[Official] Interview Transcripts of UPSC (CSE) 2019 - CSE & IFoS At One Place

Board - Dr. T C A Anant.

already in service - Indian Trade Service (ITS)

Most of the questions revolved around trade.

CM- 

you have done b tech. worked in companies as well. good. now in ITS. when did you join ?

which batch ? 

how many months of training ? where are you posted now. what is the posting ? what work do you do ? What exatcly the job profile of ITS.

M1: 

what is FTA ?

what has been the status of fta of India with others? advantages and disadvantages? 

is there fta with china ? no then why so much trade deficit ? with whom we have signed fta tell me the status of fta ? 

how much is the trade deficit with Japan, south korea?

what is anti dumping duty? is there any law ? how is it being implemented? who implements it? tell me whole process. have we used anti dumping against any country ? yes, china. okay on which products? I said steel, is there any other product?

what is safeguard duty ? how antidumping is different from safeguard duty ? 

Some computer technology question asked , unable to recall 

M2:

Tell me details about Foreign Trade policy? i started explaining? countered with not chapterwise but recent developments in FTP?

(few econmy and trade related questions but unable to recall and write here)

M3:(Lady)

Can you tell me about Indus Water treaty ? 

What is Jaish e Mohammad? 

How to tackle terrorism? 

what is the difference between terrorism and extremism? 

how many extremist factions in North east?

How to tackle them ? 

Famous Rousseau's quote- we have history bit we have not learnt from history, something like that...can you comment about his statement in present context. whether it is relevant?

M4:(Lady)

Should we allow students to take part in politics in college and universities?

how will you tackle the agitated students? if you DM of that district and mob is violent what steps will you take ? What are the Gandhian principles that still hold ground in today's world and you will implement? 

CM:

Interview is over. You can go.

UPSC interview on 19th February, 2020. Afternoon session 

I was the third person to be interviewed.  

Board: P.K.Joshi sir 

Time: (03:15 to 03:30).  

Education: Aeronautical Engineering; Masters in Public Administration 

Optional: Pub Ad 

Hobbies: Running, Playing Sudoku, Chess 

NCC "C" certificate 

Air India work experience 

Home state: Telangana  

The interview was more on my DAF based and less current affairs. Even current affairs was DAF based not something new.  

JOSHI sir (Chair) 

Chair: So your name is XXXXXX 

Chair: Please sit down 

Chair: So, you have done aeronautical engineering and aerospace engineering. 

Chair: so why didn't you go along in that sector? 

Chair: So you did engineering and don't you think you are wasting public money? How could your engineering knowledge help in administration? 

Chair: What is the difference between helicopter and aircraft? 

Capital in Andhra, How did telangana benefit from bifurcation 

Chair passed on the baton to M1 sir. 

M1: So you have done course on decentralisation? 

M1: What is decentralisation? How do you see decentralisation when there is mergers and amalgamations in departments? 

M1: There are mergers in departments, amalgamations in private sector. So in that situation how can you ensure decentralisation. Does that go against the concept of decentralisation? 

M1: What is meant by globalisation? 

M1: So, what are the negative impacts of globalisation in developing countries? 

M1: Ok, that is the cultural part of it. How is the economy being impacted because of  

globalisation? 

M1: So, if you are made to improve manufacturing sector, how would you do it? 

M1: How would you identify the indigenous knowledge and manufacturing potential? 

M1: How do you see the potential of Make in India scheme? Why do you think it achieved or failed in achieving its goal? 

M1: What measures would you suggest? 

Baton passed to M2 sir. 

M2: What is XXXXX mean? Is it your father's name? 

M2: So you have done NCC. Why didn't you join Airforce? 

M2: So, you come from warangal district. there is a problem of Naxalism. How did the government resolved this problem? 

M2: So you run marathons? do you run half marathon or full marathon? 

M2: Why do certain tribes in Ethiopia win most marathons? 

M2: Do you know about the lambadas in your state? 

M2: tell me their lifestyle and their way of living? 

M2: Is there any conflict between the other tribes and lambadas? 

M2: Urdu poetry came from the Deccan region. Some of the finest urdu poetry and poets came from the Deccan region. Why do you think so? 

M2: Why is the present urdu poetry not gaining such popularity that once it is recognised for? 

Baton passed to M3 sir. 

M3: Description about the irrigation project. asked me to name the project. 

M3: Do you know about the Ivanka trump visit? (some description about Ivanka trump visit) 

M3: Described about the road safety and increased fines on citizens. There is laxity on the part of the municipal authorities. How do you view this? 

M3: Recently, there is a change in India map. Do we have any conflicts with the neighbouring nations? 

M3: Who are razakars? 

M3: Does playing sudoku gives happiness, or relaxedness or relieves stress? 

Passed baton to M4 (mam) 

M4:  Running. Why isn't it popular? 

Unable to recollect the questions asked by the M4 member. But mostly profile based questions.

Optional: Sociology

Board : Prof. P.K Joshi

Date : 19/02/2020 Afternoon Session

*Chairman* : 

1) You have completed your Engineering in 2014 and working in Commercial Tax Dept, GoK.

Tell me about the nature of your work.

2) How your Engineering knowledge is helping in your present work?

3) Tell me about different softwares that you have used during your Engineering. Does any of it hold relevance in your present work?

4) If you are made the commissioner of Commercial Tax Dept of your state what measures would you take to double the  GST collections in a specified period?

5)Tell me some unique features of your state Karnataka.

 *Member 1* : 

1) There is ongoing Rural to urban migration in India. What are the main reasons for this trend? 

2) In China there are restrictions on Rural to Urban migration. Should such restrictions be introduced in India?

3) What are the problems of migrant poors?

4) As an administrator, what measures would you take to address these problems?

5) How to make cities safe for women?

6)Tell me about changing trends in Kannada film industry?

7)Have you watched any of Mr. Girish Kasaravalli's movies?

8) You seem to be soft-spoken. The work you do is enforcement activities including search and seizure which creates fear among people. How do you manage it?

 *Member 2:*  

1) Why is the Indian export slowing down? How can we boost the export in present economic scenario?

2) What are the problems with respect to manufacturing sector in India?

3) How to ensure the quality of manufactured products match the global standards?

4) You are working in Tax Department after holding Engineering degree.

Are you satisfied with the work you are doing?

5) What motivated you to shift from Engineering stream to civil service?

 *Member 3* :

1) So you're Mithun.

What's the meaning of your name?

Have you heard of a cattle in the north east named "Mithun"?

2) Imagine I'm a Jallikattu activist and you're Mithun (the cattle) , make a convincing argument against the sport.

3) Tell me about the philosophy and preachings of Sri Narayana Guru and Basavanna?

4) In the land of Basavanna, we have lately seen the murders of Gauri Lankesh and M.M Kalburgi. Is the intolerance growing in the state of Karnataka in particular and India in general?

5) How to promote positive ideological interaction in our society? Suggest some measures.

*Member 4:* 

When we talk of Karnataka, one name that comes to my mind is that of Field Marshal Cariappa. He once stated that there is a need for military rule in India. What's your opinion on this?

 *Chairman* : Thank you.

Brief Details:

Sainik School Goaplara (Assam), NIT Jamshedpur

State: Bihar

Work: Decision Scientist in Mu Sigma, Bengaluru for almost 2 years

Optional: Geography

Sports: Basketball

(Other details were not touched upon. NCC A certificate, debating, award during employment, etc fall in this category)

Board: PK Joshi

Brief assessment: Extremely cordial board. I have heard negative reviews about the Board but I'd like to humbly disagree with those reviews. My experience suggests otherwise.

C: You did your schooling in Sainik School, then went to Guru Gobind Singh School, then NIT Jamshedpur and finally pursued a job in My Sigma in Bengaluru. Is that right?

S: Yes sir

C: so how often do you go to Bihar?

S: sir mostly during annual vacations.

C: so what was your job as a decision scientist?

S: sir it combines the profile of a business analyst and a data scientist. The idea is to solve business problems and take business decisions based on data rather than intuition.

C: Okay. So after 2015 you have been preparing. Where have you been living?

S: Sir I've been living in Patel Nagar in Delhi.

C: you've lived for a long time in Patel Nagar now. What are the issues in this area?

S: sir from the perspective of a student high rent is one issue. Apart from that there is an increased pressure on local infrastructure including transport infra. Also, bye laws are flouted frequently by coaching institutes and shops in the area as they run commercial operations in residential buildings.

C: okay. So if you get posted as SDM in this area how will you solve the problem?

S: Sir the first attempt would be at decongesting the area by spreading out the institutes a bit. Second, it is increasingly being realised that urban areas should actually see the coexistence of commercial and residential uses of buildings do as to reduce time spent on travel and reduce pollution. So I'd also like to tweak the bye laws a bit to accommodate that. At the same time I'll take due care that safety norms are not compromised.

C: You have studied in Sainik School. Then why did you not join armed forces?

S: Sir I have given both NDA and CDS exams. But I suffer from Eosinophilia and army does not allow entry of people suffering from it.

C: Okay. Pointed towards M2.

M2: So I see that you have lived a lot in eastern India. Born and brought up in Bihar. Then a lot in Jharkhand. Tell me why do you think there is an issue of development in eastern India while western parts like Gujarat and Maharashtra have developed well?

S: sir the reasons are multifarious. Historically while Bombay presidency did well Bihar and Odisha suffered during British rule. Second would be political where, say my state Bihar has suffered long duration of poor governance. And third would be social - caste divide continues to be deep which hampers development. When it becomes easy to garner votes based on caste identities developmental agenda takes a back seat.

M2: but these regions are resources-rich. And there are industries like Tata flourishing. Then why is the issue?

S: sir the industries in this region are capital intensive and not labour intensive. So compared to Punjab and Haryana where textile industry has generated a lot of jobs the steel industry hasn't done so in Jharkhand. An example is Jamshedpur itself. If you come to Jamshedpur you'll see a good standard of life but the same is not reflected in areas around the city. There's also the issue of what we can call quote-unquote resource curse. The region has largely been seen as one that can provide resources. The participation of tribals and their development hasn't been on agenda equally.

M2: I see you've lived a lot in Bihar and Jharkhand. Where would you say you're from?

S: Sir I'd say Bihar.

M2: okay. Tell me despite separation of Jharkhand why has it not flourished?

S: Sir Jharkhand was separated in the interest of tribal population. But the population of tribals in the state is still around 30-35% only. This has been coupled with a lot of political instability. In the first 9 years of formation Jharkhand saw 5 ch

ief ministers.

becomes difficult to grow in these conditions.

M2: okay. So you have worked in analytics. Did that involve behaviour of people?

S: yes sir. Though it's a part of overall data analytics, nonetheless it's an important one.

M2: then tell me this - using this data when an advertisement company issues a misleading advertisement on TV that you can grow tall or become slim using some product, do you think that should be banned?

S: sir actually tv advertising does not involve analytics much. The profiling is done for cases where targeting can be done. For example if you open Facebook the advertisement shown to you depends on your age, gender, location, what time of the day you are, etc. Backend profiling is done for it. In case of tv such segregation can't be done. Nonetheless, as far as misleading advertisements are concerned, they amount to cheating people directly and thus should be banned whether on TV, or social media.

M2: okay. (Nodded towards chairman)

M3 (lady): So you are from Bihar. We see there are so many good officers coming out of poor states like Bihar. And yet the state hasn't done well. What do you think is the problem? Is public service irrelevant?

S: Ma'am public service is definitely relevant as it provides institutional memory, thus helping in policy formulation and execution. However, it's not sufficient. For example in my district there is a vacancy of 52 doctors in the district hospital but only 8 doctors are working. This is because the salary given to them is Rs 44,000 only - which is not attractive for them at all. In these situations a District Magistrate becomes helpless. So whole of the government will have to be improved.

M3: Okay. There was a recent policy in Bihar on prohibition. What is the status? Has it succeeded?

S: Ma'am initially the law has done well and people's, particularly women's, response was spectacular. But lately there have been many implementation issues. First, bootlegging is becoming common, second, trafficking of both liquor and drugs has increased lately, and third in the recent raids by Bihar police in their own police stations many policemen were caught using alcohol. There have been increasing reports of women complaining that now they're losing out even more as the liquor available in black market is more costly. So no income is left with the household.

M3: And what about the impact on Scheduled castes and tribes? There is an increasing number of them in the jails?

S: yes ma'am. They were employed in the alcohol industry in large numbers and have been rendered jobless due to the ban. Due to this many have been pushed into illegal manufacture and bootlegging. We actually need to liberalise the bail norms for them. (I realize I should have also talked about jobs for them, but I didn't)

M3: but then isn't it like creating a monster first and then trying to liberalise that? We are also spending a lot on the policing to enforce it.

S: ma'am the legislation continues to be for people's welfare. And that's what the state is for. So yes there have been losses. The state has lost rs 4000 crore per annum in revenue too. But such expenses have to be taken up if welfare of people is involved.

M3: but don't you think it should be left to people to decide what they or should not do? We are in a society that is increasingly becoming educated. It should be people's choice.

S: Ma'am ideally, yes. The prohibition law is definitely like a Victorian moral legislation imposed on people. However, we need to see the social context within which the law came. The biggest stakeholders - women - came out to vote for the incumbent CM in large numbers because he had announced prohibition. They continue to be the biggest stakeholders and they support the move.

M3: but the mentality of men hasn't changed. Gender issue remains.

S: ma'am it's like looking at means and ends. If I could take another analogy to explain. If one argues that guns shouldn't be banned in US to curb violence but the reliance should solely be on social cohesion, it doesn't make sense. Both the things have to be pu

...rsued in

l.

M3: big smile. Passes the buck.

M4: You have lived in Bihar, Bengaluru and now Delhi. How have you seen these places change in last 5 years? May be you have not visited Bengaluru lately. But you can talk about Bihar and Delhi.

S: Sir I'll start from Bihar. There are small to large changes. For example in my own district there was a long standing demand for a flyover as a railway gate disrupted the traffic heavily on a daily basis. Now that has been constructed by the railway ministry. There have been other infrastructural developments as well. Some cities of Bihar have progressed really well. Patna has seen large infrastructural improvements. TCS has recently opened an office in Patna. This will be helpful for students from Bihar who go out in large numbers to other states to study. Many of them want to come back but lack of jobs in IT sector hampers that. This can improve in future. Coming to Bengaluru, I have not been there recently but I do have friends there with whom I talk. Sadly I have heard more negative news about the city. There is some positive work in expansion of metro. But multiple issues have cropped up. Traffic congestion, water stress and haphazard peri-urban development are some of them. I lived in whitefield which is at one edge of the city. And already a lot of construction was taking place beyond it which was not planned well. Also, Bengaluru has one of the best weathers of the country. But slowly that is also getting compromised. Coming to Delhi, my surrounding does look the same as it was. But I can vouch for one thing. My cook has two sons. And she tells me that while earlier she was embarrassed of the fact that they studied in government school now she feels proud that they study in government schools.

M4: So you mean to say that the quality of life has gone up. Why do you think so?

S: Sir the focus on health and education by the govt has been extensive. There are the two most fundamental pillars on which quality of life is based. There are some other debatable schemes too which are populist in nature. Free water, electricity, bus rides, etc for which people should actually pay. Yet they have also helped in bringing down the cost of living for the people.

M4: Okay. You also talked about water stress. What should be done for that?

S: Sir water is increasingly becoming scarce in the country. Even a state like Bihar that has large rivers flowing through it has become water stressed. To counter this we need both local dispersed as well as large projects. Small water harvesting structures can help a lot. This can improve local resource augmentation. Take Delhi for example. It's dependent on rivers from other states. But as their own needs increase the chances of conflict for water between states will increase. So Delhi needs to augment its resources but water harvesting is yet to become common here. At the same time for large areas like Bundelkhand we need canals and dams too. We cannot make this region green only through water harvesting. Also, we will have to change lifestyle to make it less water intensive. For example in USA hand sanitizers are quite common. But rely on water for everything. Such reliance has to reduce.

M4: Okay. Passed the buck. [he had kept smiling throughout the conversation with him]

M1 (probably from NE, I found it a bit difficult to understand him): So how far is Khagaria from Motihari?

S: Sir Motihari is in North West Bihar while Khagaria is South east relative to center. So there is a good distance.

M1: Are you aware of a famous writer born in Motihari?

S: No sir (I am not aware of any writer anyway, so)

M1: He has written some famous books like...[names]..have you read any of them?

S: No sir I have not.

M1: His name is George (I'm not sure if this is the name he took). Okay, so you have written basketball. Recently a famous basketball personality died. He also had a blot on his career regarding issues related to women. Can you tell me something about him?

S: Yes sir. Kobe Bryant has died recently in a helicopter crash. As far as basketball is concerned he isy one of the undisputed legends. However, he does carry a blot of alleged sexual harassment in his career.

M1: Okay. You have lived in whitefield. There are issues of land grabbing there by powerful politicians of the state. If you are posted there as an administrator what will you do to tackle this?

S: Sir between political and permanent executives political executives hold an edge when it comes to power. But their accountability lies with people and they are afraid of people only. So I will try to bring it to the notice of the people as to who is grabbing land illegally. This can put pressure on them. Apart from that law also has to be enforced (I started thinking how to do that)....if I could take a moment to think...

M1: Sure, take your time.

S: Long pause

M1: It's okay. In my experience of 40 years as an administrator I have not found an answer to this question. I just thought you might have one. 

[M4 started laughing, the whole Board started laughing and I laughed along]

C: Thank you. Your interview is over.

Thank you@upsc2020 !

Board: Smita Nagaraj Ma'am

Date: 21th February, 2020, Afternoon session

College: Assam University, Silchar, B.Tech(IT)

Optional: PSIR

Company: Huawei technology in Bangalore

Hobbies: technical blog writing + Walking everyday 

Smita ma'am

1. What are you doing currently ?

2. How is your working experience in Huawei ?

3. Why Huawei is in news ? Why so many allegations ? 

4. What implication on 5G implementation in India ?

5. Which is more threat - state controlled company or individual owned company ?

6. Your personal experience regarding firewalls & security in Huawei & is it effective ?

7. In which field of civil services do you wish to work & your priorities ?

Member -1:

1. Law & order situation in UP ?

2. Why vacancy of DGP post or Chief secretary post ?

3. Police commissioner system in UP & its effectiveness ?

4. 2 top priority as Chief secretary of UP & counter question ?

5. Food processing sectors issue ?

6. Issue of fertilizers & pesticides in agriculture ?

7. US-Iran issue & implications on India ?

Member-2:

1. Tell me something about Agra apart from Taj Mahal ?

2. Any other things named as "Taj Mahal" ?

3. Blogging ? Recent post which you have written ?

4. 5G vs 4G technologies ?

5. Why telecom companies are in distress ? Can we still implement 5G technology in India ?

6. Difference b/w walking & jogging ?

7. As DM of Agra, how to stop harmful chemical use in vegetables ?

8. Tell few names of these chemicals ?

Member-3:

1. Theme of budget 2020-21 & its pillars ?

2. Why new tax regime & implications on revenue ?

3. FRBM Act & fiscal deficit targets ?

4. Is it good to breach these target or not & implications ?

5. FTAs - impacts on India ?

6. Huawei: meaning, logo & link with China ?

7. CEA mentioned few acts/policies which negatively impacted Indian economy, can you tell name of these acts

Member-4:

1. Issue in Assam ?

2. Whats is the problem of internet in Assam ?

3. Why current violence in Assam ?

4. Why so many frequent cases of gun fire & its implications & how to prevent such cases ?

Smita ma'am: your interview is over.

Mostly questions are from DAF & current affairs. Overall good experience

Hometown : Churu, Rajasthan.

Background : Computer Science & Engineering, MNIT Jaipur.

Service Experience : Software Engineer with Samsung India Electronics Limited.

Optional : Geography

Hobby : Watching and playing Cricket, Teaching, Reading Non-fiction.

Interview Date : 19th feb 2020 (First to go in the Afternoon Session).

Interview Panel Chairperson : Bharat Bhushan Vyas Sir.

Chairperson: 

1. Do you feel the weight of UPSC Chair ? (Pointing to my gentle sliding of Chair when offered the seat and smilingly saying you can push it harder too).

2. What were you doing after resigning your job ? (Asked while reading out my DAF information regarding graduation and service experience).

3. What is Census and how it is helpful in policy making ? 

->What is so special about this year's census? (1-2 follow up questions on my response).

->Why is it conducted in phased wise manner and separate enumeration of houses & headcount of population?

->Link between Census exercise and current NPR ? 

4. What is SCO ? Do you think it is just an other multilateral organization without serving any important purpose for securing India's national interests ? 

(1-2 follow up questions with regard to China, Indo-pacific and IRC).

Member 1: (Almost all questions asked from Hobby Section)

1. Question from Hobby section...(Reading Non-fiction)...which books you have read recently? 

->Listed 2-3 books ( 'A Gentleman Spymaster : R N Kao' , '21Lessons for 21st Century', 'Everybody Loves a Good Drought'). 

2. Questions asked related to the book '21Lessons for 21st Century'

->What all lessons did you got from the book?

->Do you subscribe to author's point of view with regard to future scenarios discussed in the book?

->Various Schools of thought on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology?

->Is regulating AI in present time necessary to curtail future repercussions of this technology?

->What is India doing to reap benefits of AI and other similar Industry 4.0 technologies?

3. What is Secularism concept ? Is mentioning the word 'Secular' makes our constitution secular in its spirit ? Are you aware of any debate on secularism in india ? What is your view on all this debate ?

4. What is Institutional Memory? (Context : With reference to the book 'A Gentleman Spymaster: R N Kao').

->1-2 follow up questions about R.N.Kao and R&AW. 

Member 2(Lady Member):

She also kept all discussion related to my hobby section, i.e. Teaching.

1. What all teaching experiences do you have till date ?

2. How do you adjust the teaching methodologies while switching from school level to college level students ?

3. Do you think that urban students require same kind of educational and teaching strategies as that of rural students?

4. Suppose you are a school principal in a rural locality, then what will be your priorities for betterment of education in that area?

5. How do you assess the Right to Education(RTE) Act with regard to its efficacy of fulfilling the objectives of the act ?

6. Did all your knowledge or information regarding teaching pedagogy in india comes from theoretical studies or some ground level experiences from rural, tribal and urban areas?

Member 3:

1. You have Geography as your optional subject and Rajasthan as home state, then tell me the role of geography as the contributing factor in backwardness or non-development of Rajasthan?

2. Questions on Arawali Range...Its Climatic impact on Rajasthan, Illegal mining happening in Rajasthan and recent supreme court directives on this.

->Suppose you are the DM of a district that involves illegal mining under your jurisdictional area, what will be your priorities to curb the same?

3. Do you think that the MNCs have not contributed enough in growth and development of Indian economy in its manufacturing and services sector ?

(Context : Question generated out of conversation while discussing my service experience in Samsung India Electronics Limited).

4. Samsung's investment plans in next 4-5 years in india.

Member 4:

1. Why you choose geography as your optional despite having technical bac

kground ?

2. What benefits geography offers to an administrator in governance and policy making ?

3. Simultaneous Elections of LokSabha and State Assemblies...Pro, Cons and your opinion on the issue.

->1-2 follow up questions on Elections and ECI.

4. Do you know about recent Locust Attack in India? 

->Is Rajasthan suffering from this attack ? 

->Which region of Rajasthan under attack ? 

->Any suggestion to curb this?

Chairperson :

1. Have you heard about Green Crackers? Is such initiatives are sustainable in curbing air pollution in india?

2. Suppose you are the government nominee in Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), what will you recommend about the stance of policy rate cuts ?

->1-2 follow up questions about recent slowdown in economy, rise in inflation and issues in Monetary Policy transmission.

Chairman : Our conversation is going quite interesting but have to wind up due to time constraints. Your interview is over now.

Overall Experience:

->30-35 minutes interview...Very nice and pleasing experience.

->BB Vyas Sir was quite cool, composed and interactive...Helped in maintaining my confidence and energy level throught out the conversation.

->Panel members asked questions from almost all sections...although 2 members heavily focussed on hobby section.

->Bottomline: Prepare your DAF quite diligently.

I hope this will help to all those who are yet to go through the interview process or the near future aspirants.

P.S. : Sharing the interview transcript with delaying of 2-3 days because of certain other commitments.

Chairman - P.K.joshi

Date - 17 feb , afternoon hrs - 4.05 - 4.35

Optional - Geography , BE mechanical

Hobbies - Watching Football and match analysis.

Extra curricular - Event for Acid attack victims , drought relief work - Paani foundation

Chairman - Why did you choose mechanical engineering and then why the turn towards civil services ? 

C -  Do you think technical domain will help you in generalistic civil services ? 

C - As a geography student tell me the difference between geography and geology ?

C - tell me about the evolution of himalayas and shiwaliks ? 

M1 - You are DM of the district. How will you address the case of mob lynching ? 

M1- what are problems of vidarbha and marathwada ? Do you think separate vidarbha demad is the solution ? 

M1- Swami vivekananda's quote about football . Do you know it ? 

M1- What is India's rank currently in football ? 

M2- What is the meaning of your name ? 

M 2 - You are from the technical background.  What do you think are the necessary changes in make in India programe and skill development ? 

M2 - As geography student tell me about the significance of Tibet and POK for India ? 

M2 - Why Is India lacking in football and not cricket ?Can you name Some states known for football ? 

M2 - chappak movie ? What message it gave and why did it did not became successful ? 

M2 - Tell me about the contribution of Mahatma Phule and Shahu maharaj.

M2- Tell me something about Maharashtra - Karnataka border dispute.

M 3 - What are the reasons for economic slowdown in our country ? 

M3 - how will you increase the investment in the economy ? 

M3 - Do you think corporate tax cuts has really lead to infusion of money in the economy ? 

M3- Why are foreign countries reluctant to invest in Manufacturing sector ? 

M4 - You come from Karad. Tell me about karad in 3-4 lines.

M4 - How will you stop the sale of acids ? 

M4 - Do you know Beed district ?  What is it known for ? 

Hint - lowest sex ratio . What do you think are the reasons ? How can the female foeticide be addressed ? 

M4 - Sugarcane is a water guzzling crop ? Why is it being promoted still ? Why is govt not moving away from sugarcane ? 

Thankyou

Bhim sain bassi board

Chairman-

Very welcoming and greeted in telugu ‘’Mr Reddy Kurchondi”

1.Came directly to point-Why do you want to join cs

2.Being mechanical engineer tata ashok leyland pays you lot of money why not that?

3.are you coming for that power dadagiri and all?

4.chalo if i dont give you car ,half of salary will you still serve?

Member 1

1. What are we referring to when we say war targets and what do our forces target?

2.tell me about uav and manned vehicle difference

3 what are the strategies adopted by army at border

4 what are other applications of uav

5 tell me abt narayana junior clg and type of teaching there 

6 did it help in  your mechanical engg

M2- lady -she was facing chairman and looking behind to ask qstns

1 tell me about ne insugency

2 forest rights act

3 no of tribals in telangana

4 what is vipassana(daf)

M3- cordial of everyone

1 what is trickle down economics

2 what is alternative theory

3 what is welfare economics

4 what must state adopt

5 what is karting

6 what exactly did you do

7 do you drive in an race

M4 - his voice was very low could not even listen qstn

1 not able to listen said sorry sir i cant hear- he skipped the question

2 what is thermo couple

3 new development has come in painting tell me

Chairman sir- final authenticity check

1 what did you do as a traffic commando

2 tell me date time and year

He said Thank you- i was still in mood of interview did not leave-he told to leave politely?

Stopped me again , showed my photo and asked if it is me #bassithings

Overall board was cordial.

DOI - 21st Feb Forenoon, Board-  Smita Nagaraj Mam 

Optional- PSIR

Education- B.A. Pol Science 2019 pass out, BHU Varanasi

Schooling- Sainik School and Military Çollege

Home State - Bihar

Sports- Hockey, Boxing and Mountaineering

Had Won GOC UB Area Best in Leadership Trophy, Student Coordinator Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2019

Hobbies- Chess, Cross Country Running and trekking

CM- You are 21 and graduated in 2019 only. Don't you think that you should do some research, gain some experience in a job and then appear for Civil Services?

What are the other ways except Civil Services and Defence Services through which you can serve the country?

What are qualities of a leader?

Your haircut is like a military personnel. In defence when a leader says right then subordinates move right and when he says left , subordinates move left. But it doesn't happen in Civils. How will you handle such situation?

There are people much more experienced than you and know tricks of the game. If they happen to your subordinates, what will be your approach? They may dupe you.

Why people don't want to work and how will you motivate them?

You said we should have rule of law not rule of men. In your home state,it doesn't seem to happen. Your views?

Your favourite leader? 

- Dr Kalam

Why? What is Vision 2020?

Is it because he also wished to join Air Force initially?

- Had light moment and everyone burst into laughter

Last Question- Tell me difference between 'Tell leader' and 'Sell leader'?

M1- 

Q. 

What do you know about his academic records?

Should a person who has failed 10th exam be a role model for youngsters?

What is the condition of Indian economy?

What are green shoots which you just said?

Steps taken by Govt. and February monetary policy?

How to boost the growth?

What is constitutional scheme to manage  financial relations between Centre and states?

Why states are unhappy?

Terms of reference of 15th Finance Commission?

Why southern states are protesting?

M2:

Continuing from leadership, what are types of leadership?

Let me explain it for you, if one type is autocratic leadership. What are others?

What kind of leader is Abiy Ahmed Ali?

- Said I am unable to recall his contributions.

What do you think about merger of overseas affairs ministry and MEA?

- probably based on my participation in PBD 2019

What was the  impact of dissolution of  USSR  on Indian foreign policy?

Can Indian states also breakdown like USSR?

M3:

You have won Sword of Honour named after a Air Chief Marshal, who is the present Air Chief?

What is CDS?

To whom does he report directly PM or DM?

You have done your graduation from Varanasi, I think Swachh Bharat Mission was started from Varanasi. What has been the impact of SBM in Varanasi?

Ok now tell me it's impact all over the country?

China has been claiming rights over Arunachal Pradesh. Should we do the same for Tibet?

What do you know about South China Sea Dispute?

Countries involved and PCA ruling?

M4:

How many times India has won Gold medal (Hockey) in Olympics?

Years?

Last time?

Why not winning since then?

Your hopes for Olympics 2020?

What do you know about gol Ghar? ( Important place in Patna)

How far is it from Gandhi Maidan? 

Counter- Tell me the exact distance??

- Said sorry Sir, I am unable to recall the exact distance

 coming back to leadership. Let's assume that you have qualities of a leader but still you commit a mistake. How will you respond?

I am giving you a quote. Decipher this for us, " Now, we have guided missiles and misguided Men".

As a leader, how will you guide those misguided Men?

Chairman Mam-  your interview is over. You may go. Our best wishes for your future endeavors.

I was third to go. Interview lasted for almost 35 minutes.

Overall Board was cordial.

My half of interview revolved around leadership. Chairman mam asked me lots of counter questions. Some people call it grilling but I never felt so.

Had post vibes at last. Felt better than mocks.

Board : Sujata mehta

Degree:B.Sc Agriculture 

Optional:Political Science 

Work experience:Working in Agri  department 

State: Tamilnadu 

Chairman:

1)Introduce yourself to the board 

2)Tel me about your work nature..

3)What is E-Governance

4)Do we have network connectivity all over India

and follow up questions on Internet connectivity 

M1

1) Differnce between presidential and parliamentary form of government 

which one is best for India 

2)India is moving towards USA does it mean we r moving away from Russia

3)What is End of Ideology thesis and multipolarity

4)In what way social media helps the government 

5)What about fake news

6)How will you address privacy

M2

1)Tell me the leadership qualities 

2)You want to be a Leader or Boss

3) when a higher official puts pressure on you to do something which is against the law what will you do..

4) Communism or capitalism which one is best and why

M3

1) If you are a Tourism secretary how will you promote Tourism in the country

2)What is the controversy  between periyar and Rajini

3)Asked about Cine stars entering politics and hero workship culture of India...

4)whether the present generation youth has come out of it or not

 4) About GM crops and health impacts associated with that

 5)Turkey and Malaysia speaking against India,What India should do?Whether India's reply is inadequate or we need to do more

M4

1) Tell me the Israel Model of Agriculture 

2)Can we replicate the same in India

3)Climate smart agriculture and follow up questions on the same topic

4)Is cooperative farming possible in India

 5)Whatever measures we take corruption prevails in the country...How we should address Corruption..

 Chairman:You want us to ask any area 

Thank you

Few questions I forgot

Overall cordial board ..

Bassi Sir Board | Forenoon Session

B Tech, IIT D, Chemical

M1

- Is this your photo? 

- why no moustache now?

- tell me about this CAA, why people are protesting?

- how will you handle protesters who are blocking a connecting road?

M2

- What chemical is used for cloud seeding?

- What is the problme of locust, which pesticide we use

- what is the problem i=of killing locust with pesticide

- which states are affected

- what is the long term solution ( was not prepared on this topics, things didnt go well )

M3 

- what are challenges between India US relations ( i said sir 4 points - better military co-operation, IP laws of India, VISA rules for Indians, opening up farm sector of India, etc )

- which President according to you has been best for India ( i was going to say Obama, but read somewhere that it was Bush, Civil Nuclear Co-operation and all that, he seemed satisfied

- can you tell which all presidents have visited india, i said nixon, kennedy, clinton, bush, obama and now donald trump , not sure if i missed someone )

- what is the main dilemma before USA in promoting India in indo-pacific

M4

- what chemical is used as nerve gas, phosgene etc

- convention on use of chemical warfare

- is india signatory to it 

- what will be impact of corona virus in trade and overall impact on Indian economy ( i said sir mobile, ac , medicines, will become expensive ) , he said what we can do, i said sir make in india

- what is the challenge before steel insutry form china, usa

- solar issue wrt usa and china ( mainly trade questions, i answered some, some i said i dont know )

- are subsidies good or bad

C1

- you read books, which book yu have read last

- tell me what you liked about the book

- last question, why you want to join IAS

( was not convinced at all )

interview board- R N Choubey

date-24 feb 20

optional -Anthropology 

edu- btech-cse, mba(business economics)

hobby- reading, trekking

job- pertains to agri trade

C- tell me about yourself? 

what is soil health card?

what is pmfby?

do you think it is successful? what is the need for soil health card?

dont remember 1 more question

M1-lady- what is precision agriculture? what is quantum computing? what did you not like in btech? what would you like to change?

M2- why did you take anthropology? what did anthropology teach you?

AGR-telcom? many counter questions

case study-what if your subordinate commits a mistake while writing a report which you forwarded to the senior. He presented the report and appreciated you. Later you come to know about it?

M3- issues of economy? why rural consumption demand is poor? 

Trekking, its effect on environment and solution? which right is the most imp right as per you? 

M4- immunity available to governor?

what is gvc? gvc in food products? 

multiple state capitals-views?

2-3 questions i forgot that M2 and M4 asked.

Very cordial board esp the chairman

Sujata Mehta Board, 19/02/20.

Chairman: 1.Introduce yourself. 2.What you do in your free time. 3.My related questions like pre gst & post gst changes, challenges faced, experience, biggest challenge & how you tackled it.(no fact, figure or reform needed asked). In some replies she cross-questioned.

4. View on GM crops, cross question.(out of my hobby- vegetable farming)

M1:-1.Opinion on politicians revising their salaries by passing bills in Parliament while govt. servants get their salaries revised after a decade via. Pay commissions. ( bcz of my 6 years of govt. service). 

2.lot of people come to delhi & create pressure on urban amenities & urban planning.(Cross questioned it upto 2 levels)

3.who is your favourite bureaucrat & why?

M2. 1.What you grow?

2. What is waste to energy concept?

3.How to tackle land fills problem? What is bioremediation & biominning?

M3: 1.How to serve in badminton?

2.As an Administrator, how will you promote badminton as a sport in India? (Cross questioned upto 2 levels)

3. As an administrator, how to promote female adolsence health? (Cross questioned it upto 2 levels) only current affairs baed applied ques.

Chairman again: 

1. View on terminator seeds.some other questions ( not able to recall)

M4: 1. End of  Inspector raj as claimed by various finance ministers, issues of tax assesses harassment .

2. What is operant conditioning? Who gave the concept?

3. What is your opinion on IQ? cross questioned.

4. Today, in new forms of communication, cases of espionage & surveillance is increasing. Comment

Chairman: Anything you want to ask or tell. 

Your interview is over.

Disclaimer: Around 75-80 % of  

questions.

Observation: DAF based questions, more focus on experiences in my case.

Board : Sujata Mehta 

Date: 18th Feb FN 

Optional : Economics

Degree: BE (EEE) in PSG Tech, Coimbatore 

Work exp : Data Analyst for 1 year 

Hometown : Hyderabad

Hobbies: Football and Running

CP 

1. is this you in the photo 

2. please briefly introduce yourself wrt your educational and professional background or work experience if any

3.  you worked with a Data analytics firm right.So were most of your clients based out of India and did you work with multiple clients at the same time or you just associated with a single client alone at a time.

4. Could you please describe the project with each client 

5. So what does data analyst do here and what's their role here and what algorithms and all you used. 

Me:"(I didn’t understand what she really wanted). Told what kind of data we take from customers and social media. (Wasn’t satisfied with the answer. So she repeated the question again. ) So mentioned what kind of algorithm and model we chose and what do we with the data 

6. Fair enough, tell me 2 applications where data analytics can be used in Public Sector.

Me: One, GST where govt is taking initiatives like setting up specialised wing. Second is health sector where we can understand gaps in rural areas and also collect imp data(like patient symptoms)to raise red flags before there is health crisis. ("Now since I mentioned rural, my whole interview veered towards rural areas especially other members") 

7.  That is all ok, but what's the point of all these data analytics if there is no data in rural areas since digital literacy is low.

Me: I agree with your point Mam. But govt is taking various initiatives like Bharatnet, digital India("She didn’t seem very happy mentioning govt programmes").

So I added- Mam, now we are witnessing that smartphone penetration is improving in rural areas. Also if we can make them understand the benefits of using internet by making them aware, then in near to medium term future, it is hoped that digital literacy would improve.

CP: She nodded. 

M1:  

1. your hobby is Football, so which club do you support. 

2. So, currently what is their standing in PL Table

3. Your optional is Economics. So is Ricardian theory of Rent relevant in today's world

4. who sets the interest rate.

5. is frequent repo rate reductions good for India.

6.  In India there is no indigenous search engines, data storage is a problem. What can be done ?

M2 

1. What are the factors that inhibit growth in rural areas. Do cultural and traditional factor play a role

2. Don’t you think cultural factor play a major role in preventing growth in rural areas 

3. why it is that education in rural areas is poor . What can be done especially for girl child?

4. (Mentioned pvt players can be roped in). So how would you encourage them?

5. Ok what measures would you take to bring in online education to rural areas. 

M3 

1.  Given a choice, what would you choose a)set up higher education centres in rural areas or b) set up manufacturing with huge employment potential 

2. Which field of education centres 

should be brought in and in what areas should the focus be on 

3.  So what are the main areas of manufacturing in CBE

4. So how are they doing now and what are the major challenges they face ?

5.  What are the factors that inhibit leveraging benefits of demongraghic dividend 

M4

1. What is Project Tiger

2. What is Social Forestry

3. You know there are some states where they give free power. Is it a good idea and why ? 

4. What is Finance commission and what is their role 

5. Tell me why AP got bifurcated.

6. Why are we focusing on select regional areas like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bluru, Delhi. Why  not focus on other areas since these are already developed 

CP. : Is there any question or areas left out of daf that you think we should ask you ? Ok your interview is over. 

Overall felt cordial. But kind of felt Grilling on certain topics and followed up questions based on some keywords in my answers.

Satyawati Board : 

Afternoon : 5th to go 

IRS IT 

Hobbies : Poetry , story writing etc 

Chairperson : Read out the DAF for almost 5 minutes, with me correcting in between. 

Chairperson : Discussion on abolishing Taxation. With Cross questions. 

Member 1 : 

Have u heard of Malinowski? 

Heard of redcliffe brown? 

Why do we have ILP even today ? Why not integrate them. 

Name a thinker of jurisprudence (that I don't remember) 

Member 2 : 

Do you remember anything of engineering? 

Discussion on location of my village. 

Tell me about your priorities in Jehanabad? 

How will you ensure attendance of doctors? 

Next preference? 

What about law and order? 

Don't you think you should keep it first. What about hero worship habit in Bihar? 

Member 3) 

Difference between murder and homicide. 

Difference between dacoity and robbery. 

Dacoity still being prevalent 

Constitution and constitutionalism 

China has constitutionalism or not.

Member 4 : 

Tell me about dastangoi

Do you go to mushairas

What is different in dastangoi? 

Origin of dastangoi

4R in water conservation 

Give example of Reuse and recycling

Give it related to water.

Interview Transcript CSE 2019

Board- Smita Nagraj

Date of Interview - 24.02.2020

MBBS, 

Home state - Bihar 

Optional- Anthropology 

6th attempt, 4th interview 

Medical officer for 8 yrs in Bihar 

Currently in ICLS based on CSE 2016

CH- How are you?

       You still working as medical officer or left?

How do you like ICLS?

Big leap from medicine to ICLS..why did you decide to join civil service?

Bihar is lacking on most fronts. What is it that you think is not working for Bihar. 

What are the 3 reasons according to you?

What is the one thing that you would say did improve at the PHC you were working at during your time there?

What would be one thing that you would have liked to work on to improve service based on your experience? 

M1- Have you heard of IBC? What is it? How far do you think it has helped the Companies and the banks? Have you read a balance sheet? 

Where is the share capital mentioned.. Asset side or liability side? What is it for the owners? (I kept saying it is a liability for the company, he kept asking what is it for the owners? In the end he said he wanted to here that the company was a separate legal entity and the BS was for the company and not the individual and said " you are the expert in the field so you should have said this")

M2- situation in China..why do you think China is not letting Indian Aircraft carry supplies to and evacuate its citizens from there?

Do you think situation is worsening or improving?

Mohalla clinic- your views about it..

Do you think this concept would help improve the situation in Bihar if implemented there?

M3- You worked 8 yrs as medical officer, then you joined this service, now you are appearing again..do you think its worth losing so many years of seniority for? ( Was grilled on this.. shared my personal reason then he said 'I understand your decision')...

Its not necessary you wilI get IAS..What if you get postal service or something like that? (He relented when I pointed out that I have filled IAS and IFS only)

M4- You have mentioned you sing..what kind of songs do you like to sing?

Which Raga would suit the situation of this interview?

On a serious note... ibc.. why do you think ibc was brought? What has been the performance? 

Telecom sector.. your views.. is it going to impact economy? How?

Ch- continuing with telecom sector, is it something similar to what  happened to aviation sector?

What should the government do? Should we be liberal? Or should we intervene or let them be?

Why shouldn't we leave them? New players will come and replace them, isn't it?

Date of interview- 24.02.2020 (afternoon session).

Profile- Schooling in Kendriya Vidyalaya, B.Tech in VNIT, Nagpur (Civil engineering), worked in IOCL for 1.5 years, currently working in CWC (for last 4.5 years).

Hobbies- Cricket follower.

Chairman of board- Air Marshal Ajit Bhonsle sir

Chairman

Read out the DAF loudly and said- So, you have studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bhusawal, then went to VNIT and have now worked for 7 years.. you have a good profile..

1. So, we hear a lot that 70% of our cities are going to go dry by 2040.. by that time, availablity will be 50% of demand.. So tell me the steps you would give for Water conservation in long term, medium term and short term approach

2- tell me features of jal mission.. I asked sir Jal Jeevan mission or jal Shakti mission?? He said jal Shakti..

3. Is the aim of govt to provide piped drinking water a pipe dream??

Passed on to M-1 (lady member)

1. So migration is a lot in news .. What are your views??

2. So you feel that migration is necessary and good??

3. But what about pressure on resources??

4. Tell me some countries which have seen lot of migration in recent times..

5. Why we are stil not adopting rainwater harvesting on a large scale?

M-2

1. Why do you want to join civil services??

2. So there's no diversity in your job?

3. What us preamble??

4. Preamble is a lot in news these days.. why??

5. What are the features that are in danger??

6. In which year secularism was added in preamble??

7. Any other words were added??

M-3

1. What is V in VNIT??

2. Tell me something about Visvesvaraya..

3. So, he was awarded Bharat Ratna.. India's highest honour.. tell me name of one IAS officer who was awarded Bharat Ratna..

4. No one?? So you have lots of scope to serve as a civil engineer too , isn't it so??

M-4

1. So, you have studied political science.. tell me what's in communist manifesto and its author.. (only told Karl Marx and said don't know about its contents)

2. Tell me about Friedrick Engels.. (cudnt recall) :|

3. Tell me name of some communist countries in the world..

4. What is constitution??

5. So, a country cannot run if constitution is not there??

6. Yes.. Britain is running without a written constitution.. correct

Chairman-

So what do you plan to do after interview?? (Told him sir no plans as such.. wanted to watch highlights of today's day in India new Zealand but India already lost.. so, will watch India vs Bangladesh in women's world cup)..

Chairman smiled and said.. you may go.

Overall, board was cordial.. may have missed 1-2 questions..

Graduation: Electronics and communication engineering

Optional: Pubad

Board: B S Bassi

Date: 19th Feb, 9 am, 1 st person to go in

Duration: 35 mins.

Chairman: 

1.Why do you want to join civil services?

2.So, you read on Quora?

3. What was the last answer you read?

4. What is your assessment of same answer?

5. Tell me about day and night test match?

6. Why pink ball is used?

7. What are the security issues in day and night test match?

8. Why should government provide security? Is that because might is right?

9.what measures will you take if you were city commissioner?

10. What about people who work in night? How will they get entertainment?

M1:

1. So, you're an electronics engineer? Tell me about awacs?

2. Tell me how does a radar function?

3. Do you remember formula of it?

4. Ok I will switch the topic, tell me how can we solve India-Pakistan problem?

5. What is fatf grey list?

6. Tell me what happens if a country is put in fatf grey list?

M2:

1) what are the technological advances in banking sector?

2) do you think there will be job losses because of it?

3) should banks shut down its branches then?

4) what are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?

5) don't you think fake news is a problem?

6) how can we solve the problem of fake news?

7) what government is doing in curbing fake news?

M3:

1) Tell me about west asian crisis.

2) what are the internal problems and external problems?

3) Why everyone wants to meddle in West Asia? Why there are so many players?

4) can you tell me what are the political changes that Europe is facing?

5) how to deal with refugees?

M4:

1) So, you follow cricket, tell me what are the technologies used in cricket?

2) how does bails flash? What is the technology used in it? How is it connected?

3) tell me various kinds of bulbs? Which one is most efficient?

4) what kind of bulbs does government distribute? What is the name of the scheme?

5) Tell me about latest micro controllers in the market?

6) which one did you learn in your college?

Chairman:

1.Have you heard about master led designer bulb? 

Ok, your interview is over.