Introduction: A Dream That Survived Loss, Failure, and Time
Some journeys toward civil services are driven by ambition. Others are shaped by circumstances. But for L. Santoshi, the journey was shaped by service, personal loss, perseverance, and unwavering determination.
In 2026, Santoshi achieved a milestone that reflected years of preparation and silent effort. She cleared the APPSC Group-1 Examination and secured the prestigious post of Regional Transport Officer (RTO). This achievement was not the result of a single attempt or a short period of preparation. It was built over years of consistent effort, professional responsibility, and the courage to continue despite setbacks.
Her journey reflects the true nature of civil services preparation — it is not a sprint, but a long journey of endurance, growth, and self-belief.
Early Life: A Childhood Rooted in Public Service and Strength
Santoshi was born and brought up in Narsipatnam, in Anakapalle district, in a family deeply connected to public service. Her father, Late Suranarayana, served as an Agriculture Extension Officer, dedicating his career to helping farmers. His work involved direct interaction with rural communities, understanding their needs, and helping improve their livelihoods.
Watching her father serve people sincerely left a lasting impression on her.
Her mother, Satyavathi, works as an Office Subordinate, and her strength and resilience became the emotional foundation of the family, especially after the loss of her father. Santoshi witnessed firsthand the realities of responsibility and perseverance.
Her father’s dedication and her mother’s strength shaped her mindset. Even after his passing, his legacy remained a constant source of inspiration.
From a young age, Santoshi developed a deep respect for government service and its ability to impact people’s lives.
Academic Journey: A Record of Consistency, Discipline, and Commitment
Santoshi’s academic journey reflects her sincerity and dedication.
She completed her 10th class in 2008 from Pratibha English Medium School, Narsipatnam, securing 89%. This was a reflection of her disciplined approach toward education.
She continued her Intermediate education at Sri Chaitanya Junior College, Visakhapatnam, completing it in 2010 with an outstanding 95%. Her performance showed strong academic consistency.
She pursued her Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) from Andhra University College of Engineering for Women, Visakhapatnam, graduating in 2014 with a CGPA of 8.3.
She further strengthened her academic foundation by completing her Post-Graduation in Engineering from Gayathri Engineering College, Visakhapatnam, under JNTU Kakinada, securing 79% in 2016.
Her academic background gave her analytical ability, technical clarity, and intellectual discipline, which later became crucial in her civil services preparation.
Leadership and Achievements: Building Confidence Beyond Academics
Alongside academics, Santoshi actively participated in various intellectual and leadership activities.
She secured First Prize in a PPT Competition on E-Waste, reflecting her technical understanding and presentation ability.
She took initiative by becoming the Founder and Editor of a Monthly E-Newsletter for her ECE Department, demonstrating leadership, creativity, and responsibility.
She also participated in Inter-School Kho-Kho competitions, showing her active involvement in sports and teamwork.
Santoshi’s selection for the Andhra Pradesh Government’s Free Civil Services Coaching Program further recognized her academic strength and potential.
These experiences helped her develop confidence, leadership skills, and communication ability, which later became important during her civil services journey.
Professional Journey: Entering Government Service and Understanding Administration
Santoshi began her professional career as a Junior Assistant and Computer Assistant in the Revenue Department of Andhra Pradesh.
This role gave her valuable administrative exposure and practical understanding of government functioning.
She was directly involved in:
- Handling official records
- Managing administrative documentation
- Assisting in citizen services
- Supporting office administration
This experience helped her understand how policies are implemented at the ground level and how citizens depend on government systems for solutions.
Her role strengthened her administrative perspective and reinforced her goal of moving into higher civil services.
Civil Services Preparation: Facing Setbacks Without Losing Direction
Like many aspirants, Santoshi began her civil services preparation with determination.
She appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, but could not clear it. This phase tested her confidence and patience.
However, she did not allow this setback to stop her journey.
Santoshi continued her preparation and appeared for APPSC examinations.
In APPSC Group-2 (2025), she progressed significantly and was recommended for CPT, reflecting steady improvement in her preparation.
Each attempt strengthened her understanding, improved her approach, and increased her confidence.
She understood that success in civil services requires patience, consistency, and emotional resilience.
The Role of La Excellence IAS Academy: A Crucial Turning Point in Her Interview Journey
The final stage of civil services preparation — the interview — requires not only knowledge but also clarity, confidence, administrative thinking, and personality development.
During this critical phase, Santoshi joined the Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) at La Excellence IAS Academy, which played a transformative role in her preparation.
One of the most important components of the programme was the DAF (Detailed Application Form) Filling Sessions conducted by Dr.P. Rambabu Sir.
These sessions helped her deeply reflect on her own life journey — her academic background, her engineering education, her work in the Revenue Department, her volunteering experiences, and her motivations for civil services.
She understood that the DAF is not just a form, but a reflection of one’s personality.
With the guidance provided, she learned how to present her background clearly, honestly, and confidently.
The Mock Interview Panels at La Excellence IAS Academy provided realistic exposure to the interview environment.
These panels consisted of experienced mentors and experts who asked questions based on her:
- Educational background in Engineering
- Work experience in Revenue Department
- Volunteering and social service activities
- Personal interests and motivations
The mock interviews closely resembled the actual APPSC interview environment.
Through these sessions, she learned:
- How to remain calm under pressure
- How to answer questions with clarity
- How to structure her thoughts effectively
- How to present her administrative perspective
The feedback provided by the panel helped her identify areas of improvement and refine her personality.
The Hackathon Sessions conducted at La Excellence IAS Academy provided her with the rare opportunity to interact with retired bureaucrats.
These interactions helped her understand:
- Real administrative challenges
- Decision-making in public service
- Ethical responsibility of civil servants
- Administrative thinking and leadership
These sessions expanded her perspective beyond textbooks and helped her understand the real responsibilities of a civil servant.
She later acknowledged that the guidance, mentorship, and realistic interview preparation provided at La Excellence IAS Academy played a crucial role in helping her face the final interview with confidence.
Santoshi credits La Excellence IAS Academy for helping her present her true personality before the interview board.
Achievement: Becoming Regional Transport Officer
In 2026, her years of effort, patience, and preparation finally bore fruit.
She cleared the APPSC Group-1 Examination and secured the prestigious post of Regional Transport Officer (RTO).
This achievement was not just a professional success. It was the realization of a long-standing dream.
It marked the beginning of her journey as a responsible civil servant.
Social Responsibility and Volunteering: A Commitment to Serve
Santoshi has always been committed to serving society.
During the Hudhud Cyclone in Visakhapatnam, she volunteered in distributing essential supplies to affected families.
She also worked with the NGO “For Change,” helping create awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene in rural areas.
These experiences strengthened her empathy and commitment to public service.
Personal Discipline and Hobbies: Maintaining Balance and Focus
Santoshi maintains a disciplined and balanced lifestyle.
Her hobbies include:
- Solving Sudoku puzzles, improving logical thinking
- Coloring mandalas, helping maintain emotional calmness
- Morning walks, supporting physical and mental health
These habits helped her remain focused and emotionally strong during preparation.
Conclusion: A Journey Defined by Resilience, Patience, and Purpose
L. Santoshi’s journey from Narsipatnam to Regional Transport Officer reflects the power of persistence and belief.
She faced personal loss, exam setbacks, and uncertainty, but she continued moving forward.
She proved that success in civil services is not about avoiding failure, but about continuing despite failure.
Today, she stands as a Regional Transport Officer, ready to serve society with responsibility, integrity, and purpose.
Her journey reminds every aspirant of an important truth:
Consistent effort, guided by purpose, always leads to success.
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