in the prestigious top 50 list.
SPIPA’s Success on the Rise Over the Years
SPIPA officials have hailed this year’s result as one of their best performances to date. With 26 candidates clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2024, the institute has surpassed last year’s tally of 25, potentially setting a new record. The success rate has seen ups and downs over the past decade — 16 candidates cleared in 2022, only 6 in 2021, and 13 each in 2020 and 2019. In earlier years, the numbers were more consistent, with 19 in 2018, 22 in 2017, 19 in 2016, and 13 in 2015, as per SPIPA’s official records.
From preliminaries to final selection
“In the preliminaries examination of the Civil Services Examination 2024 conducted by UPSC, a total of 259 candidates from current and previous SPIPA batches passed,” explained SPIPA officials.
“Of these, 70 candidates qualified for the interview stage, and ultimately 26 have been selected in the final results announced today.”
The officials added, “Since SPIPA’s inception, 311 candidates from the organisation have successfully secured positions in the All India Services and other Central Services.”
♦ Three secure spots in UPSC Top 30
Among the candidates who cracked UPSC CSE-2024 are brilliant youngsters from both Ahmedabad and smaller towns across Gujarat. Their backgrounds are diverse—children of an anganwadi worker, a fabrication worker, a toy-seller and a head-constable. Each success story reveals commitment and resilience. Their journeys will inspire countless aspirants.
Harshita Goyal (AIR 2)
“I used to joke with my friends that I wanted second rank because people talk about it more. Little did I know I was actually calling it into being!” Harshita laughs. “It’s truly a dream come true for me and my father, who always hoped I’d become a civil servant. This achievement came through hard work and my passion to serve society and the nation.”
I tell people that preparation is different for everyone. You need to find what works for you. The hours don’t matter as much as consistency does.”
Everyone faces challenges—financial, personal or family—but believing in yourself is key. When your eyes are on the goal, it keeps you going and stops you giving up. I succeeded on my third attempt but my first interview.”
Margi Shah (AIR 4)
“I’m thrilled and grateful for all the support from my family and friends,” says Margi. “To all aspirants: dream big but work hard to achieve those dreams.”
Focus on your efforts and dedication—the results will follow naturally. My strategy changed with each attempt. I studied fewer hours after my first try as I understood subjects better.”
Instead, I shifted to peer discussions and answer-writing practice. Consistency and commitment are what help fulfil dreams. I’m proud to call myself a civil servant and look forward to serving the nation wholeheartedly.”
Smit Panchal (AIR 30)
“I chose to study for a Bachelor of Arts so I could focus on UPSC preparation. Though I began in 2017, I really buckled down after COVID hit,” Smit explains.
“My advice? Cracking UPSC is about management. In prelims, you manage general studies. For mains, you juggle general studies, your optional subject and essays.”
Most importantly, you must manage your emotions during interviews. I studied 6-8 hours daily. I come from a modest background—my father works in fabrication and my mother is a housewife.”
But this never stopped me dreaming big. I cleared UPSC in my second attempt at just 22 years old.”
Against all odds: 4 inspiring UPSC success stories
Ankit Vaniya (AIR 607)
From struggle to success: Mother sold toys, father a peon
“It has been a difficult journey from when I decided to pursue UPSC in 2017 until I sat for the exam in 2022,” Ankit recalls. “My mother used to sell toys and my father was a peon in LIC when I began this path. They’ve been my pillar of strength.”
“They allowed me to make such decisions without worrying about anyone else,” he adds. “I didn’t count specific hours of study, but from morning till night, my focus stayed on cracking UPSC. This was my third attempt and first interview.”
Jeet Namha (AIR 929)
Sacrificing Rs 45 lakh job: IIT graduate finds his calling
“This is my fourth attempt at UPSC and the first time my name has appeared on the list,” Jeet explains. “After graduating from IIT-Delhi and landing a job, I felt something was missing. I always wanted to serve society, so I decided to tackle UPSC.”
“My mother, an anganwadi worker, raised me with help from my maternal uncle and grandfather after my father passed away,” he continues. “I could only quit my job to pursue UPSC because of their unwavering support. I prepared consistently but stepped up my reading as the exam drew closer. Consistency and hard work make all the difference.”
Tusharbhai Mendpara (AIR 762)
Homeopathy doctor secures rank 762: Already a Class-1 officer
Surat resident Tusharbhai Mendpara, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax Class-1, passed the UPSC examination for 2025. Dr Mendpara, originally from Gariyadhar in Bhavnagar district, works as a homeopathic doctor. He secured 762nd rank at the All India level.
Tusharbhai passed the GPSC examination in 2024 and currently serves as a Class-1 officer. His father runs a diamond spare parts business in Gariyadhar.
Anshul Yadav (AIR 473)
Police constable’s son cracks UPSC without coaching
Anshul Yadav, son of a constable at Meghaninagar Police Station, has passed the UPSC without formal coaching. After graduating from IIT with a degree in Electronics engineering, Anshul initially joined the workforce.
“I drew inspiration from my brother who also studied at IIT and is now pursuing his PhD abroad,” says Anshul. He gave up his annual package of Rs 45 lakhs to focus on exam preparation. Though not entirely satisfied with his rank, Anshul plans to sit the exam again with renewed determination.