UPSC Interview 2024] – Transcript #53: Dinesh Dasa Board, Anthropology Optional,

Date of Interview: 02/04/25
Board: Dinesh Dasa Sir, last to go
Optional: Anthropology
Background: BSc Statistics
Keywords: BSc Statistics, Anthropology, Father Journalist (rest not relevant)
Time – 26 min

• To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2024, visit this page

Chairman

1. What made you sit here for the interview today?
2. Tell me how you will use your graduation subject, Statistics, and your optional subject, Anthropology, in public administration (a combination of both).
3. Explain the difference between cultural relativism and cultural nationalism (I had mentioned the keyword “cultural relativism” in my earlier response).
4. What are the challenges faced by SCs and STs? Highlight the similarities and differences in their challenges.

Member 1

1. Why do we not wear shoes in the house or temple? (I had mentioned the practice of wearing or not wearing shoes in my earlier response.)
2. Why are some Sikhs demanding the right to wear shoes inside gurdwaras? (I was unable to answer this, and sir explained that it is due to the cold climate in northern areas.)
3. What is happening in Nepal currently?
4. Can monarchy help overcome corruption?
5. Why is Greenland so important?

Member 2

1. Why do you want to join the civil services despite coming from a metropolitan area?
2. What does nationalism mean to you?
3. Who is a nationalist?
4. The world is moving away from globalization. What do you think are the impacts of this shift?
5. What are the impacts of protectionism?
6. How can we move towards globalization again?

Member 3

1. Since you have a background in Statistics, I will give you a scenario—based on data and facts, how would you consider the merger of the Uttarakhand-based Wildlife Institute of India and the Coimbatore-based Bird Conservation Centre?
2. What are the constitutional provisions for health in India? (I mentioned Article 21 and DPSPs, but sir clarified that he was asking about the Seventh Schedule.)
3. Health is a state subject. How can we strengthen our healthcare system?
4. Take the case of any state, say West Bengal, and explain how you would improve healthcare there.
5. Should we amend the Seventh Schedule?

Member 4

1. What is the state of journalism in India today? Everyone seems to be a journalist—what is its impact on traditional media?
2. What are the issues associated with citizen journalism?
3. How can these issues be tackled?
4. Should we have a merit-based system for the judiciary?
5. What should be done to improve the judiciary?

CM:
“Okay, your interview is over.”

Experience:

The board was cordial and provided answers where I was lacking.

Utility of Mock Interviews:
Great for practice and improvement.

Group discussions with friends proved vital—Rahul and Shrushti were the best group I could ask for.

Mocks Given: Around 10
CD Institute (Thane) × 2
SIAC (Mumbai)
Samkalp × 2
PW OnlyIAS
Vajirao
Vajiram
Unacademy
Maharashtra Sadan

One-to-One Sessions:

1. ADGP Mahesh Bhagwat Sir (IPS): DAF discussion—sir’s group provided great insights.
2. Shubham Aggarwal Sir (Vidyapeeth IAS): A great confidence booster—covered a wide range of topics from my DAF and current affairs.
3. Avinash Dharmadhikari Sir (Chanakya Mandal): Very positive interaction.
4. Sajal Sir (Sarrthi): Provided strategies to tackle tricky questions.
5. Vinay Sir (Insights IAS): Asked dynamic questions related to my optional subject and current affairs.
6. Satyam Jain Sir (Understand UPSC): Comprehensively covered my DAF and provided valuable inputs.