Sonal Goel, an IAS officer, has opened up about her journey to cracking the UPSC Civil Services exam in 2008, using her own experience to motivate and inspire aspirants. In a recent post on social media, she shared her UPSC marksheet, highlighting her initial setback in 2007 when she fell short of qualifying for the interview stage due to low marks in General Studies papers.
However, rather than letting this setback discourage her, Sonal used it as fuel for her determination. She devoted herself entirely to mastering the General Studies paper and improving in other areas of the Mains exam, emphasizing the importance of notes making, repeated revisions, and answer writing. Despite pursuing her LLB from Delhi University and working part-time as a Company Secretary, she poured her heart and soul into every aspect of the syllabus.
In her second attempt, Sonal not only cleared the exam but also achieved the highest marks in General Studies compared to her optional subjects—Commerce and Public Administration. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication and relentless effort.
Sonal’s message to aspirants is clear: view every failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. She encourages aspirants to believe in their abilities, pursue their goals with passion, and never lose sight of their dreams. Through perseverance, greatness can be achieved.
Her post, accompanied by a picture of her marksheet, has resonated with aspirants from various backgrounds, serving as a reminder that with self-belief and hard work, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.