Interview Transcripts of CSE/IFoS 2023

Date: 16/02/2024

Session : Forenoon, 4th to go

Board: Raj Shukla sir

Optional: Economics

DAF: Rajasthan, Football (only 2 were asked)

Time: around 25 mins

Chairperson:

• How do you see West Asia presently? what is happening in the region? (mentioned Israel Hamas)

• Why do you think there was an intelligence failure? Was the West not aware?

• Do you think Iran had a role to play in this conflict? (a good few minutes of discussion on the same with future possibilities, regional conflict escalating)

• How is Russia able to survive economically despite war?

• What will happen to Ukraine if West withdraws support?

• Do you think war impacts economics?

• is there a possibility of the war spreading to the whole region? Did Abraham Accords have a role in it?

M1:

• Israel is doing well as a desert state, do you think Rajasthan has learnt something from them?

• What are the structural problems in India which impacts the growth?

• Where is Rajasthan lacking in present times in terms of development?

• Social inequality is an issue in Rajasthan? What is the sex ratio there? What steps are being taken?

• What are the steps taken for Football in India? Do you see India as a football powerhouse in future?

M2

• Tell me about tourism in Rajasthan

• Do you think over focus on tourism has led to low focus on Industry in Rajasthan?

• Does such over focus not harm state's growth prospects?

• Where do you see Rajasthan's economy by 2047?

• Can you tell me about CAPF's in India? (out of nowhere)

• Can you tell me their roles?

M3

• Can you tell a company's profitability by its balance sheet?

• What aspects would you judge from a balance sheet of a company? (despite telling him in the first question not very well versed with balance sheets)

• What is the value of stock markets in India in monetary terms? (said idk only know sensex in points)

• Are Indian markets overvalued? What are the factors?

M4

• What is Balance of payments?

• How do you see SAARC?

• As a student of economics, tell me about how you will improve SAARC?

• Which areas do you think we can exploit for export potential in India?

• How is IMF allowed to do surveillance on countries? (I said consensus but he said it is because of Article 4, said thank you)

• how is the financial sector regulated at the apex level? (he meant at the ministry level)

• What is cubism? (out of nowhere part 2)

Chairman: Thank you, your interview is over.

might be forgetting a few questions, but mainly IR, economics, Finance, Rajasthan based questions

Experience: mostly discussion based with a few factual questions here and there, not much counter questioning in general. Shukla sir went out for a few minutes, then checking phone and laptop but probably listening to the whole conversation.

Good luck to those who are yet to give :)

>Interview Transcripts 2023:

Date of Interview - 13/02/2024

Session - Afternoon, 4th to go

Board - Dinesh dasa sir

Optional- Commerce and Accountancy

Interview medium Hindi

Duration: 35- 40 minutes

Daf keywords - IDAS , Jaipur, Rajasthan

Nothing else asked from rest of the DAF.

Chairman:

1. Kaise Hain aap?

   Read out daf keywords aloud -

   Optional, state, educational qualification and service

2. You are in Indian defence accounts service. Were you selected last year? Are you undergoing training at present or on leave?

3. Do you think this policy of Extraordinary leave is right ? Selected people are going on leave causing delays in postings..kyunki government ko to us year officers chaiye the? Is this narrative about EoL is true?

4. As Dopt Secretary, what changes will you recommend in the leave policy?

5. Aapke Rajasthan me state board of education and the public service commission is in Ajmer, the high court is in Jodhpur, so which model you think is better - Rajasthan ka ya fir un states ka jaha sab important institutions capital me located hai? And why?

6. What is the effect of these institutions being there in different cities on Urbanisation and demographics?

7. Which other important institutions are located in Jodhpur?

8. So aap Hindi sahitya se sambandh rakhte hai to abhi ke kinhi 3 Hindi writers ke nam bataiye? ( No mention of Hindi lit in Daf ,and despite mentioning optional in the beginning sir asked this, be prepared for such unexpected things).. I mentioned Amrita pritam, Nilotpal mrinal

9. Why Amrita pritam was in news recently?

10. Society ne Amrita or Imroz ke relationship ko kaise liya?

11. So Amrita ji was a great poet and imroz was a famous painter right...so agar ye same relationship kisi common couple ka hota to society ise waise he leti jaise Amrita or imroz ka liya?

( He was satisfied with the answer)

12. Nilotpal mrinal ke works? Mentioned dark horse and Yaar jadugar.

MEMBER 1:

1. Vittiya aniyamitta ( Financial irregularities) se aap kya samajhte hai? Iske kya aspects hai?

2. How can these things be checked?

3. Gave a statement - Corruption in recent times has increased manifold as compared to earlier. Do you agree?

4. Why was Enforcement directorate in news recently?

5. Apko lagta hai ED ki image me improvement ki jarurat hai? Jo reports hai are they true?

6. If you are the Director of ED , what steps will you have take to improve the working of ED?

7. Long monologue on RBI ( crux - Recently RBI  ne kafi avenues provide kiye hai financial inclusion ke liye..are you aware about them?

8. If you were the RBI governor , what out of the box solutions will you suggest to the government for financial penetration?

9. You mentioned behavioural corruption earlier , explain it.

MEMBER 2 ( LADY):

1. IDAS ki training kaha hoti hai apki?

2. So you are covered under NPS, tell me why Central government backs NPS and some state governments are backing OPS. Why such divergence.. ultimately dono he government he to hai focusing on same public service agenda?

3. Why OPS is termed as burden?

4. Any improvements needed in NPS?

5. What is the difference between Defence accounting and Civil accounting? Do they use similar accounting methods?

6. Commercial accounting vs Government accounting?

7. Form of Accounts used by Government vs by Companies?

8. Defence accounting me sabse bada issue kya hai apke according?

9. How pension is being dealt in defence?

10. Dinesh sir - how many serving personnel are there in the complete defence establishment? ( I mentioned pensioners data earlier)

11. Aap isse agree karte hai ki pension ek bada reason hai logo ke liye government service join karne ka?

12. Accrual accounting? ( Some cross questions)

MEMBER 3 :

1. Outcomes of 12th WTO ministerial conference?

2. Earlier WTO was very much active and countries bhi kafi manti thi ki global trade karenge free trade etc ..but recently regional trading blocs have emerged. What is the reason behind this failure of WTO?

>Interview Transcripts 2023:

3. How the dispute resolution body of WTO works ?

4. India kya kar Raha hai ispe? India ke FTAs kiske sath hai?

5. Opinion on Agnipath scheme? Sahi hai ya galat hai?

6. Agniveers ko Shahid ka status or pension benefits nahi milte hai kya ye sahi hai?

7. Agar koi agniveer Shahid hojata hai to uski family ko kaise financially ap handle krenge is scheme me ? Are there any provisions related to this?

8. India ki  Model Bilateral investment treaty ke konse provision ko sabse jyada oppose Kiya baki countries ne?

MEMBER 4:

1. Have you heard of System of Environmental - Economic Accounting?

2. Kafi industries and companies coal, iron ore extract karti hai aur fir export karti hai. Do you think this causes loss to the environment and economy?

3. At the national level how will you ensure that in the process of resource extraction, the companies, environment and the government teeno ko benefit ho?

4. Green certificates or green trading jaisi chizo se Coal India jaisi companies to band he hojaygi. Do you agree?

5. Green credit initiative kya hai?

Chairman - Thank you, Your interview ke is over.

Assessment - Board was cordial,

One member kept poker face throughout. Ye nahi pata laga sakte ki board apke opinions se agree karte hai ya nahi. All of them were writing something in diaries. Chairman busy with laptop but listening attentively.

Table was round and small.

Date: 15.02.24

Slot: Afternoon, 1st to go.

Duration: 30 mins

Board: Dinesh Dasa Sir

Daf keywords: Football, Mathematics, Odisha.

Medium: English

Chairperson:

1. Albert Einstein went one step further in acknowledging India's contribution to world civilization, we owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made. Do you agree with the statement? Give reasons.

2. What are some major contributions of India in the field of Mathematics?

3. We have contributed greatly to Mathematics in ancient India, why are we not able to do such scientific research and innovation in the present times compared to the west(they have nobel prize winners, fields medal winners, big tech corporations, innovations but why not in India)?

4. Why did Football become more popular in West Bengal, Kerala, Goa?

5. I have heard a rumour on social media that since cricket was a colonial game of British origin, the people of Bengal took up football as a means to revolt against the Britishers. Is is true? Can you confirm it?

Member 1:

1. Why are the farmers protesting again?

2. What is the major demands of their protest?

3. Should the Government legalize MSP? What will be the issues if MSP is legalized?

4. Since your optional is Mathematics, design a poverty measurement mathematical model.

5. What can you do in your model that will be different than the Multi dimensional poverty index? Evaluate some additional parameters in your model.

6. What is the most important thing among Roti, Kapda & Makan to fight poverty?

7. Could you tell any specific schemes that ensure Roti for poverty alleviation?

Member 2 (Lady Member):

1. You are from Odisha. Bengali culture can be seen in Odisha in some places and Andhra/Telugu culture can also be seen in Odisha. What are the Uniqueness in Odia culture that you can tell us about?

2. Why there has been persistent presence of poverty in Odisha?

3. Since you are from Maths Optional, what is your opinion on the usage of calculator in maths teachings in school? Should they be used?

4. Is body building injurious to health?

Member 3 :

1. Maths and Space research have a connection. It is usually said that space is described using Maths. Can you tell a specific language which can be used in research of Maths, Space and also links in the research of Computer Science?

(Gave answer, follow up on that).

2. Give 3 major reasons why Sanskrit is used.

3. Suppose you are an IAS posted in your home state, Give a Regional Development Plan that you will implement in your home district?

4. Plan you will implement in the most backward district of your state.

Member 4:

1. Okay Mr (My Surname), Consider that the CM, Mr Patnaik has appointed you as his chief advisor. Now the CM usually holds junta darbar at his residence to hear about the grievances of the people. Now design a mathematical model that would help to prioritize the people coming to the Darbar.

2. Give the specific parameters you will consider to prioritize the people coming to the Darbar. Like whom shall the CM hear first?

3. Suppose you are now an IAS, posted in a small town. Rural people are selling their produce on the mains roads like street hawkers and leading to traffic congestion. What will be your approach to handle the issue?

Chairperson: Thank You.

Assessment: Cordial Board. Patiently hearing without interruption, forgetting some additional questions asked.

Board members kept on writing something in their small notebooks with pencil. Dasa Sir typing on Silver Shining Macbook M1.

Sir's room is very nice, white colored room, blue cushions,comfortable sitting. Round Table with 2 members sitting at arms length.

Date of interview : 8th Feb (afternoon)

Interview board : BB Swain sir

Daf pointers : B.tech in Electrical engineering, Psychology optional, Mysore, Glass painting, Athletics

Interview transcript

Chairman

- You gave a unique interest regarding glass painting. Tell us how you got started?

- Do you put up art exhibitions?

M1

- Why is mysore culturally rich?

- Do you think that tourist potential of mysore is tapped? What can be done?

- How is psychology going to help you become a better Civil servant?

- Which one is a better choice : EV or hybrid vehicles?

- What are the challenges w.r.to EV subsidies?

- Considering that most of the electricity presently is produced from coal plants, is EV adoption, a feasible option?

- What is the per capita energy consumption in India?

- Is is greater or lesser than China?

- What is the difference (in figures) between the electricity consumption between India and China

M2

- What is Bank transaction tax? It was in the news recently for it's numerous advantages

- Have you heard about Transparency International? It publishes corruption Index annually. What is India's rank in it?

- During covid, there have been numerous strides in vaccine development. In this context, explain the working of mRNA vaccine

- What are the advantages and disadvantages?

M3

- Do you read fiction?

- Although psychology is a study of human mind and behaviours, it also studies animals. Are you aware of this?

- Tell us about some of these studies

- What is the name of M K Gandhi's autobiography?

- Who is called Tiger of Mysore?

- What was his capital?

- Have you visited the place where he died fighting against British?

There is also a stone carving at the site where he succumbed to injuries.

- Are you aware of a very famous runner during ancient Greece?

- How can our knowledge of animal psychology be used to protect wildlife?

- Do you know the name of scientist who studied animals from London?

M5

- Your athletics background is impressive. Why didn't you continue further?

- Do you run marathons?

- Who is blade runner?

- Name two female paraplegic athletes?

- What would you do as a DM to increase awareness about paraplegic athletes?

Thank you your interview is over

Date: 12/02/2024

Session : Afternoon , 4th to go

Board: Suman Sharma ma'am

Optional: PSIR

DAF key term : PSIR , Electrical (1 member)

Time: around 25-30 mins

Medium - Hindi

Chairperson:

• example of soft power and hard power

• what is smart power

• India diaspora positive and negative ( I mentioned khalistani issue - ma'am said good)

• work form home impact - social, economical

• PSU ko dushre domain me kaam krne ke liye allow krna chiye ya nhi?

M1:

• disruptive technology and it's example - I also mentioned use of block chain technology to reduce corruption

• then he asked me to use of DBT in corruption leakage - then I quoted Budget 2024 data - he smiled.

• how can India become developed by 2047

• Indian constitution is colonial or not?

• What is the purpose of white paper in general? Then I said sorry.

• then he again asked for recent white paper presented by govt.

• recent poverty data is absolute or relative?

M2 (psychologist)

- kya civil servant ko stand lena chiye?

- tell me unique feature of Indian constitution jo kisi aur country se na liya gya? Then I said positive secularism and gender equality

- then he asked for women related articles?

M3 (Technical)

• what is LED?

• why it is more efficient?

• how bureaucracy of energy efficiency give rating to appliances?

• have you heard about superconductor ? I said yes and tell him property.

• then he asked me about recent news related to it. I said sorry.

• then he asked about establishment year of IIT Roorkee  (DAF)

• then history of it.

• then why it was established as civil engineering initially?

• what subjects you studied in Electrical engineering.

• then he asked my favourite subject? Maine kha ki power system.

• then he asked application of power system.

M4 (PSIR)

• he emphasized that you are from PSIR optional then asked about a term that I never heard and forgot to recall even after coming from interview room😅. I said sorry.

•  again he asked about a conference related to PSIR ( never heard). I said sorry.

•  he asked me the most complex issue according to me in international relations? I said West Asia problem.

•  then he made me UN representative to resolve this issue. I used dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward. Then he said yeh to sb log bolte hain , aap specifically kya kroge?

Chairman: Thank you, your interview is over.

Experience: mostly in question answer format.

Serious faces with rare moments of smile.

Board- Gen. Raj Shukla sir.

Date 16 feb 2024

Medium - English

Duration- approx 25 min

Slot- forenoon (last to go)

Daf key words - sociology, commerce and accountancy graduation, ethics.

Nothing asked from hobby

Chairman

1. Compare Lucknow and Bangalore

2. How is multiculturalism different from cosmopolitanism?

3. IT of Bangalore and Lucknow comparison.

4. Prospects of the IT industry in Lucknow.

5. Prospects of AI in India.

6. Indian and American AI comparison and what India is learning from the West.

7. EODB of UP is improving. Do you think so?

8. What is still keeping UP behind?

Cross questioning on AI again

Member 1

1. How UP go ahead with IT, investment?

2. 1trillion economy of UP.

3. Some Cross question on the same.

Member 2.

1. What according to you is an ethical workplace culture?

2. Difference between code of ethics and code of conduct.

3. How to end corruption by public officials?

4. So you think reducing human interface is the only solution?

Cross questioning on the same.

Member 3.

1. 5 trillion economy aim how to achieve it?

2. Export target of India by what time?

3. Filariasis disease in UP. Are you aware of the news? I said no

4. Who was bahadur shah zafar? Have you heard of him?

5. Swati scheme

Member 4

1. What is auditing? Why is it required?

2. If computers can check upon the balance sheets and records why do we need an auditor?

3. What declaration does the auditor give after completing audit in a company?

4. Who appoints auditor?

5. We have been taking many English words from Greek language. Said some word and asked if I know the meaning I said NO.

Chairman -

Do you think higher caste and higher class domination still exist or seen only in exceptional cases?

Interview got over

Some more questions were asked. I'm unable to recall.

Member 3 and 4 asked some real random questions.

Date of Interview - 16 JANUARY 2024, Afternoon slot, last to go

Interview Board - RN Choubey Sir (again, JANUARY mein tha doston, dont worry)

DAF pointers - Wo kya hota hai, no questions from hobbies etc

but anyway - Bihar, PSIR optional, Computer engineer, 2 year Software engineer at Samsung

Transcript

Chairperson - Usual Choubey sir friendly gesture regarding how we should feel comfortable and how board is friendly. Told me to relax and 'ENJOY'

1. Classic 1st question of sir, tell us about your academic and work experience

2. Told about 2 year work ex, asked question on my project and its benefit for user

3. All of a sudden, What is agniveer scheme, its provisions etc ?

4. Due to temporary nature, do you think soldier will be willing to put his life on risk ? We saw what happened in Afghanistan where security forces ran away

M1 (Male)

1. What is MPLADS scheme ? - Covid mein padha tha sir

2. What is current status ? - Told sorry sir not aware

3. What changes you propose ?

4. What amount is allocated to MPs ?

5. Are you aware about amount given in MLALAD ? - Told sorry

M2 (Male)

1. Countries are projecting power as it is necessary, what do you think are our biggest advantages with respect to power projection in international sphere ?

2. I missed Diaspora point, he started talking about people of Indian origin - Rishi Sunak, Kamla Harris - asked me to name some influential diaspora people

3. Told me that Diaspora is also a very important element - I said thankyou sir, I missed that point

4. Asked about Haifa port, why India acquired it ?

5. Minerals have been found near Haifa region, what mineral is it ? - Sorry

6. Told me to read about Haifa port, US interests near that region and the minerals found near that region - I told thankyou sir, I will read

M3 (Male)

1. What are companies doing to get rid of electronic waste as too much electronic waste is being produced ?

2. Tell me about Moradabad waste processing status. Le Me - Aayein, told sorry

3. Started giving monologue regarding Moradabad, informal sector etc. Chairperson sir stopped honorable member in between and asked - WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION ?

Sir repeated the first question itself, I also had to repeat my answer :(

M4 (Female)

1. What is difference between Media literacy, Digital literacy and Information literacy ? - Heard these 2 for the first time

2. Knew only about Digital literacy, mam asked to guess about other 2 - hence guessed

3. What is India's Digital Architecture - Told sorry. Mam told I thought since you are from tech background, you would be knowing it.

4. ShikshaMitras in Bihar have filed a case in SC, due to which there has been dispute between centre and state govt, what is the issue ?

5. What is MeToo movement ? Is it necessary ?

6. Companies are firing women who are raising their voice in MeToo, how to tackle those companies ?

7. What changes do you propose in India's Urban transport system

Chairperson

1. We give everyone a chance to discuss any topic which you think we have missed. Want to share anything.

Overall

Had very vague to no idea on questions like MPLADS, Digital Architecture, Shikshamitra issue, Agniveer etc. Thought its better to say sorry.

That room is something though, due to stress test environment and factual nature of questions coming out of nowhere - one becomes quite shaky which is also reflected in answers.

Took long break after interview and finally found the courage to write transcript.

Anyway, Thank you to the community for all the help and guidance. Good luck to everyone and may god bless us all. :)

Board - Dasa sir

Date-19 feb 2024

Medium- English

Duration -25 min

Slot-afternoon

Edsarrthi Student

Daf keywords -IITR, motorsports, data analyst, Production and Industrial, Bird Photography

Chairperson

1) are aap to sirf 23 saal ke ho, na kahi ghume, na jeevan ka anand liya, aapko to vapas Ghar bhej Dena chahiye XD

2)why is india lagging in manufacturing?

3)Why police have low respect compared to army?

4)PM said policing must be done by data and not danda

M1

1) meaning of your name? Does it suit you?

2)why agri output is low, is this due  to lack of government support?

3) reasons for farmer distress?

M2

1)Major issues of South Asia

2)Issues in South China sea

3)Degrading relations with neighbour?

4)Maldives, why we still supporting Maldives through aid?

5) why is china trying to bring Indian neighbours on its side?

M3

1)How will india achieve developed country mark ?

2)What growth rate required to achieve the target?

3)reforms required in industrial sector?

4)why the growth is low despite FDI?

M4

1)What is citizen science?

2)does your name have any spiritual significance?

Rest questions I can't recall

Chairperson

We enjoyed talking to you. How was your interview experience?

Is it comparable to the mock interview?

M3

1)Aap telegram group mein to honge hi jaha interview ke questions aate rehte(transcript), to kuch similar tha kya Aaj? XD

I answered, then chairperson said thankyou your interview is over.

I stood and walked three steps, chairperson interupts and asks

" if you were on this side of the table how much would you rate yourself out of 10"?

Me- sir 7 out of 10

Chairperson raised his eyebrows and asked "why 7?"

I smiled and replied " Sir this is the score I would require to become an IAS"

Everyone bursted in laughter

Overall - The board was in jolly mode, lots of laughter throughout my interview which makes self assessment more difficult,  hence beware

Mock utility

Samkalp(closest in terms of sitting arrangement ) Humdard,,vajirao, onlyias,

O2o- Utkarsh sir

Board -BB swain

First to go in forenoon

Date -18th January

(Majorly DAF Based )

Charperon comforted with normal ques on weather outside and stuff ..started with questions

Chairperson

Important places in rampur ?( He said to not mention rampuri knife and to give a start by telling about library there )....

Raza library. And it's importance...

Founded by whom and  in which year ?

M1 ...why anthropology since you scored good marks ...

Vast physics which you like most ...and why

Nuclear power plant ..issues ....not having much development in past years ..why .

M2..

In continuation of above ...How will you promote it .?

Badminton ..what it taught you..

Recent achievement in badminton for India ...

Satvik and chirag ready recently won in which game .

M3...

Embroidery work of Rampur which is famous ....

History of rampur ? Here I missed on Ali brothers ..then follow up ques about Ali brother and there contribution.

.what exactly is graphite portain sketching?

any portrait made by you from within your family ?...from photo or live ......

Anthropology perspective wrt ..india nepal border ?

About tharu tribe and it's cultural uniqueness ?(wanted to know about matriarchal society in dominant patriarchal societies)

M4.....

Rampur politics ...

What portirait taught you(crux of monologue )..

.mental health issues in india ..why less focus on it and how to improve metal health awareness

..women reservation in lok sabha and your stand  ..? Shouldn't merit be the basis ?

Should Care economy be monitised ?

Overall nice experience And board was cordial

Board - Shukla Sir

Date- 19 Feb 2024

Medium- English

Optional: Geography

Slot- Morning (2nd to Go)

Daf keywords -Rajasthan, Dausa, IIT, Civil Engineering , Water Conservation, Chennai, Sri City, Quality Control, Painting. Etc.

Chairman:

1) You are from Dausa (Home district),  ohh Rajesh Pilot shab's  area. Is Sachin pilot also popular  like his father in your district?

2) Politicians who come from strong family background used to get success earlier, but not any more, your views?

3) Who are other politicians that didn't do well compared to their father?

4) Long monologue on meritoracy  demand increasing in India .. your opinion on this ..( Some cross questions on this can't recall)

Member 1:

1) You lived in Chennai and worked in Sri City ..what are the good things which can be brought from these places to North and East Indian States.

2) Long monologue on population policy of China (bcuz I mentioned DTT in my previous answer). In our country, we also have National Family Planning policy, are they effective?

3) What according to you should be a better population policy for India?

4) What value of TFR is desirable?

5) What other states can learn from Rajasthan?

6 ) If you are asked to bring industrialization  in Rajasthan and Haryana, how will you do that?

Member 2:

1) Did you work on ground for water conservation?

2) Why did you start this hobby?

3) As a DM if you want to do water conservation work in a rural village, how would you do that??

4) Do you know Rajendra Singh, tell me about his work?

5) You are a civil engineer also, tell me the technique behind his water conservation efforts?

6) There is lot of garbage on railway line, how would you solve the problem?

7) Tell me about Namami Gange Project?

Member 3:

1) Shall we go for state funding of elections?

2) Tell me some mechanism, how can we implement state funding of election?

3) What is interim budget?

4) This Budget was comprehensive, but still we call it interim budget, why?

5) Difference between Fiscal and revenue deficit?

6) Since you were a quality engineer..I'll give you one statement you have to explain its meaning to me, "QUALITY DOESN'T COME WITH EXTRA COST"?

Member 4:

1) Long monologue on ongoing infrastructure development in India. From where we will get energy for these project? Can we go for more greener alternatives?

2) Problems in Nuclear energy growth?

3)  Challenges in solar energy growth?

4)  Import dependency on China for Solar modules,  we can make them here. Why we are importing from China?

Chairperson:Thank You, your interview is over. Best of Luck!!

I said thank you to all the members before leaving.

Overall - Good experience, they were giving me enough time to speak and did not interrupt when I gave long answers in 1 or 2 ocassion.

Mock utility: Good for developing confidence and frame more structured/ balanced opinion.

But One-on- One discussion and lot of mock practice with friends helped me a lot.

Date- 16/02/2024, afternoon

Duration~30 minutes

Board- Dr. Dinesh Dasa Sir

DAF Pointers: IPS, IIT, Maharashtra

Member 4 (While I was unbuttoning my blazer)- "Khol lo button Khol lo jaise coaching class ne sikhaya hai "

Chairperson ( Asked first 4–5 questions in Hindi)-

1. Asked about IPS cadre? Tell me honestly will you continue in IPS home cadre or choose IAS North east cadre?

2. you are giving a very theoretical answer.. Be practical.. Why will someone leave such a good cadre for IAS North east?

3. You are an engineer. Tell me which committee recommended bringing the essay paper in CSE ?

4. Did the essay paper offers an unfair advantage to humanities students?

5. As per statistics.. Overall.. engineers outperform.. Why?

6. Now argue as an advocate of technical graduates..why engineers and doctors should continue to be allowed to write cse exam if they are dominating the humanities?

7. Now take humanities side and counter argue?

Member 1 (Lady member)

1. You have a Masters in Signal processing, How to prevent train accidents ?

2. Traditional vs Contemporary families which are better?

3. Pitfalls and strengths of live-in relationships?

4. Opinion on para-military being deployed in Law and order in state?

5. Chairperson intervened- Why they're are called paramilitary? When the army can be deployed to control law and order?

Member 2:

1. Argue..Why police should remain a state subject?

2. Now Counter argue (Why police should be made Centre subject )?

4. Is the Police training outdated?

5. What needs to be changed?

6. What is the one main reason why welfare and Developmental policies fail?

7. Did you had any personal encounter withe any tier of the panchayati raj institutions?

Member 3:

1. What is the difference between ordinance and Act ?

2. Now that the electoral bond has been scrapped..Should centre bring an ordinance to scrap it ?

3. Chairperson intervened- When I was taking interviews in 2018..not upsc's ..but other ..all the candidates were answering as if electoral bond is the best scheme and now that it has been scrapped you all have changed your stands...are the civil servants just riding on the wave to protect themselves..or they have their own value system as well?

4. Any professor of your college which inspires you and why ?

Member 4:

1. Why North east is not as developed as mainland? What steps is the government taking presently in this regard?

2.  Vidarbha region faces lot of agriculture issues, drought, farmer suicides, poor state of farmers etc. what are the reasons ?

3.  What will you do to improve the situation if you are given the responsibility?

After answering this question-Chairperson intervened and said thank you and the interview was over.

Remarks-

A very different experience compared to mocks and even the previous interview.

Mostly focused on  "checking reasoning ability ,opinions and proposing solutions".

Didn't mention anything about debating but quite a few 'argue - counter argue' questions were asked.

Board - Dinesh dasa Sir

Date- 21 Feb, Morning (1st to Go)

Medium- English

Optional: Medical Science

Profession- IRS IT, MBBS, MD,

DAF keywords- Rajasthan, MD from Gujrat.

4th Interview (3 were in Hindi medium)

Chairmen

introduce yourself

Mostly drs who do PG from ahmedabad usually settle there why didn’t you think of it?

when you planned for upsc?

Aspirational district program ? whose idea? how many districts in india? which districts of Rajasthan.?

So if you are DDO of aspirational district in rajasthan then what will be your priorities and how your medical knowledge will help in aspirational district program?

why medical education is costly in india?

why TB is so common in india? govt program and steps taken for it?

Member 1 (Lady)

Use of science in policy making?

how can we make better policy by using science?

explain with example?

Long discussion on it.

We are focusing mostly on curative health not on preventive health? what should be done?

Member 2

Mostly doctors took Anthro, Socio optional but your is Medical science which is rare how is it rewarding you?

Govt hospitals like AIIMS, RML are very crowded dr give only 2-3 minutes but WHO recommend 10-20 minutes. how can we solve this?

despite 5 lakh coverage private hospital not admitting patients under Ayushmann bharat?

how to reduce cost of medical education?

Member 3

what is VISA?

VISA for medical sector?

Types of VISA?

only 3 questions

Member 4

CM of southern states come together and they said that center is doing discrimination against them?

Finance commission horizontal & vertical distribution ?

What can be done so south state which are doing good does not have to suffer?

CM

You are so experienced your daf have lof of things so do you think any part of daf is missed on which you want discussion. 

i said sir my hobby endurance running so you can ask question on that.

Sir - you frame a question on it and then answer.😅

Member 1 & 2’s mostly questions were long monologues. I have to listen them very carefully.

mostly it was from DAF & mainly on medical. No question from IRS, hobby, Current, Rajasthan.

20/02/2024

Forenoon 2nd to go

Rajasthan , IPS , ex IRSME ,

Mechanical, Football, Tennis , Badminton

PSIR

Dr Dinesh Dasa board

M1-

Security - internal and external

Diff between terrorism and insurgency

After kargil war ......smac

After Mumbai attack

Coastline security

Coastal policy

M2-

How perception of police can be changed wrt rich and poor people. Ex police listens to rich but not poor.

Why ias after ips

Startups ...effect on economy

Is India in top position

M3-

Whether this apathy is in lower level or higher also.

Police role wrt social help

Police role in COVID

Can china be criticised for covid

Media regulation

Social media regulation

M4-

Development in lwe areas

North East insurgency vs j&k issues

Role of police in development

Development vs law and order

Local people willing or forced

Chairman -

Forest officers becoming deputy muncipal commissioner in Gujarat...do you think ips can also be made.

Trans Pacific partnership

University elections - leaders

Lyngdoh committee

Some more questions were asked. Can't remember.

Thank you

Date:20th feb, forenoon session

Board:Raj Shukla

Background:-IITK, civil engg, Jaipur,Dausa

Chairman:

1.IITK -ranking fallen , earlier it used to be known for aerospace

2.What is wind tunnel facility?

3.Cybersecurity and how china   threatened India to pull our troops back in Ladakh using cyberattacks such as one in Mumbai . Do you think china is capable of doing that?

4.AIIMS attack do we need to build the offensive capabilities

5.Choose one with respect to cyber security-is India good enough or extremely vulnerable?

M1.

1.Additive manufacturing, what is it?

2.Make a policy what would you take in consideration in case of additive manufacturing

3.Reasons for lower haemoglobin in women and how it impacts women?

4.What is the disease called?

5.What is needed to cure Anaemia   apart from medications

M2.

1.why are people so crazy about civil services?

2.Who respects the civil servants because if there are marginalised people then they will not because they are not getting anything , is it the elites?

3.Which state has highest number of civil servants

4.Why Gujarat has not been the same in producing civil servants

5.A political person is taking a decision which is wrong and asking you to implement it , what would be your action -grilled on it by the member

6.Is going to media good for civil servants?

7.Something about PM saying that we have left everything on Babu, which is such a derogatory term(couldn't understand the essence of the question)

M3.

 1.Economics(something about Adam Smith and his book which I didn't know)

2.What is financial inclusion?

3.Difference between Rajasthan eastern , south and western

4.What is the true potential of eastern Rajasthan leaving aside Jaipur

5.Is Mount Abu in eastern Rajasthan?

M4.

1.Do you think our objective of setting up IITs have been achieved?

2.Don't you think IITs are waste of resources because we are buying everything from China like mobiles,our engg have done nothing except like in civil engg.             3.Defend IITs are not a waste of resources

Mocks -NextIAS, Samkalp, Vajiram(get familiar with the environment and  gives confidence to face the panel)

Sanjay Verma Sir’s Board

Second last to go

Afternoon session

Pointers- BTech Mtech (ME), Anthropology, Deputy Collector (UP), 5th attempt first interview, small island nations, podcast, online gaming

 Edsarrthi Student

Chairman Sir-

-Tell me any film song you listened to recently

(I was blank but I told one, he asked about singer, I said Sukhwinder Singh ji, then sir asked is he still singing😁)

- What is government’s stance wrt Online gaming

- How would you aware parents to allow their children to play games

- Benefit of online gaming for india

- Asked about some linkage between Gandhi and his views wrt gaming (politely said sorry)

M1

- So you conducted panchayat elections as a RO, how would you ensure participation of disabled people

- What about blind people?

- What are small island nations

(Chairman sir interrupted and asked whether Mauritius is an SIDS and what about Australia. I answered wrt World Bank Group definition, he looked satisfied)

- Which county did you got and what you spoke about it (I talked about Nauru and it’s challenges)

M2 (ma’am)

- Asked a few judiciary terms (said sorry)

- What are the three things you will do for UP

- Some discussion about tribes in UP

M3

- Online gaming, what is the yardstick to decide which type of games allowed and otherwise

- Asked about the real money games (I quoted Honourable SC judgement/opinion regarding it)

- About Deputy collectors court work, why pendency of cases, digitisation of land records

M4

-About Gorakhpur- challenges

-India Nepal border issues

- Asked me to answer in very practical way to tackle Nepal border issue

- One district one product of Gorakhpur

- Steps to promote

M3 (again)

- About ODOP and how to bridge the producer consumer gap (ONDC etc)

- How to make sure ODOPs are in line with present fashion

- Raw materials, etc

Chairman sir- (well we have 3-4 mins left I will ask you two more questions)

- asked my opinion about how MNGREGs could be used for Swachh Bharat Mission

- what if I get posted in a small place in North East

M3- interrupted

Asked will you leave UP?

(I said sir for me the entire country is mine and I would be honoured to serve it irrespective of the cadre)

Smiled and said that’s admirable🎈

Overall- very cordial board, allowed me to speak, members were looking satisfied and kept acknowledging my answers. I kept my confidence high and didn’t budge. Rest is in the hands of Almighty!

Mocks- gave around 14-15 (offline+online)- Vajiram, Vajirao, Samkalp, Chahal were good

Zoom session conducted by Utkarsh sir( Edsarthi) and last moment pep talk by him helped me to keep calm and practical

Sheelvardhan Sir's Board

20th Feb, forenoon

DAF Pointers- Rajasthan, BA(Eco, Geo, Pubad)  , Geography.

Nothing from hobbies.

2nd to go.

Chairman Sir-

1. Can you tell me 3 countries each with whom India has very good and very bad relations.

2. India's best relation in neighbourhood.

3. Srilanka's relation with India..overall

4. Difference between Tamil Srilankans and Sinhalese...religion, location.

5. Ways in which an individual can reduce carbon emissions.

6. Adam Smith vs JM Keynes

7. Malthus theory.

M1 (lady member)

1. How to reduce plastics  consumption.

2. I take efforts at my level but still there is plastic packaging and all , how to reduce it.

3. You are a recruiting officer, 2 to be selected out of 100 candidates. Driver's son is physically handicapped and is talented as well. What steps will you take to help him ?

M2

1. Border forces.

2.Difference between IB, LAC, LOC.

3. LAC Issue. Why ITBP is known as ITBP .

M3

1. How to resolve problem of water scarcity.

Can't remember more questions

M4.

1. Atmanirbhar Bharat.

2. If all countries atmanirbhar then to whom India will export.

3. Is it possible for India to reduce imports.

4. Oil imports, how to reduce it.

5. Renewable sources.

6. Coal production, feasible to reduce in future.

7. Geothermal energy..potential

Chairman Sir- Your interview is over.

Experience - cordial board, no grilling.

Date of interview : 20th Feb (afternoon)

Interview board : Raj Shukla Sir

Daf words asked : Education, IIT, Sociology, IRS (IT), Reading Self Help Books, Badminton coach

Interview transcript

Chairman

- where are you from

- what are you doing these days

-⁠why didn’t you fill IFS??

-⁠lot of popularity for S. Jaishankar and IFS officers why dont you want to go??

-⁠You can be a good asset for external affairs. why dont you want to go.

-⁠IAS can work in external affairs ministry but why dont you specialize in foreign affairs

-⁠okay coming to serious questions, Mark twain said i didnt let my schooling hinder my education , your opinion

- Extremely long monlogue meaning these days lots of exams, no free time, why such a scenario

-⁠but we had lot of free time, you guys dont have any time to think, what will you guys innovate if you are stuck by tests

-⁠but even those micro credential courses have tests at end of course

-⁠but even in IITs, no research is happening, rankings are low

-⁠if you do not agree with the parameters of ranking, do you consider the overall scenario in India as fine??

- okay, you are optimistic about the direction in which we are heading then. Good.

M1

- long monologue meaning tax base is low. Reasons?

- long monlogue meaning tax compliance is low- reasons?

- but in US people fear IRS unlike in india - opinion

- But why shouldn’t fear be used to increase compliance

- okay, then existing measures to improve compliance

-⁠what is progressive and regressive taxation

- What in your opinion should be the ideal share of direct and indirect taxes

M2

- What is Green accounting?

- green accounting is this this this… why should we do it?

- measuring to control and regulate is fine but why shouldn’t accountants just stick to their job and leave the climate change issues to experts

- long monologue about health care and asked public hospitals or private hospitals

-⁠choice is good but are you fine with the current state

-⁠what would you say if i tell that all those who pay tax should be denied govt benefits in healthcare coz they are welloff

-⁠long monologue about rural credit and asked why micro finance institutions succeed in rural areas vs traditional banks

-⁠but almost every village has atleast one traditional bank

-⁠but mfi are offering loans at high interest rates and still they are succeeding.

M3

- what self help books you read recently

- favourite?

-⁠what is atomic in atomic habits

- summary of atomic habits

- long monologue meaning that SHB gaining popularity means lack of inner motivation

- I deviated. Cut me short and repeated again same monologue with question does it mean people are having mental health problems??

- then what do you understand by a society with more doctors, lawyers and politicians

- prevention by doctors is fine but what about lawyers?

- politicians ?

-⁠what is emotional intelligence?

- long monologue meaning ai will replace jobs?

- but ai cant replace one specific sector?

M4

- so you worked as Badminton coach before?

-⁠were you preparing for civil services simultaneously??

-⁠tanking AI discussion of previous member forward, what about it in mental health care

-⁠You said before that measuring leads to better regulation. So if we measure responses of best mental healthcare professionals and feed that data to AI algorithms dont you think it can give accurate advices

-⁠long monologue about futuristic scenario where AI does everything and people have nothing to do- do you know any concept regarding this scenario?

-⁠think about Universal Basic Income in such scenario?

-⁠what is UBI

-⁠how would you feel about such scenario where we provide UBI for all basic amenities and productive activity is done by AI.

Chairperson: Thank you… your interview is over…

Thanks to all my friends for helping…

Special mention to Sajal Sir (Vajiram) and Deepak Surana Sir (Republic IAS)

Board: Sanjay Verma Sir

Date: 19 February 2024, Morning, 4th to go

Medium:English

DAF Pointers: Haryana, ECE, Telecom, MA-IR, West Asia, Climate Change, PSIR

Chairperson: We are here to have a conversation and not to grill you.

1. There is so much discussion about Keto diets and intermittent fasting. So how would you recommend a diet to someone?

2. Is there something called as Indian Diet?

2. How do dietary habits change according to the location?

3. What is the component of a diet in Bengaluru?

4. Name five South Indian dishes.

Member 1

1. How is the climate changing in the Middle East?

2. What steps are being taken in the Middle East to mitigate the impact of climate change?

3. Are we going for mitigation or adaptation?

4. What steps are involved in adaptation to the climate change?

5. In the context of the Middle East, how has the scenario changed post World War 1?

6. In the present scenario what is the solution to the crisis in the Middle East?

Member 2:

1. Recently M S Swaminathan has been awarded the Bharat Ratna. What has been the contribution of Swaminathan?

2. Is there any contribution of M S Swaminathan towards Haryana?

Member 3 (Lady Member):

1. Last year a No-Confidence motion was brought against the government. Where is it exactly mentioned in the Constitution? (Not mentioned in the Constitution, she was just checking me)

2. What is the procedure to bring a No-Confidence motion?

3. What are the benefits of bringing Uniform Civil Code?

4. In respect of marriages why not go for the Special Marriage Act instead of UCC?

5. Is Uniform Civil Code being practiced anywhere in India?

6. Is there any pre-independence example of the Uniform Civil Code in India?

Member 4:

1. What is the difference between production and productivity?

2. What is India's relation to Antarctica?

3. How will climate change in Antarctica affect us?

4. Will there be any effect of climate change in the Himalayas?

Chairperson Sir Again:

1. Tell me a few good things as well as some issues related to Haryana.

2. On the social front, what are the issues in Haryana?

3. Is there any change or development in the society of Haryana?

4. Tell me the names of 3 Females from Haryana whom you can take inspiration.

Chairperson Sir: Thank You, your interview is over.

The board was very cordial and helped me in answering a few questions too.

Mocks Utility: Vision (Faculty+ Panel Mock), Raj Malhotra, OnlyIAS, Sankalp.

Sankalp Mock was closest to the real interview.

Date - 19/ February/2024 Afternoon session

Board - DINESH DASA SIR

Daf pointers - Dy SP, PSIR Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Antakshari, Reflective Diary Writing, Beauty pageants, Byjus, HDFC scholarship

Chairman - 1. Sorry for keeping you waiting. Introduce yourself.

2. You got selected through UP PCS . Recently, Yogi ji tweeted three outcomes about UPPCS 2023 results. Do you know?

3. How come the UPPSC cycle got completed in 9 months.

4. Would you like if we change your name?

5. Why did the government change the name of prayagraj?

6. Why the name of Allahabad High court didn't change?

7. What do you understand by formalisation of the economy?

8. Have you heard about Paytm issue ? Should the govt let Paytm die?

Member 1-

9. Had you been posted at Haldwani what would have been the preventive measures that you would have taken ?

 10. Tell me importance of Prayagraj except for its tourism potential and KUMBHA Mela?

11. Why the image of it being the Oxford of the east deteriorated?

12. Suggest solutions.

13. How would you help improve security environment for women?

Member 2-

14. What is the status of crime against women ?

15. What is the government doing about it?

16. Is Prayagraj similar to Bihar in culture and socio economic indicators?

17. Given an opportunity to work. In which area of Uttar Pradesh would you like to work. ( Asked separately for both as an administrator and as a police officer)

Member 3-

18. He gave a monologue on Agricultural distress. Is Minimum income support better than minimum support price?

19. Tell about agri distress.

20. What would you suggest for tackling Paytm crisis.

Member 4-

21. Is Democracy around the world under threat?

22. Suggest alternative.

23. Give an example where a deal between 2 nations have been made via track 2 diplomacy

Your interview is over. Would you like to say anything to the board?