SPIPA Ahmedabad Achieves Record Success with 34 UPSC Selections
In a remarkable achievement for Gujarat's aspirants, the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) in Ahmedabad has set a new benchmark with 34 of its trained candidates successfully clearing the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. This announcement came as part of the UPSC's release of the final list of 958 successful candidates for various all-India services on Friday. The cohort includes two women, highlighting a growing diversity in the civil services landscape.
Institute's Performance and Director's Insights
SPIPA's director general, Hareet Shukla, expressed immense pride in this year's results, noting that the institute has seen a steady rise in selections—from 26 in 2023 to 27 in 2024, and now a record 34 in the current cycle. "This year, we have the highest number of successful candidates from the institute. It shows the improved awareness and preparation among aspirants from Gujarat," Shukla told TOI. He emphasized that this success reflects the enhanced training methodologies and the dedication of both students and faculty.
The selection process was rigorous, with 272 candidates from SPIPA qualifying for the Mains exam in August last year. Of these, 82 advanced to the personality test and interview stages held from December 2025 to February 2026, ultimately resulting in the 34 final selections. To support candidates, SPIPA conducted comprehensive personality test classes from November last year to February this year, which included:
- 15 mock interviews, all recorded and shared with candidates for self-assessment.
- Four specialized lectures to hone interview skills.
- Financial assistance of Rs 25,000 for boys and Rs 30,000 for girls to aid in preparation costs.
Inspiring Stories of Top Performers
Among the successful candidates, Dishant Nisar emerged as a standout, clinching All-India Rank (AIR) 19 and becoming one of the top performers from Gujarat. His achievement underscores the high caliber of training at SPIPA.
Bhavesh Jaglan, son of an armed forces officer, secured AIR 128. He began his preparation in 2022, inspired by a government-scheme internship that provided firsthand exposure to civil services. "This experience helped me understand what the exam demands," Jaglan said. During his interview, he confidently answered questions on major upcoming sports events in Gujarat and the bullet train project, showcasing his local and national awareness.
Jitendra Prajapati, who secured AIR 287, hails from a humble background. He studied in Gandhidham, Kutch, and completed his computer engineering in Vadodara. His father works as a contractor for a corporate canteen. Prajapati described the result as a dream come true, with aspirations to join the Indian Police Service (IPS). "This achievement would not have been possible without my family's support. My younger sister, a chartered accountant, inspired me," he shared.
Pradip Parmar, son of a farmer from Gir Somnath, secured AIR 703. After completing his mechanical engineering from LD College of Engineering, he embarked on his civil services journey. This was his fourth attempt; although selected last year, he retook the exam to improve his rank, demonstrating relentless perseverance.
Mihir Patel, a 26-year-old native of Navsari currently serving as a sub-registrar (Grade 1) in Surat, cleared the exam in his fifth attempt, securing AIR 709 after nearly six years of persistent preparation. Patel attributed his success to disciplined study habits, a positive mindset, and the unwavering support of close friends who motivated him throughout. He also credited his late father, Rajendra Patel, for instilling a love for reading newspapers since childhood. "At my father's insistence, I developed the habit of reading newspapers regularly. I often read articles written by collectors, commissioners, and senior police officials, and their stories of struggle and hard work inspired me to pursue civil services," Patel recounted.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
This record success at SPIPA not only highlights the institute's effective training programs but also signals a positive trend in Gujarat's contribution to the civil services. The diverse backgrounds of the candidates—from farmers' sons to armed forces families—illustrate the inclusive nature of the UPSC exams and the opportunities they provide for social mobility.
As these 34 candidates prepare to embark on their careers in various all-India services, their stories serve as an inspiration for future aspirants across the state and country. The increased awareness and preparation levels in Gujarat, as noted by SPIPA officials, suggest that such achievements may become more common in the years to come, further strengthening the nation's administrative framework.
