UPSC Topper Notes & Blogs

Toppers notes, Current Affairs, Planners, Important articles, etc.


Topper Notes

We will keep adding resources on this page to make it easier for you.

Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1, CSE 2017)

These are brilliant copies from Anudeep Durishetty. His style of answer writing is something that you should learn from in order to improve your own.

Things to note in these copies:

  1. Structure of answers.
  2. Neatness of presentation.
  3. Use of diagrams.
  4. Short and precise language.

If you can add these to your answers - you stand to gain a lot.


Shreyans Kumat (AIR 4, CSE 2018)

Some of the best notes for Post Independence history and World History. Can be used for GS1 prep during Mains. These are also great examples of how to make notes!

Things to notice:

  1. Structure of information in the notes.
  2. Multiple causal factors mentioned instead of events.

Abhijeet Yadav (AIR 654, CSE 2017)


Garima Lohia (AIR 2, CSE 2022)

Garima Lohia secured the second rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. She is an inspiration to many aspirants who are preparing for the UPSC CSE. Garima's preparation strategy was comprehensive, ensuring a deep understanding of the syllabus for UPSC.

She uploaded notes on Art and Culture. To check them out, click here.


Shreya Shree (AIR 71, CSE 2021)

Shreya Shree, who attained an All India Rank (AIR) of 71 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021, stands out as a notable figure in the Indian civil services community. As an alumna of IIT Kanpur, her success in the UPSC exams stands as a testament to her dedication and strategic approach to preparation.

The wide acceptance and appreciation of her notes and resources within the UPSC community underscore her unwavering commitment to assisting others in achieving their goals in the civil services exams.

To Access ma'ams GS4 and International Economics Notes, click here.

Aishwarya Verma (AIR 4, CSE 2021)

Aishwarya Verma bagged the fourth all-India rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2021 by scoring 1039 marks out of 2025. He comes from a middle-class background and his father works in the banking sector.

In his fourth attempt, He took Vision-GS and Abhyas, SOMP hurricane batch for the Mains Test series. His primary source for current affairs and value addition was the newspaper, Vision PT and Mains 365 booklets (selectively), and Sunya ias value addition material.

To Access his GS4 and Economy Notes, click here.


Shruti Sharma (AIR 1, CSE 2021)

Shruti Sharma is the All India Rank 1 holder in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021. She is a resident of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh and an alumnus of St. Stephens College and Jawaharlal Nehru University. She pursued History Honours in her graduation. Her preparation strategy focused on syllabus-oriented study rather than counting hours. 

Details about the Coaching she attended and the Test Series she took are given below.

During graduation: Vajiram and Ravi classroom classes and Byjus tablet

After Graduation: Jamia Residential Coaching Academy for an amicable study environment, peer group, and group study.

To download World History and Security and Governance Notes, click here.


Pradeep Singh (AIR 1, CSE 2019)

Pradeep Singh is an IAS officer who secured the first rank in the UPSC CSE 2019. He hails from Tewri village in Sonepat, Haryana, and completed his graduation in Computer Science Engineering. Pradeep relied on standard study materials, stressed a thorough understanding of current affairs, practiced answer writing, and regularly took mock tests to improve his exam-taking skills. Pradeep's strategy focused on time management, staying motivated, and targeting specific portions of the UPSC syllabus daily. Pradeep's inspiring journey and preparation strategy have been a source of motivation for UPSC aspirants.

To download World History and Disaster Management notes, click here.


Satyam Gandhi (AIR 10, CSE 2020)

Satyam Gandhi, an IAS officer who secured 10th rank in the UPSC CSE 2020, is known for his exceptional study notes and answer sheets. He hails from Samastipur, Bihar, and chose to self-study, dedicating 12-13 hours per day to his preparation. Satyam prioritised general studies, relied on self-prepared notes, and took mock tests to identify his weaknesses. He also utilized online coaching platforms for assistance in the interview round. His inspiring story and preparation strategy have been a source of motivation for UPSC aspirants.

Details about the Coaching he attended and the Test Series he took are given below.

GS Classroom coaching:- Vajiram and Ravi
PSIR Optional:- No classroom coaching, only crash course at Shubhra Ranjan IAS
GS Mains test series:- Vision IAS
Essay test series:- Vision IAS
Ethics test series:- Lukman IAS

To Access GS2 and GS3 Notes, click here.


Mourya Bharadwaj (AIR 21, CSE 2021)

Mourya Bharadwaj secured All India Rank (AIR) 21 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021. He shared his journey and strategies for the exam, including his booklist, mains strategy, and anthropology optional strategy. He emphasized the importance of not giving up, avoiding discussing completed papers and taking care of food and sleep during the exam. Mourya Bharadwaj's success and insights can be valuable for future UPSC aspirants.

To read more about the strategy he followed and the coaching he joined, click here.


Kartikeya Jaiswal (AIR 35, CSE 2021)

Kartikeya Jaiswal secured All India Rank (AIR) 35 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021. He graduated from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Mathematics. Jaiswal's optional subject was also Mathematics. Jaiswal emphasizes the importance of consistency, self-belief, and hard work in achieving success in the UPSC exam. His insights and resources can be valuable for future UPSC aspirants, who can refer them to prepare their strategy.

Details about the test series he gave and the mock interviews he took are given below.

Mains Test Series: VisionIAS GS
Optional Test series: IMS Maths
Mock Interviews: Byju's, Chahal Academy-cum-Dikshant, KSG, Vajirao and Reddy, Unacademy, Vision, Rau's and Samkalp

Click here to access Ethics notes, Maths formula chart, and complex analysis notes.


Harshivani Singh (AIR 579, CSE 2021)

Harshivani Singh from Orai, a small city in district Jalaun, U.P., has secured a 579 rank in the Civil Services Examination 2021. In his third attempt, he gave the first mains and first interview.

He completed his B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from HBTI Kanpur in 2018 and began preparing for UPSC after graduation, so the journey has been a long and arduous one.

To read about his journey, click here.


Nausheen (AIR 9, CSE 2023)

Nausheen, hailing from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, secured the 9th rank in her fourth attempt at the UPSC civil services examination. A graduate of Delhi University's Khalsa College, her success was fueled by her insightful response during the personality test, where she discussed her passion for topics like the impacts of colonization.

Despite setbacks, she persisted, even enrolling in coaching at Jamia Millia Islamia's Residential Coaching Academy to enhance her skills. Nausheen's achievement adds to the diversity in civil services, highlighting the power of perseverance and passion in realizing one's aspirations.

To read about her journey, click here.


Shivam Kumar (AIR 19, CSE 2023) 

Shivam Kumar's rise to the 19th rank in the UPSC civil services examination showcases his unwavering determination and commitment. Despite initially securing the 319th rank and entering the IRS, Shivam aimed higher, aspiring for the prestigious IAS cadre.

To learn about his journey, click here.


Wardah Khan (AIR 18, CSE 2023)

Wardah Khan's journey from Noida to securing the 18th rank in the UPSC exam 2023 is a testament to her dedication. Leaving her corporate job, she pursued her dream of civil services, aiming for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

Wardah's transition exemplifies her determination to serve society. Her advice for aspirants underscores the importance of thorough preparation. Her achievement inspires aspiring civil servants, showcasing the power of dedication in realizing dreams.

To learn about her journey, click here.


Saikiran Nandala (AIR 27, CSE 2023)

Nandala Saikiran's ascent from a modest village in Karimnagar to claiming the 27th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a story of resilience and determination. Despite facing financial adversity and personal loss, Saikiran remained unwavering in his ambition to serve society as a collector.

He eschewed traditional coaching methods, relying instead on self-study and online resources.

To learn about his journey, click here.


Khushhali Solanki (AIR 61, CSE 2023)

Khushhali Solanki's achievement in securing the 61st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Hailing from an engineering background, Solanki's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to public service. Her success underscores her resilience in overcoming challenges and adapting her strategy to achieve her goals.

To learn about her journey, click here.


Chandana Jahnavi (AIR 50, CSE 2023)

Chandana Jahnavi, a resident of Hyderabad, Telangana, secured an impressive All India Rank of 50 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, ultimately becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in her third attempt.

From her initial selection in the Indian Corporate Law Service to later joining the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Jahnavi's ascent to the prestigious IAS reflects her unwavering commitment to public service and her ability to overcome obstacles.

To learn about her journey, click here.


Garima Mundra (AIR 80, CSE 2023)

Garima Mundra's attainment of the 80th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to her hard work, determination, and intellectual prowess. Her accomplishment highlights her commitment to public service and governance.

To learn about her journey, click here.


Pururaj Singh Solanki (AIR 21, CSE 2023)

Pururaj Singh Solanki, a Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, clinched the 21st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023. With a penchant for research and a deep analytical acumen, Solanki brings a unique blend of technical expertise and societal awareness to the table.

To learn about his journey, click here.


Rohit Tyagi (AIR 74, CSE 2023)

Rohit Tyagi, born and raised in North Delhi, secured the 74th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023. His father is a businessman, and his mother is a homemaker, providing him with a supportive family environment.

Rohit completed his schooling at Apex Public School, New Delhi, and pursued his B.Tech in Information Technology from Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, Delhi. His success underscores the significance of perseverance, education, and familial support in achieving one's goals. As he begins his civil services journey, Rohit carries with him the pride of his accomplishments and the expectations of his community.

To read about his journey, click here.


Abhinav Jain (AIR 35, CSE 2023)

Abhinav Jain, from Delhi, secured AIR 35 in the UPSC CSE 2023. He graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technological University and worked as a software developer in Bangalore. Seeking to make a societal impact, he pursued Civil Services.

In his first attempt, Abhinav didn't clear the prelims due to an underestimation of the exam. In his second attempt, he achieved a rank of 268 and joined IRS (C&IT). Determined to improve, he dedicated himself fully to his third attempt, cutting out distractions like social media, and successfully secured AIR 35.

To read about his journey, click here.


Animesh Verma (AIR 38, CSE 2023)

Animesh Verma's remarkable journey to securing All India Rank 38 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to resilience and the power of learning from one's mistakes.

In his first attempt, Animesh faced setbacks that could have easily discouraged many. However, he viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth. By reflecting on his mistakes and embracing a mindset of continuous self-improvement, Animesh honed his strategies and strengthened his resolve. His unwavering determination, combined with a commitment to hard work and perseverance, led him to triumph in his second attempt.

To read about his journey, click here.


Merugu Kaushik (AIR 82, CSE 2023)

Merugu Kaushik's achievement of securing the 82nd All India Rank (AIR) in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 on his first attempt is commendable. With a background in Civil Engineering from Osmania University and an MBA in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi, coupled with a year of experience as a Consultant at Capgemini's Financial Services BU, Merugu embodies a blend of academic excellence and professional acumen.

To read about his journey, click here.


Daily Questions with Model Solutions

2 Questions with their model solutions are posted on these pages from Monday to Friday. You can practice at your own pace.


Free CSAT Resources

Theory + practice questions for UPSC CSE Prelims CSAT paper.


Topper Blogs

Curated list of blogs from previous toppers which will add value to your understanding of the exam.

UPSC Topper Blogs
A collection of UPSC toppers blogs that are not just gyaan.