[UPSC Interview 2022] – Transcript #263 : Manoj Soni Board, Geography Optional,

Date of Interview: 31/03/2023
Board: Manoj Soni sir
Optional: Geography
Keywords from DAF: IDAS, Bareilly, Classic fiction

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Chairman

reading the DAF…
So, you are from Bareilly, …, you have filled that you have been recommended for the services before.
I explained to him that by the time DAF-1 was filled, I hadn’t joined the services.
1. You don’t want to be part of IDAS?
( I said that I will happily work here if I don’t get into IAS)
2. Why did u go for geography? Were u genuinely interested or just because of the nature of this examination? ( I said that I had interest in both physics and geo but ultimately chose geo)
3. Geography is a multi-disciplinary subject. So do sociology, economics, anthropology affect geo or vice-versa?
4. Give me 2 eg. each- geo affecting social dynamics and geo affecting culture and vice-versa
5. Do we take these interconnections into notice when we go for policy-making? Can you give me one example of any law which takes into consideration these interconnected aspects?
(One more question, which I forgot)

Member 1

1. Since you mentioned geo, let’s talk about geopolitics…how are India-China relations affected by geo?
2. Tell me about transboundary rivers. With which neighbours does India have these issues?
3. What about inter-state river issues happening inside India?
( By mistake, I said Center forms a committee…)
4. What is the mechanism for the resolution?

Member 2

1. I have heard that Bareilly is famous for textiles. What is that?
2. What is the difference between the two textile patterns which you said?
3. Did it originate in Bareilly or did it come from outside?
4.Can taxation laws be changed only through constitutional amendments?
5. Why did introduction of GST need a constitutional amendment?

Member 3

1.  Do you know about (Note: question wasn’t “Have you read” ) any book on Asia?
I said that I haven’t read any particular book but I know about one.
2. What is it about?
3.  What is the importance of Karakorams for India?
4. What is Shaksgam valley and Siachen?
5. Why are they important?
Since I wasn’t giving a straight answer, so he pressed on to his point again.
6.Why do we need to protect Siachen and Shaksgam?
7. What is metaverse?
8. Why have we lost interest in metaverse?
9. is metaverse the way to AI or the reverse is true?

Member 4

1. I have always associated Bareilly with Barfi and Jhumka. How can district authorities break this perception?
( I said it’s due to popular Bollywood songs)
2.You mentioned physics. Are physical laws absolute?
I said not at quantum levels.
He added also not at the cosmic level.
3. Then what’s the point of studying them?
4. Is there any theory working for unification of all laws?
5. The recent debate about Elon Musk. Is he a genius or a reckless guy?
6. Decision to buy twitter- what was it?
I said it was a good one initially, but presently it shows Musk’s recklessness.
7. Why?
8. Employees can be fired for efficiency purposes also.
9.When can a book be considered classic?
10. Can a book written 1-2 years back may enter the category of classics?

Chairman
It was nice interacting with you. All the best for your future. Your interview is over.

Overall experience: Cordial board. The ambience was quite relaxing and positive. At one point, I felt nervous since members were making some non- verbal gestures to each other, but I ignored that and went on to answer questions.

Utility of mocks: last year, I went for 5-6 mocks and couple of one to ones. The mocks literally sucked the energy out of me. I felt demotivated which badly affected my PT. (Ravindran sir’s one to one was the best though)

This time, I went for mock only at Samkalp and Vajirao and Reddy’s, but had many one-to-one interactions with my batchmates and friends. This helped to improve my overall communication skills, and also talk about things in a broad perspective. Talking to friends is a good way to relieve overall stress. > Interview Transcripts 2022: As a previously qualified candidate, I think I am in a position to give this advice- don’t worry much about PT stage.
1. This is the most unpredictable part of CSE. So u can’t do much about it.
2. The mains marks really matter much more than PT. Do the maths.
3. Worrying will only make u forget ur strengths. Be confident that u have made up to this stage, u can go on further.
This is NOT a test of ur knowledge, remember this always!
All the best to everyone here. Let PT day be one of the most memorable days of your lives.