Surat sub-registrar cracks UPSC in 5th attempt, secures AIR 709

Surat: A native of Navsari, Mihir Patel (26), currently serving as a sub-registrar in Surat, cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination in his fifth attempt, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 709 after nearly six years of persistent preparation.Patel currently serves as sub-registrar (Grade 1), Class-3, at the Sub Registrar Office in Udhna under the office of the Assistant Superintendent of Registration in Surat. He had earlier cleared the Class-3 examination conducted by the Gujarat Subordinate Services Recruitment Board and was appointed as a sub-registrar.Patel reached the UPSC interview stage once and cleared the preliminary examination three times before finally cracking the prestigious exam this year.Patel completed his BE in information technology from Vishwakarma Government Engineering College in 2020. In the same year, he secured admission to the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) in Ahmedabad to prepare for the civil services examination.Speaking about his journey, Patel attributed his success to disciplined preparation, a positive mindset, and the support of a close circle of friends who constantly motivated and guided him during the preparation phase.He said that his late father, Rajendra Patel, played a significant role in shaping his aspirations. "At my father's insistence, I developed the habit of reading newspapers regularly since childhood. I often read articles written by collectors, commissioners and SPs, and their stories of struggle and hard work inspired me to pursue civil services," he said.During his college years, Patel also developed a routine of reading general knowledge and current affairs, which later helped him during his UPSC preparation.Patel's mother works as a teacher in a govt school. He currently lives with his mother and sister. According to him, his father always dreamt of seeing him become a senior government officer, and clearing the UPSC examination has been a step towards fulfilling that dream.