Blacksmith’s Son Cracks UPSC With AIR 30: Smit Panchal Got The Good News While Forging Iron | Ahmedabad News
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Smit Panchal wasn’t in a coaching centre when the UPSC results were declared. He was helping his father at their blacksmith shop when he learnt he had secured AIR 30
Success Story: From helping his father at a blacksmith’s forge and overcoming financial hardships to bouncing back from a narrow failure, Smit Panchal’s story reflects years of resilience and determination.
UPSC Success Story: When the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 results were announced, lakhs of aspirants were anxiously refreshing their screens from homes, libraries and coaching institutes. But for Smit Panchal from Ahmedabad, the life-changing moment came at his father’s blacksmith shop.
As he worked beside his father, shaping iron amid the heat of the furnace and the sound of hammers, a message flashed on his phone. Smit had secured All India Rank (AIR) 30 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
For the Panchal family, which has earned its livelihood through blacksmithing for generations, the result marked not just an academic achievement but the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice and determination.
A Childhood Marked By Financial Struggles
Smit’s family originally hails from Gujarat’s Aravalli district before moving to Ahmedabad in search of better opportunities. His father, Hasmukhbhai Panchal, worked as a blacksmith to support the family despite modest financial means.
In 2011, when his father’s health deteriorated and he underwent surgery, Smit stepped in to help at the workshop while continuing his education. He balanced long hours at the forge with his studies, determined not to let financial hardship derail his dreams.
The First Graduate In The Family
Despite the challenges, Smit completed a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, becoming the first graduate in his family. His sister also completed her graduation, making them the first siblings in the household to earn college degrees.
It was during this period that Smit decided to pursue the civil services, believing that becoming an IAS officer would not only transform his family’s future but also allow him to contribute to society.
In 2022, Smit moved to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC examination. However, managing the costs of accommodation, food and coaching proved difficult for the family.
During this period, his friend Kaushal extended financial support, enabling him to continue his preparation. In 2023, Smit enrolled in a coaching programme that helped him adopt a more structured approach to the examination.
Failure By Just 2.5 Marks
Smit’s first attempt ended in heartbreak. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, he missed qualifying for the Mains examination after falling short in the CSAT paper by just 2.5 marks.
Rather than giving up, he analysed his mistakes and focused on improving his weak areas.
Working By Day, Studying By Night
With his savings exhausted, Smit returned to Ahmedabad and took up a job as a counsellor at a coaching institute to support himself.
Even after working throughout the day, he devoted five to six hours every night to UPSC preparation. While some people mocked his repeated attempts and doubted he would even reach the interview stage, Smit used the criticism as motivation.
He later returned to Delhi after saving enough money to prepare full-time once again.
A Better Strategy Paid Off
Learning from his previous attempt, Smit focused on strengthening his CSAT preparation, solving previous years’ papers, practising answer writing and following a disciplined revision schedule.
The strategy paid off in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
He secured 1,008 marks, including 804 marks in the written examination and 204 marks in the personality test (interview). His optional subject, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), earned him 275 marks, helping him secure AIR 30.
A Story Of Perseverance
Smit Panchal’s journey is about far more than clearing one of India’s toughest examinations. From helping his father at a blacksmith’s forge and overcoming financial hardships to bouncing back from a narrow failure, his story reflects years of resilience and determination.
His success has emerged as an inspiration for countless UPSC aspirants, particularly those from modest backgrounds, proving that perseverance and consistent effort can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
August 04, 2026, 14:39 IST
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