Get to know Harshita Goyal: The Second Topper of UPSC 2024

Harshita Goyal, the All India Rank 2 holder in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, has etched a path which is an ideal combination of academic excellence, empathy, and inner urge to serve society. A Chartered Accountant by profession and an MS University of Baroda graduate, Harshita's life is marked by discipline, devotion, and empathy. Her mission is certain—to engender lasting change at the grassroots level, and her life is a testament to her dedication to public service.

From Dreamer to Achiever

Although born in Haryana, Harshita lived her entire life in Gujarat, a state to which she owes gratitude with the construction of her professional and personal persona. After finishing her studies and earning a B.Com degree from the University of Baroda, Harshita wanted to be a change-maker. Observing the suffering that women, particularly those belonging to disadvantaged sections, had to go through, she decided to voice their concerns and become an instrument of empowerment. Her ambitions weren't about her own success, however, but about giving back—impacting policy and making her dad proud by adding substance to the world.

Toppers' Tips: What Worked for Harshita

Sharing her approach, Harshita highlighted the strength of persistence and personalized learning. She drew on well-gridded studying routines and goal-oriented practice in readiness for her learning self. Her biggest learning was self-confidence—it was her motivator whenever she was uncertain. She also highlighted the potential of social media, pointing out how she consumed study-oriented Instagram profiles and even learned from entertainment content when utilized appropriately.

Early Introduction to Social Work and Policy

Harshita received early exposure to social work as well as public policy even before joining the civil services. Working with the Gujarat Youth Parliament as well as serving an internship in the Ministry of Law and Justice provided her a clear idea regarding the legal as well as the administrative workings of India. These early experiences inspired her to pursue work at an even bigger scale.

Parallelly, Harshita's social awareness manifested itself in the form of voluntary work at the Believe Foundation, an NGO that offers aid to cancer and thalassemia patients. Her experience exposed her to the harsher aspects of public health and man's vulnerability, making her more focused on changing lives through policy and welfare.

The Creative Soul Behind the Civil Servant

Aside from scholarship and service, Harshita seeks refuge in her artworks. Acrylic painting, her artistic tool, is where she finds an emotional balance and reflects on things. Creativity is not a hobby to her—instead, it is a leadership attribute that promotes empathy, understanding, and creative thinking in leadership. Harshita believes that leaders need to be emotionally intelligent, and creativity is one of the ways of achieving it.

A Voice for Women, An Icon for Many

Women empowerment is a matter close to Harshita's heart. She has experienced firsthand the reality of the suffering endured by women of all classes during her journey, and she is committed to making sure that every woman in the country has access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities. She dreams of a system where women are not only safeguarded but also respected for their role in the country's future.

Harshita Goyal's story—from the child girl with dreams to the second top scorer in one of India's most challenging exams—is a source of hope and inspiration. Her story teaches each and every young woman that no dream is too grand and no obstacle is too grand. With sheer willpower, determination, and kindness, Harshita has demonstrated what it takes to rise to the top—and to take others to the top with her.