Dear All,
First of all thanks you all for keep coming to my blog even though I was not that regular on the same.
Secondly, now I would try to be more regular in answering your queries.
Also, very soon just instead of making it just IAS focused blog I would be making it a forum for all exams and interviews.
All the best to all waiting for their UPSC Prelims results.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Preparing for Civils Interview: Read this Post (Post 1)
Hi All,
For benefit of all those who are preparing for IAS 2010 Interviews, please find below questions that were asked in UPSC interviews.
I would like to thank on behalf of all of us, to these people (most of them are IAS now) who have shared their experience which is so helpful to all of us who are preparing for UPSC interviews.
Interview 1: Ms. Shubra Saxena (IAS Topper last year)
CM: What's your name?
ME: Sir, My name is Shubhra Saxena
CM:Tell us about yourself
ME: I told them about my education, prof background, my family and so on.
CM:Can you tell us the immunisation schedule of children
(Now let me tell you v frankly that I was shocked and thrown off guard. Maybe he wanted to destabilise me to see if I maintained my cool.)
ME:Sir, I am not aware of the immunisation schedule of children. But I do know some vaccines for children.
CM: Fine, go ahead.
ME: There is DPT, that prevents Diptheria, Pertussis and Tetanus. And there is OPV, Oral polio vaccine.
CM: Can't you recall any more?
ME:Sorry Sir, I can't recall any more.
CM:Isn't there a vaccine for Hepatitis B?
ME:Sir there is, But I think it can be taken as an adult because I had this vaccine when I was in college.
CM: (Smiled) Yes but it is now given to children.
ME:I said, Thank you sir.
CM: Your hobbies include teaching. Can you tell us about that?
ME:Sir, I have liked teaching since childhood. I used to teach my younger siblings and the children of my colony. Now I teach some children of my maid servants. (I didn't mention teaching in coaching because people had advised me against that)
CM:Tell us, who is a good teacher?
(I didn't understand the question but I nevertheless tried to answer.)
ME: A good teacher is the one who can conceptually explain topics to students. Someone who can motivate students to do better. Someone who can be a friend, philosopher and guide to students.
( He was apparently not satisfied with my answer.)
CM: No, tell me if you are teaching students in a class, how would you make sure that they followed what you were teaching?
ME: Sir, I would first try to understand the level of cognitive maturity of students. Then I would try to adjust the speed of teaching to suit most of the students because at any level of teaching not all students would be satisfied. I would include practical examples to make them understand the concepts better. The students who have somehow not grasped the things I taught them, I would give them time other than the class to make sure they understood it.
(he apparently was satisfied. So he let it go. He gestured to the 1st lady member on his left)
M2: Your hobby is teaching. So can you tell me about a few education schemes of GOI
ME: I told her about SSA. She inturrepted me.
M2: Can you tell us about SSA?
ME: I told her about a few provisions under SSA as I did not know all.
M2:Can you tell me if there are any provisions for handicapped children under SSA.
ME:Ma'm I am not sure if there are any. But there mustbe.
M2:(Looks at other members) aren' there? (Others nod)
Tell me about other education schemes?
ME: I told about MSA, MDM, KGBV , scholarship schemes for disadvantaged and backward students.
M2: (Interrupts)..That's fine. Your extra curricular activity said Debating. I will give you a topic. Can you debate on that.
ME: Yes ma'm.
M2: The topic is "Women should empower themselves"
ME: Ma'm should I debate in favour or against the topic?
M2: Whichever way you want
ME: May I speak both in favour and against the topic?
(I was a little apprehensive if this gamble would pay off. But it did. She didn't look offended.)
M2: Yes, go ahead.
ME:Argued first against the topic. Then later in favour of the topic.
M2:(looking very happy) Excellent Shubhra. You have argued well in both directions. But you forgot to mention the role of husbands.
ME:(I smiled) yes Ma'm. Thank you.
She now passed the charge to the next lady member..
M2: So Shubhra, you have stayed in many states. Which state have you stayed maximum in?
ME: Ma'm I have stayed for 16 years in Jharkhand and 12 years in UP and 2 years in AP.
M2: So can you please compare Jharkhand and UP?
ME: Yes Ma'm. Jharkhand and UP are topographically very diffrent states. Whereas JH has a hilly and forested terrain, UP is part of the Gangetic plain and very sparsely forested. UP is densely populated whereas JH has a low population density. JH has a sizeable tribal population mainly consisting of tribes like Santhal and Munda whereas UP has a low tribal population. Both the states primarily speak Hindi. In terms of HDI, both perform poorly.
M2: No, tell me what diff did you find on a personal level?
ME: Ma'm both states are culturally complex and offer a variety of ways of life. While I was growing up in Jharkhand I used to stay in isolated forested lands where sometimes wild animals like tiger would come into our colony. This is something I have never come across in UP. The food of these 2 states is more or less the same with a few regional variations. The people in both the states are very tolerant and loving and make one feel at home.
(Everyone smiled at the tiger comment)
She nods then asks.
M2: Tell me what is India's equation with Nepal?
ME: Ma'm Nepal has traditionally been a good friend of India's and India has always supported Nepal in many ways. But with the coming of Maoist government in Nepal, the equations are changing as Maoists are more sympathetic towards China. And therefore the hegemony of India in Nepal is weakening.
(She draws her eyebrows together as if frowning at me. I am telling you it was a scary moment)
M2: Do you think we should be using words like hegemony in context of international relations. India is a big country and shouldn't it allow her neighbour countries autonomy rather than dominating them?
ME: Ma'm, (how to redefine the meaning of hegemony???) , I didn't mean hegemony in the sense of controlling a smaller country for one's vested interests. I meant primacy in international relations.
India is a very big country and that is the reason most of her neighbours are insecure about India's intentions. But India is a very peaceful country and instead of dominating its neighbours she extends whatever support it can to her neighbours.
(again frowning....I am so scared now...)
M2: It is you who are saying that India is a peaceful country.But other countries don't think so.
ME: Ma'm, I have had the fortune to work abroad in many countries and everywhere I meet people they always say that India is perhaps the most peace loving country in the world.
(She looks satisfied now...I heave a sigh of relief)
M2: Tell me about India's relations with Myanmar.
ME: Relations between India and Myanmar haven't been very positive ever since the military junta took over control of that country since India had never supported the junta's rule in Myanmar. But lately, the contours of relations are changing for the better because India needs Myanmar for access to ASEAN route, for development of NE and to curb insurgency in NE. But even despite many efforts, Myanmar is more inclined towards China, that is using Myanmar territory for its naval base as a part of its String Of Pearls strategy to encircle india in the Indian Ocean. This is a concern in Indo Myanmar relations.
(She looks much happier now....Passes the charge to 3rd member.
M3: So, you have been a student of IIT Roorkee. Can you tell me the history of IIT Roorkee?
ME:Yes Sir. IIT Roorkee initialy known as Thomason College of civil Engg.It was named after Lt Governor of Agra Province whose name was Thomason. It was created in 1847 after a famine in British times led to large revenue losses. The British decided to construct a canal from Haridwar to western UP to irrigate these lands. Therefore a need was felt for Civil engineers. And therefore under Lord Hardinge, this instn was created. After independence it was renamed University of Roorkee. In 2000, after Uttarakhand was separated from UP, it was named IIT Roorkee.
M3: Can you tell me what is this structure in Roorkee where there is a canal over river?
ME: Sir, it's called aqueduct.
M3: Tell me about Ganga Canal.
ME:I told him about the famine of 1837-38. The canal consists of an upper ganga canal from Har-Ki-Pauri in Haridwar to Aligarh and Lower Ganga Canal from Aligarh to Kanpur. Told them the distance of Canal and which governor general started its construction(now I can't recall)
M3:What is the river over which the canal is passing?
ME:Sir it's known as Solani. Similar to the aqueduct structure there are structures like superpassage wherein river flows over canal and a structure called siphon.
(He is looking visibly impressed..am glad all the research paid off)
M3: So you are an engg in Paper technology?
ME:Yes sir.
M3:Can we make paper out of weeds?
ME: Yes sir, if the weeds have vascular structure that will yield fibres.
M3: That would solve the problem of weeding then.(smiles to himself )
ME: I smile back.
M3:So where was paper first made.
ME:Sir, it was first made in Egypt from a plant called Papyrus, that's why the name paper.
M3:But people say it's China.
ME:Yes sir China later followed this practice and made it more sophisticated so that paper came in daily use.
M3: When was this?
ME: Sir it was around 2nd or 3rd century BC.
M3: Tell me something, who invented printing?
ME:(AAAAAAAAARRRGH) Sir I don't know. But I know that the person who invented the prniting press was Gutenberg.
M3:No, you tell me one thing. Why did it take printing to travel from China to Europe 400 years?
ME:(I am thinking...what?.. what is this question. The CM i slooking impatient as well) Sir,I am not aware of the reason.
(Thankfully the CM interrupts and said it's ok.)
M3:Tell me your hobby is teaching. Why does ragging take place ? there was a committee created for tackling ragging.
ME:I told him it was Raghavan committe. I told them the psychological and sociological reasons for ragging.
M3: Since your hobby is teaching,Tell me, what was the committe recently created for higher education reforms? (I am wondering why they are all fixated on my hobby only)
ME: Sir I am not very sure. But I think it was Yashpal committee.
(Everyone murmurs..yes yes)
M3: What were it's rcommendations?
ME: I told him about improving UGC affiliations, Deemed univ and so on.
CM interrupted- Enough. He gestured to the last member to start.
Somewhere I was getting apprehensive why the CM was getting impatient. Did he think I was no good and wanted to end the interview? But I found the answer in the end. You will also see that)
Courtesy : Shubhra-saxena.blogspot.com
Interview 2 : Mr. Gangadhar Patil
(in his own words, please find interview experience below)
my interview was on 8th.
i got tripathi madams board.i knew this will be her first time experience of interviewing for IAS before this she has take
for ifs.
i had no idea about this board but knew that its very cordial.
introduction...
optionals ; commerce and economics
qual ; b.com
hobbies ; cycling, body building, volleyball
preference ; IPS,IAS,IRS,IFS =0
begining.....
as soon as i entered madam and all panel member addressed me and permitted me to sit with a charming smile, i was really
happy to see the mood.
madam : what do ur freinds call u.
me:ganga and sometimes gangadhar also
madam:tell me ur roll no and date of birth
me:025507 and 9th march 1985
madam:why have u given ips as ur first option.
me:(i knew this question will be there, i answered straight away.)
1st member:u does not look like going for body building, todays body building is more about 6 packs and all is not it...
they laughed.(i also smiled)
me; i think body building is not only about muscel building its more about mental and physical fitness.
Q: do u go for jogging
me: sir i do cycling
Q: do u know there is one champ called ntini who runs for 10 km.how many hours u do cyclin
me:one hour on regular basis and also use it as means of transport, rather than bike of car.
Q:how will u use ur knowledge of commerce and economics in civil services?
me:i said sir, whatever knowledge i have gained is only by reading books within four walls so my exposure to practical life
is very far.with my understanding i can use commerce for dealing with funds and i also said about my plans of using
economics in policing and policing through economics...
Q:stop.. stop.. what is that idea of economics in policing.
me:i explained it
Q:are we following the system of accrual or cash management
me:i said accrual
Q:accraul!
me:no.. no.. cash management
Q:yes.. tel me what will be problem if we follow accrual system
me:i said, probably the problem of recognition and tracing.
Q:have u given a thought to it
me:yes,, but i could find only this reason
2 member
Q:tel me what is preamble of india;
me:i was fumbling democratic, socialis, secular and
Q:he interupted and said is not india that is bharat..
me:yes... but sir dont remember exactly
Q:what is the difference between bharat and india
me:bharat is orginated from our country and emotionally close to us.. i think this is the reson
Q:tel me the meaning of secular and socialist
me:i answered
Q:tel me which part of directive principle u like
me:i said about gandhian philosphy
Q:tel me about fundamental duties and name some of them
me:i mentioned about 4 of them and said cannot recall..
3 member
Q: what would u sugest for indias development, agriculture or induatrialisation
me:i said mix of it
Q:what do u feel about bringing common petroleum pricing
me:i answered in vague terms
4th member
Q:tel me is there any noble prize for economics
me:yes sir 1967
Q:who has won from india
me:amartya sen 1997
Q:tel me about amartya sen
me:i told about p index and his writing on bengal famine
Q:name any four economist from india
me:bhagwati, amartya sen, our prime minister, y v reddy and .....
Q:who is y v reddy..
me:rbi governor
Q:do u know samuleson
me:is he an economist
Q:i dont know u must tell me
me:i know only one samuleson who plays for west indies cricket team..
Q:everyone laughed...
me:i also joined
Q:tel me another economist name..
me:a...... ... cant recall
Q:do u know about means and ends chain, tell me about that and what was gandhijis view on that
me:i knew it very well and was able to answer calmly
Q:do u know brahmananda..
me:sir i dont know
Q:he is an economist from kanataka, u check it on google
me:i said certainly
madam
Q:tel me about capitalism
me: i answered it comfortably
Q:what do u mean about decentralisation
me:i answered it.
madam: ok thank u very much.
madam: ok thank u very much.
my response: the board was very co operative, the vibes given by them were worth appreciating.they kept smiling without
giving any stress.even when i was fumbling the gave me time to rethink.throught the interview madam was smiling and everyone
else was cordial.i wish everyone get such kind of environment where the candidate is able to communicate what he feels.
wish u all very best.
Courtesy: Gangadhar Patil and http://upscportal.com/civilservices/Interview/My-Civil-Services-Interview-Gangadhar-Patil
Interview 3: Mr. Smarak
(Interview experience in his own words)
2nd April 2008. I gave my first civil service interview just two days back...i say 'first' because I am quite optimistic that UPSC will again make the mistake that it made this year. I can't, in any case, say the last -because I am not one of those who give up that easy.
I
My interview was scheduled for the forenoon; i reached upsc well in time before 9 AM and had a chance to meet some other candidates I knew. We were let in sharp at 9. What I found surprising about the reception was that it was extremely cordial and student friendly. I had expected a long line in which I would have to stand before my certificates are checked, other formalities done etc. We were escorted into a huge circular hall in which some nine table-chair configurations had been made. We were total thirty five in number, divided into seven boards. Mine was the seventh board. We were seated into seven of the table-chair configurations as per our board.
Though the ambience was good, the atmosphere was tense. I got to meet other four of my board-mates and had a healthy chat. That partly reduced the tension. Part of the tension was reduced by the presence of a cool chick in the sixth board. Unlike the other girls, her dressing sense was cool (all girls had come in saris -something I think was dumb; a salwar could have been as suitable but more comfortable for the situation). She had, it seems, invested heavily on a beauty parlour and looked exceedingly gorgeous. Seriously, I rarely find girls look so yexy in sari.
I did, of course, decide not to hit on her... but what occurred to me was that she may get some 20-30 marks more than we guys just by her looks. Lucky her! Old men, though low on libido, appreciate beauty as much as we guys do. (You may find my views on this pretty irrational, but many others will agree)
Soon, the call for first candidates to appear before the boards came. It turned out that the chick-in-sari's board would be chaired by Miss. Parveen Tahla (he he he!). But my pleasure didn't last long. Board 7, that is mine, was to be chaired by D.P. Agarwal.
DP! DP? DPPPppp... The dreaded ganglord from IIT Delhi with supposedly cannibal instincts. That DP? His name brought back to my mind flashback of cruel times... of those days in laboratories of department of electrical engineering, IIT Kharagpur -instrumentation lab, high voltage lab, power engg lab et al -when I was subjected to third grade torture by a panel of ruthless professors. The memory of such sends a shock down my spine till date. In deed, these aren't memories but nightmares (ok a little exaggerated) that came back to my mind then. Is DP Agarwal like them? I could have consoled myself with the false reasoning that IIT Delhi is a better, more humane place than IIT Kgp. Unfortunately, deeds of DP have already reached far and wide. According to legends, he asks only factual questions, wants only objective answers, conducts stress interviews, can grill you on any point you have made, can ask you out of the room in the middle of an interview...and the list continues.
II
DP was unusually cool. Cool doesn't mean he was happy or cheerful etc. He was just neutral in expressions and didn't seem to be ready to pounce upon me. His room was smaller than I had expected it to be, due to which the other four members were sitting very close to me. DP was sitting right in front of me at the other end of the table. To my left was sitting a lady at very close distance. Henceforth, lets call her lady because she deserves the title. By her side and to DP's right was sitting (rather sleeping over the table) a gentleman who looked like PV Narasimha Rao but slept like HD Deve Gowda. Lets call him PV Deve Gowda. To my right was a smart, chill looking gentleman in his early fifties. He was smiling mysteriously, the way P. Chidambaram used to before presenting his budgets. Lets call him Chidumbaram. By his side and to DP's left was sitting a South Indian gentleman who spoke not so clearly (in fact the chairman had to translate his words and communicate to me more than once) but nevertheless a kind, pleasant guy. Lets call him Speaking Dravid.
I found DP's strategy of taking interview very maverick. He didn't seem to look at my biodata... nor did he ask any of the traditional questions.
"So your name is Smarak Swain. What does Swain mean?"
"It is an Oriya title sir"
"Its a very popular oriya title" the lady observed "What does Smarak mean?"
"Ma'am it means a memorial"
"But you know, your title is very similar to an english word...have you heard of something spelling S-W-I-N..." DP observed. Before he could complete, I said "S-W-I-N-E sir. It is a slang for pig"
"You know, this may create problems..." DP observed. I was looking at him right in the eyes and it was he who wasn't maintaining the eye contact. I was playing offensive.
"DP if u r really interested, then listen. There is a school of thought that believes that my name is an insult to pigs. Usually the good-for-nothing animal lovers have this view. Another school of thought pertains to the fact that I am not so bad as to be called a pig. There is still a third school of thought members of which call me just smarak" I did NOT say this. I simply looked attentively at him and he dropped the issue.
"So, when did you decide to come for the services?"
"In my final year sir"
"What are you doing?"
"Sir I worked in Tata Steel for a year. I left it last year and am preparing solely for civils"
"Why?"
"I didn't get much time for studies plus I wanted to come to Delhi"
"Why Delhi"
"I could get better interaction with other students, library facilities and coaching"
"What coaching did you join?"
"Ramaswamy for Sociology and Vajiram for current affairs"
(Actually I didn't get much time for doing the full course in Vajiram, so somehow managed to get into the current affairs that was meant only for ex-students)
"Since you want to do civils, you must be having an idea about the hierarchy of it. Brief me on any one department's hierarchy"
I hadn't prepared this. But I had read Kishan Rana's Inside Diplomacy and so had good idea of foreign ministry.
"Sir I can tell you about the hierarchy of foreign ministry" I said.
"Is that your first preference?"
"Yes sir"
"Ok. Go on"
I tell him about FSI, then first foreign posting as third secretary, learning new languages etc. He doesn't seem to be interested and passes on to the lady.
"Which language would you want to learn if given a choice" she asked
"Ma'am I would prefer Spanish"
"Why?"
"It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world"
"Do you know Spanish? Anything about it?"
"Ma'am, I just know senor and senorita...nothing much"
"DO you find it a beautiful language?"
"Is it a sweet language?"
"Have you read any Spanish novel? Or seen Spanish movies?"
(I have read Paulo Coelho -who hasn't? -but that doesn't strike me. I mumble something about the movie Spanglish...
"Any Spanish painter or musician you know?"
(I couldn't say Picasso bcoz I got no idea of what kind of painting he drew...in deed i didn't know if he was spanish)
"Ma'am, I want to learn Spanish bcoz of the flexibility in posting it will give me; bcoz of the exotic carnival I could participate in; bcoz of the Havana cigars I fantasize myself smoking after cheating on a latin girl. What do you mean by sweet language? Is there any bitter language also? It is just a way to communicate" I did NOT say this.
"Do you know which is Spain's capital?"
"Madrid ma'am"
"Is Spanish only followed in Latin America?"
I tell her about Portuguese in Brazil. I forget to mention that Hindustani is followed in Suriname and Guyana...that would have been a plus...
Then she asks me about SAARC. I tell her all that I knew about SAARC, though see didn't seem to find what she wanted. As she was a real lady, she wanted to give me a chance. She asked me what all countries India shares boundary with. I tell all the names, including Afghanistan theoretically.
"Does Afghanistan share a boundary with India?"
"It has a boundary with a part of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani occupation"
Here I was trying to direct the interview into Paki, kashmir issue. But the panelists were too damn smart. She asked me some other things before passing on to the chairman.
DP: What will be your responsibilities once you become an IFS officer?
"Sir, in the country that I am posted I will look into bilateral relations, better people-to-people contact, cultural diplomacy, see the market prospects for Indian industries in the said country, do research and analysis of economic and strategic relations..."
Before I could finish, DP asked "How will you do research and analysis?"
"Sir, I will collect data from various sources...like ASSOCHAM...they must be having such a body in their country, then there is the economic survey and statistical reports. In cases where data is not available, I will employ market analysts to get me the data"
Now guys, I didn't say as fluently as you may feel. The problem in the board room was that it was extremely difficult to form sentences. Secondly, I was surprised that no one was asking questions like: 'why do you want to do civils?', 'why civils after engg?', 'don't you think we will be losing a power engineer' stuff on which I had invested lots of my limited literary talentin past few days -stuff that I had mugged by heart and prepared in front of a mirror. What the pock is happening???
"Can you give any specific example of how you will increase trade between India and any south American country? Answer only if you know something concrete" DP says
"I ain't doing no course in international trade ..." I did NOT say this
"Sorry Sir, I don't know". This is what I said.
Then he passes on to Speaking Dravid. Speaking Dravid asks me many questions in one go.
"When was UN formed? In what conditions? What is its organization?" and some more questions I don't remember.
"Ach Cho0l, this is a personality test. Why are you asking me questions that I was very good at answering when I was in school?" I did NOT say this.
I explain him some stuff about UN but am unable to say anything about the UN Charter. He then asks me about the trusteeship council and its function. At times, DP had to interfere and repeat his questions because he wasn't clear. Then he asked me about criminology (sociological theories etc)...then about clemency. I tell him about President's power to pardon etc. Though my answer isn't structured, nor am I fluent, he doesn't mind.
Then I am passed on to Chidumbaram. He is a smart fellow and knows a lot.
Chidu: "Recently there has been a debate between social justice ministry and supreme court. SC says that if a father is non-Dalit and mother Dalit, son can't be. But Social Justice ministry says he can be. Considering yourself a member of social justice ministry, give your arguments"
The news had come just a day back. Even though I hadn't thought over it, I managed to say a few points about patriarchal families, about manusmriti etc.
He gets excited about Manusmriti and asks me about the type of marriages -anuloma, pratiloma etc -mentioned in there. I give satisfactory replies but he starts an argument on whether hypergamy is allowed between sub-castes within a caste or between castes. My stand point was that it is allowed only between sub-castes -if a Brahmin marries a Shudra, the child is a Chandal. He becomes insistent and I finally give up...
He then asks about matriarchal families etc...I give satisfactory answer.
PV Deve Gowda wasn't really in a mood to talk when DP encouraged him to do so. He looked at me with dreamy eyes as if accusing me of forcing him to ask questions.
"Let me ask some questions on some different topic" he said slowly "Do you know Vikram Sarabhai"
"Sir, he was a pioneer in space research in India" I say. I know nothing more about him. He keeps looking at me (or may be lost!) with out giving a response. Sensing that I may have to say something more, I say "he was a founding member of ISRO"
After an instant he asks me "Who was Homi Jehangir Bhabha?"
"He was a pioneer of atomic research in India"
"Damn you! Why ask me such dumb questions I can't answer in more than one lines?" I did NOT say that.
"Please name me some sources of power?"
Am I a kid? Or do I look like the dumbest graduate in electrical engineering? A Professor at Kharagpur had once asked me "What's the difference between choke and starter in tube light?" Everyone in the lab had laughed at him for this but as it turned out, he was smart. I couldn't tell him the difference. At that time he had called me the dumbest of electrical under-grads...anyways, this question was too simple for the son of one of the few power plant commissioning specialists in India. I started off and listed the various sources.
Then he asked me questions like "Which is the cheapest source of power?" "What is multipurpose project?" "Why is india power deficient if we have so much potential?" etc. I give quite satisfactory answers but nothing extra-ordinary. PV Deve Gowda falls back to his sleepy posture. Getting the cue, DP started off again.
"There are some people who believe Delhi Metro isn't the best option for Indian cities. What are your views?"
I start with some broken sentences and give some arbitrary answers. Not satisfied, he says "Now-a-days many IIT professors are complaining about Metro. One of them gives a new statement to the press daily. I guess being from IIT yourself, you must be aware of the technicality"
I knew nothing about it...so I pass on. The lady member tries to give some hints by talking about the metro loudly with Deve Gowda (who I am sure didn't care, even though I was maintaining eye contact with DP).
"How will you go from Cuttack to the western Ghats?" DP asks.
"Sir, I will take a train to Mumbai and hire a jeep from there"
DP looks perplexed at my answer.
"Can you name some places on western ghats"
Guys, its ok if you think me dumb...I just blacked out. Not even a single name came to my mind.
"Sorry sir. I am unable to recall"
"You don't have to. Just visualize the map of India"
"Visualize a pocking map while five pairs of hungry eyes ogle at me? How do you think that's possible DP?" I did NOT say this. I simply stayed quiet, trying to visualize the map of India which sometimes looked round, sometimes like a square etc.
"OK. Thank you. Your interview is over"
When I was about to heave a sigh of relief, Chidumbaram requested DP to let him ask me some questions. DP complied.
Chidu: India has a national emblem. Do you know?
I can't remember the word 'ashoka stambha'. So I say "there is a pillar in Sarnath constructed by King Ashoka. The structure atop that is our emblem"
Chidu: India also has a national animal. Do you know that?
I: Sir, royal bengal tiger
CHidu: Is it royal bengal tiger or only tiger?
I: "I am not sure sir" I say, smiling.
(I said this because my strategy was to remain on the safe side and not to say any answer wrong)
Chidu: India also has a national bird. DO you know?
I: Peacock sir
Then he lets me off the hook. The chairman thanks me etc. 35 minutes all in all
III
While leaving UPSC, my assessment was that if not very good, my interview was 'above average'. Then I came back to my room, had my lunch etc. After seeing a movie in my room, I went off to Siri Fort Auditorium for the last movie of Chinese FIlm festival. While on my way, all those silly questions I couldn't answer came back to my mind. I concluded that my interview went just 'average'. Average score, according to people, is 150 and that is what I should expect.
After seeing the chinese movie, I was coming back when something suddenly dawned on me. Why did Chidumbaram ask me those silly questions in the end? It could be only because he considered me silly. My appraisal of my performance fell down to 'below average'.
The next day i.e. yesterday, I had gone for my medical check. I got a chance to interact with others who had given the interview. Everyone agreed that 'average' for DP is 130. And I am 'below average'. So now you know why I have called this topic My First Civils Interview.
Courtesy: http://smarak.blogspot.com/
For benefit of all those who are preparing for IAS 2010 Interviews, please find below questions that were asked in UPSC interviews.
I would like to thank on behalf of all of us, to these people (most of them are IAS now) who have shared their experience which is so helpful to all of us who are preparing for UPSC interviews.
Interview 1: Ms. Shubra Saxena (IAS Topper last year)
CM: What's your name?
ME: Sir, My name is Shubhra Saxena
CM:Tell us about yourself
ME: I told them about my education, prof background, my family and so on.
CM:Can you tell us the immunisation schedule of children
(Now let me tell you v frankly that I was shocked and thrown off guard. Maybe he wanted to destabilise me to see if I maintained my cool.)
ME:Sir, I am not aware of the immunisation schedule of children. But I do know some vaccines for children.
CM: Fine, go ahead.
ME: There is DPT, that prevents Diptheria, Pertussis and Tetanus. And there is OPV, Oral polio vaccine.
CM: Can't you recall any more?
ME:Sorry Sir, I can't recall any more.
CM:Isn't there a vaccine for Hepatitis B?
ME:Sir there is, But I think it can be taken as an adult because I had this vaccine when I was in college.
CM: (Smiled) Yes but it is now given to children.
ME:I said, Thank you sir.
CM: Your hobbies include teaching. Can you tell us about that?
ME:Sir, I have liked teaching since childhood. I used to teach my younger siblings and the children of my colony. Now I teach some children of my maid servants. (I didn't mention teaching in coaching because people had advised me against that)
CM:Tell us, who is a good teacher?
(I didn't understand the question but I nevertheless tried to answer.)
ME: A good teacher is the one who can conceptually explain topics to students. Someone who can motivate students to do better. Someone who can be a friend, philosopher and guide to students.
( He was apparently not satisfied with my answer.)
CM: No, tell me if you are teaching students in a class, how would you make sure that they followed what you were teaching?
ME: Sir, I would first try to understand the level of cognitive maturity of students. Then I would try to adjust the speed of teaching to suit most of the students because at any level of teaching not all students would be satisfied. I would include practical examples to make them understand the concepts better. The students who have somehow not grasped the things I taught them, I would give them time other than the class to make sure they understood it.
(he apparently was satisfied. So he let it go. He gestured to the 1st lady member on his left)
M2: Your hobby is teaching. So can you tell me about a few education schemes of GOI
ME: I told her about SSA. She inturrepted me.
M2: Can you tell us about SSA?
ME: I told her about a few provisions under SSA as I did not know all.
M2:Can you tell me if there are any provisions for handicapped children under SSA.
ME:Ma'm I am not sure if there are any. But there mustbe.
M2:(Looks at other members) aren' there? (Others nod)
Tell me about other education schemes?
ME: I told about MSA, MDM, KGBV , scholarship schemes for disadvantaged and backward students.
M2: (Interrupts)..That's fine. Your extra curricular activity said Debating. I will give you a topic. Can you debate on that.
ME: Yes ma'm.
M2: The topic is "Women should empower themselves"
ME: Ma'm should I debate in favour or against the topic?
M2: Whichever way you want
ME: May I speak both in favour and against the topic?
(I was a little apprehensive if this gamble would pay off. But it did. She didn't look offended.)
M2: Yes, go ahead.
ME:Argued first against the topic. Then later in favour of the topic.
M2:(looking very happy) Excellent Shubhra. You have argued well in both directions. But you forgot to mention the role of husbands.
ME:(I smiled) yes Ma'm. Thank you.
She now passed the charge to the next lady member..
M2: So Shubhra, you have stayed in many states. Which state have you stayed maximum in?
ME: Ma'm I have stayed for 16 years in Jharkhand and 12 years in UP and 2 years in AP.
M2: So can you please compare Jharkhand and UP?
ME: Yes Ma'm. Jharkhand and UP are topographically very diffrent states. Whereas JH has a hilly and forested terrain, UP is part of the Gangetic plain and very sparsely forested. UP is densely populated whereas JH has a low population density. JH has a sizeable tribal population mainly consisting of tribes like Santhal and Munda whereas UP has a low tribal population. Both the states primarily speak Hindi. In terms of HDI, both perform poorly.
M2: No, tell me what diff did you find on a personal level?
ME: Ma'm both states are culturally complex and offer a variety of ways of life. While I was growing up in Jharkhand I used to stay in isolated forested lands where sometimes wild animals like tiger would come into our colony. This is something I have never come across in UP. The food of these 2 states is more or less the same with a few regional variations. The people in both the states are very tolerant and loving and make one feel at home.
(Everyone smiled at the tiger comment)
She nods then asks.
M2: Tell me what is India's equation with Nepal?
ME: Ma'm Nepal has traditionally been a good friend of India's and India has always supported Nepal in many ways. But with the coming of Maoist government in Nepal, the equations are changing as Maoists are more sympathetic towards China. And therefore the hegemony of India in Nepal is weakening.
(She draws her eyebrows together as if frowning at me. I am telling you it was a scary moment)
M2: Do you think we should be using words like hegemony in context of international relations. India is a big country and shouldn't it allow her neighbour countries autonomy rather than dominating them?
ME: Ma'm, (how to redefine the meaning of hegemony???) , I didn't mean hegemony in the sense of controlling a smaller country for one's vested interests. I meant primacy in international relations.
India is a very big country and that is the reason most of her neighbours are insecure about India's intentions. But India is a very peaceful country and instead of dominating its neighbours she extends whatever support it can to her neighbours.
(again frowning....I am so scared now...)
M2: It is you who are saying that India is a peaceful country.But other countries don't think so.
ME: Ma'm, I have had the fortune to work abroad in many countries and everywhere I meet people they always say that India is perhaps the most peace loving country in the world.
(She looks satisfied now...I heave a sigh of relief)
M2: Tell me about India's relations with Myanmar.
ME: Relations between India and Myanmar haven't been very positive ever since the military junta took over control of that country since India had never supported the junta's rule in Myanmar. But lately, the contours of relations are changing for the better because India needs Myanmar for access to ASEAN route, for development of NE and to curb insurgency in NE. But even despite many efforts, Myanmar is more inclined towards China, that is using Myanmar territory for its naval base as a part of its String Of Pearls strategy to encircle india in the Indian Ocean. This is a concern in Indo Myanmar relations.
(She looks much happier now....Passes the charge to 3rd member.
M3: So, you have been a student of IIT Roorkee. Can you tell me the history of IIT Roorkee?
ME:Yes Sir. IIT Roorkee initialy known as Thomason College of civil Engg.It was named after Lt Governor of Agra Province whose name was Thomason. It was created in 1847 after a famine in British times led to large revenue losses. The British decided to construct a canal from Haridwar to western UP to irrigate these lands. Therefore a need was felt for Civil engineers. And therefore under Lord Hardinge, this instn was created. After independence it was renamed University of Roorkee. In 2000, after Uttarakhand was separated from UP, it was named IIT Roorkee.
M3: Can you tell me what is this structure in Roorkee where there is a canal over river?
ME: Sir, it's called aqueduct.
M3: Tell me about Ganga Canal.
ME:I told him about the famine of 1837-38. The canal consists of an upper ganga canal from Har-Ki-Pauri in Haridwar to Aligarh and Lower Ganga Canal from Aligarh to Kanpur. Told them the distance of Canal and which governor general started its construction(now I can't recall)
M3:What is the river over which the canal is passing?
ME:Sir it's known as Solani. Similar to the aqueduct structure there are structures like superpassage wherein river flows over canal and a structure called siphon.
(He is looking visibly impressed..am glad all the research paid off)
M3: So you are an engg in Paper technology?
ME:Yes sir.
M3:Can we make paper out of weeds?
ME: Yes sir, if the weeds have vascular structure that will yield fibres.
M3: That would solve the problem of weeding then.(smiles to himself )
ME: I smile back.
M3:So where was paper first made.
ME:Sir, it was first made in Egypt from a plant called Papyrus, that's why the name paper.
M3:But people say it's China.
ME:Yes sir China later followed this practice and made it more sophisticated so that paper came in daily use.
M3: When was this?
ME: Sir it was around 2nd or 3rd century BC.
M3: Tell me something, who invented printing?
ME:(AAAAAAAAARRRGH) Sir I don't know. But I know that the person who invented the prniting press was Gutenberg.
M3:No, you tell me one thing. Why did it take printing to travel from China to Europe 400 years?
ME:(I am thinking...what?.. what is this question. The CM i slooking impatient as well) Sir,I am not aware of the reason.
(Thankfully the CM interrupts and said it's ok.)
M3:Tell me your hobby is teaching. Why does ragging take place ? there was a committee created for tackling ragging.
ME:I told him it was Raghavan committe. I told them the psychological and sociological reasons for ragging.
M3: Since your hobby is teaching,Tell me, what was the committe recently created for higher education reforms? (I am wondering why they are all fixated on my hobby only)
ME: Sir I am not very sure. But I think it was Yashpal committee.
(Everyone murmurs..yes yes)
M3: What were it's rcommendations?
ME: I told him about improving UGC affiliations, Deemed univ and so on.
CM interrupted- Enough. He gestured to the last member to start.
Somewhere I was getting apprehensive why the CM was getting impatient. Did he think I was no good and wanted to end the interview? But I found the answer in the end. You will also see that)
Courtesy : Shubhra-saxena.blogspot.com
Interview 2 : Mr. Gangadhar Patil
(in his own words, please find interview experience below)
my interview was on 8th.
i got tripathi madams board.i knew this will be her first time experience of interviewing for IAS before this she has take
for ifs.
i had no idea about this board but knew that its very cordial.
introduction...
optionals ; commerce and economics
qual ; b.com
hobbies ; cycling, body building, volleyball
preference ; IPS,IAS,IRS,IFS =0
begining.....
as soon as i entered madam and all panel member addressed me and permitted me to sit with a charming smile, i was really
happy to see the mood.
madam : what do ur freinds call u.
me:ganga and sometimes gangadhar also
madam:tell me ur roll no and date of birth
me:025507 and 9th march 1985
madam:why have u given ips as ur first option.
me:(i knew this question will be there, i answered straight away.)
1st member:u does not look like going for body building, todays body building is more about 6 packs and all is not it...
they laughed.(i also smiled)
me; i think body building is not only about muscel building its more about mental and physical fitness.
Q: do u go for jogging
me: sir i do cycling
Q: do u know there is one champ called ntini who runs for 10 km.how many hours u do cyclin
me:one hour on regular basis and also use it as means of transport, rather than bike of car.
Q:how will u use ur knowledge of commerce and economics in civil services?
me:i said sir, whatever knowledge i have gained is only by reading books within four walls so my exposure to practical life
is very far.with my understanding i can use commerce for dealing with funds and i also said about my plans of using
economics in policing and policing through economics...
Q:stop.. stop.. what is that idea of economics in policing.
me:i explained it
Q:are we following the system of accrual or cash management
me:i said accrual
Q:accraul!
me:no.. no.. cash management
Q:yes.. tel me what will be problem if we follow accrual system
me:i said, probably the problem of recognition and tracing.
Q:have u given a thought to it
me:yes,, but i could find only this reason
2 member
Q:tel me what is preamble of india;
me:i was fumbling democratic, socialis, secular and
Q:he interupted and said is not india that is bharat..
me:yes... but sir dont remember exactly
Q:what is the difference between bharat and india
me:bharat is orginated from our country and emotionally close to us.. i think this is the reson
Q:tel me the meaning of secular and socialist
me:i answered
Q:tel me which part of directive principle u like
me:i said about gandhian philosphy
Q:tel me about fundamental duties and name some of them
me:i mentioned about 4 of them and said cannot recall..
3 member
Q: what would u sugest for indias development, agriculture or induatrialisation
me:i said mix of it
Q:what do u feel about bringing common petroleum pricing
me:i answered in vague terms
4th member
Q:tel me is there any noble prize for economics
me:yes sir 1967
Q:who has won from india
me:amartya sen 1997
Q:tel me about amartya sen
me:i told about p index and his writing on bengal famine
Q:name any four economist from india
me:bhagwati, amartya sen, our prime minister, y v reddy and .....
Q:who is y v reddy..
me:rbi governor
Q:do u know samuleson
me:is he an economist
Q:i dont know u must tell me
me:i know only one samuleson who plays for west indies cricket team..
Q:everyone laughed...
me:i also joined
Q:tel me another economist name..
me:a...... ... cant recall
Q:do u know about means and ends chain, tell me about that and what was gandhijis view on that
me:i knew it very well and was able to answer calmly
Q:do u know brahmananda..
me:sir i dont know
Q:he is an economist from kanataka, u check it on google
me:i said certainly
madam
Q:tel me about capitalism
me: i answered it comfortably
Q:what do u mean about decentralisation
me:i answered it.
madam: ok thank u very much.
madam: ok thank u very much.
my response: the board was very co operative, the vibes given by them were worth appreciating.they kept smiling without
giving any stress.even when i was fumbling the gave me time to rethink.throught the interview madam was smiling and everyone
else was cordial.i wish everyone get such kind of environment where the candidate is able to communicate what he feels.
wish u all very best.
Courtesy: Gangadhar Patil and http://upscportal.com/civilservices/Interview/My-Civil-Services-Interview-Gangadhar-Patil
Interview 3: Mr. Smarak
(Interview experience in his own words)
2nd April 2008. I gave my first civil service interview just two days back...i say 'first' because I am quite optimistic that UPSC will again make the mistake that it made this year. I can't, in any case, say the last -because I am not one of those who give up that easy.
I
My interview was scheduled for the forenoon; i reached upsc well in time before 9 AM and had a chance to meet some other candidates I knew. We were let in sharp at 9. What I found surprising about the reception was that it was extremely cordial and student friendly. I had expected a long line in which I would have to stand before my certificates are checked, other formalities done etc. We were escorted into a huge circular hall in which some nine table-chair configurations had been made. We were total thirty five in number, divided into seven boards. Mine was the seventh board. We were seated into seven of the table-chair configurations as per our board.
Though the ambience was good, the atmosphere was tense. I got to meet other four of my board-mates and had a healthy chat. That partly reduced the tension. Part of the tension was reduced by the presence of a cool chick in the sixth board. Unlike the other girls, her dressing sense was cool (all girls had come in saris -something I think was dumb; a salwar could have been as suitable but more comfortable for the situation). She had, it seems, invested heavily on a beauty parlour and looked exceedingly gorgeous. Seriously, I rarely find girls look so yexy in sari.
I did, of course, decide not to hit on her... but what occurred to me was that she may get some 20-30 marks more than we guys just by her looks. Lucky her! Old men, though low on libido, appreciate beauty as much as we guys do. (You may find my views on this pretty irrational, but many others will agree)
Soon, the call for first candidates to appear before the boards came. It turned out that the chick-in-sari's board would be chaired by Miss. Parveen Tahla (he he he!). But my pleasure didn't last long. Board 7, that is mine, was to be chaired by D.P. Agarwal.
DP! DP? DPPPppp... The dreaded ganglord from IIT Delhi with supposedly cannibal instincts. That DP? His name brought back to my mind flashback of cruel times... of those days in laboratories of department of electrical engineering, IIT Kharagpur -instrumentation lab, high voltage lab, power engg lab et al -when I was subjected to third grade torture by a panel of ruthless professors. The memory of such sends a shock down my spine till date. In deed, these aren't memories but nightmares (ok a little exaggerated) that came back to my mind then. Is DP Agarwal like them? I could have consoled myself with the false reasoning that IIT Delhi is a better, more humane place than IIT Kgp. Unfortunately, deeds of DP have already reached far and wide. According to legends, he asks only factual questions, wants only objective answers, conducts stress interviews, can grill you on any point you have made, can ask you out of the room in the middle of an interview...and the list continues.
II
DP was unusually cool. Cool doesn't mean he was happy or cheerful etc. He was just neutral in expressions and didn't seem to be ready to pounce upon me. His room was smaller than I had expected it to be, due to which the other four members were sitting very close to me. DP was sitting right in front of me at the other end of the table. To my left was sitting a lady at very close distance. Henceforth, lets call her lady because she deserves the title. By her side and to DP's right was sitting (rather sleeping over the table) a gentleman who looked like PV Narasimha Rao but slept like HD Deve Gowda. Lets call him PV Deve Gowda. To my right was a smart, chill looking gentleman in his early fifties. He was smiling mysteriously, the way P. Chidambaram used to before presenting his budgets. Lets call him Chidumbaram. By his side and to DP's left was sitting a South Indian gentleman who spoke not so clearly (in fact the chairman had to translate his words and communicate to me more than once) but nevertheless a kind, pleasant guy. Lets call him Speaking Dravid.
I found DP's strategy of taking interview very maverick. He didn't seem to look at my biodata... nor did he ask any of the traditional questions.
"So your name is Smarak Swain. What does Swain mean?"
"It is an Oriya title sir"
"Its a very popular oriya title" the lady observed "What does Smarak mean?"
"Ma'am it means a memorial"
"But you know, your title is very similar to an english word...have you heard of something spelling S-W-I-N..." DP observed. Before he could complete, I said "S-W-I-N-E sir. It is a slang for pig"
"You know, this may create problems..." DP observed. I was looking at him right in the eyes and it was he who wasn't maintaining the eye contact. I was playing offensive.
"DP if u r really interested, then listen. There is a school of thought that believes that my name is an insult to pigs. Usually the good-for-nothing animal lovers have this view. Another school of thought pertains to the fact that I am not so bad as to be called a pig. There is still a third school of thought members of which call me just smarak" I did NOT say this. I simply looked attentively at him and he dropped the issue.
"So, when did you decide to come for the services?"
"In my final year sir"
"What are you doing?"
"Sir I worked in Tata Steel for a year. I left it last year and am preparing solely for civils"
"Why?"
"I didn't get much time for studies plus I wanted to come to Delhi"
"Why Delhi"
"I could get better interaction with other students, library facilities and coaching"
"What coaching did you join?"
"Ramaswamy for Sociology and Vajiram for current affairs"
(Actually I didn't get much time for doing the full course in Vajiram, so somehow managed to get into the current affairs that was meant only for ex-students)
"Since you want to do civils, you must be having an idea about the hierarchy of it. Brief me on any one department's hierarchy"
I hadn't prepared this. But I had read Kishan Rana's Inside Diplomacy and so had good idea of foreign ministry.
"Sir I can tell you about the hierarchy of foreign ministry" I said.
"Is that your first preference?"
"Yes sir"
"Ok. Go on"
I tell him about FSI, then first foreign posting as third secretary, learning new languages etc. He doesn't seem to be interested and passes on to the lady.
"Which language would you want to learn if given a choice" she asked
"Ma'am I would prefer Spanish"
"Why?"
"It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world"
"Do you know Spanish? Anything about it?"
"Ma'am, I just know senor and senorita...nothing much"
"DO you find it a beautiful language?"
"Is it a sweet language?"
"Have you read any Spanish novel? Or seen Spanish movies?"
(I have read Paulo Coelho -who hasn't? -but that doesn't strike me. I mumble something about the movie Spanglish...
"Any Spanish painter or musician you know?"
(I couldn't say Picasso bcoz I got no idea of what kind of painting he drew...in deed i didn't know if he was spanish)
"Ma'am, I want to learn Spanish bcoz of the flexibility in posting it will give me; bcoz of the exotic carnival I could participate in; bcoz of the Havana cigars I fantasize myself smoking after cheating on a latin girl. What do you mean by sweet language? Is there any bitter language also? It is just a way to communicate" I did NOT say this.
"Do you know which is Spain's capital?"
"Madrid ma'am"
"Is Spanish only followed in Latin America?"
I tell her about Portuguese in Brazil. I forget to mention that Hindustani is followed in Suriname and Guyana...that would have been a plus...
Then she asks me about SAARC. I tell her all that I knew about SAARC, though see didn't seem to find what she wanted. As she was a real lady, she wanted to give me a chance. She asked me what all countries India shares boundary with. I tell all the names, including Afghanistan theoretically.
"Does Afghanistan share a boundary with India?"
"It has a boundary with a part of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani occupation"
Here I was trying to direct the interview into Paki, kashmir issue. But the panelists were too damn smart. She asked me some other things before passing on to the chairman.
DP: What will be your responsibilities once you become an IFS officer?
"Sir, in the country that I am posted I will look into bilateral relations, better people-to-people contact, cultural diplomacy, see the market prospects for Indian industries in the said country, do research and analysis of economic and strategic relations..."
Before I could finish, DP asked "How will you do research and analysis?"
"Sir, I will collect data from various sources...like ASSOCHAM...they must be having such a body in their country, then there is the economic survey and statistical reports. In cases where data is not available, I will employ market analysts to get me the data"
Now guys, I didn't say as fluently as you may feel. The problem in the board room was that it was extremely difficult to form sentences. Secondly, I was surprised that no one was asking questions like: 'why do you want to do civils?', 'why civils after engg?', 'don't you think we will be losing a power engineer' stuff on which I had invested lots of my limited literary talentin past few days -stuff that I had mugged by heart and prepared in front of a mirror. What the pock is happening???
"Can you give any specific example of how you will increase trade between India and any south American country? Answer only if you know something concrete" DP says
"I ain't doing no course in international trade ..." I did NOT say this
"Sorry Sir, I don't know". This is what I said.
Then he passes on to Speaking Dravid. Speaking Dravid asks me many questions in one go.
"When was UN formed? In what conditions? What is its organization?" and some more questions I don't remember.
"Ach Cho0l, this is a personality test. Why are you asking me questions that I was very good at answering when I was in school?" I did NOT say this.
I explain him some stuff about UN but am unable to say anything about the UN Charter. He then asks me about the trusteeship council and its function. At times, DP had to interfere and repeat his questions because he wasn't clear. Then he asked me about criminology (sociological theories etc)...then about clemency. I tell him about President's power to pardon etc. Though my answer isn't structured, nor am I fluent, he doesn't mind.
Then I am passed on to Chidumbaram. He is a smart fellow and knows a lot.
Chidu: "Recently there has been a debate between social justice ministry and supreme court. SC says that if a father is non-Dalit and mother Dalit, son can't be. But Social Justice ministry says he can be. Considering yourself a member of social justice ministry, give your arguments"
The news had come just a day back. Even though I hadn't thought over it, I managed to say a few points about patriarchal families, about manusmriti etc.
He gets excited about Manusmriti and asks me about the type of marriages -anuloma, pratiloma etc -mentioned in there. I give satisfactory replies but he starts an argument on whether hypergamy is allowed between sub-castes within a caste or between castes. My stand point was that it is allowed only between sub-castes -if a Brahmin marries a Shudra, the child is a Chandal. He becomes insistent and I finally give up...
He then asks about matriarchal families etc...I give satisfactory answer.
PV Deve Gowda wasn't really in a mood to talk when DP encouraged him to do so. He looked at me with dreamy eyes as if accusing me of forcing him to ask questions.
"Let me ask some questions on some different topic" he said slowly "Do you know Vikram Sarabhai"
"Sir, he was a pioneer in space research in India" I say. I know nothing more about him. He keeps looking at me (or may be lost!) with out giving a response. Sensing that I may have to say something more, I say "he was a founding member of ISRO"
After an instant he asks me "Who was Homi Jehangir Bhabha?"
"He was a pioneer of atomic research in India"
"Damn you! Why ask me such dumb questions I can't answer in more than one lines?" I did NOT say that.
"Please name me some sources of power?"
Am I a kid? Or do I look like the dumbest graduate in electrical engineering? A Professor at Kharagpur had once asked me "What's the difference between choke and starter in tube light?" Everyone in the lab had laughed at him for this but as it turned out, he was smart. I couldn't tell him the difference. At that time he had called me the dumbest of electrical under-grads...anyways, this question was too simple for the son of one of the few power plant commissioning specialists in India. I started off and listed the various sources.
Then he asked me questions like "Which is the cheapest source of power?" "What is multipurpose project?" "Why is india power deficient if we have so much potential?" etc. I give quite satisfactory answers but nothing extra-ordinary. PV Deve Gowda falls back to his sleepy posture. Getting the cue, DP started off again.
"There are some people who believe Delhi Metro isn't the best option for Indian cities. What are your views?"
I start with some broken sentences and give some arbitrary answers. Not satisfied, he says "Now-a-days many IIT professors are complaining about Metro. One of them gives a new statement to the press daily. I guess being from IIT yourself, you must be aware of the technicality"
I knew nothing about it...so I pass on. The lady member tries to give some hints by talking about the metro loudly with Deve Gowda (who I am sure didn't care, even though I was maintaining eye contact with DP).
"How will you go from Cuttack to the western Ghats?" DP asks.
"Sir, I will take a train to Mumbai and hire a jeep from there"
DP looks perplexed at my answer.
"Can you name some places on western ghats"
Guys, its ok if you think me dumb...I just blacked out. Not even a single name came to my mind.
"Sorry sir. I am unable to recall"
"You don't have to. Just visualize the map of India"
"Visualize a pocking map while five pairs of hungry eyes ogle at me? How do you think that's possible DP?" I did NOT say this. I simply stayed quiet, trying to visualize the map of India which sometimes looked round, sometimes like a square etc.
"OK. Thank you. Your interview is over"
When I was about to heave a sigh of relief, Chidumbaram requested DP to let him ask me some questions. DP complied.
Chidu: India has a national emblem. Do you know?
I can't remember the word 'ashoka stambha'. So I say "there is a pillar in Sarnath constructed by King Ashoka. The structure atop that is our emblem"
Chidu: India also has a national animal. Do you know that?
I: Sir, royal bengal tiger
CHidu: Is it royal bengal tiger or only tiger?
I: "I am not sure sir" I say, smiling.
(I said this because my strategy was to remain on the safe side and not to say any answer wrong)
Chidu: India also has a national bird. DO you know?
I: Peacock sir
Then he lets me off the hook. The chairman thanks me etc. 35 minutes all in all
III
While leaving UPSC, my assessment was that if not very good, my interview was 'above average'. Then I came back to my room, had my lunch etc. After seeing a movie in my room, I went off to Siri Fort Auditorium for the last movie of Chinese FIlm festival. While on my way, all those silly questions I couldn't answer came back to my mind. I concluded that my interview went just 'average'. Average score, according to people, is 150 and that is what I should expect.
After seeing the chinese movie, I was coming back when something suddenly dawned on me. Why did Chidumbaram ask me those silly questions in the end? It could be only because he considered me silly. My appraisal of my performance fell down to 'below average'.
The next day i.e. yesterday, I had gone for my medical check. I got a chance to interact with others who had given the interview. Everyone agreed that 'average' for DP is 130. And I am 'below average'. So now you know why I have called this topic My First Civils Interview.
Courtesy: http://smarak.blogspot.com/
Preparing for Civils Interview: Read this Post (Post 2)
Interview 6: Mr Tiru (in his own words, find IAS interview experience below)
Chairman: You passed out from college in 2002, this is 2009, what were you doing after that.
- I recounted my experience from wipro, infosys and eaton after college and told that I am working currently in aerospace industry in the field of actuation and control systems as a senior engineer with a leading aerospace organization.
Chairman: What is your nature of work?
- I explained
Chairman: You have already crossed the age limit for civil services and I don't think you will grow to the highest level of civil services with the remaining number of years of service. Why then should you come into the services?
- I gave an elaborate explanation
Chairman: Ok, then tell me about the evolution of civil services in India.
- I somehow tackled it. But I was very poor with facts here
Chairman: You don't seem to know much about history. Do you atlest know something about Bhagat Singh?
Chairman: Tell me why Bhagat Singh was arrested? Where?
Chairman: What is the difference between UPSC and other commissions like Human rights commission, competition commission etc?
- I answered these questions but not to the satisfaction level of the chairman (I might have read him wrong....hope so)
Then chairman gave it over to other members
Member 1: Why did you take Pali as an optional?
Member 1: Can Pali be used to understand Indus valley civilization? How does it help?
Member 1: Do you blog? (my hobby). What do you blog?
Member 1: What is 2x, 3x, 5x in pyschology? (I didn't know this)
Member 2: Do you read MS Swaminathan's articles? What does he say about the level of food consumption coming down an all that. By what value it has come down in last decade as per his view?(I didn't know).
Member 2: What is the population density of India?
Member 2: How would you compare the density of India with China? Which is higher and by how much?
Member 2: What do you know about Biofuels? Do you think it will solve the fuel problem in India? What is your opinion on it?
Member2: Did Buddha believe in God? Did Buddha think that God is required to attain Nirvana?
Member 3: If Pali is interesting as you said, then so is maths? Why didn't you then take mathematics?
Member 3: When did the Fort williams college operate in India? For how long?
Member 3: How do you ensure that the facts that you read are authentic? (he asked me this as one of my answers was wrong and upon asking where did i read it, I told him that i don't remember but it must be in one of the books)
Member 3: If a student is doing a project in which he has to refer internet, what suggestion would you give in order to ensure that he uses only authentic material?
Member 4: What is G20? Is India a member or an invitee? Why are they meeting this week and where?
Chairman: Your interview is over now. You can leave.
I got up and wishes all the board members a nice day. Only one board member replied by saying that you too have a nice day.
Courtesy: http://jiasaraidays.blogspot.com/?expref=next-blog
Interview 7 : Mr Raju
Raju: May I come in Sir?
Chairman: Yes, please.
Raju: Good morning, Sir. Good morning, Madam. Good morning, Sirs.
Chairman: You are Mr...
Raju: (Still in standing position), Matyalaraju Revu Sir.
(Chairman is writing something. Other members are keenly watching the candidate.)
Member 2: Please take your seat.
Raju: Thank you, sir.
Chairman: Mr. Revu, You did B.Tech from REC Warangal, ME from IISc, Bangalore. But why did you do diploma?
Raju: Sir, After completion of my 10th class, based on my financial background, my father joined me in polytechnic. After completion of polytechnic, we do get jobs. Also, since I will get scholarship, the amount of money spent on me is less.
Chairman: That means you will get job after diploma.
Raju: Yes Sir, I got a private job. Company is Cain energy limited.
Chairman: Then, why did you join B.Tech?
Raju: Sir, After completion of my diploma, I wrote ECET and I got state 1st rank. So I convinced my father that I will join REC which is a premier Engineering institute in our state.
Chairman: Then, you joined ME because your father insisted on that?
Raju: No Sir, It is based on my project guide ճ suggestion.
Sir, infact there are two streams to enter into B.Tech. One through EAMCET after Intermediate and other is through ECET. After ECET...
Chairman: What question I have asked?
Raju: Sorry Sir, you have asked me why I joined ME after B.Tech.
Chairman: OK. Then stick on to the question.
Raju: Sir, I am explaining it.
Chairman: Be specific.
Raju: OK sir, during my final year I got all India rank 3 in Gate. My guide on knowing this result suggested me to join IISc. He further told that this is the golden opportunity for me. ԉf you miss it you will not get it again! ՠ he told sir. Then, I informed about my career option as civil services. He then convinced me by saying that I can write civil services after M.E. also.
Chairman: That means you are preparing for civil services while you are in IISc?
Raju: I beg to differ with you sir. I started my preparation only after completion of M.E.
Chairman: You have written that you joined Railways in September 2004. That is of which exam?
Raju: Sir, This is based on IES-2003.
Chairman: That means you are in IISc.
Raju: Sir, I completed my second semester at that time.
Chairman: That means you have prepared for IES in IISc.
Raju: Sir, I have given IES in my own background i.e., Electrical Engineering. Hence I need not prepare much for this exam. I just gave the exam.
Chairman: For how many years you are in Railways?
Raju: Sir, I joined Railways on September 2004. Then I took leave for 1 year, i.e., leave on loss of pay.
Chairman: What did you do in that year?
Raju: Sir, I have prepared for this exam.
Chairman: How many months you are in Railways?
Raju: Sir, roughly 5 months.
Chairman: That means you are in Railways till February.
Raju: Sir, I am in Railways till the result of civil services exam 2005 was out. I was given leave for interview preparation in March.
Chairman: Then what did you do after the declaration of the result?
Raju: Sir, Once the result of out, I came to know that I will get IPS. So, I convinced my director for leave to appear civil services again. My director gave me leave.
Chairman: When did you join IPS?
Raju: Sir, I joined IPS on December 18, 2006.
Chairman: Which part of training you missed?
Raju: Sir, I missed foundation training in Mussorie. At SVPNPA, training started on December 18, 2006. So, I haven մ missed any training at Hyderabad.
Chairman: How many days you have taken leave for interview?
Raju: Sir, 4 days.
Member 2: How was your IPS training?
Raju: Sir, training is good and we are enjoying every aspect of training.
member 2: What are you learning in training?
Raju: Sir, our training is divided into two parts. Indoor and outdoor. In indoor, we have subjects like police in modern India, criminology and law subjects like IE Act, CrPC, IPC and other subjects.
Member 2: You are in IPS for 4 months. So I can ask some questions.
Raju: Yes, sir.
Member 2: Do you aware that the confession admitted to police is not allowed as witness. Why?
Raju: Yes sir. Confession admitted to police is not allowed as witness. Since there is always a possibility of getting the confession in the way the police like, law doesn մ allow it.
Member 2: What is Res gestae?
Raju: Sir, All the circumstances leading to the same transaction are allowable as evidence.
Member 2: You are on the line. Could you explain more?
Raju: (after 2-3 seconds), If some people wanted to commit dacoity and in the process if they theft a vehicle, eventhough theft of vehicle is not connected with dacoity but it is admissible as it forms the circumstance leading to dacoity.
Member 2: Could you tell me the section which deals with Res gestae?
Raju: Sorry sir, I could not remember the exact section.
Member 2: Then how sections you were taught in IE Act?
Raju: Sir, In our academy our sirs are not teaching according to sections. They are teaching the sections which are more useful for the police at first.
Member 2: Do you aware of RTI?
Raju: Yes. Sir. It is Right to Information Act.
Member 2: What are the provisions in RTI?
Raju: Sir, According to provisions of RTI, every government department has to nominate one officer as information commissioner to give information about duties, responsibilities and functions of various officers working in those departments...
Member 2: Then what is the benefit to common man?
Raju: Sir, Common man can know the functions, duties & responsibilities of various officers. They can know the status of their applications. This also increases transparency and accountability of officers. Hence reduces corruption.
Member 2: How can you say that people will get required information?
Raju: Sir, There is a provision in RTI that any one who refuses to give information or delays 30 days for giving information, they are liable for cut in salary.
Member 2: How much salary cut?
Raju: Sir, I think it is 250 Rs./ day.
Member 2: It is not cut from salary. It is separately cut.
Raju: Thank you Sir.
Member 2: Can you tell me what is the maximum limit?
Raju: Sorry sir, I don մ know.
Chairman: Your hobbies are meditation, motivating others and Indian Mythology. Don մ you think that all are inward looking?
Raju: Sir, Whenever possible I play cricket in addition my hobbies, which is a team game.
Member 2: Tell me which countries will reach final in the present world cup?
Raju: Sir, I think Australia and Srilanka.
Member 2: Already two countries reached semifinals i.e., Sri Lanka & Newzealand. What do you think about other two?
Raju: Sir, I beg to differ with you. Actually three countries i.e., Srilanka, New Zealand and Australia reached semifinals. 4th team depends on the outcome of the today ճ match between England & South Africa.
Member 2: Do you know about fly ash?
Raju: Sir, Thermal power stations produce fly ash while generating electrical power.
Member 2: Which state is using it more? Definitely it is not Haryana, My own state.
Raju: Sorry Sir, I don մ know.
Member 3 : (X-A) (X-B) has highest X power of 2. Do you agree?
Raju: Yes, Sir.
Member 3: (X-A) (X-B) (X-C) has highest X power...
Raju: 3, Sir.
Member 3: Then, tell me. What is the answer for (X-A) (X-B).... (X-Z).
Raju: (after 3-4 seconds), It must be Zero. Sir, because of the presence of the term (X-X).
Member 3: Whom do you think a greatest mathematician of all times?
Raju: Sir, Srinivasa Ramanujan, because even though he lived for only 33 years, he contributed more to mathematics in the areas like Numerical methods, Solution of algebraic equations, number theory like prime numbers etc.
Member 3: Can you tell me the formula for prime numbers?
Raju: Sir, exactly I don մ know but recently IIT, Kanpur professor along with his students wrote a software program which gives whether a number is prime or not within less time.
Member 3: You are an electrical engineer. Tell me where prime numbers are used?
Raju: Sir, they are used in coding.
Member 3: I am asking a question in your engineering only. Tell me how prime numbers are used in coding?
Raju: Sir, exactly I don մ know. But to the best of my knowledge, if the code length is prime, decoding and encoding are easy.
Member 3: You are on the line, but not exact answer.
Member 1: Your hobbies are meditation, motivating others and Indian Mythology. What you do in motivation?
Raju: Madam, many of classmates and Juniors came to me for clearing their doubts in subjects as I am the toper of my class. I usually listen to their problems regarding their understanding of concepts as many have problems either in one or many subjects. I tell them that every subject is easy if knew the concepts clear and we should like the subject what we are studying...
Madam: Do your response same for all?
Raju: Madam, I usually spend more time with those who are very much lagging. I take classes to clear their doubts.
Madam: Then do you call it motivation or strategic learning?
Raju: Madam, strategic learning may be the correct term.
Madam: What is the difference between these two?
Raju: Madam, motivation is a general term which includes not only academic motivation but also others like psychological, etc., Madam, I don մ know exactly the meaning of strategic learning.
Madam: Which books you read in Indian Mythology?
Raju: Madam, I read Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Madam: Since your hobbies are motivating others and Indian Mythology, tell me how Krishna motivated Arjuna?
Raju: Madam, When Arjuna refused to fight with friends, teachers, Krishna told him that it is the duty of the king to protect Dharma and fight wars for protecting it. We should not move away from our duty. Since soul is immortal and of which is born, death is certain, of which death happened, birth is certain. Hence you should not think that you are committing crime. Also he motivated him by saying that we should do our work only. We should not think about the results of our actions. Otherwise, attachment to the results will occur which is a major reason for unhappiness.
Madam: Do you practise it?
Raju: Madam, It is very difficult to practise.
Madam: Why?
Raju: Madam, for example, if we are about to play a cricket match, we will think about the winning of the match which is actually the result of the playing that match.
Madam: One last question. What kind of training our team got during our last year world cup?
Raju: Madam, exactly I am not able to recollect it. But it is like ҷe can do it this time Ӽ /span>
Madam: Sorry, It is not last year world cup but it is 2003 world cup. The team was given psychological training.
Raju: Yes, Madam
Member 4: You studied your B.Tech. from REC Warangal and M.E. from IISc Bangalore. Do you proud of your institutions like IISc?
Raju: Sir, I am proud that I have studied in a great institution like IISc, which according UNESCO survey conducted in 1997 was in 18th place among world universities. Recently a Chinese university conducted a survey in which IISc was placed at around 250th position.
Member 4: Do you think that 250th position is a good position?
Raju: Sir, even though it is not a good position, the position depended on the parameters they have taken into consideration like no. of nobel laureates present, no. of research papers presented, etc.
Member 4: Who are nobel laureate present in IISc?
Raju: Sir, now there is no nobel laureate in IISc. Earlier Sir C.V.Raman worked in IISc. Now, there are two internationally reputed professors working there.
Member 4: Last year government proposed to stop B.Tech entry into IITs. Do you support that?
Raju: Sir, I support it. Sir, due to hectic schedule, the professors of IITs are not able to concentrate much on research. Once the B.Tech entry is stopped, they will get more time for research and quality of research will increase.
Member 4: Don մ you think the quality of B.Tech students will reduce as IITs are known for better professors?
Raju: Sir, those students who are earlier eligible for entry into IITs, they will join NITs. Since they are the core students I don մ think the quality will reduce. But the professors in other institutes should get sufficient training to reach the level of IIT professors.
Member 4: You agree to that proposal. But the government has withdrawn the proposal due to very good argument against it. Can you tell me?
Raju: Sorry sir, I don մ know.
Member 4: What do you think is responsible for reduction in research?
Raju: Sir, IISc is not able to retain those students who completed M.E. and other courses there. One reason is brain drain, Sir. Second one is that research is not attractive in India, Sir. For example, in our batch out of 230 students who completed M.E. only 2 joined for Ph.D. in IISc. At the end of our M.E. we got campus placements. The minimum salary is around 6 lakhs/ annum. It is attracting most of us. Those who are really interested in research, they are going abroad as they will get more money and research is attractive there. Here, a Ph.D. student gets 12,000 - 15,000 Rs per month. Also material considerations have risen these days, sir. We have to include some compulsory courses in morale & ethics to stop this.
Member 4: Instead of choosing job or research, why did you choose services as career option?
Raju: Sir, The incident that took place in my village in November 2000, when I am in 3rd year of B.Tech, has changed my career options. Nearby Engineering college students came to our village for picnic as our village has excellent beach. 7 of them drowned in the Bay of Bengal and all of them has taken sand into their lungs in addition to water. Since our village is an island, there are no transportation, medical & meagre educational facilities, it took 2 hours to reach nearest town which is 16 Km away from my village. By that time, 6 out 7 were died, Sir.
Chairman: You are telling about an incident in your village. In that case who will respond first?
Raju: (3-4 seconds silence)
Chairman: Whether it is Block development officer, Doctor, or Police.
Raju: Sir, It is the police to respond first.
Chairman: Then, you are in IPS. Why did you come?
Raju: Sir, even for police it took 2 hours to reach that place as there is not enough transportation facilities.
Chairman: Thank you.
Raju: Thank you, Sir. Thank you, Madam. Thank you, Sirs.
Courtesy: http://ramyasindhu.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/05/interview-given-by-ias-2007-1st-ranker-muthyala-raju-word.htm
INterview 8 : Mr ANurag
These are the details of my interview here held on 4rth April 2007. I have tried to present the interview as it happened.
I was allotted a table along with four other candidates. It was a great solace to meet four other souls in same state of mind and butterflies in their stomach. We chatted and felt good. One hour passed quickly and I did not at all feel nervous.
A clerk came quietly to our table and said “Subir Dutta ka board hai”. Not all were amused by his name. Within minutes we found out he was a retired IAS, former defense secretary, and was ‘not very friendly’.
I was third to be interviewed. My heart was beating fast. I went near my chair and wished them Good Morning, wishing the lady member first. (It was a five member board with one lady member, let them be M1, M2, M3 and M4)
Subir Dutta: Sit down Mr. Anurag
Anurag: Thank you sir (Adapts an imposed smile on his face and gives a smile to all the members. They all have stern expressions)
Subir Dutta: So Mr. Anurag you have done B. Tec in Mechanical Engg. from ……. (I take it as a cue for prompting)
Anurag : IIT Kanpur Sir
Subir Dutta: You got this Outstanding B. Tech project award, what was it.
Anurag : Explains it in brief and turns his head (somewhat like a table fan) to meet the eyes of all members
Subir Dutta: You have worked for six months in Asian Paints, why did you leave
Anurag: Sir I always wanted to come for civil services but I wanted to get some work experience before coming here.
Subir Dutta: (looks interested) Why do you want to come to civil services?
Anurag: Sir I learnt a lot in my engineering but I felt that my field is getting narrowed. I wanted to work not only among machines but also among human beings. Civil services offer an opportunity to work directly among people. Apart from this, it is a wonderful career opportunity with a motivation of working for the society.
Subir Dutta: And you also got this summer training scholarship form University of Stuttgart?
Anurag : Yes sir.
Subir Dutta: When was it and for how long?
Anurag: I explain…
M2: So how did you go?
Anurag: Sir it was by Turkish airlines. I went to Istanbul and then to Stuttgart.
M2: Oh, so you did not take the traditional route from Frankfurt. This route must be cheaper.
Anurag: Yes sir, this was the reason (a smile comes on my face)
M2: OK, what is the distance between Stuttgart and Frankfurt?
Anurag: I think 200 km.
M2: Stuttgart and Berlin?
Anurag: nearly 400 km
M2: Stuttgart and Bonn?
Anurag: nearly 400 km
M2: Stuttgart and Hungary?
Anurag: nearly 400 km.
Subir Dutta: Mr. Anurag what are your 16th and 17th preference of services?
Anurag: Sir they are IFS and IPS. I gave them this preference because I do not want to enter these.
Subir Dutta: Why?
Anurag: Sir I have some family commitments and it shall be difficult for me to stay abroad for longer durations.
I did not fill IPS because I felt I do not have the right kind of temperament needed to be an IPS officer. I tried to know more about this service but I was not convinced. I felt if I still filled it, I shall be dishonest with myself and the service (this was a well rehearsed answer)
Subir Dutta: What is the total Income tax collected?
Anurag: Sorry sir, I don’t know
Subir Dutta: (with a small sarcastic smile) I felt you did so much research while filling the service preferences, you would be knowing it.
Anurag : (tries to maintain a smile on his face)
Subir Dutta gestures other members to ask their questions
M2: Mr. Anurag, IIT’s were made to do some good research but that task has not been achieved what do you say?
Anurag: Yes sir, this may partially be true. IIT’s were made primary for research but over the years it has been felt that the outcome is not as expected. The number of undergraduates is twice that that of postgraduates, and IIT’s could not attract students primarily for research purpose
M2: Do you think there is Brain Drain?
Anurag: May be 20 years before there was, but not now.
M2: Define Brain Drain
Anurag: I define it
M2: But we are using technologies invented in west. So where is this brain drain?
Anurag: Yes sir that’s a valid point of view and we may also see things like this
Subir Dutta: Mr. Anurag, I forgot to ask you one question. Some persons come to me with a BE degree some come with a B. Tech degree. What is the difference?
Anurag: I explain (I had expected this so I gave the answer I found on internet)
Subir Dutta: (not very satisfied by my answer) What is the difference between engineering and technology?
Anurag: Sorry sir, I do not know the literal difference.
M3: Mr. Anurag, what is the temperament needed to be an IPS officer.
Anurag: It shall be very difficult to define the temperament sir; it was more of a feeling. I tried to know more about the service but I was not convinced.
M3: So what did you try to know?
Anurag: I read about IPS officers who had made name. I found that they all wanted to be in police from the beginning. Reverse was the case with me.
M3: And?
Anurag: I have also done NCC for one year
M3: and you did not like it?
Anurag: No sir, I liked and it was a very good experience. But something similar to this as a career preference. I feel my priorities lie somewhere else.
M3: Mr. Anurag, we have these revenue services. But research has shown that 90% taxes are collected in pre assessment stage itself. These services help only in collecting 10% taxes. Why we should not abolish these services?
Anurag: (I have no idea what to say) Sir but these services must be providing talented human resources which must be used for that pre assessment collection.
M3: In a way repeats his question
Anurag: Sir I was unaware of this fact…..
M3: Yes it is a fact; government of India’s white paper has said this.
Anurag: (I smile) May be sir even this 10% that these services collect is very important for the nation.
M3: (he also starts smiling) Ok
M4: Recently online degrees have been started by IIT’s. What is your opinion about them?
Anurag: I support this by saying now the reach of education can be improved.
M4: Do you know any other western university doing this
Anurag: No sir, I specifically do not know, but many must be doing it.
M4: MIT is doing it. Where is MIT?
Anurag: Boston
M4: Yes Boston, Massachusetts.
M2: Anurag, you have seen education system in Germany and India. What difference did you observe?
Anurag: Sir education is free there, and government is trying to attract students from all over the world as their population is declining.
M2: What else?
Anurag: I can’t remember anything else sir.
M2: They focus more on technical education.
Anurag: Yes sir
M1: What do you know about “Specific Energy policy of India”
Anurag: (I had never heard about it) Madam I do not know exactly what this is but I can tell about it.
M1: (she nods)
Anurag: I tell all major things about energy, from power sector reforms to diversification to non conventional energy sources.
M1: Do you think Jatropa farming is successful
Anurag: Yes maam (I explain with certain problems involved)
M2: What is virtual university?
Anurag: (I could have easily guessed it but….) Sir may I guess??
M2: No, tell only if you know for sure.
Anurag: Sorry sir I do not know.
M3: Mr. Anurag the services you want to enter are the most corrupt services. What will you do to curb corruption?
Anurag: I explain by specially mentioning to use technology.
M3: (with a smile) Use technology and problem would be solved?
Anurag: Not sir (with a smile) but use technology more often, it will help.
Subir Dutta: Ok Anurag, you can go now.
I thanked everyone, but I do not remember them smiling back at me. They all looked busy in themselves and I came out. All this happened in just 25 minutes!
I had this strange feeling, I did not think it went very good, I did not think it went bad. I was confident; I was smiling, so I am satisfied by my performance.
I do not exactly till date what went wrong. After all the speculations the verdict is known to me. It was not a very good interview and I scored a meagre 150. But there is a silver lining too. I scored 1139 in mains so could still manage 27th rank :)
Courtesy: http://anuragsbuzz.blogspot.com/2007/04/my-upsc-interview-results-are-not-yet.html
Interview 9 : Mr. Abhijeet Agrawal
K.K Paul: What is your Roll No.?
K.K Paul: What is your date of Birth?
K.K Paul: What is Buckminster?
--- Is it a molecule or allotrope of carbon?
K.K Paul: What is Fullerene?
What are its uses?
K.K Paul: What are conducting Polymers ?
---- I replied Sorry Sir I don't know then He said “You must be knowing
this as you are a material science Engineer"
K.K Paul: What you have been doing since two and half year after your graduation
(Well ,the same question was also asked from my engineering friends who
were in the same board on that session )
K.K Paul: How did you developed cooking as your Hobby
Passed on to Member1 (Lady Member)
Member1: What do you understand by the term “Gender Disparity"
Member1: What is the level of Male and Female literacy rate of Jharkhand?
Member1: What do you understand by “Adverse Sex Ratio"
Member1: Is female infanticide a Crime?
Member1: are there any law regarding Female infanticide and female feticide
Member1: What do you mean by communally sensitive areas and as a DM how will
you handle such areas
Member1: What you generally cook...What is your favourite dish...
Member1: As the mess secretary whose interest you will protect: the person who are
making food or the person who are eating the food..( I said that I will try
to protect the interest of both of Them)
Member1: and if there is a clash of interest then?
------
Member2: Right from district to State to the centre, how will you remove corruption from the system and what steps have already been taken.
Member2: Which agency tackles with the charges of corruption?
Member2: What are the constitutional provisions for S.T.s and S.C.s
Member2: Is there any right to prevent the atrocities of S.T.s and S.C.s
Member2: Do you know about Administrative reforms Commission?
Member2: Have you gone through any of the report of Second ARC
( I said “ No Sirâ€)
Member2: What do you know about Sachhar Committee?
-----------
Member3: Who chairs Rajya Sabha?
Member3: How the Vice President is Elected?
Member3: What is our national bird
Member3: Who wrote “My Experiments with Truthâ€
Member3: Who wrote†Good Earthâ€
Member3: Can I ask you something from Chemistry ( I said with confidence “ yes Sirâ€)
Then he asked me “What is Avogadro’s principleâ€
I said “sir can I make a guess†he said No.
Member3: What are the constitutional rights of arrested persons
Member3: Do you know about Sri Krishna Commission.
Member3: What are the laws to protect the Environment?
Member3: What are the functions of U.G.C?
----------
Member4: It is said that India is a good and vibrant democracy so you tell me that apart
from India which other democracies in the world are good and vibrant?
Member4: What is the Difference between Indian Democracy and U.S. Democracy
Member4: Which one would be more suitable for India (Parliamentary form or
Presidential form of government)
Member4: Do you know Obama and Mccain
Member4: Who is Hillary Clinton?
Chairman said†Ok your interview is overâ€
Courtesy: http://abhijeetagrawal.blogspot.com
Chairman: You passed out from college in 2002, this is 2009, what were you doing after that.
- I recounted my experience from wipro, infosys and eaton after college and told that I am working currently in aerospace industry in the field of actuation and control systems as a senior engineer with a leading aerospace organization.
Chairman: What is your nature of work?
- I explained
Chairman: You have already crossed the age limit for civil services and I don't think you will grow to the highest level of civil services with the remaining number of years of service. Why then should you come into the services?
- I gave an elaborate explanation
Chairman: Ok, then tell me about the evolution of civil services in India.
- I somehow tackled it. But I was very poor with facts here
Chairman: You don't seem to know much about history. Do you atlest know something about Bhagat Singh?
Chairman: Tell me why Bhagat Singh was arrested? Where?
Chairman: What is the difference between UPSC and other commissions like Human rights commission, competition commission etc?
- I answered these questions but not to the satisfaction level of the chairman (I might have read him wrong....hope so)
Then chairman gave it over to other members
Member 1: Why did you take Pali as an optional?
Member 1: Can Pali be used to understand Indus valley civilization? How does it help?
Member 1: Do you blog? (my hobby). What do you blog?
Member 1: What is 2x, 3x, 5x in pyschology? (I didn't know this)
Member 2: Do you read MS Swaminathan's articles? What does he say about the level of food consumption coming down an all that. By what value it has come down in last decade as per his view?(I didn't know).
Member 2: What is the population density of India?
Member 2: How would you compare the density of India with China? Which is higher and by how much?
Member 2: What do you know about Biofuels? Do you think it will solve the fuel problem in India? What is your opinion on it?
Member2: Did Buddha believe in God? Did Buddha think that God is required to attain Nirvana?
Member 3: If Pali is interesting as you said, then so is maths? Why didn't you then take mathematics?
Member 3: When did the Fort williams college operate in India? For how long?
Member 3: How do you ensure that the facts that you read are authentic? (he asked me this as one of my answers was wrong and upon asking where did i read it, I told him that i don't remember but it must be in one of the books)
Member 3: If a student is doing a project in which he has to refer internet, what suggestion would you give in order to ensure that he uses only authentic material?
Member 4: What is G20? Is India a member or an invitee? Why are they meeting this week and where?
Chairman: Your interview is over now. You can leave.
I got up and wishes all the board members a nice day. Only one board member replied by saying that you too have a nice day.
Courtesy: http://jiasaraidays.blogspot.com/?expref=next-blog
Interview 7 : Mr Raju
Raju: May I come in Sir?
Chairman: Yes, please.
Raju: Good morning, Sir. Good morning, Madam. Good morning, Sirs.
Chairman: You are Mr...
Raju: (Still in standing position), Matyalaraju Revu Sir.
(Chairman is writing something. Other members are keenly watching the candidate.)
Member 2: Please take your seat.
Raju: Thank you, sir.
Chairman: Mr. Revu, You did B.Tech from REC Warangal, ME from IISc, Bangalore. But why did you do diploma?
Raju: Sir, After completion of my 10th class, based on my financial background, my father joined me in polytechnic. After completion of polytechnic, we do get jobs. Also, since I will get scholarship, the amount of money spent on me is less.
Chairman: That means you will get job after diploma.
Raju: Yes Sir, I got a private job. Company is Cain energy limited.
Chairman: Then, why did you join B.Tech?
Raju: Sir, After completion of my diploma, I wrote ECET and I got state 1st rank. So I convinced my father that I will join REC which is a premier Engineering institute in our state.
Chairman: Then, you joined ME because your father insisted on that?
Raju: No Sir, It is based on my project guide ճ suggestion.
Sir, infact there are two streams to enter into B.Tech. One through EAMCET after Intermediate and other is through ECET. After ECET...
Chairman: What question I have asked?
Raju: Sorry Sir, you have asked me why I joined ME after B.Tech.
Chairman: OK. Then stick on to the question.
Raju: Sir, I am explaining it.
Chairman: Be specific.
Raju: OK sir, during my final year I got all India rank 3 in Gate. My guide on knowing this result suggested me to join IISc. He further told that this is the golden opportunity for me. ԉf you miss it you will not get it again! ՠ he told sir. Then, I informed about my career option as civil services. He then convinced me by saying that I can write civil services after M.E. also.
Chairman: That means you are preparing for civil services while you are in IISc?
Raju: I beg to differ with you sir. I started my preparation only after completion of M.E.
Chairman: You have written that you joined Railways in September 2004. That is of which exam?
Raju: Sir, This is based on IES-2003.
Chairman: That means you are in IISc.
Raju: Sir, I completed my second semester at that time.
Chairman: That means you have prepared for IES in IISc.
Raju: Sir, I have given IES in my own background i.e., Electrical Engineering. Hence I need not prepare much for this exam. I just gave the exam.
Chairman: For how many years you are in Railways?
Raju: Sir, I joined Railways on September 2004. Then I took leave for 1 year, i.e., leave on loss of pay.
Chairman: What did you do in that year?
Raju: Sir, I have prepared for this exam.
Chairman: How many months you are in Railways?
Raju: Sir, roughly 5 months.
Chairman: That means you are in Railways till February.
Raju: Sir, I am in Railways till the result of civil services exam 2005 was out. I was given leave for interview preparation in March.
Chairman: Then what did you do after the declaration of the result?
Raju: Sir, Once the result of out, I came to know that I will get IPS. So, I convinced my director for leave to appear civil services again. My director gave me leave.
Chairman: When did you join IPS?
Raju: Sir, I joined IPS on December 18, 2006.
Chairman: Which part of training you missed?
Raju: Sir, I missed foundation training in Mussorie. At SVPNPA, training started on December 18, 2006. So, I haven մ missed any training at Hyderabad.
Chairman: How many days you have taken leave for interview?
Raju: Sir, 4 days.
Member 2: How was your IPS training?
Raju: Sir, training is good and we are enjoying every aspect of training.
member 2: What are you learning in training?
Raju: Sir, our training is divided into two parts. Indoor and outdoor. In indoor, we have subjects like police in modern India, criminology and law subjects like IE Act, CrPC, IPC and other subjects.
Member 2: You are in IPS for 4 months. So I can ask some questions.
Raju: Yes, sir.
Member 2: Do you aware that the confession admitted to police is not allowed as witness. Why?
Raju: Yes sir. Confession admitted to police is not allowed as witness. Since there is always a possibility of getting the confession in the way the police like, law doesn մ allow it.
Member 2: What is Res gestae?
Raju: Sir, All the circumstances leading to the same transaction are allowable as evidence.
Member 2: You are on the line. Could you explain more?
Raju: (after 2-3 seconds), If some people wanted to commit dacoity and in the process if they theft a vehicle, eventhough theft of vehicle is not connected with dacoity but it is admissible as it forms the circumstance leading to dacoity.
Member 2: Could you tell me the section which deals with Res gestae?
Raju: Sorry sir, I could not remember the exact section.
Member 2: Then how sections you were taught in IE Act?
Raju: Sir, In our academy our sirs are not teaching according to sections. They are teaching the sections which are more useful for the police at first.
Member 2: Do you aware of RTI?
Raju: Yes. Sir. It is Right to Information Act.
Member 2: What are the provisions in RTI?
Raju: Sir, According to provisions of RTI, every government department has to nominate one officer as information commissioner to give information about duties, responsibilities and functions of various officers working in those departments...
Member 2: Then what is the benefit to common man?
Raju: Sir, Common man can know the functions, duties & responsibilities of various officers. They can know the status of their applications. This also increases transparency and accountability of officers. Hence reduces corruption.
Member 2: How can you say that people will get required information?
Raju: Sir, There is a provision in RTI that any one who refuses to give information or delays 30 days for giving information, they are liable for cut in salary.
Member 2: How much salary cut?
Raju: Sir, I think it is 250 Rs./ day.
Member 2: It is not cut from salary. It is separately cut.
Raju: Thank you Sir.
Member 2: Can you tell me what is the maximum limit?
Raju: Sorry sir, I don մ know.
Chairman: Your hobbies are meditation, motivating others and Indian Mythology. Don մ you think that all are inward looking?
Raju: Sir, Whenever possible I play cricket in addition my hobbies, which is a team game.
Member 2: Tell me which countries will reach final in the present world cup?
Raju: Sir, I think Australia and Srilanka.
Member 2: Already two countries reached semifinals i.e., Sri Lanka & Newzealand. What do you think about other two?
Raju: Sir, I beg to differ with you. Actually three countries i.e., Srilanka, New Zealand and Australia reached semifinals. 4th team depends on the outcome of the today ճ match between England & South Africa.
Member 2: Do you know about fly ash?
Raju: Sir, Thermal power stations produce fly ash while generating electrical power.
Member 2: Which state is using it more? Definitely it is not Haryana, My own state.
Raju: Sorry Sir, I don մ know.
Member 3 : (X-A) (X-B) has highest X power of 2. Do you agree?
Raju: Yes, Sir.
Member 3: (X-A) (X-B) (X-C) has highest X power...
Raju: 3, Sir.
Member 3: Then, tell me. What is the answer for (X-A) (X-B).... (X-Z).
Raju: (after 3-4 seconds), It must be Zero. Sir, because of the presence of the term (X-X).
Member 3: Whom do you think a greatest mathematician of all times?
Raju: Sir, Srinivasa Ramanujan, because even though he lived for only 33 years, he contributed more to mathematics in the areas like Numerical methods, Solution of algebraic equations, number theory like prime numbers etc.
Member 3: Can you tell me the formula for prime numbers?
Raju: Sir, exactly I don մ know but recently IIT, Kanpur professor along with his students wrote a software program which gives whether a number is prime or not within less time.
Member 3: You are an electrical engineer. Tell me where prime numbers are used?
Raju: Sir, they are used in coding.
Member 3: I am asking a question in your engineering only. Tell me how prime numbers are used in coding?
Raju: Sir, exactly I don մ know. But to the best of my knowledge, if the code length is prime, decoding and encoding are easy.
Member 3: You are on the line, but not exact answer.
Member 1: Your hobbies are meditation, motivating others and Indian Mythology. What you do in motivation?
Raju: Madam, many of classmates and Juniors came to me for clearing their doubts in subjects as I am the toper of my class. I usually listen to their problems regarding their understanding of concepts as many have problems either in one or many subjects. I tell them that every subject is easy if knew the concepts clear and we should like the subject what we are studying...
Madam: Do your response same for all?
Raju: Madam, I usually spend more time with those who are very much lagging. I take classes to clear their doubts.
Madam: Then do you call it motivation or strategic learning?
Raju: Madam, strategic learning may be the correct term.
Madam: What is the difference between these two?
Raju: Madam, motivation is a general term which includes not only academic motivation but also others like psychological, etc., Madam, I don մ know exactly the meaning of strategic learning.
Madam: Which books you read in Indian Mythology?
Raju: Madam, I read Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Madam: Since your hobbies are motivating others and Indian Mythology, tell me how Krishna motivated Arjuna?
Raju: Madam, When Arjuna refused to fight with friends, teachers, Krishna told him that it is the duty of the king to protect Dharma and fight wars for protecting it. We should not move away from our duty. Since soul is immortal and of which is born, death is certain, of which death happened, birth is certain. Hence you should not think that you are committing crime. Also he motivated him by saying that we should do our work only. We should not think about the results of our actions. Otherwise, attachment to the results will occur which is a major reason for unhappiness.
Madam: Do you practise it?
Raju: Madam, It is very difficult to practise.
Madam: Why?
Raju: Madam, for example, if we are about to play a cricket match, we will think about the winning of the match which is actually the result of the playing that match.
Madam: One last question. What kind of training our team got during our last year world cup?
Raju: Madam, exactly I am not able to recollect it. But it is like ҷe can do it this time Ӽ /span>
Madam: Sorry, It is not last year world cup but it is 2003 world cup. The team was given psychological training.
Raju: Yes, Madam
Member 4: You studied your B.Tech. from REC Warangal and M.E. from IISc Bangalore. Do you proud of your institutions like IISc?
Raju: Sir, I am proud that I have studied in a great institution like IISc, which according UNESCO survey conducted in 1997 was in 18th place among world universities. Recently a Chinese university conducted a survey in which IISc was placed at around 250th position.
Member 4: Do you think that 250th position is a good position?
Raju: Sir, even though it is not a good position, the position depended on the parameters they have taken into consideration like no. of nobel laureates present, no. of research papers presented, etc.
Member 4: Who are nobel laureate present in IISc?
Raju: Sir, now there is no nobel laureate in IISc. Earlier Sir C.V.Raman worked in IISc. Now, there are two internationally reputed professors working there.
Member 4: Last year government proposed to stop B.Tech entry into IITs. Do you support that?
Raju: Sir, I support it. Sir, due to hectic schedule, the professors of IITs are not able to concentrate much on research. Once the B.Tech entry is stopped, they will get more time for research and quality of research will increase.
Member 4: Don մ you think the quality of B.Tech students will reduce as IITs are known for better professors?
Raju: Sir, those students who are earlier eligible for entry into IITs, they will join NITs. Since they are the core students I don մ think the quality will reduce. But the professors in other institutes should get sufficient training to reach the level of IIT professors.
Member 4: You agree to that proposal. But the government has withdrawn the proposal due to very good argument against it. Can you tell me?
Raju: Sorry sir, I don մ know.
Member 4: What do you think is responsible for reduction in research?
Raju: Sir, IISc is not able to retain those students who completed M.E. and other courses there. One reason is brain drain, Sir. Second one is that research is not attractive in India, Sir. For example, in our batch out of 230 students who completed M.E. only 2 joined for Ph.D. in IISc. At the end of our M.E. we got campus placements. The minimum salary is around 6 lakhs/ annum. It is attracting most of us. Those who are really interested in research, they are going abroad as they will get more money and research is attractive there. Here, a Ph.D. student gets 12,000 - 15,000 Rs per month. Also material considerations have risen these days, sir. We have to include some compulsory courses in morale & ethics to stop this.
Member 4: Instead of choosing job or research, why did you choose services as career option?
Raju: Sir, The incident that took place in my village in November 2000, when I am in 3rd year of B.Tech, has changed my career options. Nearby Engineering college students came to our village for picnic as our village has excellent beach. 7 of them drowned in the Bay of Bengal and all of them has taken sand into their lungs in addition to water. Since our village is an island, there are no transportation, medical & meagre educational facilities, it took 2 hours to reach nearest town which is 16 Km away from my village. By that time, 6 out 7 were died, Sir.
Chairman: You are telling about an incident in your village. In that case who will respond first?
Raju: (3-4 seconds silence)
Chairman: Whether it is Block development officer, Doctor, or Police.
Raju: Sir, It is the police to respond first.
Chairman: Then, you are in IPS. Why did you come?
Raju: Sir, even for police it took 2 hours to reach that place as there is not enough transportation facilities.
Chairman: Thank you.
Raju: Thank you, Sir. Thank you, Madam. Thank you, Sirs.
Courtesy: http://ramyasindhu.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/05/interview-given-by-ias-2007-1st-ranker-muthyala-raju-word.htm
INterview 8 : Mr ANurag
These are the details of my interview here held on 4rth April 2007. I have tried to present the interview as it happened.
I was allotted a table along with four other candidates. It was a great solace to meet four other souls in same state of mind and butterflies in their stomach. We chatted and felt good. One hour passed quickly and I did not at all feel nervous.
A clerk came quietly to our table and said “Subir Dutta ka board hai”. Not all were amused by his name. Within minutes we found out he was a retired IAS, former defense secretary, and was ‘not very friendly’.
I was third to be interviewed. My heart was beating fast. I went near my chair and wished them Good Morning, wishing the lady member first. (It was a five member board with one lady member, let them be M1, M2, M3 and M4)
Subir Dutta: Sit down Mr. Anurag
Anurag: Thank you sir (Adapts an imposed smile on his face and gives a smile to all the members. They all have stern expressions)
Subir Dutta: So Mr. Anurag you have done B. Tec in Mechanical Engg. from ……. (I take it as a cue for prompting)
Anurag : IIT Kanpur Sir
Subir Dutta: You got this Outstanding B. Tech project award, what was it.
Anurag : Explains it in brief and turns his head (somewhat like a table fan) to meet the eyes of all members
Subir Dutta: You have worked for six months in Asian Paints, why did you leave
Anurag: Sir I always wanted to come for civil services but I wanted to get some work experience before coming here.
Subir Dutta: (looks interested) Why do you want to come to civil services?
Anurag: Sir I learnt a lot in my engineering but I felt that my field is getting narrowed. I wanted to work not only among machines but also among human beings. Civil services offer an opportunity to work directly among people. Apart from this, it is a wonderful career opportunity with a motivation of working for the society.
Subir Dutta: And you also got this summer training scholarship form University of Stuttgart?
Anurag : Yes sir.
Subir Dutta: When was it and for how long?
Anurag: I explain…
M2: So how did you go?
Anurag: Sir it was by Turkish airlines. I went to Istanbul and then to Stuttgart.
M2: Oh, so you did not take the traditional route from Frankfurt. This route must be cheaper.
Anurag: Yes sir, this was the reason (a smile comes on my face)
M2: OK, what is the distance between Stuttgart and Frankfurt?
Anurag: I think 200 km.
M2: Stuttgart and Berlin?
Anurag: nearly 400 km
M2: Stuttgart and Bonn?
Anurag: nearly 400 km
M2: Stuttgart and Hungary?
Anurag: nearly 400 km.
Subir Dutta: Mr. Anurag what are your 16th and 17th preference of services?
Anurag: Sir they are IFS and IPS. I gave them this preference because I do not want to enter these.
Subir Dutta: Why?
Anurag: Sir I have some family commitments and it shall be difficult for me to stay abroad for longer durations.
I did not fill IPS because I felt I do not have the right kind of temperament needed to be an IPS officer. I tried to know more about this service but I was not convinced. I felt if I still filled it, I shall be dishonest with myself and the service (this was a well rehearsed answer)
Subir Dutta: What is the total Income tax collected?
Anurag: Sorry sir, I don’t know
Subir Dutta: (with a small sarcastic smile) I felt you did so much research while filling the service preferences, you would be knowing it.
Anurag : (tries to maintain a smile on his face)
Subir Dutta gestures other members to ask their questions
M2: Mr. Anurag, IIT’s were made to do some good research but that task has not been achieved what do you say?
Anurag: Yes sir, this may partially be true. IIT’s were made primary for research but over the years it has been felt that the outcome is not as expected. The number of undergraduates is twice that that of postgraduates, and IIT’s could not attract students primarily for research purpose
M2: Do you think there is Brain Drain?
Anurag: May be 20 years before there was, but not now.
M2: Define Brain Drain
Anurag: I define it
M2: But we are using technologies invented in west. So where is this brain drain?
Anurag: Yes sir that’s a valid point of view and we may also see things like this
Subir Dutta: Mr. Anurag, I forgot to ask you one question. Some persons come to me with a BE degree some come with a B. Tech degree. What is the difference?
Anurag: I explain (I had expected this so I gave the answer I found on internet)
Subir Dutta: (not very satisfied by my answer) What is the difference between engineering and technology?
Anurag: Sorry sir, I do not know the literal difference.
M3: Mr. Anurag, what is the temperament needed to be an IPS officer.
Anurag: It shall be very difficult to define the temperament sir; it was more of a feeling. I tried to know more about the service but I was not convinced.
M3: So what did you try to know?
Anurag: I read about IPS officers who had made name. I found that they all wanted to be in police from the beginning. Reverse was the case with me.
M3: And?
Anurag: I have also done NCC for one year
M3: and you did not like it?
Anurag: No sir, I liked and it was a very good experience. But something similar to this as a career preference. I feel my priorities lie somewhere else.
M3: Mr. Anurag, we have these revenue services. But research has shown that 90% taxes are collected in pre assessment stage itself. These services help only in collecting 10% taxes. Why we should not abolish these services?
Anurag: (I have no idea what to say) Sir but these services must be providing talented human resources which must be used for that pre assessment collection.
M3: In a way repeats his question
Anurag: Sir I was unaware of this fact…..
M3: Yes it is a fact; government of India’s white paper has said this.
Anurag: (I smile) May be sir even this 10% that these services collect is very important for the nation.
M3: (he also starts smiling) Ok
M4: Recently online degrees have been started by IIT’s. What is your opinion about them?
Anurag: I support this by saying now the reach of education can be improved.
M4: Do you know any other western university doing this
Anurag: No sir, I specifically do not know, but many must be doing it.
M4: MIT is doing it. Where is MIT?
Anurag: Boston
M4: Yes Boston, Massachusetts.
M2: Anurag, you have seen education system in Germany and India. What difference did you observe?
Anurag: Sir education is free there, and government is trying to attract students from all over the world as their population is declining.
M2: What else?
Anurag: I can’t remember anything else sir.
M2: They focus more on technical education.
Anurag: Yes sir
M1: What do you know about “Specific Energy policy of India”
Anurag: (I had never heard about it) Madam I do not know exactly what this is but I can tell about it.
M1: (she nods)
Anurag: I tell all major things about energy, from power sector reforms to diversification to non conventional energy sources.
M1: Do you think Jatropa farming is successful
Anurag: Yes maam (I explain with certain problems involved)
M2: What is virtual university?
Anurag: (I could have easily guessed it but….) Sir may I guess??
M2: No, tell only if you know for sure.
Anurag: Sorry sir I do not know.
M3: Mr. Anurag the services you want to enter are the most corrupt services. What will you do to curb corruption?
Anurag: I explain by specially mentioning to use technology.
M3: (with a smile) Use technology and problem would be solved?
Anurag: Not sir (with a smile) but use technology more often, it will help.
Subir Dutta: Ok Anurag, you can go now.
I thanked everyone, but I do not remember them smiling back at me. They all looked busy in themselves and I came out. All this happened in just 25 minutes!
I had this strange feeling, I did not think it went very good, I did not think it went bad. I was confident; I was smiling, so I am satisfied by my performance.
I do not exactly till date what went wrong. After all the speculations the verdict is known to me. It was not a very good interview and I scored a meagre 150. But there is a silver lining too. I scored 1139 in mains so could still manage 27th rank :)
Courtesy: http://anuragsbuzz.blogspot.com/2007/04/my-upsc-interview-results-are-not-yet.html
Interview 9 : Mr. Abhijeet Agrawal
K.K Paul: What is your Roll No.?
K.K Paul: What is your date of Birth?
K.K Paul: What is Buckminster?
--- Is it a molecule or allotrope of carbon?
K.K Paul: What is Fullerene?
What are its uses?
K.K Paul: What are conducting Polymers ?
---- I replied Sorry Sir I don't know then He said “You must be knowing
this as you are a material science Engineer"
K.K Paul: What you have been doing since two and half year after your graduation
(Well ,the same question was also asked from my engineering friends who
were in the same board on that session )
K.K Paul: How did you developed cooking as your Hobby
Passed on to Member1 (Lady Member)
Member1: What do you understand by the term “Gender Disparity"
Member1: What is the level of Male and Female literacy rate of Jharkhand?
Member1: What do you understand by “Adverse Sex Ratio"
Member1: Is female infanticide a Crime?
Member1: are there any law regarding Female infanticide and female feticide
Member1: What do you mean by communally sensitive areas and as a DM how will
you handle such areas
Member1: What you generally cook...What is your favourite dish...
Member1: As the mess secretary whose interest you will protect: the person who are
making food or the person who are eating the food..( I said that I will try
to protect the interest of both of Them)
Member1: and if there is a clash of interest then?
------
Member2: Right from district to State to the centre, how will you remove corruption from the system and what steps have already been taken.
Member2: Which agency tackles with the charges of corruption?
Member2: What are the constitutional provisions for S.T.s and S.C.s
Member2: Is there any right to prevent the atrocities of S.T.s and S.C.s
Member2: Do you know about Administrative reforms Commission?
Member2: Have you gone through any of the report of Second ARC
( I said “ No Sirâ€)
Member2: What do you know about Sachhar Committee?
-----------
Member3: Who chairs Rajya Sabha?
Member3: How the Vice President is Elected?
Member3: What is our national bird
Member3: Who wrote “My Experiments with Truthâ€
Member3: Who wrote†Good Earthâ€
Member3: Can I ask you something from Chemistry ( I said with confidence “ yes Sirâ€)
Then he asked me “What is Avogadro’s principleâ€
I said “sir can I make a guess†he said No.
Member3: What are the constitutional rights of arrested persons
Member3: Do you know about Sri Krishna Commission.
Member3: What are the laws to protect the Environment?
Member3: What are the functions of U.G.C?
----------
Member4: It is said that India is a good and vibrant democracy so you tell me that apart
from India which other democracies in the world are good and vibrant?
Member4: What is the Difference between Indian Democracy and U.S. Democracy
Member4: Which one would be more suitable for India (Parliamentary form or
Presidential form of government)
Member4: Do you know Obama and Mccain
Member4: Who is Hillary Clinton?
Chairman said†Ok your interview is overâ€
Courtesy: http://abhijeetagrawal.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Post your queries regarding IAS pre preparation
If you have any queries regarding IAS pre exam preparation. Feel free to ask me. I would try to help you as much as I can from my experience.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Civil Service Examination 2010 Notification
Date : 02 - 01 - 2010
Civil Services Examination, 2010
IMPORTANT
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:
The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility condition for admission to examination. Their admission at all the stages of the examination will be purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions
Mere issue of admission certificate to the candidate will not imply that his candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission.
Commission take up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after the candidate has qualified for interview/Personality Test.
2. APPLICATION FORM :
Candidates must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examination, which can be purchased from the Designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix III of the notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only). Each such form can be used only once and only for one examination.
In case of any difficulty in obtaining Application Forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post Master or UPSC's "FORMS SUPPLY MONITORING CELL" over Telephone No. 011-23389366/FAX No. 011-23387310.
Candidates are advised to read carefully the "Instructions for filling up the Application Form" given in Appendix-II of this notice.
3. LAST DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS :
All applications must reach the "Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069" either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the 1st February, 2010.
The candidates should not that applications will be received by hand only one at a time at the desginated counter(s) and not in bulk, till 5 PM only.
However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote areas specified in para 6 of this Notice the last date for receipt of application by Post/Speed Post only (not by Hand or by Courier) is 8th February, 2010.
4. Penalty for wrong answer (In objective type paper).
Candidates should note that their will be penalty (Negative Marking) answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Question Papers.
5. FACILITATION COUNTER FOR GUIDANCE OF CANDIDATES :
In case of any guidance/information/clarification regarding their applications, candidature etc. candidates can contact UPSC's Facilitation Counter near gate 'C' of its campus in person or over Telephone No. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs.
6. MOBILE PHONES BANNED :
(a) Mobile phones, pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises where the examination is being conducted. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
(b) Candidates are advised in their own interest not be bring any of the banned items including mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as arrangement for safekeeping cannot be assured.
" Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply".
Civil Services Examination, 2010
IMPORTANT
1. CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE EXAMINATION:
The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility condition for admission to examination. Their admission at all the stages of the examination will be purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions
Mere issue of admission certificate to the candidate will not imply that his candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission.
Commission take up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original documents only after the candidate has qualified for interview/Personality Test.
2. APPLICATION FORM :
Candidates must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examination, which can be purchased from the Designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix III of the notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only). Each such form can be used only once and only for one examination.
In case of any difficulty in obtaining Application Forms from the designated HPOs/POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post Master or UPSC's "FORMS SUPPLY MONITORING CELL" over Telephone No. 011-23389366/FAX No. 011-23387310.
Candidates are advised to read carefully the "Instructions for filling up the Application Form" given in Appendix-II of this notice.
3. LAST DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS :
All applications must reach the "Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069" either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the 1st February, 2010.
The candidates should not that applications will be received by hand only one at a time at the desginated counter(s) and not in bulk, till 5 PM only.
However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote areas specified in para 6 of this Notice the last date for receipt of application by Post/Speed Post only (not by Hand or by Courier) is 8th February, 2010.
4. Penalty for wrong answer (In objective type paper).
Candidates should note that their will be penalty (Negative Marking) answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Question Papers.
5. FACILITATION COUNTER FOR GUIDANCE OF CANDIDATES :
In case of any guidance/information/clarification regarding their applications, candidature etc. candidates can contact UPSC's Facilitation Counter near gate 'C' of its campus in person or over Telephone No. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs.
6. MOBILE PHONES BANNED :
(a) Mobile phones, pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises where the examination is being conducted. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
(b) Candidates are advised in their own interest not be bring any of the banned items including mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as arrangement for safekeeping cannot be assured.
" Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply".
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thread for UIAMS Students
Hi All,
I had a great time with you guys yesterday. I hope my session was also useful to you and helped you in understanding basics of Indian Economy and reasons behind subprime crisis and its impact on India. I would like you to give me an honest feedback for the session.
ALso feel free to post your doubts about the session on this thread. Thanks.
I had a great time with you guys yesterday. I hope my session was also useful to you and helped you in understanding basics of Indian Economy and reasons behind subprime crisis and its impact on India. I would like you to give me an honest feedback for the session.
ALso feel free to post your doubts about the session on this thread. Thanks.
IAS Mains 2009: Essay
ESSAY (Compulsory) : 2009
Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 200
Instruction: The Essay must be written in the medium specified in the admission certificate issue to you. The name of medium must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No credit will be given to the essay written in a medium other than that specified in the admission certificate.
(Examiner will pay special attention to the candidate’s grasp of his material, it’s relevant to the subject chosen and to his ability to think constructed and present his ideas concisely, logically and effectively).
Write an Essay on any one of the following topics:
1. Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death?
2. Are we a ‘Soft ’ state ?
3. “The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society”.
4. “ Good Fences make good neighbors”
5. ‘ Globlisation’ vs. ‘ Nationalism’
Time Allowed: Three Hours Max. Marks: 200
Instruction: The Essay must be written in the medium specified in the admission certificate issue to you. The name of medium must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No credit will be given to the essay written in a medium other than that specified in the admission certificate.
(Examiner will pay special attention to the candidate’s grasp of his material, it’s relevant to the subject chosen and to his ability to think constructed and present his ideas concisely, logically and effectively).
Write an Essay on any one of the following topics:
1. Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death?
2. Are we a ‘Soft ’ state ?
3. “The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society”.
4. “ Good Fences make good neighbors”
5. ‘ Globlisation’ vs. ‘ Nationalism’
IAS Mains 2009: Geography Paper 2
Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting at
least one question from each Section. Wherever a question is
attempted, all its parts are to be attempted. The number of
marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the
question.
SECTION – A
1. On the outline map of India provided to you , mark the
location of any fifteen of the following for which 1 ( one)
mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer
script the significance geographical relevance or strategic
importance of these locations, whether physical /
commercial / economic / ecological / environmental /
cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. 3 (three)
marks are allotted for each write up. 15×4=60
a) Akarimota
b) Kolleru Lake
c) Van Tivu
d) Silent Valley
e) Amaravati River
f) Pirotan Island
g) Mangla
h) Meghnagar
i) Shipki La
j) Bhachau
k) The Home of Sundari tree
l) Place of orgin of River Narmada
m) Gokak
n) Ken River
o) Bailadila
p) Bhavani Sagar Dam
q) Kutralam Falls
r) Dalma Hills
s) Rangit River
t) Dhanjori Hills
2. a). Discuss the formation and their distribution of the
major soil types of India. 30
b). Give reasons as to why rainfall variability is a
characteristic features of India’s monsoons. 30
3. Distinguish between the West and East coasts of India in
terms of their evolution, present topography and drainage
pattern. 60
4. Examine the role of raw materials in the location of the Iron
and Steel Industry in India. Illustrate your answer with
suitable examples. 60
SECTION B
5. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
20×3=60
a). What is the role of the Triple Transport System in the
regional development of India ?
b). Explain the factors responsible for the distribution of Sugar
Industry in India.
c). State the geographical factors which influence rural house
types in India.
d). Giving reasons , identify the chronic drought prone areas
of India.
6. What are the cause and consequences of environmental
degradation in India’s industrial areas? Give specific
examples. 60
7. “ There is no sharp divide where an urban settlement stops
and rural areas begins.” Analyze the statement with reference
to the sprawl of Indian cities. 60
8. a). How do the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors operate for the
emergence of slums in the metropolises of India? 30
b). Discuss the impact of globlisation of India’s industry
and agriculture sectors. 30
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting at
least one question from each Section. Wherever a question is
attempted, all its parts are to be attempted. The number of
marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the
question.
SECTION – A
1. On the outline map of India provided to you , mark the
location of any fifteen of the following for which 1 ( one)
mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer
script the significance geographical relevance or strategic
importance of these locations, whether physical /
commercial / economic / ecological / environmental /
cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. 3 (three)
marks are allotted for each write up. 15×4=60
a) Akarimota
b) Kolleru Lake
c) Van Tivu
d) Silent Valley
e) Amaravati River
f) Pirotan Island
g) Mangla
h) Meghnagar
i) Shipki La
j) Bhachau
k) The Home of Sundari tree
l) Place of orgin of River Narmada
m) Gokak
n) Ken River
o) Bailadila
p) Bhavani Sagar Dam
q) Kutralam Falls
r) Dalma Hills
s) Rangit River
t) Dhanjori Hills
2. a). Discuss the formation and their distribution of the
major soil types of India. 30
b). Give reasons as to why rainfall variability is a
characteristic features of India’s monsoons. 30
3. Distinguish between the West and East coasts of India in
terms of their evolution, present topography and drainage
pattern. 60
4. Examine the role of raw materials in the location of the Iron
and Steel Industry in India. Illustrate your answer with
suitable examples. 60
SECTION B
5. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each:
20×3=60
a). What is the role of the Triple Transport System in the
regional development of India ?
b). Explain the factors responsible for the distribution of Sugar
Industry in India.
c). State the geographical factors which influence rural house
types in India.
d). Giving reasons , identify the chronic drought prone areas
of India.
6. What are the cause and consequences of environmental
degradation in India’s industrial areas? Give specific
examples. 60
7. “ There is no sharp divide where an urban settlement stops
and rural areas begins.” Analyze the statement with reference
to the sprawl of Indian cities. 60
8. a). How do the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors operate for the
emergence of slums in the metropolises of India? 30
b). Discuss the impact of globlisation of India’s industry
and agriculture sectors. 30
IAS Mains 2009: Geography Paper 1
Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting at
least one question from each Section. Wherever a question is
attempted, all its parts are to be attempted. The number of
marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the
question.
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following in about 200 words each :
a) Highlights the geomorphic features essentially found in
topographies under the second cycle of Erosion. 20
b) Give a brief account of principal land biomes and their
latitudinal distribution. 20
c) Discuss views on slope development provided by L.C.
King. 20
2. a). Identify each features that is indicated by the numerals (i)
to (x) on the world Map provided. Identification of the feature
carries 2 marks each. 2×10=20
b). Mention the location of each feature in respect of + (-)
GMT. This carries 1 mark each. 1×10=10
c). provide a write up on the significance of the identified
feature in approximately 40 words, this carries 3 marks
each. 3×10=30
3. a). Explain factors contributing to the global climate change
20
b). Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on
agriculture and food security , and on the Coastal Zones of
the world. 20
c). How does Climate change affect urban areas? 20
4. a). Examine economic significance of the resources of the
Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean. 30
b). Comment on marine heat budget and the oceanic
Circulation system. 30
Section B
(Human Geography)
5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about
200 words each: 20×3=60
a). Weight Triangle
b). ‘Limit to Growth’ Model
c). Tropical atmospheric instability
d). Zonal and Azonal soils
6. a). Provide a geographical account of global production
and distribution of food. 30
b). ‘Quantitative Revolution and model building provided
an empirical basis for geographical research’ – Elaborate.
30
7. Elaborate the concept of Megalopolis and discuss the
characteristics and problems related to two such regions
selecting one each from North America and Europe. 60
8. a). Provide a broad classification of world cultural regions.
30
b). Highlights the significance of environmental issues in
Regional Planning. 30
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting at
least one question from each Section. Wherever a question is
attempted, all its parts are to be attempted. The number of
marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the
question.
SECTION – A
1. Answer the following in about 200 words each :
a) Highlights the geomorphic features essentially found in
topographies under the second cycle of Erosion. 20
b) Give a brief account of principal land biomes and their
latitudinal distribution. 20
c) Discuss views on slope development provided by L.C.
King. 20
2. a). Identify each features that is indicated by the numerals (i)
to (x) on the world Map provided. Identification of the feature
carries 2 marks each. 2×10=20
b). Mention the location of each feature in respect of + (-)
GMT. This carries 1 mark each. 1×10=10
c). provide a write up on the significance of the identified
feature in approximately 40 words, this carries 3 marks
each. 3×10=30
3. a). Explain factors contributing to the global climate change
20
b). Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on
agriculture and food security , and on the Coastal Zones of
the world. 20
c). How does Climate change affect urban areas? 20
4. a). Examine economic significance of the resources of the
Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean. 30
b). Comment on marine heat budget and the oceanic
Circulation system. 30
Section B
(Human Geography)
5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about
200 words each: 20×3=60
a). Weight Triangle
b). ‘Limit to Growth’ Model
c). Tropical atmospheric instability
d). Zonal and Azonal soils
6. a). Provide a geographical account of global production
and distribution of food. 30
b). ‘Quantitative Revolution and model building provided
an empirical basis for geographical research’ – Elaborate.
30
7. Elaborate the concept of Megalopolis and discuss the
characteristics and problems related to two such regions
selecting one each from North America and Europe. 60
8. a). Provide a broad classification of world cultural regions.
30
b). Highlights the significance of environmental issues in
Regional Planning. 30
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Thread for IAS Pre GS Paper...
Hi All,
YOu can post all your doubts for IAS pre GS exam on this thread. Also feel free to share your learning with others.
In case you want me to explain any topic that you are finding difficult to understand then let me know. I would try my best to help you in that topic.
If you have any suggestions to make this blog more useful then also feel free to post your comments and suggestions.
YOu can post all your doubts for IAS pre GS exam on this thread. Also feel free to share your learning with others.
In case you want me to explain any topic that you are finding difficult to understand then let me know. I would try my best to help you in that topic.
If you have any suggestions to make this blog more useful then also feel free to post your comments and suggestions.
Monday, November 2, 2009
IAS Mains 2009: Political Science Paper 2
SECTION – A
1. Answer on any THREE of the following in about 200
words each: 20×3=60
a) Is it necessary to evolve a distinct theoretical
framework for analysis emergent politics in the
developing world?
b) What is the significance of the increasing global
diffusion of nuclear and long range delivery vehicle
technology ?
c) What are the major critiques of liberal
internationalization ?
d) Comment on the contribution of global feminism to the
consolidation of global society.
2. Explain how far Deutsch’s model explains the framework
international interdependence. Do you think that the
processes of interdependence and integration have grown
steadily in the post Cold War Globlisation trajectory ? 60
3. Explain the role of non state actors, like IMF, World Bank ,
European Union and MNCs , in modulating and transforming the
broad dynamics of international relations. 60
4. Examine the comparative advantages of democracy and
autocracy in restraining political violence. Do you think that
autocratic societies are more prone to political violence?
Illustrate your answer with a comparative study of a few
societies. 60
SECTION ‘B’
5. Answer on any THREE of the following in about 200
words each: 20×3=60
a) Do you think that India’s ‘ Look East’ policy would
help a common Asian market , unlike European
common market
b) In the context of developments on the nuclear weapons
front in the neighbourhood , do you think that any
change in India ‘s defence strategy is indicated ?
c). Identify India’s contributions and assistance in the process
of nation-building in South Africa.
d). To what extent is India’s policy in regard to Afghanistan
dictated by a vision of ‘ Global South’ , rather than
compulsions ?
6. Examine India’s role in strategic terms with regard to the
land-locked countries in South Asia. With regard to Nepal ,
to what extent has the involvement of major posers such
as China , the US and the EU impacted India ‘s strategic
interests. 60
7. Analyze the basic causes of insurgency and terrorism
in two majors areas that are affected in the country. In this
regard , to what extent have state policies to counter
terrorism been effective in these areas ? 60
8. “ Domestic problems and Historic legacies , apart from
other factors , constitute major strains on Indian foreign
policy.” Discuss this statement with suitable examples. 60
1. Answer on any THREE of the following in about 200
words each: 20×3=60
a) Is it necessary to evolve a distinct theoretical
framework for analysis emergent politics in the
developing world?
b) What is the significance of the increasing global
diffusion of nuclear and long range delivery vehicle
technology ?
c) What are the major critiques of liberal
internationalization ?
d) Comment on the contribution of global feminism to the
consolidation of global society.
2. Explain how far Deutsch’s model explains the framework
international interdependence. Do you think that the
processes of interdependence and integration have grown
steadily in the post Cold War Globlisation trajectory ? 60
3. Explain the role of non state actors, like IMF, World Bank ,
European Union and MNCs , in modulating and transforming the
broad dynamics of international relations. 60
4. Examine the comparative advantages of democracy and
autocracy in restraining political violence. Do you think that
autocratic societies are more prone to political violence?
Illustrate your answer with a comparative study of a few
societies. 60
SECTION ‘B’
5. Answer on any THREE of the following in about 200
words each: 20×3=60
a) Do you think that India’s ‘ Look East’ policy would
help a common Asian market , unlike European
common market
b) In the context of developments on the nuclear weapons
front in the neighbourhood , do you think that any
change in India ‘s defence strategy is indicated ?
c). Identify India’s contributions and assistance in the process
of nation-building in South Africa.
d). To what extent is India’s policy in regard to Afghanistan
dictated by a vision of ‘ Global South’ , rather than
compulsions ?
6. Examine India’s role in strategic terms with regard to the
land-locked countries in South Asia. With regard to Nepal ,
to what extent has the involvement of major posers such
as China , the US and the EU impacted India ‘s strategic
interests. 60
7. Analyze the basic causes of insurgency and terrorism
in two majors areas that are affected in the country. In this
regard , to what extent have state policies to counter
terrorism been effective in these areas ? 60
8. “ Domestic problems and Historic legacies , apart from
other factors , constitute major strains on Indian foreign
policy.” Discuss this statement with suitable examples. 60
IAS Mains 2009: Political Science Paper 1
Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting
at least one question from each Section..
All questions carry equal marks.
SECTION – A
1. Comments on any THREE of the following statements in
not more than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ Political Theory is , quite simply , man’s attempt to
consciously understand and solve the problems of his
group life and organization ….. It is the disciplined
investigation of political problems …. Not only to
show what a political practice is, but also to show what
it means . In showing what a practice means , or what it
ought to mean , political theory can alter what it is.”
( Sabine )
b) “ Women has always been man’s dependent , If not his
slave ; the two sexes have never shared the world in
equality.” ( Simone de Beauvoir )
c) “ Western thought , one might say , has been either
platonic or anti platonic but hardly ever non-platonic.”
( Popper )
d) “ Socialism is a much used hat , whose original shape
no one can define.” ( C E M Joad)
2. a). Compare and contrast Kautilya and Machiavalli on
statecraft. 20
b). Explain as to why Jeremy Bentham dismisses the theory
of natural right as ‘ nonsense upon stilts’ . 20
c). Comment on the proposition that liberal constitution-
- alism precedes liberal democracy. 20
3. Examine in detail Marx’s prescription for ending alienation
and reaching the stage of de-alienation. 60
4. Critically examine Hamza Alavi’s Formulation of the over -
- developed state. 60
SECTION ‘B’
5. Comments on any THREE of the following in not more
than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a). Inter State Committee .
b). Radical Humanism
c). The Functions , duties and powers of the appropriate
National Commission as laid down in clauses (5),(8)
and (9) of Articles-338 of the constitution.
d). Implication of the use of Electronic Voting Machine
( EVM ) on electoral politics.
6. a). Critically examine the arguments being advanced for
review of the present system of appointment of judges
to the higher judiciary of the country. 30
b). Bring out the changing educational profile of the
members of the Lok Sabha over the years , up to the
present ( 15th ) Lok Sabha .
7. “ The OBC politics has challenged the nature of dominant
caste politics in the states.” Critically examine this
statement and bring out your conclusion. 60
8. “ The environmental movements have challenged the
policy and pattern of economic development in post
independent India.” Analyze with examples. 60
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting
at least one question from each Section..
All questions carry equal marks.
SECTION – A
1. Comments on any THREE of the following statements in
not more than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ Political Theory is , quite simply , man’s attempt to
consciously understand and solve the problems of his
group life and organization ….. It is the disciplined
investigation of political problems …. Not only to
show what a political practice is, but also to show what
it means . In showing what a practice means , or what it
ought to mean , political theory can alter what it is.”
( Sabine )
b) “ Women has always been man’s dependent , If not his
slave ; the two sexes have never shared the world in
equality.” ( Simone de Beauvoir )
c) “ Western thought , one might say , has been either
platonic or anti platonic but hardly ever non-platonic.”
( Popper )
d) “ Socialism is a much used hat , whose original shape
no one can define.” ( C E M Joad)
2. a). Compare and contrast Kautilya and Machiavalli on
statecraft. 20
b). Explain as to why Jeremy Bentham dismisses the theory
of natural right as ‘ nonsense upon stilts’ . 20
c). Comment on the proposition that liberal constitution-
- alism precedes liberal democracy. 20
3. Examine in detail Marx’s prescription for ending alienation
and reaching the stage of de-alienation. 60
4. Critically examine Hamza Alavi’s Formulation of the over -
- developed state. 60
SECTION ‘B’
5. Comments on any THREE of the following in not more
than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a). Inter State Committee .
b). Radical Humanism
c). The Functions , duties and powers of the appropriate
National Commission as laid down in clauses (5),(8)
and (9) of Articles-338 of the constitution.
d). Implication of the use of Electronic Voting Machine
( EVM ) on electoral politics.
6. a). Critically examine the arguments being advanced for
review of the present system of appointment of judges
to the higher judiciary of the country. 30
b). Bring out the changing educational profile of the
members of the Lok Sabha over the years , up to the
present ( 15th ) Lok Sabha .
7. “ The OBC politics has challenged the nature of dominant
caste politics in the states.” Critically examine this
statement and bring out your conclusion. 60
8. “ The environmental movements have challenged the
policy and pattern of economic development in post
independent India.” Analyze with examples. 60
Thursday, October 29, 2009
IAS Mains 2009: History Paper 2
Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting
at least one question from each Section.
SECTION – A
( Modern India )
1. Comment on any three of the following statements in about
200 words each : 20×3=60
a). “ Though the Permanent Settlement had serious defects , it
gave tranquility to the countryside and stability to the
government”.
b). “ The Arya Samaj may quite logically be pronounced as
the outcomes of conditions imported into India by the
west.” ( Lala Lajpat Rai)
c). “Please remember, in granting separate electorates we are
sowing the dragons’s teeth and harvest will be bitter.”
( Morley)
d). “ The annexation of Awadh shook the loyalty of the
Sepoy’s , as it was for them an ultimate proof of
untrustworthiness of the British.”
2.a). Why was Mysore considered a threat by the British to
their possessions and mercantile interests in the south ? Do
You think that Tipu Sultan’s posturing became his undoing?
b). How did the East India Company became the dejure power in
India? 30
3. a). How did social legislation in the nineteenth century
improve the condition of women in India? 30
b). Analyze the social composition of the early Congress
leadership. 30
4. a). Discuss as to why the congress accepted the partition
of India in 1947. 30
b). Do you think that Quit India movement was
a Spontaneous Revolution ? 30
SECTION B : ( World History )
5. Comment on any three of the following statements in about
200 words each : 20×3=60
a). “ The capitalism which gave the European empires their
apparent solidarity and permanence also hastened their
downfall.”
b). “ In all the long annals of Imperialism , the partition of
Africa is a remarkable freak.”
c). “ Hitler did not really want a world War. His intention was
only a short war with Poland.” ( A. J. P. Taylar )
d). “Arab nationalism and oil – these were the principal
Factors in complicating the relations of middle eastern
countries with the outside world.”
6. a) Discuss the emergence of neo-imperialism in the late
nineteenth century. 30
b). What was the extent of industrilisation in western Europe
by the end of the nineteenth century? 30
7. a). How did Nepoleon Bonapart fuse the old France with
the new ? 30
b). Why did Vietnam go through thirty years of war after
the second world war? 30
8. a). Account for the overthrow of the Tsarist regime in
Russia 30
b). Examine the peace keeping efforts of the United
Nations Organization. 30
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting
at least one question from each Section.
SECTION – A
( Modern India )
1. Comment on any three of the following statements in about
200 words each : 20×3=60
a). “ Though the Permanent Settlement had serious defects , it
gave tranquility to the countryside and stability to the
government”.
b). “ The Arya Samaj may quite logically be pronounced as
the outcomes of conditions imported into India by the
west.” ( Lala Lajpat Rai)
c). “Please remember, in granting separate electorates we are
sowing the dragons’s teeth and harvest will be bitter.”
( Morley)
d). “ The annexation of Awadh shook the loyalty of the
Sepoy’s , as it was for them an ultimate proof of
untrustworthiness of the British.”
2.a). Why was Mysore considered a threat by the British to
their possessions and mercantile interests in the south ? Do
You think that Tipu Sultan’s posturing became his undoing?
b). How did the East India Company became the dejure power in
India? 30
3. a). How did social legislation in the nineteenth century
improve the condition of women in India? 30
b). Analyze the social composition of the early Congress
leadership. 30
4. a). Discuss as to why the congress accepted the partition
of India in 1947. 30
b). Do you think that Quit India movement was
a Spontaneous Revolution ? 30
SECTION B : ( World History )
5. Comment on any three of the following statements in about
200 words each : 20×3=60
a). “ The capitalism which gave the European empires their
apparent solidarity and permanence also hastened their
downfall.”
b). “ In all the long annals of Imperialism , the partition of
Africa is a remarkable freak.”
c). “ Hitler did not really want a world War. His intention was
only a short war with Poland.” ( A. J. P. Taylar )
d). “Arab nationalism and oil – these were the principal
Factors in complicating the relations of middle eastern
countries with the outside world.”
6. a) Discuss the emergence of neo-imperialism in the late
nineteenth century. 30
b). What was the extent of industrilisation in western Europe
by the end of the nineteenth century? 30
7. a). How did Nepoleon Bonapart fuse the old France with
the new ? 30
b). Why did Vietnam go through thirty years of war after
the second world war? 30
8. a). Account for the overthrow of the Tsarist regime in
Russia 30
b). Examine the peace keeping efforts of the United
Nations Organization. 30
IAS Mains 2009: History Paper 1
Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting
at least one question from each Section.
SECTION – A
1. Marks any fifteen of the following places on the map
supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on these
places marked by you. 4×15=60
i. Koldihwa
ii. Kuchai
iii. Utnar
iv. Patne
v. Semthan
vi. Bagasra
vii. Balatha
viii. Hallur
ix. Kandahar
x. Ter
xi. Uchh
xii. Gyaraspur
xiii. Uttaramerur
xiv. Lalkot
xv. Sittanavasal
xvi. Mansura
xvii. Jaunpur
xviii. Daojali Hading
xix. Machilipatnam
xx. Mahisadal
2. In what ways are the accounts of the Graeco Romans and
the Chinese helpful in reconstructing the social history of
India ? How far is their information corroborated by other
Contemporary sources. 60
3. a). Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of
vedic religion. 30
b). Give an account of the use of gold coins by commoners
in the Gupta Period. 30
4. Bring out the regional variations in the early South Indian
Temple’s architectural styles. 60
SECTION B
5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any
three of the following: 20×3=60
a). Applicability of the term ‘ Indian Feudalism’ to early
Medieval Society.
b). Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian innovator.
c). Implications of Akbar’s notion of Sulh-i-kul.
d). Estimates of population of Mughal India.
6. a). How far can the village assemblies or communities
under the Cholas be really called democratic. 30
b). Assess Kalhana’s views on History. 30
7. a). Identify the main factors that sustained the expansion of
urban economy in the Delhi Sultanate. 30
b). Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter of technology.30
8. a). Give a critical assessment of the contributions of Amir
Khusarau and Barani to Indo – Persian Literature. 30
b). The major cause of revolts against the Mughal Empire
during the latter half of the 17th century were economic ,
rather than religious.” Discuss. 30
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting
at least one question from each Section.
SECTION – A
1. Marks any fifteen of the following places on the map
supplied to you and write short descriptive notes on these
places marked by you. 4×15=60
i. Koldihwa
ii. Kuchai
iii. Utnar
iv. Patne
v. Semthan
vi. Bagasra
vii. Balatha
viii. Hallur
ix. Kandahar
x. Ter
xi. Uchh
xii. Gyaraspur
xiii. Uttaramerur
xiv. Lalkot
xv. Sittanavasal
xvi. Mansura
xvii. Jaunpur
xviii. Daojali Hading
xix. Machilipatnam
xx. Mahisadal
2. In what ways are the accounts of the Graeco Romans and
the Chinese helpful in reconstructing the social history of
India ? How far is their information corroborated by other
Contemporary sources. 60
3. a). Evaluate the various approaches to the understanding of
vedic religion. 30
b). Give an account of the use of gold coins by commoners
in the Gupta Period. 30
4. Bring out the regional variations in the early South Indian
Temple’s architectural styles. 60
SECTION B
5. Write short essays in not more than 200 words each on any
three of the following: 20×3=60
a). Applicability of the term ‘ Indian Feudalism’ to early
Medieval Society.
b). Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian innovator.
c). Implications of Akbar’s notion of Sulh-i-kul.
d). Estimates of population of Mughal India.
6. a). How far can the village assemblies or communities
under the Cholas be really called democratic. 30
b). Assess Kalhana’s views on History. 30
7. a). Identify the main factors that sustained the expansion of
urban economy in the Delhi Sultanate. 30
b). Give an estimate of Akbar as a promoter of technology.30
8. a). Give a critical assessment of the contributions of Amir
Khusarau and Barani to Indo – Persian Literature. 30
b). The major cause of revolts against the Mughal Empire
during the latter half of the 17th century were economic ,
rather than religious.” Discuss. 30
IAS Mains 2009: Public Administration Paper 2
Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions
selecting at least one question from each Section..
SECTION – A
1. Attempt any THREE of the following in not more than 200
words each: 20×3=60
a) “Bureaucracy developed by the British stifled the village
self rule.” Comment.
b) “Comment on the view that despite different contexts,
administrative maxims of Kautilya’s Arthashatra bear
considerable similarity with features of Weber’s ideal
bureaucratic model.
c) “The weakest aspect of Indian Administration is
grievance redressal machinery.” Discuss.
d) “ There is no basic contradiction between Civil Service
neutrality and Civil Service activism.” Comment.
2. a) . “Law and order problems of the twenty first century can
not be tackled through legislations and structures of the
nineteenth century.” Give suggestions for transforming the
law and order machinery at the State level. 30
b). “ The Recommendations of the second Administrative
Reform Commission on reforming the Civil Service are
radical yet implementable.” Do you agree? 30
3. a). Briefly discuss the main recommendations of any two
of the followings : 30
i). Paul Appleby ( 1953 and 1956 )
ii). Santhanam Committee
iii). Hota Committee
iv). Sixth Pay Commission
b). Examine the role of Finance Ministry of the Union
Government in designing and implementing monetary and
Fiscal policies. 30
4. a). Discuss the relationship between governance and
development in any one Indian state , giving illustrations.
30
b). Do state Services suffer in comparison with All India
and Central Services ? Suggest measures for enhancing
the role , competence and impact of state services. 30
Section B
Comment on any THREE of the following statements in
not more than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ India has failed to devise a long term strategy for
drought management.”
b) “ A fix tenure in Civil Service postings can increase
productivity , accountability and probity in
Government.”
c) “ Sound municipal governance requires a cadre of
specilised municipal services executives equal in status
to state services.”
d) “Administrative talent of a minister determines his
success.”
6. a). “ The respective roles of the cabinet Secretary of the
Government of India and of the chief Secretary of a state
are similar in certain respects, and dissimilar in others.”
Explain. 30
b). Do you agree with the view that citizen’s Charters in India
have not succeeded in their objective of making of
administrative system citizen –centric ? Analyze and give
your suggestions in this regard. 30
7. a). “ The National Human Rights Commissions has done a
commendable job in developing job in developing a sense
responsibility among organization towards the protection
of human rights.” Comment on this assessment. 30
b). In your view , which have been the five most important
administrative reforms implemented after Independence?
What has been their impact? 30
8.“a). “ Value of Indian administration must be rooted in
the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.” Discuss. 30
b). “Many of the programmes of development being
implemented at the state and the local level have been
initiated or financed by the Union Government. This has
transformed the nature of Indian federalism.” Critically
examine this assessment. 30
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions
selecting at least one question from each Section..
SECTION – A
1. Attempt any THREE of the following in not more than 200
words each: 20×3=60
a) “Bureaucracy developed by the British stifled the village
self rule.” Comment.
b) “Comment on the view that despite different contexts,
administrative maxims of Kautilya’s Arthashatra bear
considerable similarity with features of Weber’s ideal
bureaucratic model.
c) “The weakest aspect of Indian Administration is
grievance redressal machinery.” Discuss.
d) “ There is no basic contradiction between Civil Service
neutrality and Civil Service activism.” Comment.
2. a) . “Law and order problems of the twenty first century can
not be tackled through legislations and structures of the
nineteenth century.” Give suggestions for transforming the
law and order machinery at the State level. 30
b). “ The Recommendations of the second Administrative
Reform Commission on reforming the Civil Service are
radical yet implementable.” Do you agree? 30
3. a). Briefly discuss the main recommendations of any two
of the followings : 30
i). Paul Appleby ( 1953 and 1956 )
ii). Santhanam Committee
iii). Hota Committee
iv). Sixth Pay Commission
b). Examine the role of Finance Ministry of the Union
Government in designing and implementing monetary and
Fiscal policies. 30
4. a). Discuss the relationship between governance and
development in any one Indian state , giving illustrations.
30
b). Do state Services suffer in comparison with All India
and Central Services ? Suggest measures for enhancing
the role , competence and impact of state services. 30
Section B
Comment on any THREE of the following statements in
not more than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ India has failed to devise a long term strategy for
drought management.”
b) “ A fix tenure in Civil Service postings can increase
productivity , accountability and probity in
Government.”
c) “ Sound municipal governance requires a cadre of
specilised municipal services executives equal in status
to state services.”
d) “Administrative talent of a minister determines his
success.”
6. a). “ The respective roles of the cabinet Secretary of the
Government of India and of the chief Secretary of a state
are similar in certain respects, and dissimilar in others.”
Explain. 30
b). Do you agree with the view that citizen’s Charters in India
have not succeeded in their objective of making of
administrative system citizen –centric ? Analyze and give
your suggestions in this regard. 30
7. a). “ The National Human Rights Commissions has done a
commendable job in developing job in developing a sense
responsibility among organization towards the protection
of human rights.” Comment on this assessment. 30
b). In your view , which have been the five most important
administrative reforms implemented after Independence?
What has been their impact? 30
8.“a). “ Value of Indian administration must be rooted in
the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.” Discuss. 30
b). “Many of the programmes of development being
implemented at the state and the local level have been
initiated or financed by the Union Government. This has
transformed the nature of Indian federalism.” Critically
examine this assessment. 30
IAS Mains 2009: Public Administration Paper 1
Candidates should attempt Question No. 1 and 5 which are
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions
selecting at least one question from each Section.
SECTION – A
1. Comments on any THREE of the following statements in not
more than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ The Field of Public Administration is a field of
business.” ( Woodrow Wilson )
b) “ New Public Administration is …… a revolution or
radicalism in words , and ( at best ) status –quo in skills
or technologies.”
c) “ Taylor’s contribution was not a set of general principles
for organizing work efficiency , nut a set of operating
procedures that could be employed in each concrete
situation to secure their application.”
d) “ The Barnard – Simon Theory of organization is
essentially a theory of motivation.”
2. Answer the following in about 300 words each: 30×2=60
a) Consider the statement below :
i). “Technically, the bureaucracy represents the purest
type of legal rational authority”
ii). “Bureaucracy does not represent the only type of
legal authority”
Identify the theoretical context and analyze the above
Statements.
b) Which of the model(s) in development administration
is / are characterised by ‘ Selectivism’ , ‘ Attainment’
and ‘ Poly-functionalism’ ? Describe the corresponding
theoretical roots and attributes.
3. It is said that “ the perspective of public administration ,
developed over a century , with a tradition of management
of Public institution and services has received a jolt from
the novelty of New Public Management”.
Bring out the core values , approaches and assumptions of
traditional public administration and show how the new
new Public Management has attempted to change or retain
them , and to what extent. 60
4. From Woodrow Wilson to Herbert Simon most writers
on public administration have taken the achievement of
efficiency as the central objective. Justify the
statement with reference to the work of major writers.
60
SECTION – B
5. Answer any THREE of the following questions in not more
than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ There is no doubts that departmentalization is fraught
with complexities. These are in part technical , in part
political .” Discuss.
b) “ Technical like PERT and CPM help in effective
office management.” Elaborate.
c) “ ….. non –western states often , If not always , have
unbalance politics , but these may not necessarily be
bureaucratic politics.” Discuss.
d) “ Yehezkel Dror’s normative models of policy making
tend to be academic in perspective with poor
operational utility.” Comment.
6. Consider the statement below:
a). Self-Help Groups ( SHGs ) enables women to realize their
full potential in some spheres of life.
b). Self-Help Groups ( SHGs ) are providing avenues of
political mobilization.
Examine the implication of these two statements and assess
the potential of SHGs for development. 60
7. It is said that ‘ position classification’, as originally
conceived is sound in terms of its operational
characterics , but complicated and unresponsive in
practice. Why is it still considered better than other models
of civil service classification ? 60
8.“ …….. even if policies are well organized , efficiently
operated , widely utilized , adequately financed and
supported , we may still ask , so what ? Do they work?
…. What about their costs , outputs and impact ?”
Discuss. 60
compulsory and any three of the remaining questions
selecting at least one question from each Section.
SECTION – A
1. Comments on any THREE of the following statements in not
more than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ The Field of Public Administration is a field of
business.” ( Woodrow Wilson )
b) “ New Public Administration is …… a revolution or
radicalism in words , and ( at best ) status –quo in skills
or technologies.”
c) “ Taylor’s contribution was not a set of general principles
for organizing work efficiency , nut a set of operating
procedures that could be employed in each concrete
situation to secure their application.”
d) “ The Barnard – Simon Theory of organization is
essentially a theory of motivation.”
2. Answer the following in about 300 words each: 30×2=60
a) Consider the statement below :
i). “Technically, the bureaucracy represents the purest
type of legal rational authority”
ii). “Bureaucracy does not represent the only type of
legal authority”
Identify the theoretical context and analyze the above
Statements.
b) Which of the model(s) in development administration
is / are characterised by ‘ Selectivism’ , ‘ Attainment’
and ‘ Poly-functionalism’ ? Describe the corresponding
theoretical roots and attributes.
3. It is said that “ the perspective of public administration ,
developed over a century , with a tradition of management
of Public institution and services has received a jolt from
the novelty of New Public Management”.
Bring out the core values , approaches and assumptions of
traditional public administration and show how the new
new Public Management has attempted to change or retain
them , and to what extent. 60
4. From Woodrow Wilson to Herbert Simon most writers
on public administration have taken the achievement of
efficiency as the central objective. Justify the
statement with reference to the work of major writers.
60
SECTION – B
5. Answer any THREE of the following questions in not more
than 200 words each: 20×3=60
a) “ There is no doubts that departmentalization is fraught
with complexities. These are in part technical , in part
political .” Discuss.
b) “ Technical like PERT and CPM help in effective
office management.” Elaborate.
c) “ ….. non –western states often , If not always , have
unbalance politics , but these may not necessarily be
bureaucratic politics.” Discuss.
d) “ Yehezkel Dror’s normative models of policy making
tend to be academic in perspective with poor
operational utility.” Comment.
6. Consider the statement below:
a). Self-Help Groups ( SHGs ) enables women to realize their
full potential in some spheres of life.
b). Self-Help Groups ( SHGs ) are providing avenues of
political mobilization.
Examine the implication of these two statements and assess
the potential of SHGs for development. 60
7. It is said that ‘ position classification’, as originally
conceived is sound in terms of its operational
characterics , but complicated and unresponsive in
practice. Why is it still considered better than other models
of civil service classification ? 60
8.“ …….. even if policies are well organized , efficiently
operated , widely utilized , adequately financed and
supported , we may still ask , so what ? Do they work?
…. What about their costs , outputs and impact ?”
Discuss. 60
IAS Mains 2009: General Studies Paper 1
1. Critically analyze any two of the following statements with
reference to the context in which they were made (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) “Many Englishmen honesty consider themselves the
trustees for India and yet to what a condition they have
reduced our country”.
b) “The Foreign power will be withdrawn but for me real
freedom will come only when we free ourselves of the
dominance of western education , western culture and
western way of living which have been ingrained in us”.
c) “Satan cannot enter till he finds a flaw ……. A great
ocean separate us educated few from the millions in our
country”.
2. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)
a) King Nongbah 2×10=20
b) Maski
c) Govind Guru
d) ‘ Brahmadeya ’
e) ‘ Egmore Faction’
f) ‘ Haileybury College
g) Ijara System
h) Taji Mideren
i) Gurudwara Reform Movement
j) ‘ Marumakkathayam’
3. Answer any four of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×4=60
a) Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic
development of India.
b) Discuss the wetlands and their role in the ecological
conservation in India.
c) Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for
regionally differentiated approach to increase crop
production and diversification in the country.
d) Bring out the Significance of the various activities of the
Indian Metrological Department.
e) Examine the status of urbanization among the states in
India and bring out spatial inequalities.
4. Write about the following (not exceeding 30 words each)
3×10=30
a) ‘ Bhuvan Website ‘
b) National Waterways
c) Ultra Mega Power Projects
d) NNRMS
e) BSUP Scheme
f) Gagan Project
g) Fruit Production in India
h) Section 377 of IPC
i) ‘ Wherebouts clause of WADA”
j) Barren Island
5. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 100
words each) 10×2=20
a) Analyse India’s achievements in the sports sectors during
2008-2009.
b) List the salient features of the important folk dances of
either Central India or Northern Eastern India.
c) What are the important similarities and difference
between the Hindustani and the Carnatic Styles of Classic
music?
6. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) What are your views on the features and impact of
Domestic Violence Act, 2005?
b) Are the traditional determinants of voting behavior in
India changing? Examine in the context of last General
Elections.
c) Examine corruption as a serious development challenge
in Indian Polity.
7. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was a
matter of grave concern for Yashpal Committte. With
reference to the relevant portion of that report give your
views how to harmonise private investment and quality of
education.
b) In the changing context of governance in the country,
what should be the role of the UPSC?
c) In the Context of recent incidents , suggest measures on
how security of passengers and property can be improved
over indian railways.
8. Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250
words each) 30
a) Comment on the salient features of the Integrated Energy
Policy recently approved by the government and its
implication on the energy security needs of the country.
b) How far has impact of the global meltdown been
reflected in the Economic Survey 2008-09? Identify some
of the core areas given priority to neutralize the adverse
effects of the global downturn.
9. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) Trace the significance steps in the evolution of Television
in the country.
b) The Last National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as regards
several indicators for average Indians. Highlights the
salient aspects of this problem.
c) ‘ As we live in a plural society we need the greatest
freedom to expresss our opinions even if others find it
offensive’ – Do you agree ? Discuss with reference to
some recent incidents in the Indian context.
10. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)
a)Desert National Park 2×10=20
b) Significance of 26th November in the Country’s Polity
c) Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra
d) Girni Kamgar Union
e) Ayush-64
f) Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi ( GGVN)
g) Deep Joshi’s recent Achievement
h) Satya Vrat Shastri’s recent achievement
i) Pocket Veto
j) PESA , 1996
reference to the context in which they were made (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) “Many Englishmen honesty consider themselves the
trustees for India and yet to what a condition they have
reduced our country”.
b) “The Foreign power will be withdrawn but for me real
freedom will come only when we free ourselves of the
dominance of western education , western culture and
western way of living which have been ingrained in us”.
c) “Satan cannot enter till he finds a flaw ……. A great
ocean separate us educated few from the millions in our
country”.
2. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)
a) King Nongbah 2×10=20
b) Maski
c) Govind Guru
d) ‘ Brahmadeya ’
e) ‘ Egmore Faction’
f) ‘ Haileybury College
g) Ijara System
h) Taji Mideren
i) Gurudwara Reform Movement
j) ‘ Marumakkathayam’
3. Answer any four of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×4=60
a) Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic
development of India.
b) Discuss the wetlands and their role in the ecological
conservation in India.
c) Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for
regionally differentiated approach to increase crop
production and diversification in the country.
d) Bring out the Significance of the various activities of the
Indian Metrological Department.
e) Examine the status of urbanization among the states in
India and bring out spatial inequalities.
4. Write about the following (not exceeding 30 words each)
3×10=30
a) ‘ Bhuvan Website ‘
b) National Waterways
c) Ultra Mega Power Projects
d) NNRMS
e) BSUP Scheme
f) Gagan Project
g) Fruit Production in India
h) Section 377 of IPC
i) ‘ Wherebouts clause of WADA”
j) Barren Island
5. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 100
words each) 10×2=20
a) Analyse India’s achievements in the sports sectors during
2008-2009.
b) List the salient features of the important folk dances of
either Central India or Northern Eastern India.
c) What are the important similarities and difference
between the Hindustani and the Carnatic Styles of Classic
music?
6. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) What are your views on the features and impact of
Domestic Violence Act, 2005?
b) Are the traditional determinants of voting behavior in
India changing? Examine in the context of last General
Elections.
c) Examine corruption as a serious development challenge
in Indian Polity.
7. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was a
matter of grave concern for Yashpal Committte. With
reference to the relevant portion of that report give your
views how to harmonise private investment and quality of
education.
b) In the changing context of governance in the country,
what should be the role of the UPSC?
c) In the Context of recent incidents , suggest measures on
how security of passengers and property can be improved
over indian railways.
8. Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250
words each) 30
a) Comment on the salient features of the Integrated Energy
Policy recently approved by the government and its
implication on the energy security needs of the country.
b) How far has impact of the global meltdown been
reflected in the Economic Survey 2008-09? Identify some
of the core areas given priority to neutralize the adverse
effects of the global downturn.
9. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) Trace the significance steps in the evolution of Television
in the country.
b) The Last National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as regards
several indicators for average Indians. Highlights the
salient aspects of this problem.
c) ‘ As we live in a plural society we need the greatest
freedom to expresss our opinions even if others find it
offensive’ – Do you agree ? Discuss with reference to
some recent incidents in the Indian context.
10. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)
a)Desert National Park 2×10=20
b) Significance of 26th November in the Country’s Polity
c) Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra
d) Girni Kamgar Union
e) Ayush-64
f) Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi ( GGVN)
g) Deep Joshi’s recent Achievement
h) Satya Vrat Shastri’s recent achievement
i) Pocket Veto
j) PESA , 1996
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
