UPSC 2024 toppers : Who is Harshita Goyal?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the final results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 on Tuesday, marking the end of a long and competitive journey for thousands of aspirants. This year, Shakti Dubey topped the exam by securing the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1), followed by Harshita Goyal at Rank 2 and Dongre Archit Parag at Rank 3.

Shakti Dubey: UPSC 2024 topper story

Shakti Dubey, hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, made history by securing the top spot in the UPSC CSE 2024. Her achievement is particularly inspiring as she comes from a humble background with no political or military connections. She completed her B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Allahabad and pursued her Master's at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Shakti’s journey to the top was shaped by seven years of dedicated preparation, with a strong focus on Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject.

In her interview, Shakti attributed her success to consistent hard work, disciplined study routines, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. “It’s all about staying focused and trusting the process,” she said. Shakti’s success serves as a powerful example to UPSC aspirants, especially those from small towns, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to success in the most competitive exams.

Who is Harshita Goyal 

Harshita Goyal secured AIR 2 in the UPSC 2024 exam. Originally from Haryana, she grew up in Vadodara, Gujarat, after her family moved there. Harshita, a Chartered Accountant by qualification, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Commerce from MS University of Baroda. For her UPSC preparation, she chose Political Science and International Relations as her optional subject.

In an exclusive media interview, Harshita expressed her disbelief and joy at securing such a high rank. "I can't believe that I secured AIR 2. I have achieved my dream of becoming an IAS officer. I’m proud to have brought recognition to my family," she shared.

Harshita's preparation strategy was focused on consistency. She emphasized the importance of studying in a way that suits an individual, rather than mimicking others. “I used to take breaks when needed, and I made sure to incorporate that into my routine,” she said.

Harshita also talked about how social media could be both helpful and distracting. She remained active on Instagram, following accounts that offered insights and occasionally found useful information.

UPSC 2024 result 

This year, a total of 14,627 candidates qualified for the Main examination in September. From these, 2,845 candidates advanced to the final personality test (interview) stage. In the end, the UPSC recommended 1,009 candidates – 725 men and 284 women – for appointment to various civil services posts, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).

Among the top five rank holders, there were three women and two men. The candidates came from diverse academic backgrounds, with alumni from premier institutions like IITs, VIT, JNU, and the University of Delhi. Their chosen optional subjects ranged from anthropology and geography to political science and international relations.

The list also includes 45 candidates with benchmark disabilities. These individuals include 12 with orthopedic disabilities, 8 with visual impairments, 16 with hearing impairments, and 9 with multiple disabilities, marking an inclusive approach in the selection process.

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