UPSC Interview Transcript: BS Bassi Board, 10 years Experience

5th June 2017

Board BS Bassi
Date 23 rd march
Background Civil engineer
10 yrs of experience
6 yrs on grp A Post in government department

Chairman

Where are you currently posted
If I will tell you to make runway in 7 days, how will u proceed.

Member 1

What is the status of education of SC & ST children in our country, what is the literacy rate among them, what is overall literacy rate, have we not been able to reduce the gap between them and general since independence, which are the various scheme for them, what is the problem associated, if you are the dm how will you tackle the situation.

Member 2

What are the threats to Indian external security, which countries are the major source of that threat, who is bigger enemy Pakistan or China, why China, how will you use the kautilya teachings against Pakistan and China, why China and Pakistan are collaborating other factors than common enemy, who need the other more China needs pak or pak need china, where India and China have collaborated…
Why China is called expansionist historically give examples.

Member 3

How will you construct a helipad at 9000ft height in aru. Pradesh, give detailed steps…
What is wbm…
Where it lies wrt blacktop
How roads in hilly area constructed
What are the precautions
Methods to control landsliding
How road drainage is taken care of
How curves in hilly area roads accounted for

Member 4

Which project management software do you use.
What all it does
What others are available
How do you procure it
Have you heard about indradhanush
What are npa
What is asset for banks
In what form government invest in banks
Have you heard about indradhansh 2.0

Passed on to the CM
And the interview was over with all smiles.

Overall nice experience, Board was cordial.

All the Best!

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: BS Bassi Board, Inspector in Central Excise since last 5 Years

5th June 2017

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Name: TAR
Interview Date: 30.03.2017. Afternoon.
Interview Board: Mr. B.S.Bassi.
Background: B.Com. University Commerce College, Jaipur.
Employment: Inspector, Central Excise since the last 5 Years.
Domicile: Jaipur, Rajasthan. Working in Ahmedabad.
Hobbies: Playing & Watching Cricket, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis & Blogging.
Optional: Literature of Sanskrit Language.
Service Preferences: IAS>IRS(IT)>IRS(C&CE).

Last one to be Interviewed. Turn came at around 5.15 PM, went on for 25-27 mins.

Chairman

So you are the last one to be interviewed.

Yes Sir.

Have you heard of “ek ke saath ek free”(one plus one free). Would you like if we ask you one question and consider your answer equivalent to that of two or you want more questions?

Yes sir I have heard of it. No Sir, l would prefer more questions.

So you don’t want to go home early….so you want us to take FULL interview?

No Sir, I am in no hurry, I would like to have a FULL interview.

Ok so you are working in Central Excise department..u think that the clout of excise officers will be gone after GST (laughingly)?

No Sir, I don’t think that the departmental officers will be at a loss, it’s a misconception due to the fact that 90% of below 1.5 cr units will go to state departments. But sir in the longer run GSt wud also lead to increase in the tax base which would be better for them as well.

They say that GST will benefit…but you know that somebody’s gain comes at the cost of someone else’s loss…so who is at loss in GST?

Sir, I think GST is beneficial for everyone be it the governments, corporate or the customers.

Please elaborate…take 15 seconds to collect your thoughts and then answer.

Sir, the corporate would gain because of EODB, Cascading effect gone, etc. The governments would gain due to robust IT platform and increase in tax base ultimately leading to an increase in Tax-GDP ratio.

So u said that the customers will gain due to streamlining of taxes…or it would be decrease in the tax rates?

Sir I think that there would be streamlining of taxes basically….in the short term there could be increased inflation but in the longer term prices will decrease as well.

( it may seem fine, but I was really scared after these first round of Q&A. I was not able to answer with confidence and also was looking in a hurry due to being tensed. That is why was told by him to collect my thoughts and frame my answer for one question before speaking. Plus I could judge from his face that he was disinterested)

Member 1

I don’t remember his 1^st.(maybe was out of mind after chairman’s questions)
So what do u think are the economic indicators of an economy?

Sir, I think FD, BOP, Inflation etc are the economic indicators of the economy.

(No counter questions asked, seemed to be really tired of interviewing)

Member 2

What is the current status of NPA’s.?

The status is very bad mam. The Gross NPA’s are at 9.1%, Stressed Asstes at 12.2% and if we include the loans being evergreened by the banks it rises to more than 16%.

What is the reason?

Mam, the reason is as the Economic Survey pointed out-Twin Deficit problem. Sorry Mam, Twin Balance Sheet problem. Mam, the corporate levered more in the times of high economic growth but due to factors such as global recession, high interest rates by RBI due to high inflationary pressures etc they could not pay the loans. While the banks due to the fear of being scrutinized did not write off the loans at the right time which has made this problem so huge.

What is the exact figure of NPA’s?

Mam, it is around 7 lac crores.

No its around 6.06 lac crores.

Mam I read it 4-5 days back only that it has risen to 7 lac crores.

Ok, so it must have increased.
What is the government and RBI doing?

Mam, apart from the last 2 years measures such as Indradhanush Plan, S4A etc, the government has envisaged PARA. Mam, as most of the stressed assets are owned by a few coporates so PARA would focus on the big defaulters and try to restructure those into equity and write-off.

What do u know about the Finance Bill?

Mam, this time 40 amendments have been made. Mam, firstly the IT officers have been given the power to search and seizure without giving any reason even to the tribunals.

That has been made in the IT Act. I am specifically asking about the Finance Bill that was presented in the lok sabha on 22^nd

Mam, this is a part of the Finace bill only.

Ok and what else?

Mam secondly AADHAAR is made mandatory for PAN. Thirdly, the cap on political funding by the corporate which was 7.5% earlier has been removed and they don’t have to show the name of the party in the P&L A/c to which they donated. Fourthly,….

What about the merging of tribunals?

Yes Mam, this is also a contentious issue, For ex- the Airport tribunal is merged into TDSAT which people say would not be able to do justice to the work.

( I was able to answer all her questions with confidence and flow. And she was very responsive also..But as she was sitting ADJACENT to me on the right side, I couldn’t see the member sitting ADJACENT to me on the left side. The one time I looked at him, he was playing with an empty bottle)

Member 3

What are ARC’s?

Asset Reconstruction companies.

What have they traditionally been doing?

Sir, they buy bad loans of the banks and then try to extract as much as they can.

What are the new changes…have u heard of them?

No sir.

Why the need for PARA?

Sir firstly ARC’s are private whereas PARA would be public. Secondly, ARC’s buy loans indiscriminately whereas PARA would focus on the big defaulters.

What new can it do?

Sir, private ARC’s are not able to do much as they are not willing to pay much for the loans and the banks are not willing to sell at a lower price..PARA might be able to solve that problem as it would have the help of the government as well.

The new change in ARC’s is that they now would not necessarily have to buy at face value of a loan..anyways..(I didn’t understand what he was trying to say)
Strategic Importance of the gulf region for India?

Sir the importance is on many fronts. Firstly, India sources the largest amount of crude oil from that region. Secondly, the security aspect of the Diaspora. Thirdly, the huge remmitances we get from that region.

And the advantage for gulf from cooperating with us?

Sir, the global crude oil prices are at an all-time low due to the shale gas boom in the USA. So they need a place where they could invest to get better returns.

(He was quite satisfied with my answers….he was the one playing with the bottle, so I made sure that I look at each member while answering him).

Member 4

What are the constituents of Parliament?

Sir, the parliament consists of the president, council of ministares…

What about the two houses?

Sorry Sir, Yes them also.

And what else?

Sir the Attorney General.

What else.?

Sorry sir, I remember only this much.

What is TRIPS?

Trade related Intellectual Property Rights.

6 lines question…he himself didn’t understand what he said…so asked on his own that did u understand the question?

No Sir. Can u please repeat that.

TRIPS dispute on Pharma….?

Yes sir, I get that. Sir the issue is that the big pharma companies change a small portion of the drug and ask for patent to earn more money which the SC saw as evergreening of loans….

What is the life of a patent?

Sorry Sir, I don’t know.

(I still didn’t know what was he trying to hear from me on the parliament question. But he was satisfied with my TRIPS answer)

Chairman:

What qualities shud a Civil Servant have?

Sir, I think apart from the tradional qualities like honesty, integrity, transparency, compassion etc I think civil servant shud be like a TREE..as a tree is always UPRIGHT, he should always be upright and not getting influenced by anything. Like tree gives more than what it takes, a civil servant shu be willing to payback more than what he gets. Thirdly, as the tree is FLEXIBLE which can be seen in its leaves being swayed by winf, a civil servant shud also be flexible. And lastly Sir, as the trees are getting destroyed by deforestation, the civil servant shudnt get destroyed by Corruption.

Do u think that the cold war is still on?

Sir, during the cold war the world was divided into two poles…todays world is multipolar..it is driven by individual benefits…for example despite having border differences, India and China collaborate on the issues of economy and climate change etc..

But don’t u think it is still visible many a times?

Yes sir, there are incidences that shows that the cold war psychology is not over yet. But sir I believe that every nation is now multipolar and thinks of its own interests. Sir USA and Russia may differ on many issues but they do collaborate on issues of their interests.

Thank you . Your Interview is over.

P.S.- No question asked on Hobbies, Optional subject, Graduation, jaipur, rajasthan, ahmedabad, service preferences etc.

All the Best!

Source: Telegram

UPSC Interview Transcript: Shri Vinay Mittal Board

5th June 2017

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Background: Mechanical Engineer
Optional: Physics
Board: Shri Vinay Mittal

Transcript

Chairman

You are having a good background. Why are you working in your present job.
– C: Do you think 3 months ministry attachments for new recruits IAS officers is sufficient to make them understand the working of the ministries.
– C: what is the motive behind having an all India service? Why not let the IAS work completely under the control of states?
– C: What is cooperative federalsim and competitive federalism?
– C: why auto companies giving so many discounts on 31 march?

Member 1

what is post calitalsm?
– M1: what is left wing amd right wing economics?l
– M1: is NITI ayog categorised as left wing economics or right wing ecomics.
– M1: what is the motive for comtempt of provision in courts?
– M1: what are your views on defemation?

Member 2

what is difference between trekking and travelling?
– M2: rural india sees a lot of innovations. Why dont we officially recognise these innovations?
– M2: what can be done to encourage the individuals who dont have formal education but have learned themselves and developed some products eg: innovations in IT field.
– M2: Do you think formal education is more important than self learning.

Member 3

M3: what are neutrions?
– M3: do neutrions have mass and energy?
– M3: what is magnetic levitation technology?
– M3: what is its use in transportation?
– M3: what are vishaka guidelines?

Member 4

M4: what is happening in nepal?
– M4: what has india done for nepal recently?
– M4: what are some suggestions for police reforms?
– M4: do u think police force is apathetic?

– Chairman: Your interview is over, Thank you.

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: 31st march, BS BASSI

5th June 2017

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INTERVIEW DATE-31 march 17
INTERVIEW BOARD -BS BASSI
BACKGROUND-ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION
EMPLOYMENT-NA
HOBBIES– WRITING DIARY MEDITATION

Chairman

1.what is the economic, political and geographic importance of malacca strait for India and the world?
2.what is Scarborough shoal?
3.what philippines has done about it?
4.importance of south china sea?

Member 1

1.tell me about H1b visa issue and h1b processing issue?
2, tell me the opportunities for India when Britain leaves EU?
3.specific details of India -UK partnership?

Member 2

1.China Pakistan economic corridor merits and demerits for india.cpec connects what to what?(Kashgar – Gwadar i said)
2.what has India done to offset china’s presence in Gwadar port.?
3.chahbar port and why central asia is important for India?
4.what is the issue of Panama paper leak ?how many Indians involved in it and which Indian government laws were broken ?which firm was involved in it and how the issue surfaced?just tell me the specific details

Member 3

1.what are payment banks ?how they earn money ? name some banks ?
2.why we need to move towards higher frequencies like in 3g or 4g when lesser frequencies have more range ?
3.what is vertical , horizontal and elliptical polarization?
4.antenna make up ?
5.u r young .tell me some attributes of a young administrator?

Member 4

1.take pen and paper and find out cross product of one equation (they gave me question to solve engineering problem ,stress interview started …but with god grace i solved it ..)
2. solve one differentiation problem tan(x^2)?(my answer was not correct ..bs bassi sir interfered and said its not a big deal gentlemen )

Chairman

1.u r a good electronics engineer why u want to enter this field?
2.if we give u indian postal service after ur last attempt ..then what u will do?
3.how will u reach people in rural areas ,as a ece graduate?
4.how will u use instagram in urban administration?
OVER

i had a smile all over ,got very less counter questions ,was happy after exit, there were no questions on hobby ,place i belong..no questions were repeated from mocks.

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: Chattar Singh, March 29

5th June 2017

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Date of the UPSC Personality Test: March 29 2017
Head of the UPSC Personality Test Board: Chattar Singh Sir
Duration of the interview: about 30 minutes, last candidate in the afternoon session

Background of the candidate:
Home state: Bihar (born in Patna,Brought up and presently living in U.P.)
Education: B.Tech Electrical Engineering,IIT
Optional subject: Electrical Engineering
Hobbies/Interests: Listening Songs Reading Articles
Prizes: Debates ,essay,quiz in school
Attempt at UPSC CSE: Third

Chairman

1.This is you?(Shows me my photo)
2.From where do you read articles?
3.What are different ways to produce electricity
4.Have you visited any thermal power plant?
5.What happens to electricity after it is generated ?
6.Why do we step up the voltage?
7.Any other reason than efficiency?
8.What will happen to the conductors if we transmit at lower voltages?
9.When did you write essay?
10.When debate?
11.Topic of debate
12.For or Against?
13.Arguements against the topic
14.counter questions
15.Arguements for the topic

Member 1

1.Justify the proposition “Bihar is the cradle of Human Civilisation”
2.Which transmission line would you use for bringing power from north east to delhi
3.Effect of British Rule on Bihar
4.Crops grown at that time in bihar
5.What happened to indigo
6.effect of that on Fiji and West Indies
7.What is Pravasi Bhartiya Divas
8.Should a PIO support India or his own country?
9.Should a PIO who is a British citizen support England or the best team in a cricket match between india and england?

Member 2

1.Why losses occur in transmission lines?
2.What will heat generated do to the conductors?
3.What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
4.Why should a company who is investing its own money and also paying taxes ,contributr in CSR?
5.Should CSR funds be used in Smart Regions?
6.Do you support ragging?
7.Ragging makes students strong and prepares them to face difficulties in future.No ragging will result in students becoming soft and unable to face stress.Then don’t you think ragging should be allowed?
8.Which vehicle create most problem in traffic?
9. why not two -wheelers?
10. Do you drive?

Member 3

1.Social and economic effects of liquor ban in Bihar
2.As per your field experience, is liquor available illegally in Bihar?
3.How to stop migration from Bihar?
4.Effect of Mgnrega on Migration in Bihar

Member 4

1.Unique thing about your name
2.Which types of songs do you listen?
3.difference between old and new songs?
4.How is social changes reflected in songs?
5.Should Humanities subject b taught in IITs ? Why?

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: Bassi Sir Board

5th June 2017

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Background – Elec, IIT, Workex, Traveling

Board: Bassi Sir

Chairman

– Have you been to cancun..?! What was this competition about?
– Don’t worry I am not going to ask you anything about greepeace. i know enough about them…
– Where all have you travelled?
– Have you been to Machu Picchu?
– Tell me about Inca civilisation
– You’ve been interested in environmental issues..Tell me what is biodiversity, what is biodiversity hotspots, and where are they in india?

Member 1

– High salary…low salary…why this cut?
– Lot of talk about startup…but they have ben facing issues…what issues?
– What to do to help entrepreneurs?
– Surrogacy…what do you think of it?
– What is NSS? What did you do as NSS Secretary ?

Chairman

– You talked about commercial surrogacy..whats your opinion on it?

Member 2

– NPA…Why they are there?
– What to do with them?

Member 3

– What is the issue with finance bill?
– What is a money bill?
– Why is opposition saying that this finance bill is not money bill?
– What is the difference between judicial review, judicial activism, judicial overreach? give example of each
– Judicial review is based on what?
– One example where judicial activism has been good?
– What do you think of SC judgement on liquor ban on highway?
– Does constitution provide for reservation based on economic criteria?
– There was a judgement too? Mandal case…what the other name of the case…what was the verdict?

Member 4

– What do you think of reservation?
– Shouldn’t those communities who have benefited from reservation be now removed from the list?
– Why civil service? You could have had a good life abroad?
– Education…Lets talk about it…it is not making people employable..why? what to do?

Chairman

– Is there a mismatch between what engineering institution are offering and what companies are demanding?
– How to fix this?
– I have a problem yaar…I want a bulb outside my room..I have 3 meter wire…That one socket is there..I am using it for all out and i don’t want to use it for light…now what to do? take you time..have a good look..

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: Joshi Sir Board, IFoS

5th June 2017

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Board: Joshi Sir

Chairman

– Tell me about your work experience. How was it?
– Tell me about solar policy of India
– How much land does it take to setup 1MW solar plant?
– Where is the largest solar plant in India?

Member 2

– Why people/students don’t take risk? Is it changing? Why? How?
– Compare startup ecosystem from 2012 to 2017
– What new policies government has announced?
– Have you cleared CSE?

Member 3

– You do photography? What Kind? Why not wildlife? What equipment you would need to do wildlife photography?
– Tell me about vegetations of …… tiger reserve.
– Tell me about corridors of ….. tiger reserve.
– What tribes exist in….. tiger reserve
– Why do we need corridors?
– What dishes do you like to cook?
– What species do we get from forest?
– What medicinal plants do we get from forest?
– How can finance industry help in forest conservation
– How can finance industry help SHG of tribals?
– How should CAMPA fund be used?

Member 4

– What is cultural ecology?
– What do you like in Astronomy?
– What is difference between Astronomy and Astrology?
– Do you believe in Astrology?
– Where do we find Very dense forest in Rajasthan? What is total area of very dense forest?
– Tell me about vegetation and fauna of dessert national park
– How do we know that a certain place had forest before?
– Where do we find coal?
– What is species?

Source : Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: 3rd April, Chhatar Singh Board

5th June 2017

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Board: Chhatar Singh sir (03/04/2017)

Profile:- B.tech mechanical, 4.3 years Aditya Birla group, currently chief municipal officer M.P.

Chairman

U r from ****”*, where is it
2. ******** Is famous for ?
3. Tell us the process of cement making and difference between various grades?
4. Equipment of your section , maintenance strategy and suggestions from down the line person u have accepted ? What is kaizen?
5. What ethics you learnt in mechanical that can help you in civil service

Member 1

1. How hydral power is produced ?
2. Different types of turbine
3. Any 5 news of today’s newspaper ?
4. Tell us about tunnel inaugurated in j&k
5. What are shell companies

Member 2

1. What is judiciary activism.
2. Y many engineers are nonemployable
3. What is pok?
4. Dalai lama visiting tawang and Chinese apprehension ?
5. Why China wants tawang and kashmir?

Member 3

1. What is second law of thermodynamics
2. What is hydrogen cell , solar cell
3. What you do except job study and hobby
4. Tell us about chittorgarh fort

Member 4

1. Ipl is tamasha cricket? Do you agree
2. Difference between dhoni and kohli ?
3. Who is a good leader dhoni or kohli ?
4. Minning is banned in uttarakhand . Is it justifiable ?
5. What is scientific temper. Can a non engineer develop scientific temper .
6. Difference in working style of government and private sector ?

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: 3rd April, PK Joshi Board

5th June 2017

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Interview Date: 03/04/2017, forenoon
Board: PK Joshi
Background: mechanical engineering, IIT Kgp
Hobbies: meditation, hockey, squash, cricket
Rajasthan, home state
Punjab, birthplace

Chairman

Similarity between west Bengal and Rajasthan?
What is national income?
Is students from IIT, aiims, other institutions preparing a loss to national income?
How mechanical engineering can be used in civil services?
What are conditions necessary for formation cyclones and storms?
Names of cyclones?
On what basis cyclones are named?

Member 1

What is difference between samadhi and meditation?
What is indus water treaty?
Is revisiting the treaty a right move by India?
Use of NGOs?
Should not they be banned?

Member 2

If you are made an advisor of Japanese automobile firm. What things will you advise them regarding their operations in India?

Member 4

What is the difference between terms dhyana, ekagrata, (one more term, i don’t remember)?
In which sport all these are required?
Who was India’s greatest archer?
(Gave hint, Arjun)
Drug abuse in Punjab? What to do? Causes? Solution?

Member 5

Why civil services? Why not career in mechanical engineering?
Mnrega?
Lokayukta?

On expected lines, very cordial panel members. Thank God, i was not grilled in mechanical engineering.

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: 3rd April, Chattar Singh Board (Medico)

5th June 2017

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Chattar Singh
03-04-2017
Afternoon session, Third to go
Background– Medico

Chairman

so where did you do ur internship from
c- sir *****

cm-so tell me some incident during mbbs
c-sir during my posting at ********* Community Health Centre I was incharge of a ward and conducted deliveries. When a girl child was born mothers would just turn there face away when child was shown to them. It was a shocking experience.

cm-you would have known it ! its a common practice !
c-sir as a first hand experience i was shocked

cm-so maternal mortality is an issue, what is the most common cause of mortality
c-sir clinically it is postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss after delivery)

cm-what are its causes, of post partum hemorrhage
c-sir it can be caused by problems of placenta, also anemia of mothers, which in turn is caused due to poor nutrition of mothers

cm-what will you do to reduce maternal mortality?
c-sir increasing awareness so that women attend more anc (antenatal care) clinic, so that their hemoglobin level improves

cm-even before improving awareness?
c-sir increasing institutional deliveries

cm -nodded, asked for any other incident during internship
c-sir i came across a girl who was blinded due to tuberculosis, father was alocoholic and mother also died of tb, so I realised as a doctor I have limitations

cm-the father had tb? how is it related to alocholism
c-sir alcoholism lead to poor diet and less nutrient intake, and this lead to activation of dormant tb bacilli

cm-what about the family, how did they got tb?
c-sir father’s alcoholism would have affected family’s earning and this might have led to poor diet?

cm-but what could have been done?
c-sir the family should have started anti tb treatment and should have completed the course

cm-was it drug resistant tb?
c-sir i could not follow up the patient

Member 1

see you told that as a doctor you have limitations, but as a bureaucrat u have limitations too, so why are you joining
c-sir it will give me a diverse platform to work upon, better job satisfaction

m1-but still you will have limitations, why are you joining?
c-sir its a personal choice

m1-ok, tell me sth about new health policy
c-told few points

m1-any lacunae that you can think of?
c-sir there is not much focus on mental health

m1-tell me something about medical research, problems in india
c-answered on lines of lack of funds, nepotism, lack of translational research

m1-how should indian forces be prepared for a biological attack
c-individual-more awareness, doctors should notify when sudden spurt in cases, stockpile of vaccines, mock drills

m1-given choice which sector you would like to work in?
c-health sector

Member 2

You write blogs on issues of national interest, what topics you have written on
c-told some

m2-so you have written on hdi, which one is better, hdi or gdp
c-hdi, coz it is wider and includes gdp component also

m2-why low hdi in india
c-lack of political will, priorities

m2-hib visa issue, it is said that it will help indian companies and india, how?
c-will go up on value chain, companies shifting back to country

Member 3

your education is wasted, your knowledge of medicine and all your effort will go in vain
c-mam i have learnt a lot more than medicine in my mbbs, i ahve interacted with patients and learnt their problems, during history taking i have developed objective approach, have been a member of students union for three terms which was a responsible job

m3-problem of infanticide, what will you do, what problems it will cause
c-imablance in society, rise in crimes, i will implement laws better and create more awareness

m3-so much poverty, what will you do?
c-will implement schems like skill india, mgnrega better, will personally focus more on education and health so that younger generation comes out of cycle of poverty

Member 4

what is dpsp? diff between dpsp and fundamental rights?
c-answered

m4-GERD (gastro oesophageal reflux disease) management
c-answered

cm again-national health policy lacunae (repeated m1 q)
c-answered again

m1 again-pain research
c-answered

Overall cordial board, no factual question, current affairs-h1b visa issue and national health policy, most interview on medical issues.

Source: Telegram

UPSC Interview Transcript: B S Bassi Board, Programmer

5th June 2017

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Interview Board: B S Bassi
Date: 29th March (Geo optional)
Background: B.Tech in CS
Employment: Software Engineer (3 years)

Chairman

Is this your photo?
What was your work profile? Programming etc.
What is the most interesting work you did in your job? Told some technical projects
What is deep web? Dark web? Explained
For what purpose is it used? Criminal activity, trafficking, smuggling etc.
Should government also use dark web? Yes, Can help in solving various cyber crimes, told some examples
How do you know? Sir, from TV shows of US etc.
you saw it in TV? Which show? Ohh so You know it due to TV only?

Member 1

You have lived in ***,lko,noida,patiala etc.? :O
So what difference did you find b/w hometown and Patiala? And? And b/w people interaction? Couldn’t answer too properly, as never thought on this line EVER!
What will you choose between ‘money without fame’ and ‘fame without money’? Latter, gave those cliche reasoning
Who inspired you most and why? Amartya Sen
His contribution, why did he get noble? Welfare Approach
His 3 most important ideas which you like? GrowthvsDevelopment, Idea of Justice concept (niti vs Nyaya), Democracy in not the end but means to achieve laudable goals.

Member 2

What is volcano ? Where is it formed? Typical std answers
What’s its use? Its harm? Helped in evolution of life (CO2 etc came out at start and life started due to that, helps in resources agricultural deccan trap [forgot to tell that all metallic mineral resources are somehow product of volcanic activity]] Harm : poisonous gases, 1991 pinatubo erruption etc.
Any volcano in India? Barren Island
Was it in news? Recently erupted
What is dormant and active volcano? told
Name one volcano in Japan? Luckily answered! Mount Fuji
Why cyber crime is so hard to catch? Anonymity, no physical presence, easy to fake
Any solutions to make solve this? Normal answer, better training, technology

Member 3

Why do you want to join civil services? High Job diversity, multi-disciplinary role, gave example that to solve drinking water problem one needs to apply concepts of sociology( caste barrier) psychology( attitude problem ) geography ( hydrological cycle, recharge ) etc etc.. Hadn’t prepared in advance.
Why it is called “SERVANT”? As in civil servant ? they are responsible to for implementing govt. Schemes and policy and responsible to political executive who in turn are responsible to public and work as their servant so indirectly everyone working for govt is public servant.
What is government? First I wrongly told about governance ( resource distribution in best way possible)
No no, what is government? Told, political executive, Council of ministers at both level etc
And what else?? Now, I knew, he wanted to hear 3 organs of governent so told about judiciary, legislature and executive
If you become a secretary of Education deptt. What would be your focus area? Teacher absenteeism, focus on outcome and not expenditure/input, better community oversight (power to local govt/PRI over teacher performance etc.)
Why not much recruitment in Cyber Security? Told less salary as compared to private hacker etc so not very lucrative, and govt is normally reluctant about Lateral Entry though these job demands specialist persons.

Member 4

What is anti dumping? Told the standard definition
What is dumping? And why is it bad? Harm to domestic industry; He also asked about CHina’s steel dumping.. Some conversation happened. He wanted to know how dumping is done by china. Other than normal price manipulation, I also said devaluation also plays a role
How would you solve Kashmir civilian disruption? Trust Deficit problem, so people don’t trust governemnt agencies; some conversation happened,.. He asked whther we should continue use of force or not? I said we should definitely protect innocent civilians by using security forces but it won’t provide long-term solution, and that requires comprehensive dialogue and development to win their trust
Talk to separatist leader? Yes, all party meeting was good initiative!
No, they(separatist leaders) are secessionist! Any other way?
What innovative steps would you take to solve this problem? Told some impromptu thought answer;Told to have a comprehensive meeting with local level leaders, PRI leaders etc and then make a list of issues (developmental, security etc.) and then focus on meeting these framework agenda.

Chairman said, thank you. No one last question
Interview was SHORT! (21-22 mins)
Members were cordial and showed positive expression.

Source: Telegram

UPSC Interview Transcript: PK Joshi Board, Chemistry Optional

5th June 2017

0

03/04/2017
PK Joshi Board
Morning session
Optional-Chemistry
Hobbies– Teaching and travelling
Domicile– Rajasthan
Chemical Engineer, NIT Jalandhar

Chairman

What is the meaning of ur name?
Why students are afraid of maths. How will u encourage them to study maths? How will u develop smart villages? Wht is usage of trigonometry in daily life?

Member 1

what is the meaning of women empowerment to u? Are u empowered? Whose contribution is in it? Where hav u travelled? Why do u like it? Wht else u do in free time?

Member 2

so many crimes against women wht is reason behind dowry? Female infanticide why? How will u curb that as dm?

Member 3

Chinese president said that we need a governance system where no one wants to b corrupt, no one can b corrupt, no one dares to b corrupt how do u elaborate this? What is the reason behind corruption? Do we need moral education in country? How we will manage this?

Member 4

Investment in infra is low in india, govt needs money wht are the options? Wht regarding borrowing? Which Act has these mentioned? Target for this year? How will gst be helpful for govt nd citizen? Wht is input credit? I will give you arithematic prob u hav one min to solve it. A complex figure was given and straight lines were to b counted.

Thank u and all the best they said ?

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: PK Joshi Board, Chemistry Optional

4th June 2017

0

03/04/2017
PK Joshi Board
Morning session
Optional-Chemistry
Hobbies– Teaching and travelling
Domicile– Rajasthan
Chemical Engineer, NIT Jalandhar

Chairman

What is the meaning of ur name?
Why students are afraid of maths. How will u encourage them to study maths? How will u develop smart villages? Wht is usage of trigonometry in daily life?

Member 1

what is the meaning of women empowerment to u? Are u empowered? Whose contribution is in it? Where hav u travelled? Why do u like it? Wht else u do in free time?

Member 2

so many crimes against women wht is reason behind dowry? Female infanticide why? How will u curb that as dm?

Member 3

Chinese president said that we need a governance system where no one wants to b corrupt, no one can b corrupt, no one dares to b corrupt how do u elaborate this? What is the reason behind corruption? Do we need moral education in country? How we will manage this?

Member 4

Investment in infra is low in india, govt needs money wht are the options? Wht regarding borrowing? Which Act has these mentioned? Target for this year? How will gst be helpful for govt nd citizen? Wht is input credit? I will give you arithematic prob u hav one min to solve it. A complex figure was given and straight lines were to b counted.

Thank u and all the best they said ?

Source: Telegram

UPSC Interview Transcript: Chhatar Singh Board, Software Developer, March 30

4th June 2017

0

Chairman: Mr. Chhatar Singh

March 30, 2017, Forenoon session, 3rd to go
Optional: Anthropology,
Background: Computer Engineering, working for around 4 years as software developer.
Interests: Swimming, Table Tennis, Computer gaming.
Home Town: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

Chairman

Do you wear specs (in my photo)? Where are they?
1. answered :satisfied
Why should we visit Mathura?
What are the things you would like to change in Mathura?
1. I said Mass copying, water logging, roads, misguiding by Tourist guides.
2. He wanted to hear something else. he talked about Begging on streets?
What about beggars on the streets ? from here discussion went to Widows of Vrindavan.
1. answered :satisfied
Who are these widows and why are they living in Vrindavan.
1. answered :satisfied
Why begging is not present in Kerala, Haryana, and Punjab.
1. I said prosperity and education. In case of Punjab Sikhism= Not very satisfied
Looking at my job profile, asked me why do I want to join a service where my salary will be half of previous job.
1. Many cross questions
2. I said, apart from salary, There are many perks available, so salary is not that low
3. A lot of cross questioning on perks. He was saying no housing available in cities like Delhi

Member 1

(soft spoken lady member):
What are the services provided by Post offices?
why are post offices still existing?

Have you ever visited the post office in your village and anywhere else? what did you notice?

What did you notice in the post office you visited in Old Rajinder Nagar?
what is the significance of post office when so many private courier agencies are functioning?
After post office discussion moved on to Delhi
What is special about Delhi?
1. I said its Heritage city? she asked what else comes to mind (don’t remember exactly)
2. I talked about infrastructure development
which monuments you have visited in Delhi
1. India gate, Humayun’s tomb …and got stuck after that, couldn’t recall Qutub Minar, Red fort at that time
She asked about history of Delhi
1. I started from Indraprastha..but fumbled a little. couldn’t tell in proper order and forgot some names to

Member 2

What is the condition of women in tribal society.?

1. I tried to give balance answer, and concluded with equal status of women in all the society. Nagas= patriarchal; Garo, Khasi, Jaintia=Matriarchal. Others are generally egalitarian society where women are given equal status.
2. also said Buddha’s Dhamma was inspired by Tribal egalitarian principles. (cross-questioned on this by M4 later)
So in tribals, women have equal status while in our Modern societies Women doesn’t have equal status. so can we say our civilization is regressive compared to tribals?
1. Told him Civilisation is in terms of Artefacts and Technological development, so we can’t say our civilization is regressive
But can we say our culture is less progressive compared to tribals?
What is the condition of tribal integration in India? What is government doing ?(some sort of assimilation and integration issue)
What should we do to improve condition of tribals.(can’t remember exactly)
Moved on to Barsana(a town in Mathura), Have you ever visited Barasana
What is it famous about?
1. I said Birthplace of Radha JI
Who is Radha?
1. I said Better half of Lord Krishan( inappropriate use of words)
2. Chairman interrupted: she wasn’t better half of Krishan, she was married to someone else…and everyone laughing at me ?
for what else is Barasana Famous for?
1. talked about Temple on Aravali ridge
He wanted to hear Latthmar Holi?
He asked what is Latthamar Holi
1. Fumbled a bit, wasn’t very clear in explanation. Chairman interrupted and changed the topic.
Have you heard about integrated cold chain project?
1. Sorry, Sir, I am not fully aware..wanted to avoid talking on periphery
Chairman interrupts, haven’t you heard about Cold Storages..explained a little?
Member again asks me what will be the advantage of cold storages
1. Answered on generic line – perishable goods self-life will be increased, farmers income will increase.
Are you aware How much percentage of perishable goods are wasted in India?
1. said, not exactly aware about all the vegetables. As much I am aware 1/3rd of Tomatoes perish during transit.
2. Baton moves to next member
Is India a power deficit country?
Initially told we are not. Wasn’t very sure. Said power consumption has reduced(but actually wanted to say rate of increase in power consumption has reduced): wasn’t a satisfactory answer

Member 3

( sleeping Male, who was looking down)

What is commonwealth ( I was volunteer at CWG games)
Why did we join Commonwealth of nations after Independence?
How is the status of Cyber Security in India
DO we need to improve upon it?
You optional is Anthropology, tell me who was Margret meed?
What was her contribution?

Member 4

(cheerful Lady who seems to be the historian):

She asked me to explain what was I talking about Buddha’s Dhamma code in relation to trials.?
1. I said, it is said that Buddha got inspiration from the Tribal way of life where egalitarian principles prevail.
Where Have I read this?
1. In Anthropology: contribution of tribals to Indian society. (she wasn’t aware of this)
Coming back to Mathura. There is a heritage site near Mathura, do you know about it?
1. I said KanKali Tila. ( it’s actually an archaeological site where Buddhist remains have been found in Mathura )
No, not talking about Kankali Tila but TajMahal, which is very near to Mathura
Why is it world famous?
Why is it among 7 wonders of the world.
What does it signify? most of the architecture marvels were during Shahjahan, what do differ from it?
You mentioned one monument which you have visited in Delhi, from which Design of TajMahal is inspired. can you name it?
1. Humayun’s Tomb: satisfied
My last question, tell me the three strokes in swimming (swimming my hobby)
1. Told her 4 strokes: satisfied
Why is freestyle called premier style?

Source: Telegram

UPSC Interview Transcript: 6th April, Chattar Singh Board

4th June 2017

0

Date– 6th April
Board– Chattar Singh
Background – Mech Engg
State– Maharashtra
Optional – History (Rare and Endangered species ? )

Chairperson

Is this your photo?
-Since your hobby is music, what is the difference between harmonium and piano sound?
-(Shows a metal object) how to manufacture this in different ways? Told 3 methods
-Which method will you use if you want to produce millions of such pieces?
-Any latest methods of manufacturing? Told about laser cutting, water jet cutting but CP was not satisfied.
-Most liked part of mechanical engineering? Thermodynamics
– what all do you learn in Thermodynamics?
– Asked a question on central air conditioning system in upsc building

Member 1

-What is Hooke’s Law? What is proportional limit? What is the constant called? (Young’s modulus of elasticity)
– Which foreign dignitary will visit India in next few days? Sheikh hastina
– Which important issue between India and Bangladesh is pending? Teesta dispute
– What is Teesta river disputes for? Exact percentage of sharing water? Where does Teesta originate?

Member 2

– Long question on demographic dividend. Will we be able to utilise it?
– As an administrator, how would you increase employment?
– Can farmer income be doubled by 2022?
– is loan waivers good for economy?
– (sitar listening as hobby) What are different types of Sitar
– which type of music you like in sitar?
– (Rabindra Sangeet as hobby) which languages did tagore write in ?

Member 3

– Types of machines to move air other than fans? Blowers, compressors, etc
– Asked about gear design and involute
– Which heat transfer takes place without medium? Radiation
– Law governing radiation?
– (learnt German) specialties of German over English language? He got happy when I told articles like a, an, the in German are based on gender
– Why do you like Rabindra Sangeet?
– Any other music famous for its deep meaning lyrics
– Importance of ASEAN and India’s progress in Act East policy
– Importance of South China Sea? Why India is concerned ?

Member 4

– Topic of speech in a competition.?
– So name any 2 leaders in world that satisfy your demands from politicians you mentioned
– 2 electoral reforms you would implement ? Banning convicted criminals and RTI for parties. Lot of cross questioning
– Heard of OBOR? What is it? Why is India concerned ? Should India join it?

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: 6th April, AJIT BHOSLE Board

4th June 2017

0

6TH APRIL FORENOON PANEL
OPTIONAL: PSIR
B TECH (ENTC)

AJIT BHOSLE SIR BOARD

Chairman

1)You should do physical exercise.. I also had same physique before joining force…
2)So you do sudarshan kriya…what are its benefits for you…Can you tell me the biological process involved in it…
3)You have good academic record.. Is it due to hard work or brain power…
4)You worked for crowd management… Can you tell me some steps that can be taken to improve it…(DAF)

Member 1

1)You don’t have gender bias,right?
2)Then ask 1 standard puzzle(father and son met with an accident…father dies…son gets injured…surgeon at hospital says that the patient can’t be operated …as he is my son…how is it possible)…
3) other puzzle…(mother and daughter travelling…lady surgeon says she is her mother…how it is possible)
4)You talked about equal brain powers…but biologists have proven that women brain weighs less…so still you think women and men have equal brain capacity
5)Male nursing…how you see it…will U join it…
6)Do U know Gandhiji view on pàrtition
7)What you would have done if U were in mount battens place(don’t remember exact wording)

Member 2

1)Smart cities(definition)(DAF)
2)components of it…asked one by one…smart economy?smart environment?
3)air pollution and steps needed in smart cities…other questions followed(not remembering it)…electric vehicles is it not costly?
4)religion in politics(positives and negatives) and pollution(Ganesh FESTIVAL management in my daf)…
5)what steps will U take to stop people in j&k to stop religious practices causing pollution…

Member 3

1)reasons for foreign invasions in India
2)Swarnamudra were used by invaders t to take backdoor entry…..what is this attitude
3)you like watching tamasha T20…are U not interested in serious form of cricket(watching T20 :interest)
4) you support the players not obeying the coaching manuals?

Member 4

1)Rohingyas
2) changing trend in world against wto based free trade etc
3)3 qualities needed in professional
4)Tell me one incidence in ur life about integrity
5) any state in India whose CULTURE you would like to see etc….
6)any nation in world(don’t tell me politically correct answer…Tell me what you feel)

Chairman:
What will U do today?
Thank you ? Your interview is over!
Don’t know the exact time…may be about 30 minutes.

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: Vinay Mittal Board, 27th March

4th June 2017

0

Vinay Mittal Board
DOI: 27th March 2017
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Graduation: IT, Ghaziabad
Optional: Pub. Adm.
Hobbies: Movies, Sudoku

Chairman

Why ghaziabad was in news recently
Ch:Question related to Agricultural problem of up, reasons why still lagging,its fluctuation has national consequences why so ?Population of total
Ch: you said irrigation as the problem ,but it has fertile land, then irrigation shouldn’t be a problem ?
Ch:Explain South China Sea international importance, why everyone is indulging in it even USA ,then India’s stake in it
Ch:Why India is joining or inclined towards regional groups, name a few?

Member 1

Diff b/w Administration and Management?
M1: what are UAV,drones, how they work , its uses in India, especially in Naxals area
M1: River Gomti is drying up?What step gov’t has taken to restore its water flow?
M1: Then question regarding Ganga pollution and steps taken to control it.
M1: do you hear radios?No sir..then explain diff between AM FM(radio related)
M1: Heard about climate change ?Your opinion
M1: Pareis climate deal..then renewable and non renewable energy
M1: their contribution in power generation like wing solar hydro thermal etc
M1: GPS, NAVIC their working , technical details
M1: heard about desert? where is it in India and its name and area…why is it famous and what you can do to generate employment opportunities there ?

Member 2

M2:Juvenile related ..opinion on reducing their age from 18 to 16 ?
M2: What’s their crime rate ? whether their crime is increasing or reducing ?
M2: Whether they should be put with other adult trials or kept in different facility
M2: how www(world wide web) originated and how it got here in INDIA…chalo who was the father of www..itna to bata do..
M2: why we aren’t able to win Oscars ?
M2: Role of women in bollywood cinemas

Member 3

You are DM of Azamgarh district ..steps to control communal tension…
M3: use your IT knowledge to control it especially with ISIS in the picture
M3: Contract farming ?(done biggest blunder.. explained model farming)
M3: Why India wan’t to counter China..Diff between their economic model and ours ..why we are copying their model
M3; USA’s GDP to world or its proportion …arre itna to batao..

Member 4

Population of Orphan children are increasing in UP and in India, why no one adopting them,even foreign nationals are not adopting them, why so?Their no’s and % population in UP
M4: Give Critical review on PRI’s.. are they successful or failed in total?

Source: Forum IAS

Finally Recommended – UPSC Indian Forest Service 2016 Interview Transcript: P. K. Joshi Board, 16/03/2017

4th June 2017

0

Date: 16/03/2017
Forenoon session
Board: P. K. Joshi Sir
Background: Studied in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya till 10th. Joined Science College Patna
for intermediate. B.Tech in Mining Engineering from ISM Dhanbad
Experience: Working at Coal India Limited (CIL)
Home state: Bihar
Others: Robotics was mentioned in DAF. No question from optional subject Chemistry
and Hobby

Chairman

 Tell me the contribution of Navodaya Vidyalaya in our school education system
 Why you left Navodaya Vidyalaya and joined Science College Patna?
 What was the annual fee charged while you was in Navodaya Vidyalaya?
 What schemes are run by government specially for primary and secondary
education?
 Do you know there is one specific scheme of government related to girls education
 What is the full form of NCERT?
 You work in coal India limited, what is your job profile?
 Which state of India has wide environmental resources?
 Tell me the flora and Fauna of Sundarban and compare it with those of Madhya
Pradesh
 How mining impacts environment?

Member 1

 What about the natural resources of Andaman and Nicobar?
 What do you know about WPA?
 What percentage of our area of is protected under WPA?
 Do you think EIA is properly implemented in our country?
 What are the classification of Indian forest? Who was Champion?
 What do you know about CAMPA?
 Do you think compensatory afforestation is the solution to the damage caused to the
environment due to deforestation?
 Do you know about any national park in Bihar?
 How is Terai Arc Landscape different from Western Ghat?
 Is there any convention regarding trading of wildlife species?
 Is CITES a convention or NGO?
 What are the reasons of Leopards entering human habitations?

Member 2

 You are in technical job and we need technocrats so why do you want to join IFS?
 As a developing country we require more specialists than generalists like IAS or IFS.
Do you agree?
 Are you aware of the SC verdict regarding the Bauxite ore deposit?
 Do you think we should give priority to the rights of tribals at the cost of
development?
 Is there any legislation regarding the rights of tribals?
 Is it fair that we pursue the environmental protection at the cost of development
where on one hand you see that developed countries have exploited the nature for
their own sake?
 In the west we see that there are people who have written lot about flora and fauna
but in India foresters have contributed less in this regard. Why is this so?
 Are you still interested in Robotics?
 What are the new technologies being implemented in Coal India Limited?
 Why Bihar is not developing at a faster pace. What are the problems?

Member 3

 How do you manage the environmental damages caused due to mining?
 Is there any problem related to tribals rights at the place where you are working?
 How do you manage conflicts arising out of mining activities with local population?
 As a forester how can you contribute to mining with regard to environmental
protection?
 What is one proudest moment in your life?

Board was very cordial. No question was asked related to current affairs. Most of the
questions originated from my previous answer. Interview continued for around 30 minutes.

Marks awarded: 189
I am Finally Recommended for IFS-2016

Source: Forum IAS

UPSC Interview Transcript: Saxena Sir Board, Dual degree from IITs

4th June 2017

0

Board: Saxena Sir
Last candidate, forenoon, lasted over 35 mins
Hobbies: South indian architecture, cricket, cyber game
Grad: chemical + hydrocarbon
Home: Udaipur, Rajasthan

Chairperson

You passed out in 2014 what have you been doing till now?
Me: Sir, I have been preparing for civil services

CP: I see you have a very good profile. Dual degree from IITs , NTSE scholar, good GATE rank then how you developed interest in civil services?
Me: Sir, I was part of administration in my college during 2nd year as class representative and saw some reforms coming out due to continuous effort that generated an interest. However, the real trigger was when in 5th year IIT Roorkee hosted some civil servants and their experiences of working at grass root levels motivated me enough to take it.

CP: I see you have not opted IFS, for what reasons?
Me: Sir, I am only son of my parents so not possible to stay outside country for long.

CP: But you can face similar problems regarding your parents in India if posted in Kerala
Me: Sir, if I am posted outside I will be more worried about them and this will decrease my efficiency. In country i suppose it is more manageable.

CP: OK, so you have personal issues and we respect it, so lets begin with interview

CP: what is present solar status of India and Rajasthan?
Me: Sir, India has 11 GW installed and Rajasthan has 1.2 GW installed. Several solar parks like in phalodi in Jodhpur and Pokhran in Jaisalmer

CP: Tell me what problems solar sector face?
Me: sir, firstly lot of land needed. Secondly, we are not exactly aware of problems it may cause later like how to dispose of solid waste etc.

CP: don’t it face issue of clouds and nights when sunlight not there?
Me: yes sir, this too is a problem

CP: OK tell me, can we have solar power when sunlight not there?
Me: (complete bluff didn’t knew exact solution so wanted to show i knew phenomena).. sir, it works on photoelectic effect if we can make electrons cross threshold from outside sources it is feasible but would it be energy efficient remains the Q.

CP: Tell me what steps we have taken for land issue related to Solar?
Me: sir, roof top solar, net metering and canal top solar.. tried explaining net metering he said i know

CP: What do you understand by surgical strikes?
Me: sir, these are pre-emptive strikes across LOC for sovereignty and security of country

CP: do you think surgical strikes was right move?
Me: yes sir, it is right in national interest and to boost morale of forces and secure sovereignty and territorial integrityand create deterrence

Chairman was in grilling mood. but i felt it was reverse psychology to make me change my stand, so i got firm but soft.

CP: but we have seen even more attacks, what deterrence it created then?
Me: sir, we could have seen more attacks if not for surgical strikes. and this could be also due to fact that Mr.Raheel Shariff was retiring.. (he repeated raheeel shariff.. but he was pressing me hard to take anti strike stand.. and i didn’t wanted to yield)

CP: Do you think ADHAR is good. Does it not creates security issues?
Me: Sir, some encryption issues are there but it has save Rs 50,000 cr in through DBT etc whihc can be used elsewhere like in capital formation in agriculutre

Again grilling.. Wanted to change my stand.

CP: but what about security , can we really do sth about it. Why adopt a system like social card which USA and Europe countries are leaving. Are we not going into pit?
Me: Sir, India has huge talented pool in software we lead in IT and so it can be dealt with.

Member 1

If I switch off my cell and put it on table, can someone still hack it and record this session
Me: (wanted to create impresion that i am honest and this was my opportunity).. sorry sir, i have limited understanding of communications.

M1: Ok tell me, which was last match you saw.
Me: sir pune test match.. (funniest moment of interview.. he made such a face.. and said.. areey yaar woh toh 2 din m khatam ho gya tha.. khair chhodo)

M1: So, tell me what do you like in South Indian Architecture .. my forte so explained nicely.. chola, pallava and hoysala..

M1: ok what do you like in Brihadeshwara temple apart from the granite thing you already told?
Highly convinced… he could not stop his convinced expression after listening the words “raft foundation and interlocking pattern and hollow corbelling”

Member 2

M2: So, can you compare Udaipur temple architecture with south Indian architecture?
Me: Mam, padma bhushan Prof. Madhusudan Dhaky calls udaipur architecture as maru-gurjara. explained some features.. like anekandika shikhara, no jagati, dwarf ghotika pillars and highly carved as if deriving from hoysala architecture.. etc. highly convinced..

M2: and have you heard about Great china wall. tell me its speciality .. (i knew what would be her next Q. so was happy)
Me: Mam it is longest walll in world.

M2: Can you tell me which is 2nd longest wall?
Me: Mam, its of Kumbhalgarh fort near udaipur it was built by Maharana Kumbha

She was impressed by now.

M2: Tell me some water problems of Rajasthan be specific to regions.
Me: Mam in Nagaur region we have fluoride problem , in ganganagar etc arsenic problem (was not sure about arsenic.. but still said) and in general water scarcity everywhere.

Member 3

I can see you studied in Bhupal Nobles school. So tell me what is Bhupal and nobles in this?
Me: Sir, Bhupal was last king of Udaipur who signed accesion treaty with India in 1949

M3: For what disciplines nobel prize awarded
Me: (failed to recall exact) said Sir, it is given for 5 or 6 categories.. told physics, chemistry , peace.. (got blank)

M3: Is it awarded for medicine and economics
Me: yes sir.. awarded to Prof. hargobind khurana and Prof Amartya sen

M3: Tell me some peace prize from India
Me: sir Mother teresa.. and mr. Kailash Satyarthi who works for protection of child

M3: Do you know about environment acts of India.
Me; sir only envt or wildlife as well.

M3: Ok tell me both wildlife and environment acts
Me: sir , wildlife protection act, EPA, 1986.. he interupts

M3: Have you heard of water act
me: yes sir, explained 2 provision

M3: what problems the lake of Udaipur face?
me: encroachment, illega sand mining, no sewage systems.. and 1 more.. cant recall now

M3: what steps you will take to solve it
Me: sir will check encroachments by hotels, check sand mafia and see that layout for swage system as taken under AMRUT project for udaipur goes well

M3: But if you remove hotels it will hurt economy?
Me: Sir, Rajasthan lake protection authority has asked for setting up ‘no construction zones’ as DM my task is to implement rules strictly so will see that no one encroaches it.

Member 4

I was not able to understand his long first Question on something linking solar to heat etc.. and didn’t knew what he was trying to ask. So, blabbered something.. i was tired by now in 30 min.. already 1:20 PM..

M4: 2-3 more Qs I don’t remember
M4: why desertification increasing in Rajasthan? said cropping pattern etc issues

M4: tell me difference between lakes and wetlands
Me: said lakes are kind of wetlands..

M4: tell me what is wetland.. standard definition told.. transitiional zones..
M4: you have heard of Ramsar, is India signatory to it.. yes sir 28 sites etc.
M4: tell me where is Ramsar located?… sir , Iran.. he was happy didn’t expected it seems.

Chairman: Your interview is over.

I said thank you to all specially lady member besides me, somehow i found she, M1 and M3 were impressed. M4 was my worst moment. i was damn tired could not sleep in night by 4 o clock.

Chairman i seem was testing my nerves, and i believe i did it well, though not sure.

Hoping for 165+ ?

Source: Telegram

UPSC Interview Transcript : ‘Mango_dolly’, Arvind Saxena, Public Administration, 14 yrs Work Experience

4th June 2017

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Interview Date: (12:01pm thru 12:35pm) on 8-May-2017
Board: Arvind Saxena
Background: Currently in Indian Revenue Service (through CSM 2015 exam)
Before that, total 14 yrs = ~12 yrs in private sector – IT Consultant + 2 yrs in Indian Trade Service(thru CSM 2013) 4th Attempt;
Optional: Public Administration
Edu. Qual: Btech (Computer Sc) + MBA (Marketing + IT)
Hobbies: Quizzing
Home State: Jharkhand

Chairman

You have worked in one of the big firms abroad and then ITS and then IRS, what exactly you want to achieve in your life? Will you stop at IAS?
CM – Why so late?
CM – You took so much pay cut? How are you surviving? *laugh*
CM – Will you be satisfied with any cadre in IAS?
CM – So how do you relate protectionism and Make in India?
CM – Why is GoI getting involved in H1B issue?
CM – Why is Make for India better and sustainable than Make in India?
CM – Why should India follow China and not chart out its own growth story?
CM – How are we protecting our agri sector?
CM – How does foreign competition help us?

Member 1

M1 – Ok What differences do you make out in the way RK Mission school teaching methodologies and that of other schools? *I’m NOT related to RK Mission in any way*
I said I dont know.
M1 – When did Kargil war take place? Why did it take place? How is the war then different from now? As a administrator how will you douse the issue now?
*didnt look satisfied*
M1 – Suppose you visit a village and the people there offer you rice/dal/subji but you are full and instead you ask for tea + 2 biscuits. They are unable to offer you that. Why?
I said,” I dont know sir”. To which He replied I will tell you and then said “thats because they do not have money to buy biscuits.”
M1 – So what will you do to give them money
M1 – Why farmers dont get enough income?
M1 – How will you reduce the nexus of intermediaries?

Member 2

M2 – So how will you apply your IT knowledge in GSTN?
M2 – What is vendor management?
M2 – How will your IT knowledge help you in negotiating with external vendors?
M2 – MSP with whom? I said Infosys
M2 – Will you be happy joining HQ/Staff function rather than field?
M2 – Why is your CBEC staff unhappy? Has govt done something?
M2 – Will you be happy joining anywhere in India as an IAS?
M2 – Why should we select you?

Member 3

M3 – Name few copper mines in Jharkhand?
M3 – What is the economy of a copper mine?
M3 – Why prices increasing?
M3 – What is the economy of iron ore mine? *dunno what he was upto*
M3 – Comment on resource curse of Jharkhand
M3 – Do you support so many IITs setup by GoI?
M3 – Are you aware about the controversy regarding some mine in Jadugoda? How much of it is media propaganda?
M3 – What steps should radioactive mines take?
M3 – Do you support ISM being converted into an IIT? *I am NOT from ISM Dhanbad*

Member 4

M4 – How will you solve Naxal Problem?
M4 – Why outside people influencing and leading Naxal groups?
M4 – Why so many names – UK, Britain, England etc ? *stayed and worked for 10 yrs in London*
M4 – What is King’s Cross station in London famous for?
M4 – How will you grow India’s exports?

Chairman – Ok thanks your interview is over now.

P.S: Few questions of M2 and M4 I am unable to remember.

This was my LAST attempt and I went inside the Dholpur House for one final time on 8-May .. felt nostalgic!

Source: Forum IAS