Introduction
In the competitive landscape of the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, Harshita Goyal emerged as a symbol of perseverance and dedication, securing the All India Rank 2. Her achievement places her among the top performers in one of the toughest exams in India. Harshita’s journey is both inspiring and instructive, shaped by academic excellence and an unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
This profile explores the key aspects of her path—her background, education, preparation strategies, and motivations—offering valuable lessons for future aspirants.
Early Life and Family Background
Harshita Goyal originally hails from Hisar, Haryana, though she completed most of her schooling in Vadodara, Gujarat. Her family relocated due to her father’s job in the private sector. She lives with her father and brother, having lost her mother earlier in life—an event that deeply impacted her.
As the first in her family to pursue the civil services, Harshita’s success represents a major milestone and reflects her trailblazing spirit.
Academic Journey and Chartered Accountancy
Harshita completed her schooling at New Era Senior Secondary School in Vadodara and went on to earn a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda between 2018 and 2020.
She then qualified as a Chartered Accountant, successfully clearing all levels of the demanding CA examinations. This background gave her strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of economics and finance—skills that proved useful in UPSC, particularly in General Studies, Economics, and Ethics.
Some reports suggest she worked at K.C. Mehta & Co. in Vadodara, although this detail isn’t confirmed across all sources.
First Two Attempts: Learning Through Setbacks
Harshita achieved AIR 2 in her third attempt. In her first two attempts, she did not clear the Preliminary stage. Rather than giving up, she used these setbacks as opportunities to reassess her strategy and improve.
During her successful attempt, she even contracted typhoid during the Mains exam period, yet continued her preparation. Her ability to persevere under pressure demonstrates her exceptional resolve.
Choosing PSIR as an Optional Subject
Despite her commerce background, Harshita selected Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as her optional subject. Her decision was driven by a genuine interest in public policy, governance, and political theory.
She focused on conceptual clarity and worked to connect theoretical frameworks with current affairs—a strategy that helped her answer questions with greater depth and relevance in both the Mains and the Interview stages.
UPSC CSE 2024 Performance Overview
According to media reports, Harshita scored a total of 1,038 marks out of 2,025, translating to approximately 51.28%. Her Mains score was reported as 851/1750, and she secured 187/275 in the Personality Test.
However, a paper-wise breakdown of her scores (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Papers) was not publicly available.
Preparation Strategy: Structured and Disciplined
Harshita’s preparation was marked by strict discipline and consistency. She reportedly studied for around 10 hours per day, increasing to 12 hours closer to the Mains exam. Her strategy focused on mastering a limited number of high-quality resources through repeated revision.
Rather than relying heavily on coaching, she emphasized self-study, using online platforms to stay updated on current affairs. She integrated static and dynamic content, linking real-world developments with core UPSC topics.
For Mains, she honed her answer writing skills, focusing on structure, clarity, and time management. Her CA background supported her performance in analytical areas like Economics and Ethics (GS IV).
Role of Coaching and Mock Tests
Harshita did enroll in a foundation coaching course, which provided a structured introduction to the syllabus. However, she relied heavily on mock test series from various institutes to fine-tune her approach.
These tests helped her evaluate her progress, identify weak spots, and improve time management—critical for handling the pressures of real exam conditions.
Balanced Use of Social Media
Although not extensively involved in extracurricular or social work activities, Harshita maintains an Instagram presence. She advises aspirants to use social media wisely, viewing it as a resource for learning rather than a distraction.
Overcoming Setbacks: Personal and Academic Challenges
Harshita’s journey was shaped by major challenges. The loss of her mother and initial failures in the exam were emotionally and mentally taxing. Falling ill with typhoid during her Mains exam was another test of resilience.
Instead of being overwhelmed, she adapted and continued with renewed determination. Her story highlights that failures are not final, but essential steps toward success.
Motivation and Advice for Aspirants
Harshita was driven by a desire to contribute to society through public service. Her advice to aspirants is clear and practical:
Understand the syllabus thoroughly
Stick to a personalized strategy
Limit and master your resources
Be consistent and disciplined
Don’t fear failure—learn from it
She also stresses the importance of maintaining mental and physical well-being, and making time for breaks to avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Harshita Goyal’s Journey
Harshita Goyal’s achievement is not only about securing a top rank but also about the qualities that carried her there—resilience, clarity of purpose, and consistent hard work. Her transition from Chartered Accountant to IAS officer-in-making is proof that one’s background doesn’t limit their aspirations.
Her story sends a powerful message: with vision, discipline, and belief in oneself, success in UPSC—or any challenging goal—is possible.
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.
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