Here we have provided handwritten notes.
Download from here
Laghima Tiwari’s UPSC journey is a remarkable example of focused self-preparation and strategic planning. After completing her BTech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technological University, she decided to appear for the Civil Services Examination and began her preparation with a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam demands. From the very beginning, she adopted a self-study–oriented approach and consciously chose not to join any full-time coaching institute.
Her preparation started with building strong fundamentals in static subjects using standard textbooks. She emphasized conceptual clarity rather than rote learning, especially in core areas like polity, economy, history, and geography. Alongside static portions, she regularly followed current affairs, integrating them with General Studies answers instead of treating them as a separate segment.
For the optional subject, Laghima chose Anthropology, a subject she found logical, concise, and scoring. She focused on understanding core concepts, using limited but reliable sources, and revising them multiple times. Answer writing practice formed a crucial part of her Mains strategy, where she worked on structure, clarity, and time management. She regularly attempted mock tests and carefully analyzed her mistakes to improve content and presentation.
During the Prelims phase, she relied on repeated revision, intelligent elimination techniques, and practice through mock papers rather than excessive source expansion. After clearing Prelims, she immediately shifted full focus to Mains preparation, without waiting for results, which helped her gain a time advantage.
For the Personality Test (Interview), she concentrated on self-awareness, honesty, and clarity of thought. Instead of memorizing answers, she focused on understanding her Detailed Application Form (DAF) and current issues.
Her disciplined approach paid off when she secured All India Rank 19 in UPSC CSE 2022 on her very first attempt, proving that consistent self-study, smart planning, and belief in one’s strategy can lead to top ranks in UPSC.