Introduction
In the highly competitive landscape of the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, Harshita Goyal emerged as a shining example of dedication and perseverance, securing the coveted All India Rank 2. Her remarkable achievement places her among the top echelons of candidates who successfully navigated this rigorous examination. Harshita’s journey is particularly inspiring, marked by academic excellence and a determined spirit to overcome challenges.
This profile aims to delve into the various facets of her path to success, exploring her background, educational qualifications, the evolution of her UPSC strategy, and the motivations that propelled her forward, offering valuable insights for future aspirants.
1. Background & Early Life
Harshita Goyal’s Early Life and Family
Harshita Goyal hails originally from Hisar, Haryana, a state known for producing many determined individuals. While her roots are in Haryana, she was primarily raised and completed her schooling in Vadodara, Gujarat. This move was due to her father’s profession in the private sector, which necessitated the family’s relocation.
Harshita shares her home with her father and brother, having faced the personal tragedy of losing her mother earlier in life. Her journey into the civil services marks a significant milestone for her family, as she is the first member to pursue and succeed in this field, demonstrating pioneering spirit.
According to reports from certain sources, after becoming a Chartered Accountant, she gained work experience with K.C. Mehta & Co. in Vadodara. While this specific employment detail is noted in some reports, it is important to acknowledge that it was not universally confirmed across all researched sources.
2. Academic Journey
Education and Chartered Accountancy Achievement
Harshita Goyal’s academic career is distinguished by a strong foundation in commerce and finance. She completed her school education in Vadodara at New Era Senior Secondary School. Following her schooling, she pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) with a focus on Accounting at The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda, Gujarat, from August 2018 to August 2020.
Demonstrating formidable aptitude and dedication in her chosen field, Harshita successfully qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA), clearing all levels of the rigorous CA examinations. This qualification equipped her with a robust set of analytical skills, a deep understanding of economics and finance, and a disciplined approach to complex subjects, which she later found beneficial in her UPSC preparation, particularly in papers like Economics, Ethics, and certain aspects of General Studies.
3. The UPSC Journey
Early Attempts and Lessons
Harshita Goyal’s path to securing AIR 2 was not a straight one; it was a journey of resilience and strategic learning. She achieved this impressive rank in her third attempt at the Civil Services Examination. Her initial two attempts were met with setbacks, as she unfortunately could not clear the Preliminary stage of the examination.
These early hurdles, however, did not deter her. Instead, they fueled her determination and provided crucial learning experiences, prompting her to critically analyze her approach and refine her strategy for subsequent attempts. A significant challenge arose during her Mains examination in the successful attempt when she contracted typhoid.
Despite facing this health adversity during a critical phase of the exam cycle, she is reported to have continued her preparation, showcasing immense grit and commitment to her goal. Her ability to persevere through personal loss and health issues while steadfastly pursuing her UPSC dream highlights the depth of her resolve.
4. Optional Subject
Choosing Political Science and International Relations (PSIR)
For her optional subject in the UPSC CSE, Harshita Goyal chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR). While coming from a commerce background, her selection of PSIR was reportedly guided by a deep and genuine interest in subjects concerning public policy, governance, and political philosophy.
She found that these areas complemented her broader preparation for the civil services and aligned with her aspirations for contributing to public life. Regarding her preparation approach for PSIR, sources indicate that she focused on building conceptual clarity, which is fundamental to mastering this subject. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of effectively interlinking the theoretical components of the syllabus with contemporary national and international developments. This integrated approach helped her develop a comprehensive understanding and the ability to apply concepts to current issues, a crucial skill for both Mains answer writing and the Personality Test.
5. Marks and Scores
Detailed Performance Analysis
Harshita Goyal’s final performance in the UPSC CSE 2024 is reflected in her scores. According to scores released by certain media outlets, her total final score stood at 1,038 marks out of the maximum possible 2025, which translates to approximately 51.28%. In the Mains written examination, where candidates are assessed on a wide range of subjects including Essay, General Studies papers (I-IV), and two optional papers, her score was reported as 851 out of a total of 1750 marks. For the Personality Test, the final stage of the examination designed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service, she secured 187 marks out of 275.
While these overall scores have been reported, a detailed, paper-wise breakdown of her marks for each individual Mains paper (Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III, GS IV, Optional Paper I, and Optional Paper II) is not readily available in the publicly accessible information from the researched sources. Aspirants often seek this detailed breakdown to understand the specific strengths and areas where toppers excelled..
6. Preparation Strategy
Structured and Disciplined UPSC Preparation
Harshita Goyal’s success is a testament to a well-structured and disciplined preparation strategy. A cornerstone of her approach was the unwavering focus on consistency and self-discipline throughout her multiple attempts. She understood that success in UPSC requires sustained effort over a long period. She is noted to have adhered to a daily study schedule, ensuring dedicated study hours while also consciously incorporating necessary breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
Reports suggest her daily study time averaged around 10 hours, which she increased to approximately 12 hours per day as the Mains examination approached. She believed in the effectiveness of her schedule and made sure to stick to it diligently. Her strategy for both the Preliminary and Mains examinations revolved around building a strong understanding of core concepts from standard resources. She advocated for limiting the number of study materials for each subject and instead focusing on mastering a few high-quality resources through repeated revision. Her preparation largely relied on self-study, supplemented by utilizing beneficial online resources, particularly for current affairs and additional explanations.
A key element was the integration of current affairs with the static syllabus. She didn’t treat current events in isolation but consciously linked them to the relevant topics in the General Studies papers and her optional subject, which is essential for developing comprehensive answers in the Mains exam. For Mains, effective answer writing practice was crucial, likely involving structuring answers well, incorporating relevant points, and managing time within the exam hall. As a Chartered Accountant, her analytical abilities reportedly provided a strong base for tackling subjects like Economics, Ethics (GS Paper IV), and integrating information across other General Studies papers.
While specific, detailed strategies for her Essay, Ethics paper, and the granular approach to her PSIR optional are not extensively detailed in the available sources, her overall emphasis on conceptual clarity, interlinking with current events, and leveraging her analytical background formed the core of her preparation. Similarly, detailed accounts of her specific Interview preparation methods and her note-making strategy were not widely reported. Harshita also shared a valuable piece of advice based on her experience: she believes every aspirant should identify their own learning style and strengths, tailoring their preparation strategy accordingly rather than blindly copying the methods of others.
7. Coaching or Mentoring
Role of Coaching and Mock Tests
In supplementing her self-study, Harshita Goyal did seek external guidance for certain aspects of her preparation. According to reports, she attended reputed coaching for a foundation course. Such courses typically provide a structured introduction to the vast UPSC syllabus, helping aspirants build a fundamental understanding of subjects and the examination pattern. Furthermore, she placed significant emphasis on taking mock tests regularly.
She found that engaging in test series from various institutes was instrumental in evaluating her preparation level, identifying her weak areas across different subjects and paper types, and crucially, improving her time management skills under simulated exam conditions. This regular testing helped her refine her strategy and boost her confidence before the actual examination. Specific details about the role of individual mentors or participation in study groups were not widely reported in the sources consulted.
8. Extracurriculars & Hobbies
Balanced Use of Social Media During UPSC Preparation
Details about Harshita Goyal’s participation in specific structured extracurricular activities or extensive social work during her school or college years were not widely available in the researched sources. However, she is noted to be active on social media platforms like Instagram, where she reportedly maintains a presence. Sharing her perspective on the use of social media during preparation, she advises aspirants to use these platforms wisely. According to a source, she suggests leveraging social media as a tool for accessing useful information related to their studies and current affairs, rather than letting it become a source of distraction that can derail their focus and routine.
9. Challenges and Comebacks
Overcoming Personal and Academic Setbacks
Harshita Goyal’s inspiring success story is underscored by her ability to navigate significant personal and academic challenges. One of the most profound difficulties she faced was the personal loss of her mother during her preparation phase, a period that demands immense mental fortitude and focus. Academically, her resilience was tested by the setbacks in her initial UPSC attempts, where she did not qualify for the Mains examination.
Facing failure not once, but twice, before achieving her goal required deep introspection, learning from mistakes, and an unwavering commitment to her aspiration. As mentioned earlier, she also had to cope with being diagnosed with typhoid during her crucial Mains exams. Her ability to overcome these challenges speaks volumes about her character. She remained steadfastly focused on her ultimate goal of serving the nation. Reports indicate she drew significant strength from her family and her inherent desire to contribute to society. Even when ill, she is reported to have continued her preparation, unwilling to let temporary setbacks derail her long-term vision.
She often emphasizes that failures are not endpoints but valuable learning experiences that help in refining one’s approach and building necessary resilience for the path ahead.
10. Inspirations and Advice
Motivations and Key Tips for Future Aspirants
Harshita Goyal’s motivation to pursue the civil services reportedly stemmed from a deep-seated passion for governance and the potential to create meaningful social impact. Her desire to contribute positively to the country and be part of the decision-making process driving national development served as a strong driving force throughout her challenging preparation period.
Offering guidance to future UPSC aspirants drawing from her own journey, Harshita consistently highlights the paramount importance of maintaining consistency and self-discipline in their study routine. She advises aspirants to cultivate unwavering belief in their own capabilities, even when faced with difficulties or setbacks. A key piece of advice she shares is the need to thoroughly understand the syllabus and then intelligently tailor their preparation strategy to suit their individual strengths and weaknesses, rather than simply imitating the study plans of others.
Based on her experience with initial failures, she strongly advises aspirants not to be disheartened by setbacks but to view them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward with renewed determination. She also reiterates the practical advice of sticking to a daily schedule and ensuring adequate breaks are part of the routine to maintain physical and mental well-being.
Furthermore, she encourages judicious use of social media, leveraging it for educational purposes rather than allowing it to become a significant distraction. Harshita Goyal’s message to the youth is one of empowerment and possibility. Her personal story serves as a compelling illustration that with a combination of academic foundation, unwavering determination, a passion for public service, and consistent effort coupled with belief in oneself, seemingly ambitious goals like cracking the UPSC examination are indeed attainable. She stands as an example that one’s background or previous failures do not define or limit their potential to achieve great heights and contribute to the nation.
Conclusion
Lessons from Harshita Goyal’s UPSC Journey
Harshita Goyal’s achievement of securing All India Rank 2 in the UPSC CSE 2024 is truly exceptional, made even more inspiring by her background as a qualified Chartered Accountant transitioning into the civil services domain. Her journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance, marked by navigating personal loss, overcoming initial failures in the examination, and demonstrating remarkable resilience even when faced with health challenges during a critical phase of preparation.
Her disciplined and strategic approach to studying, combined with a clear vision for serving the nation, makes her an exemplary and profoundly inspiring figure for lakhs of UPSC aspirants across the country. As she prepares to embark on her career as a civil servant, her dedication and capabilities are reportedly poised to make a significant positive contribution to the administration and development of the nation. Harshita Goyal’s story is a compelling reminder that with hard work, resilience, strategic learning, and an unwavering belief in one’s purpose, even the most challenging aspirations can be realized.
FAQ
A: Harshita Goyal cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her third attempt. She was unsuccessful in clearing the Prelims stage in her first two attempts but refined her strategy and succeeded in her third.
A: Harshita chose Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject. Although she came from a commerce background, her genuine interest in governance, public policy, and political theory motivated this choice.
A: In the 2024 UPSC CSE, Harshita scored 851 marks in the Mains written exam and 187 marks in the Personality Test (Interview), totaling 1,038 marks overall.
A: Harshita emphasized consistency, structured study schedules, strong conceptual clarity, integrating current affairs with the static syllabus, and extensive mock test practice. She mostly relied on self-study, supplementing it with coaching for fundamentals and regular test series.
A: Yes, Harshita faced several challenges, including the loss of her mother, failing to clear Prelims twice, and contracting typhoid during her successful Mains attempt. Her resilience and determination helped her overcome these setbacks and succeed.
