[UPSC Interview 2025] – Transcript #118: Sheel Vardhan Board, Rajasthan Home State

Date of Interview: 13th January
Board: Sheel Vardhan sir
Home State: Rajasthan
Shift: forenoon,3rd to go.
Duration: approx 25 minutes.

DAF keywords – Barmer, Rajasthan, Punjabi Literature, Marwari folk music ,Prime Minister and Sports Minister in school ministry, Captained school Kho-Kho team, BSC( zoology, botany, chemistry)

My medium was Hindi, so all members talked in Hindi and whole conversation went in Hindi only.

I entered and greeted.

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Chairman

Q1- what is folk music ?
I explained.
Then he asked – Can it be called music for the people,by the people, to the people ? I said Yes .

Q2- Instruments used in Punjabi folk dance Bhangra ?
I took three names , he intruped and added 4th one ( saap ) I corrected it’s sapp
Then I added one more.

He took one more name which I never heard of and asked what is it ?
I said sorry sir.

Q3- Why is lohri celebrated ?
Q4 – Spiritual significance of Uttrayana?
I said sorry

Q5 – Have you watched Udta Punjab movie ?
I said no
Then he said there is a song in the movie ” Ik kudi jidda naa muhabbat ghum hai ”
Do you know it’s inspired by poetry of which famous Punjabi poet ?
I said Shiv Kumar Batalvi.
Q6 – Famous literary works of Batalvi ?

Member 2

Q1- You are from Rajasthan, never read Punjabi in school or college,Then why is it your optional.
I explained.He said good .It brought positive impact for me.

Q2 – Why President is nominal head only ?
Q3- What if President doesn’t follow the aid and advice of CoM ?
Q4- Difference between Cabinet and CoM ?
Q5- Duties of PM towards President ?
Q6 – Procedure of removing a Minister from the office?
I explained.
What if they don’t vacate the office? I said it’s a violation of constitution.
Then he said resignation of PM would automatically remove them all. I said yes sir .

He proudly laughed at his humour and turned towards Chairmen sir ,who didn’t look impressed,nor other members.
It gave me relief

Q7 – Why  Parliamentry govt  become Prime ministerial govt ?

Member 3

Q1 – Aravalli issue?
Q2- Two steps you would take as CM of Rajasthan for Viksit Rajasthan ?
Q3 – Two socio-economic indicator where Rajasthan lack ?( Picked up from my answer)
Q4 – IMR and Literacy rate of Rajasthan and national average ?
Q5 – Connection between Tourism and Folk artists in Rajasthan ?

Member 4

Q1- Why did you learn Punjabi ?
Q2- 2 features of Barmer ?
Q3- In Rajasthan earlier the definition of Aravalli was same , then why people protested now only ?
Q4 – Long term impact on Aravalli if current definition is accepted ?
Q5- Some of the major minerals of Rajasthan and their location ?
Q6 –   Their Extraction risks Aravalli’s existence.What to do then ?
I tried to convince her but failed twice .
Then suddenly convinced her by saying Green Mining will be a good option .

Q5 – What green mining exactly is ?  I said sorry mam , l would read about it.

Member 5

Q1 – Steps taken to boost nuclear energy in india ?
Q2- What is SHANTI Act ?
Q3- Is nuclear energy considered cheaper to be produced in comparison of other sources?( I initially thought I would not be able to give a decent answer but my chemistry knowledge hit and I believe I managed it well)
Q4- What steps should India take to promote nuclear energy production ? ( Again for some seconds I felt helpless but ultimately managed to give a decent answer)

Chairman sir – Your interview is over , You can leave.

I thanked them all and left the room.

Overall Experience – the board was cordial.
I answered almost all questions except two.
Almost all the questions were from my DAF .
I faced most of these questions in mock interviews.
So it felt like another mock interview.
I tried to mention almost everything I personally search in transcripts.