Success, when seen from the outside, appears as a single line in a result sheet — a name, a rank, and a designation. But behind that line lies a story filled with years of preparation, moments of self-doubt, sacrifices made silently, and the strength to continue when success seemed just beyond reach.
For Lakshmi Anjana, securing the prestigious post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) through APPSC Group-1 was not just an achievement. It was the culmination of a long journey shaped by discipline, emotional resilience, consistent preparation, and unshaken belief in her purpose.
Her story is not about one exam or one year. It is about choosing purpose over comfort, continuing despite setbacks, and proving that persistence, when guided by belief, eventually finds its destination.
Early Life: Growing Up with the Values of Discipline and Public Service
Lakshmi Anjana was born and raised in Palakollu, West Godavari district, in a family where service, discipline, and responsibility were part of everyday life.
Her father, G.Diwakar, serves as a Head Constable in Andhra Pradesh Police, a role that demanded physical endurance, emotional strength, and unwavering dedication. Watching him wear the uniform and fulfil his duties left a deep impression on her.
Her mother, Hemalatha, is a teacher, whose life revolved around guiding students and shaping their future. From her, Anjana learned the value of education, patience, and inner strength.
Growing up under the influence of both parents, she understood early that government service was not just a career — it was a responsibility toward society.
She completed her schooling at Gowtham Model School, Palakollu, securing 90% in her 10th class, reflecting her academic sincerity and discipline.
Engineering and College Life: Building Confidence, Leadership, and Perspective
Anjana pursued her B.Tech from SRKR Engineering College, Bhimavaram, graduating with a CGPA of 8.25.
Her engineering years were not limited to academics. She actively participated in organizing cultural events and technical programs, taking responsibility for coordinating teams and managing activities.
These experiences helped her develop:
- Leadership skills
- Confidence in handling responsibility
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong communication skills
These qualities later became invaluable during her civil services preparation.
Her college years were not just about earning a degree. They were about shaping her personality.
Corporate Career at TCS: A Secure Job, but an Unfulfilled Purpose
After completing her engineering, Anjana secured a campus placement at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
She worked there for few years, gaining professional exposure, financial independence, and career stability.
She had everything that defined a comfortable career.
But deep inside, she felt a stronger calling.
She wanted to contribute directly to society.
She wanted to serve people.
Leaving a secure corporate career was not an easy decision. It meant stepping into uncertainty, leaving behind stability, and choosing a path filled with challenges.
But she made that decision.
She chose civil services.
UPSC Journey: The Pain of Coming Close and Missing by Just Seven Marks
Anjana began her UPSC preparation with dedication and seriousness.
She appeared for UPSC Civil Services Mains in 2019, gaining valuable experience.
She continued her preparation and appeared again for UPSC Civil Services Mains in 2023.
This time, she came heartbreakingly close to success.
She missed the UPSC reserve list by just seven marks.
Seven marks.
After years of preparation, to come so close and still miss selection tests not only preparation, but emotional strength.
Moments like this break many aspirants.
But Anjana did not stop.
She chose to continue.
Because she knew her journey was not over.
APPSC Preparation: A Journey Built on Self-Belief and Focused Preparation
Anjana approached the APPSC Group-1 Examination 2023 notification with seriousness and maturity.
This was her first serious attempt, and she relied largely on self-preparation, without depending heavily on multiple test series.
She focused on clarity rather than quantity.
She credits Kalyan Sir’s Essay Guidance for helping her develop clarity of thought and structure, which played an important role in her performance.
For AP History, she relied on Seenaiah Sir’s notes, which helped her build strong conceptual understanding.
For AP Economy, she focused extensively on the Socio-Economic Survey, understanding governance from a real administrative perspective.
Her preparation reflected clarity, discipline, and trust in her own process.
Role of La Excellence IAS Academy: Guidance That Strengthened Her Final Phase
Anjana’s association with La Excellence IAS Academy played a crucial role in refining her preparation.
She was part of the UPSC Interview Guidance Programme in 2023, where she gained valuable interview exposure and feedback.
She later joined the Core Batch at La Excellence IAS Academy during 2024-25, which helped her maintain consistency, discipline, and preparation clarity.
She was also part of the APPSC Group-1 Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) in 2026.
She recalls that the mock interview panels at La Excellence closely resembled the actual APPSC interview board, which helped her build confidence.
The panel members were highly supportive and helped her improve:
- Communication clarity
- Confidence
- Administrative thinking
- Interview composure
She credits La Excellence IAS Academy and its mentors for helping her face the final interview with confidence and clarity.
Family Support: The Unseen Strength Behind Her Success
Throughout her journey, Anjana’s parents remained her strongest support system.
They supported her emotionally and financially.
When others doubted her decisions, her father stood firmly beside her.
His belief in her never weakened.
His support gave her the strength to continue, even during difficult moments.
Behind every successful aspirant is someone who believed in them without doubt.
For Anjana, that belief came from her parents.
The Moment of Success: Becoming Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
When the APPSC Group-1 results were announced, Anjana saw her name in the final list.
She had secured the prestigious post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
This moment was the result of years of effort, setbacks, perseverance, and belief.
It was not just a result.
It was a transformation.
From a corporate employee to a civil servant.
From uncertainty to responsibility.
From aspiration to achievement.
She had finally become what she had worked toward for years.
A Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Her Message to Aspirants: Prepare with Dedication, but Stay Grounded
Speaking to La Excellence students, Anjana shares an honest message for aspirants:
“UPSC preparation can become all-consuming. It is important to prepare with dedication, but also to think beyond UPSC. Since the process is unpredictable, you must remain future-ready.”
Her words reflect maturity gained through experience.
Conclusion: A Journey Defined by Persistence, Courage, and Belief
Lakshmi Anjana’s journey from Palakollu to DSP is not just a story of success.
It is a story of:
- Leaving comfort to pursue purpose
- Continuing after setbacks
- Believing when success seemed distant
- Trusting the journey
Her story stands as a reminder to every aspirant:
Success does not belong to the fastest.
It belongs to those who refuse to stop.
For more such success stories, you can visit: https://laex.in/category/success-stories/
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar : 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040