[UPSC Interview 2025] – Transcript #30: Dinesh Dasa Board, Philosophy Optional,

Date of Interview: 11th December 2025 (Forenoon); 1st to go
Board: Dinesh Dasa Sir
Background: Rural agricultural
Optional: Philosophy
DAF-based: Rural agricultural background; Philosophy as optional

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Chairman

“Har kisi ke destiny mein nahi hota yahaan tak pahunchna. Isn’t it? What’s your view?”
Introduce yourself.
“So what have you been doing for the last 4.5 years since graduation? What have you learnt from the journey?”

“You said you come from a rural agricultural background and are from Haryana. Given the context of the farmer protests, if you are given responsibility from the government’s side to convince farmers, how would you do it?”

He told me to use Haryanvi.

I initially switched from English to Hindi.

He asked me to stand behind the chair, consider them as Tau and Tai ji, and strictly adhere to Haryanvi language and tone while persuading them.

RCEP: “Shashi Tharoor ji said we should reconsider our stance. But the government hasn’t paid heed to this reconsideration. What is your view?”

Member 1

“Who is your favourite philosopher and why?” (based on my previous answer)

“Shri Shankaracharya travelled throughout the country for religious propagation. Was he responsible for checking the spread of Buddhism?” (based on my previous answer)

“What is the core difference between a debate and an argument?”

“Explain argumentative philosophy in India and its salient features.”

“Have you heard of Cartesian philosophy? What is his full name? State his philosophy in one line.”

She then gave a monologue on her view of Cartesian philosophy

Asked: “Who said ‘I am therefore I think’?”

Asked which of the two philosophies I personally subscribe to

She countered with the negatives of the philosophy I chose and asked me to reconsider my stance

Then she talked about Albert Camus’ story of seeing his mother’s dead body

Member 2

“You graduated in mechanical engineering but chose philosophy. Was it useful? If yes, how?”

“In your opinion, is this world illusory?”

“You seem enthusiastic about philosophy, but philosophy also has criticisms. Provide major criticisms of Indian philosophy.”

Then the Chairperson asked the next member to continue.

Member 3

“As the Chairman asked about farmer protests, what other major protests have happened in Haryana? Can you recall?”

“Major similarities between the Jat protest and the farmer protest.”

“Comprehensively discuss solutions to agrarian distress.”

Member 4

“Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy is based on values like non-violence and satya. After 75 years, what do you think about their relevance in the present world?”
“You have answered the theoretical aspect; now apply it to current issues.”
The Chairperson then said, “We are running short on time.”
Finally, he said: “Okay, your interview is over. You may go now.”