When the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 results were declared, all eyes turned to the toppers’ list. Among the top three, one name stood out — Harshita Goyal. Securing the All India Rank 2, she became a name that would instantly be remembered in homes across India, especially in Haryana and Gujarat.
Born in Hisar, Haryana, and brought up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Harshita’s story is a blend of quiet focus, strategic choices, and a strong personal rhythm — one that doesn’t follow the usual playbook.
NUMBERS, NOTES, AND A NEW DREAM
Before she made it to the UPSC headlines, Harshita was already on a high-achievement path. A Commerce graduate from MS University of Baroda, she went on to become a Chartered Accountant. But it didn’t stop there. Somewhere along the way, she decided to step off the corporate track and step into the world of public service.
Her academic grounding in commerce didn’t limit her — she picked Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject. A leap for some, but for Harshita, it seemed to click. With an eye for patterns and a mind for strategy, she navigated the UPSC maze with quiet precision.
CRAFTING A STUDY STYLE THAT FITS
In a world full of coaching marathons and study timetables, Harshita’s approach was refreshingly individual. She didn’t stick to rigid schedules or try to copy others. Instead, she paid close attention to what worked for her. If she needed a break, she took it. If something sparked her interest — even if it came from a social media post — she noted it down.
While many UPSC aspirants cut off from social media entirely, Harshita chose a different path. She stayed connected — not distracted — and used it as a tool when it helped. Her feed wasn’t just filled with photos or reels; it also included educational accounts that added value to her preparation.
A BLEND OF TWO STATES
Harshita represents a blend of two cultures — the roots of Haryana and the rhythm of Gujarat. Growing up in Vadodara gave her a different perspective from many of her peers. And yet, the values from her Haryana upbringing remained firmly in place.
It’s this mix that possibly gave her an edge — grounded, yet open to new ways of thinking. Analytical in her approach, but intuitive in her choices.
THE FUTURE AWAITS
With her Rank 2 position, Harshita now steps into a role that will shape public life in ways few get to experience. But even before her formal training begins, she’s already made an impact — not just by cracking one of the toughest exams in India, but by doing it her way.
In an exam filled with pressure, where everyone is expected to follow the same formula, Harshita Goyal proved that success can come through clarity, self-awareness, and staying true to one’s pace.
A NAME TO REMEMBER
Harshita isn’t just the UPSC AIR 2 of 2024 — she’s the story of a young woman who decided to trust herself, tune out the noise, and walk her own path. Whether in the corridors of power or out in the field, it’s clear: this is just the beginning of a much larger journey.
