Prayagraj: At 33, Neha Panchal has turned grief into triumph. After losing her 14-year-old brother Vineet to cancer at 19, she channeled her pain into purpose. Balancing motherhood, marriage, and the grind of competitive exams, Neha has scripted a story that is as moving as it is motivating. She has proved that determination, family support, and unwavering focus can turn even the toughest journeys into triumph – as evident in her top rank in PCS 2024.Neha, mother to an eight-year-old daughter, secured the top rank in the PCS 2024 examination in her fourth attempt and the one in which she cracked pre for the first time. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is the timing. On the day the result was declared around midnight, Neha was in Lucknow appearing for the PCS 2025 mains examination. She wrote her Hindi and essay papers just hours before learning that she had topped the previous year’s exam.“We were expecting the result to come out after a few days. Around 1:30 am, my husband checked it online and told me that I had topped the exam. It was completely unexpected,” Neha told TOI.Originally from Putthi village in Baghpat, Neha was raised in Delhi. Her father works in a private company, while her mother is a homemaker. She completed her early schooling in a govt school in Delhi and graduated in Commerce from Shyamlal College, Delhi University. She holds a PG degree in Political Science and International Relations. Her journey, however, has not been without personal challenges. In 2013, when she was just 19 and pursuing her undergraduate studies, she lost her 14-year-old brother Vineet to cancer. The loss left a lasting emotional impact but also strengthened her resolve to do something meaningful in life. Neha got married in 2015. Three years into her marriage, she decided to pursue civil services preparation and appeared for the first time in 2018. “Although I was married early, my husband and I decided that I would give my best shot at becoming a civil servant. He works in the R&D section of Samsung and has always stood firmly by my side,” she said. From managing household responsibilities and raising her daughter, Aarohi, to preparing for one of the toughest exams, Neha’s journey reflects perseverance, discipline, and the power of support. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that dreams do not have an expiry date, and with courage and commitment, even the most demanding goals can be achieved. “Just keep trying and give your best; success is inevitable,” she said.
