Harshita Goyal UPSC AIR 2 Topper 2024 opted PSIR Optional

The story of Harshita Goyal is a reflection of determination, devotion, and unorthodox approaches, which brought her the Second Rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Born in Hisar, Haryana, and brought up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Harshita’s educational and professional journey is itself a source of inspiration. Holding a Chartered Accountancy (CA) background and a strong interest in governance and public service, Harshita opted for the elite UPSC exam, which finally brought her great success.

Harshita Goyal UPSC Topper 2024 AIR 2

Harshita Goyal, the AIR 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, is now an inspiration to thousands of aspirants across the nation.

Harshita Goyal: Personal Background

Harshita Goyal is from Hisar, Haryana, but grew up in Vadodara, Gujarat. She belongs to a humble family, in which she developed early interests in academics and public service. Harshita graduated with a B.Com from MS University of Baroda and then became a Chartered Accountant (CA) before targeting the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Educational and Professional Background

• Degree: Harshita had completed her B.Com from MS University of Baroda, Gujarat, where she established a firm academic base.
• Professional Background: Before UPSC preparation, Harshita had been a practising Chartered Accountant (CA). Her experience as a CA helped her adopt discipline, analytical skills, and a problem-solving approach—areas that would ultimately be useful for her UPSC preparation.

UPSC Journey of Harshita Goyal

The path to UPSC Civil Services is long and demanding. Harshita’s journey was characterised by hard work, self-discipline, and strategic preparation. Here’s a closer look at her journey:

• Choosing the Right Optional Subject: Harshita chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject for the UPSC Mains. This selection was beneficial since the subject not only aligned with her educational background but also related very closely to current affairs, which is extremely important for the examination.
• Preparation Strategy: Harshita’s strategy involved a balanced method of preparation with a mix of self-study and judicious coaching. She applied online resources, textbooks, and study material and also kept herself abreast with current events, which was a must for the General Studies paper. Her rigorously practised study schedule involving consistent mock tests and review of old year papers went a long way in helping her achieve her target.
• Time Management and Consistency: In spite of her hectic professional schedule as a Chartered Accountant, Harshita successfully managed to keep her work and preparation in balance. Her dexterity in setting precise goals and adhering to a planned schedule helped maintain consistency in the one-year preparation process.
• Area of Focus for Revision: Harshita made it a point to keep the focus area as regular revisions. Through this exercise, she was able to maintain complex information, gain confidence, and streamline her strategy to answer questions in both the Interview and Mains phases.

Challenges Faced by Harshita Goyal

Like every UPSC aspirant, Harshita encountered challenges along the way, particularly in balancing her professional career as a Chartered Accountant with her civil services preparation. She had to adapt and ensure that both aspects of her life did not interfere with each other. The intense pressure of the UPSC Mains and Interview stages required not only academic rigor but also emotional resilience. Harshita’s ability to navigate these challenges with grace played a crucial role in her success.

Key Lessons from Harshita Goyal’s Journey

• Holistic Preparation Strategy: Harshita’s UPSC exam success was not a matter of mere hard work but of adopting a holistic approach to preparation. She realised the importance of current affairs, practice of answer writing, and mock tests in moulding her performance.
• Significance of Self-Study: Although most aspirants depend on coaching, Harshita’s focus on self-study enabled her to have a customised study routine, which made her more confident and self-reliant in her preparation for the exam.
• Consistency and Patience: The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a long and arduous process. Harshita’s consistency in preparation, patience throughout the process, and constant evaluation of her progress were crucial in ensuring her success.
• Selecting the Proper Strategy: Her choice of Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject was a strategic one. Not only did it make use of her best strengths, but it also provided her with greater insight into international relations, which is particularly important to the India Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Impact of Harshita’s Success

Harshita’s rank is a source of inspiration for all aspirants, especially those who have to balance professional commitments with UPSC studies. Her tale underscores that with determination, concentration, and a systematic approach, any individual can become a civil servant.

In addition, her achievement serves as a reminder that UPSC is not merely about being brilliant academically but also about possessing the right attitude, time management skills, and the capacity to overcome challenges along the way.

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