From a blacksmith's workshop to UPSC AIR 30: How Smit Panchal turned setbacks into success

Smit Panchal secured All India Rank 30 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, matching his father in their blacksmith workshop in Ahmedabad at the time.

His father Hasmukhbhai Panchal, a blacksmith, required surgery in 2011, prompting Smit to work in the family business while studying.

Smit and his sister became the first graduates in their family.

He missed the 2023 UPSC Mains by only 2.5 CSAT marks, a setback he overcame in 2024.

His preparation involved balancing work and study, with a focus on revision and resilience.