Success Story: Meet Sonal Goel, Who Cleared UPSC While Studying LLB, Working As A CS
IAS Sonal Goel cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt and achieved the highest marks in General Studies compared to her optional subjects, Commerce and Public Administration.
Sonal Goel is a 2008 batch IAS officer whose inspiring journey to becoming an IAS is worth noting. Born in Panipat, Haryana, Goel completed her studies in Delhi. She graduated from Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce and decided to prepare for the UPSC civil services exam while studying LLB.
She missed the interview in her UPSC first attempt due to low marks in General Studies in the main exam. However, this setback fueled her determination to leave no stone unturned in achieving her UPSC goal. Thereafter, she dedicated herself to mastering the General Studies paper and improving other aspects of the Mains, emphasising making notes, revising repeatedly, and writing answers. She poured her heart and soul into every aspect of the syllabus, along with pursuing LLB from Delhi University while doing a part-time job as a Company Secretary (CS).
Goel had said that her efforts paid off as she not only cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt but also achieved the highest marks in General Studies compared to her optional subjects, Commerce and Public Administration. She shared that this journey taught her an invaluable lesson for candidates: no obstacle can withstand dedication and relentless effort.
She scored 1372 out of 2300 marks in the exam. She had 210 and 195 marks in GS 1 and 2, while in the four optional papers, she scored 147, 165, 166, and 190 marks, which were less than her General Studies marks. In the interview round, she scored 183 out of 300 marks.
The IAS advised aspirants to believe in their abilities, pursue their goals with passion, and never forget their dreams, as greatness is achieved through perseverance. 'It's a reminder that with dedication and relentless effort, no obstacle is insurmountable. Every setback and failure is an opportunity to learn, improvise and ultimately, triumph," she had posted on X earlier.
'Dear students, Believe in your abilities, pursue your goals with passion, and never lose sight of your dreams. It is through perseverance that greatness is achieved," the IAS officer added.
She joined the Tripura cadre after securing All India Rank 13 in the Civil Services Examination in 2008. She then joined the Haryana cadre in July 2016 and since then she has played an important role as the CEO of Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) and later as Additional CEO of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).
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No one has done an actual study of the number of steps involved in setting up different categories of industries, what are the hurdles and actual costs involved, and the time taken. Equally important is to compare the steps, time and costs involved in setting up an industrial unit in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand with India.' — 'The second stage requires a careful study of the state and central regulations applicable to running firms and companies on the regulatory front. There are multiple and often meaningless compliances that serve no purpose and only add to paperwork. For a single MSME, there are a mind boggling 57 recurring compliances and 17 approvals/licenses from 18 different authorities only in the area of environment, health and safety.' — 'But, the biggest fear of any Indian or foreign business entity is the highly complex and unpredictable direct and indirect tax system. GST continues to be as complex as ever, with vast powers of abruptly freezing accounts, cancelling registration, reopening assessments, and myriad provisions that can bring businesses to a grinding reducing the number of rates or re-enacting the same law in simple language is not the answer.' — 'We are at a fork in the road: Either we choose a completely new path that encourages enterprise or continue with our old methods that have hobbled India's growth. Peter Drucker famously remarked that there are no underdeveloped countries, there are only badly managed ones. The three components of ease of doing business must be re-examined not by the bureaucracy alone, but through intensive consultations and participation with representatives from industry. A clear plan followed by time-bound execution is the key. India cannot afford to miss the bus again and again.' Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Imperative to wipe out trust deficit, 'get out of the way' & deregulate, says CEA Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (5) India's ranking in the 'Ease of Doing Business Index' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking? (UPSC CSE 2018) (a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (b) World Economic Forum (c) World Bank (d) World Trade Organization (WTO) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for August 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
Mint
12 hours ago
- Mint
Bihar's airport push: Four projects to put state on India's aviation map
NEW DELHI: Bihar is gearing up for its most ambitious aviation expansion yet, with new airports, large-scale upgrades, and regional connectivity at the centre of its plan. The state's chief secretary Amrit Lal Meena, a 1989 batch IAS officer and former coal secretary, in an interview, said the state wants to position itself as a hub for both domestic and international services in eastern India. Better air access, he said, would help attract manufacturers, expand exports, and create jobs. 'In 2005, Bihar had only two operational airports—Patna and Gaya—handling 4,788 aircraft movements a year and around 2.48 lakh passengers. By 2023-24, we reached 29,614 aircraft movements and 42.86 lakh passengers. This is not just about numbers; it's about connecting people, boosting trade, and opening new opportunities for Bihar's economy," Meena toldMint. Darbhanga Civil Enclave, operational since November 2020 under the Centre's UDAN scheme, has already emerged as a vital link for Mithilanchal and north Bihar, recording 3,335 aircraft movements and over 5.26 lakh passengers in 2023-24. A new ₹912 crore civil enclave is planned there, with the state providing land worth ₹245 crore to allow for bigger aircraft and direct international flights. 'The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone in October 2024," Meena said. The expansion aligns with the Centre's broader infrastructure drive. At a recent Union cabinet meeting, the government approved a new ₹1,507 crore airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan. Nationally, the number of operational airports has more than doubled, from 74 in 2014 to 162 in 2025, while annual passenger traffic jumped from 16.8 crore to 41.2 crore. Bihar is advancing multiple aviation projects simultaneously, with ₹207 crore sanctioned for land acquisition at Raxaul to develop a brownfield airport by October 2025, and ₹42.37 crore cleared for Birpur Airport in Supaul after pre-feasibility studies found it viable. A civil enclave at Chunapur airport in Purnia is slated for completion by August 2025, with a private airline bidding to connect six cities, while at Bihta, the Airports Authority of India is investing ₹459.99 crore in a civil enclave designed to handle Airbus A321s and Boeing 737-800s, targeted for late 2027. Smaller airports are also being revived under UDAN. 'We are developing airstrips in Bhagalpur, Valmikinagar, Birpur, Madhubani, Munger, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur. The state approved this in January 2025, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation gave clearance in February," Meena said, calling these crucial for last-mile connectivity. The state has also moved to cut airline costs. In June 2025, Bihar slashed VAT on aviation turbine fuel from 29% to 4%. Patna airport alone has since seen a 134% surge in fuel sales, Meena said, adding that the move is expected to bring more flights and tourism. 'Bihar's aviation growth is no coincidence—it's the outcome of a clear vision. The next decade will see Bihar emerge as a leading state for both domestic and international connectivity," he said. Industry experts agree the push could have a wider impact. 'Enhancing aviation, the fastest mode of transport and relatively easier to develop, will not only increase tourist arrivals but also contribute substantially to regional economies and local employment. Places like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda have immense potential and should be marketed abroad," said Rajiv Mehra, general secretary of Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality. Bihar is a key pilgrimage centre for Buddhist travellers, alongside heritage sites such as Nalanda and Patna Sahib. 'Any improvement in the aviation sector would enhance tourist arrivals, which in turn will boost the local economy," said Ravi Gosain, president of Indian Association of Tour Operators.
