Meet Harshita Goyal: From CA to UPSC 2024 Topper with AIR 2
In a remarkable achievement that exemplifies determination and versatility, Harshita Goyal, a Chartered Accountant by profession, has secured All India Rank 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Her inspiring journey stands as a testament to how professional qualifications and a passion for public service can combine to produce stellar results.

A Journey Rooted in Hard Work
Originally hailing from Rohtak, Harshita's journey has taken her across states and disciplines. Her family later moved to Gujarat, and she is currently residing in Vadodara. With a solid academic foundation, she pursued her Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
Her academic background in commerce initially directed her towards the CA profession. She cleared all stages of the CA exams, a feat that is challenging in its own right. However, her passion for governance and social impact led her to set her sights on one of the toughest exams in the country - the UPSC CSE.
CA Background: A Unique Advantage
Unlike traditional UPSC aspirants from humanities or engineering backgrounds, Harshita's foundation in finance, law and audit gave her a unique edge. Her analytical skills, developed through her CA studies, helped her immensely in subjects like Economics, Ethics, and General Studies. Her success story shows how Chartered Accountants can diversify into public administration and policymaking.
Balancing Act: Managing Time and Pressure
Preparing for UPSC is no small feat, especially when transitioning from a full-fledged profession like CA. Harshita managed her time effectively, combining self-study with mock tests and current affairs updates. Her strategy included a disciplined routine, limited study resources, and deep conceptual clarity - a model approach for future aspirants.
Inspiration for CA and Commerce Graduates
Harshita's achievement has not just broken stereotypes, but also inspired thousands of commerce students and CAs to explore the civil services path. Her journey shows that with the right mindset and strategy, even professionals can crack UPSC's tough exam cycle.
UPSC 2024 Toppers: Shakti Dubey Secures AIR 1
The UPSC 2024 final result was declared recently, with Shakti Dubey clinching AIR 1, followed by Harshita Goyal at AIR 2. The list this year features a diverse mix of backgrounds - from engineering and humanities to finance and law.
Conclusion
Harshita Goyal's story is a powerful reminder that your background doesn't limit your potential. With focus, discipline, and a vision for service, even the most unconventional paths can lead to the top ranks of UPSC. Her transition from a Chartered Accountant to a future IAS officer is nothing short of extraordinary.