Used ChatGPT to study, skipped coaching: Haryana woman secures 5th rank in HCS exam 2025
The first stage of the examination was held in April, followed by the second stage in June. Interviews were conducted at the commission's office in Panchkula from October 3 to 8.
- Oct 11, 2026,
- Updated Oct 11, 2026 1:49 PM IST
ChatGPT was among the tools Chhavi Sardana used while preparing for the Haryana Civil Services examination. The 23-year-old from Hisar used it to understand subjects and gather information while studying. She secured the fifth rank in the HCS examination 2025 with 385.80 out of 675 marks, without joining any coaching institute, NDTV reported on Saturday.
Sardana, a resident of Dogran Mohalla in Hisar, prepared for the examination through self-study while pursuing her BA LLB degree in Patiala. Although she initially aspired to become a lawyer, she also dreamed of joining the civil services. She began preparing for the civil services examination while pursuing her college studies.
Sardana devoted around eight hours a day to her preparation. She usually began studying between 6 am and 7 am and spent most of the day preparing for the examination.
She stayed away from social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram during her preparation. She also used ChatGPT to understand subjects and gather information while studying.
According to her, consistent preparation, effective time management, and dedication to her goal played an important role in her success.
Around 60,000 candidates appeared in initial stage
According to Sardana, around 60,000 candidates participated in the initial stage of the Haryana Civil Services examination selection process. Candidates then progressed through the different stages of the recruitment process to reach the interview round.
The first stage of the examination was held in April, followed by the second stage in June. Interviews were conducted at the commission's office in Panchkula from October 3 to 8.
Sardana secured the fifth rank in the final results.
Punjab PCS, UPSC results awaited
Sardana has also appeared for the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) examination and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, with the results of both awaited.
She said she would prioritise the responsibility she has earned in Haryana while continuing to pursue opportunities for further growth.
Sardana is the first person in her family to secure a government officer job.
Her father, Chirag Sardana, runs a printing press shop, while her mother, Suman Sardana, is a homemaker.
Soon after the results were announced, relatives and well-wishers began visiting their home to congratulate her.
ChatGPT was among the tools Chhavi Sardana used while preparing for the Haryana Civil Services examination. The 23-year-old from Hisar used it to understand subjects and gather information while studying. She secured the fifth rank in the HCS examination 2025 with 385.80 out of 675 marks, without joining any coaching institute, NDTV reported on Saturday.
Sardana, a resident of Dogran Mohalla in Hisar, prepared for the examination through self-study while pursuing her BA LLB degree in Patiala. Although she initially aspired to become a lawyer, she also dreamed of joining the civil services. She began preparing for the civil services examination while pursuing her college studies.
Sardana devoted around eight hours a day to her preparation. She usually began studying between 6 am and 7 am and spent most of the day preparing for the examination.
She stayed away from social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram during her preparation. She also used ChatGPT to understand subjects and gather information while studying.
According to her, consistent preparation, effective time management, and dedication to her goal played an important role in her success.
Around 60,000 candidates appeared in initial stage
According to Sardana, around 60,000 candidates participated in the initial stage of the Haryana Civil Services examination selection process. Candidates then progressed through the different stages of the recruitment process to reach the interview round.
The first stage of the examination was held in April, followed by the second stage in June. Interviews were conducted at the commission's office in Panchkula from October 3 to 8.
Sardana secured the fifth rank in the final results.
Punjab PCS, UPSC results awaited
Sardana has also appeared for the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) examination and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, with the results of both awaited.
She said she would prioritise the responsibility she has earned in Haryana while continuing to pursue opportunities for further growth.
Sardana is the first person in her family to secure a government officer job.
Her father, Chirag Sardana, runs a printing press shop, while her mother, Suman Sardana, is a homemaker.
Soon after the results were announced, relatives and well-wishers began visiting their home to congratulate her.