Mansi Dagar, one of the recent achievers in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, has shown that clearing one of India’s toughest exams is possible without enrolling in coaching institutes. Securing All India Rank 137, Mansi’s journey reflects perseverance, strategic preparation, and consistent self-study. She believes that discipline, focused reading, and understanding the exam pattern can outweigh formal coaching.
Mansi revealed that her initial attempts were challenging. In her first attempt, she missed the prelims cutoff, which could have discouraged many aspirants. However, she used this setback as an opportunity to improve. She analysed her mistakes, refined her preparation strategy, and focused on enhancing her understanding of the syllabus rather than relying on coaching shortcuts.
One of her key strategies was making a well-structured timetable. She dedicated specific hours for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs while ensuring revision at regular intervals. For General Studies, she emphasised NCERT books, standard reference materials, and regular newspaper reading to stay updated on current events. Mansi also highlighted the importance of mock tests and previous years’ question papers, which helped her identify weak areas and improve time management during exams.
Mansi’s approach demonstrates that self-motivation and consistency are crucial for UPSC preparation. She encouraged aspirants to focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning and to maintain a balance between studies and mental well-being. For the optional subject, she suggested choosing a subject one is comfortable with and can study independently without external coaching.
Her success is also a testament to the effectiveness of online resources. Mansi used freely available study materials, online lectures, and discussion forums to supplement her preparation. She stressed that aspirants should rely on authentic resources and avoid unnecessary distractions that often come with excessive coaching.
Mansi Dagar’s story is inspiring for thousands of UPSC aspirants who cannot afford coaching or prefer self-study. She emphasises that determination, strategic planning, and disciplined execution can bridge the gap between aspirants with coaching and those without. Her journey underlines that UPSC is not just a test of knowledge but also of perseverance, focus, and adaptability.
Through her experience, Mansi sends a strong message to future aspirants: with self-belief, careful planning, and consistent effort, it is possible to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination without depending on coaching institutes.