Manoj Soni's board: All UPSC CSE Interview Transcripts

UPSC CSE INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPTS

Riddhi Parmar  M.tech electronics (specialization communication system)
Exp : Sr. Software engineer , Tahsildar
5th Apr
Board: Dr. Manoj Soni
CM: So you are engineer  and opted for literature, how’s your feeling with it? : Answered
What it meteorological department doing? Why better prediction coming up? : Answered
Can you give me more specific and technical details regarding it? – Said I don’t know much.
Being engineer, ever you tried to find out about it? – answered
The Biggest crisis that Gujarat is facing right now? Answered (regarding water stress)
Why ? (with long question)
Follow up question about effect of water scarcity in Gujarat? – Answered
What is its impact on economy? – Answered
You are a collector of water scarce area and warning of draught has been issued that how will you tackle it?  - Answered (focused on draught management along with economic activities sustenance )
M1 : What are issues with MNREGA ? – Answered
How can be tackled it? – Answered
What are statutory provisions with it. – Answered
What is petrochemical industry? (Many question regarding it. Gave answers for some and said I donot know just in hope to change the topic)
Historical importance of Gujarat ? Answered (stopped in between and changed question gave me only 3 mile stone events )
Do you heard about Somnath? – Answered
It was looted by? – Answered
Question regarding IPS profile. – Answered
M2 : I want to ask situation  based question. Whether you wish to be collector or SP in itGave me number of options like revenue, general administarion , law and order etc and said to select.  – I said for Law and order
Que: You are a collector , how you are going to handle riot? – Answer SOP
But SP is not cooperating you – Answered
Still not cooperating – answered
Yet he is stubborn  - answered
Riddhi, he complaint against you  and many other worst situation ..  (It seems that he wanted me to quit saying you should also complaint against him .  but I said sir, during such bad situation I would give priority to controlling riot, saving life and property and establishing peace, regarding personal issue or replying to such notice can be done later. )
Later few questions regarding police and petrochemical industry.
Few questions on GSAT, PSLV , Geo mapping , CSIR laboratory in Gujarat etc.
M3: What are new provision in interstate water dispute resolution ? - Answered
Any successful example where such dispute resolved? Answered
Why? Answered
Why can we do to solve such issue? Answered
What will you do if you are given chance to design policy? Answered
Industrial cluster of Gujarat? Answered
Regarding PM recent visit in some plant?  - Don’t know (He gave hint and later I was able to give answer)
Questions on desalinations. – Answered all

M4:  Your Hobby is weird ? (Pencil sketch n weird?) who inspired you? - Answered
Who is your inspiration , outside from your family? - Answered
Do you heard about POCSO? - Answered
I think women should not allowed in police services , what are you thinking about it? - Answered
So, being a women , how you are going to interrogate a child  POCSO? – I said – I don’t know it.
Don’t you visited or seen such interrogation?  - I said sir, I don’t and outsider is not allowed as per my knowledge.
What is difference between women police and man police in interrogation .. specially about rape victim ?  - Again denied (Just want to end topic)
Follow up 1-2 question.
CM: Riddhi your interview is over. Wishing you very good luck .(2-3 line end note)

Overall , Majority of question related to Petro chemical industry (origine,issues , policies, new plant, row material etc.) and police services. Very little from DAF and some question comes as bonus (mainly factual). Questions come as bouncer. Manoj Soni sir is expressionless but very attentive  and gave smiles too.  One member has expression like in mood of fighting while one is changing expression if he don’t get expected answer so easy to predict counter question . One member was speaking very low volume and not at all audible. Last member was cool and happy all the time.

Chetan Ahir:
Ladumor chetan:
Ladumor chetan:
Ladumor chetan:


B.pharm
11 April
Afternoon
Second last to go
Dr Manoj soni board
Medium of interview:- Hindi


chairman:-You know any thing about  GNFC?( gujarat narmada valley fertizer company limited)

Ans :- don't know

CH:- you resigned  the job or dismissed?(I worked 15 month as junior pharma at PHC & resigned)
Ans:- resigned
Ch:- why?
(Sudden Electricity gone for 30-40 second...total darkness in room...even i cant see face of my nearby member & vice versa...but I & chairman continued .....mood mar gaya tha...isme ye huva...)
Ans:- to prepare fully for civil service
Ch:- do u believe gujarat developed more in last decade?
Ans:-yes
Ch:- any bad consequence of development in gujarat?
Ans:- no
Ch:-what are bad effects of development?
Ans:- environment, inequality
Ch:-& in gujarat?
Ans:- not more bad effect
Ch:- what is the main aim of writing literature ?
Ans:- NIJANAND & social impact
Ch:- name one writer who is not writing for nijanand
Ans:- munshi
Ch:- confirm?
Ans:-yes
Ch:- Narmad s aim?
Ans:- nijanand & gujarati language development
Ch:- & about reform?( sudharo)
Ans:- yes sir
Ch:- was Gandhi Ji writer?
Ans:- yes sir
Ch:- aim?( nijanand or social?)
Ans: social ( samaj ko Sahitya se satya ka sandesh dena )
Ch:-have  you read any literature book which is not in your syllabus?
Ans:- no
Ch:- I think u r not much interested in gujarati literature except your upsc syllabus
Ans:- yes sir...sirf upsc k liye hi liya he..kafi interest nahi he
Ch:-ohhhhhh.....



M1
Q:- what is use of pharmacy in administration ?
Ans:- diagnose, treat , cure methodology can be used in administrative issues too.
Q:- your interest in?
Ans:- eating( my hobby written in daf is DIARY WRITING)-( all laughed)

Q:- you cook?
Ans:- no
Q:- kis kis state Ki items khai?
Ans:- gujarat se pehli baar hi bahar nikala hu...muje gujarati Khane ka shokh he..
Q:-name some items
Ans:- gathiya, fafada, jalebi, dhokala, khaman, khandavi( chairman interpted...bus karo aab mere muh me Pani Aa jayega)

M2

Q:- what is statin/atorvastatin( name of drug)
Ans:- no idea
Q:::- what is global warming?
Ans:- answered
Q:-what are its effects
Ans:- answered
Q:- what is green house gas?
Ans:- answered
 



M3

Q:- function of navy?( first elaborated some thing & then question )
Ans:- answers basic....but not satisfactory 
Q:- navy's role in anti piracy
Ans:- not answered
Q:- mission sent to moon, march, sun worthy???some critique said waste of money
Ans:- me sahmat nahi..stifan hawking ne kaha he hame 200-300 salo me pruthvi chhodani padegi...& many more...
Q:- what is aim of science?
Ans;- manav Samaj ka bhala karana


M4

Q:-Explain the chain of drug supply from PHC to upper level
Ans:- answered...some bluff...kyuki quetion was not formated well...

Chairman
( gujarat development k bad effect par vapis aye)


Q:- any other effect of development in gujarat....like....kisiko matru bhumi chhodani pade, apani sanskruti ko tyagna pade, rehabilitate karana pade....aisa bharat ya Gujarat me hua?
Ans:- yes..sardar sarovar & all
Q:- gujarat SARKAR ne solution kiya?
Ans;0:- yes...achhi tarah se kiya...explained...
Q: do u  know detail of this sheme?
Ans:- no....



Thank u your interview is over...


Note:- some questions discussed more...but not elaborated here....like..antipiracy, gujarat development bad effect, sardar sarovar dam,supply chain.....etc....


Approx time:- 40 minutes....

Some question may be misses

Vishvadeepsinh Gohil:
Vishvadeepsinh Gohil
B.Tech CE, Gujarati literature.
Forenoon, 11th April 2018.
Dr. Manoj Soni Board
First one to go...

Ch

1. Shreemaan, aap kaunsi bhasha me interview dena pasand karenge?
2. Gujarat is a Coastal state how long its coastline is?
3. What are the three benefits and three disadvantages of being a coastal state?
4. Explain coastal led development (as I said it is an advantage)
5. What is literature?
6. Can I consider newspaper as literature?
7. Why do we need to study literature? how it helps in understanding the society?

M1

1. Should we promote MSMEs or Large Industries?
2. What is the difference between our SMEs and German SMEs
3. What we can learn from them?
4. Give classification of our SMEs
5. Why we are lagging in skill sector?
6. What Govt is doing for the Skill Sector?
7. What are the Targets?
8. Has it been lowered recently? Why?
9. What are the problems??

M2 lady member

1. Have you heard of san jose?
2. Why silicon valley established there?
3. Where in India we have our Silicon valley? Reasons?
4. Why Civil Services now?
5. How long IAS will serve as DM and in the field?
6. What are the other prospects of diversity of the job?
7. Is the supremacy of IAS in the bureaucracy is the reason?
8. You watch TV series where do you watch?


M3

1. Tell me one thing why defence manufacturing is important as a part of make in india?? 5 points only no explanation..
2. What is our defence budget as a % of GDP?
3. What do you think it should be?
4. Where do we stand in terms of spending on defence budget?
5. Tell me what is green budget and some innovative ways you would like to promote as an administrator?
6. Why there is fog in delhi? Reasons
7. What should be done?

M4

1. Do you know where is salt desalination plant is located in gujarat?
2. How to promote ICT in the Education?
3. Do you know about the fully ICT enabled university in India?
4. What was you graduation Project?
5. Where did you go for internship was it a big company?
6. Why our students are not Innovative?
7. What are the effects of global warming?
8. What were you doing since 2014?

Ch

1. Congratulations on your selection as Asst.Commissioner Now tell me you have given all the 24 service preference, would you reconsider it?
2. If you are selected in ICLS will you join it?

Thank you your Interview is over.

Transcript ...Ganesh kumar meena
13/04/18
Manoj soni sir
Optional ...History
Posted as ...Divisional accounts officer in cag
Total time ...30 to 33 minutes
First member to go

Chairman sir...
1...aapke job me kya duties h
2...Aisa koi incident jisme aapne govt ka paisa bachaya ho ....3 to 5 minutes on this topic
3...Aapke is incident me back door se samjhota ki koshish nhi ki gyi ...
4...70 lkh ka case jo apane btaya usme jimmedari kiski ty ki jaye...{6to 7 minutes on this issue }

M2
1...Pakistan and afganistan me india ka role
2....India ko afganistan me military deploy krni chahiye ya nhi
3...usa ki afganistan policy
4...Organisation me conditional question ...Three level ...
Kiski financial inregularties me  role...3...4 counter questions ..

M3
Ganesh aapko ek gaon ko sadak se jodna h ...Aapke pas 10 gaon h kis gaon ko pehle jodoge..Indicators....
2...Forest land se related act
3...Campa ka purpose
4..Campa ke fund utilisation ke liye policy
5...naxalism ...Reason ....Area...solution Policy
5...aapko policy bnana h ...Kya banoge ..
6...Home ministry bhi ye hi kr rhi h. .
7...Long time and short time measures

M4....
1..Railway ka purpose...India me ...British period me. (Mam ...itna suddh   hindi mt boliye main English ki hu )
2...Is railway model succes or not ..In british time
3... Imagine you are cag of india .....Ek project ko sanction krna h ...Financial consensus kitne level pr milegi
4...dpr bnti h to item rates kha se milti h ...
5..Dpr ke bad kya rates increase or decrease hoti h
6...Ek employee final settlement krta h bill ka ...Usne ek rupey ka payment nhi kiya ..Uski jimmedari ty kijiye. 
7...fdr ...Sd...Performance guarantee kya hoti h ...

M5....
Rail tel
Cag coal scam 
Cricket kb se khelte ho
Defence ministry ka 10...15 din pehle koi acha  speech

Your interview is over ...Good wishes to u....Board was cordial and very polite ...

Name shweta Mishra
Working under MHA
Law background
Anthro optional
Manoj Soni board

[4/16, 7:47 PM] Shweta: They started with my hobby. Asked me the last book I had read. Last movie I had watched.
Then about China Pakistan economic corridor. Judicial reforms. How do you balance between justice delayed is justice denied and justice hurried is justice burried.
How do you balance between RTI and Right to privacy.
Where do you see yourself 20 years from now.
Where do you see India 15 years from now.
Relevance of IB after 15 years.
RBI money market
What is CRR and rate
What is SLR and rate of interest
Who will Iran choose in case of a India Pakistan war. Justify
Kashmir issue your opinion
Geographical importance of Kashmir.
Judicial reforms in India.
Tell me about one solution  that could have an effect on solving most of the problems of India.
Counter questions on some of the above questions.
They also asked about Aadhar and how to take care of privacy and data protection  issues there.

S Sathish Kumar
Chemical Engineering
Philosphy(Optional)
Interests: International realtions, Teaching, Vivekananda and Yogananda literature.

Interview: 16th April, Afternoon
Manoj Soni Sir( Former Vice- chancellor and phd in international relations)

Chairman:
1.You are teaching in civils institutes , so you might hav prepared very well,what is there to ask you now.
2.You seem to have covered such wide area from Chem Engg to Philosophy to teaching and internation relations.
3.Why did choose Philosophy?

Member1

1. Have you heard of Borrow-eat-drink and merry philosphy( in Hindi)?
2.You nicely realted that philosphy to pnb scam, so what happened in pnb scam?
3. What is this LoU?
4. What is LoC?
5. You played cricket, Do you support women’s ipl?
6.But why everyone is saying that ipl is spoiling Cricket?
7.Do you know about what is body language and the theory about eye contact?
8.It is said that Genetics play larger role in human behaviour than culture.What is your view?
9. Tell something, which you know about that.
10.What is management by objectives?
11. What is management by Exception?
12.How are you managing your teaching?
13. Which method of teaching do you preper? Talk and chalk? Power point? online?
14. what are the traits of a good teacher?

Member 2

1. You were talking about women empowerment. Do you support women in combat roles?
2. What is maritime silk route?
3. Why India is not participating in it?
4. Assume that India joins it, and China biulds a port for India. What will be the problems for India in that scenario?
5.What is India doing against it?

Member 3

1.Chemical industries are bad for the environment and the world, because of their products and effluents.What is your view?
2.Tell me the status of chemical industries in india in regard to their effect on environment. And also what should be done to improve their scenario?
3. Why did you take chemical engineering?
4.What are the subjects you study in Chemical engineering?
5.Why you want to join civil services?

Member 4

1. What did you learn from readings of Vivekananda literature?
2. And what about Yogananda?
3.Do you think his teachings should be taught in Schools?
4.But if we bring them there will allegations that Education is being biased towards certain religion?
5.You are interested in international relations and IR is such a wide area? What is the specific thing that you like in IR?
6. ok, Discuss “power politics” in the context of India-Pakistan relations?
7.How to address these problems between india and pakistan, which are existing since long causing economic drain on both economies?
8.If you are made an advisor to PM, what will you suggest to PM to improve our relations with Pakistan?
9. Why these problems have come between India and Pakistan?
10.Where are the other international problems which are similar to India-Pakistan problems?
11.Assume that You get into foreign service. Which country you want to choose and why ?

Dr.Sandeep Devkate:
Sandeep Devkate.
Dr.Manoj Soni sir,
Morning session,last to go.
Around 25 to 30 min.
Degree-MBBS.

Chairman-
-Welcome Mr.Sandeep..
Are you still working or left the job..?

-Then he explained much detailed data about health sector n describe the condition of health in india.n ask what country need,more doctors or doctor as a administrator.
I started answer then he stopped me..N ask about what is the role of Doctor in Indian trade services?
-would you like to join politics.
If you get economic security in future then what will be your stance?

M1-
-What is the role of agriculture in climate change?
-What is the solution for it at world level.
-What are the reason for climate change in world.
Also tell solution for each reason.
-what steps you will take as a Home minister to deport back illegal migrant from aruna chal pradesh?

M2-
Which is the easternmost part of india..Aruna chal pradesh or Andaman Nicobar.?
-Strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar for india?
-How is our military preparation to control china in sea?
-Why there is insurgency in aruna chal pradesh?

M3-
There are problems of diabetes all over the world.Some doctor said about good cholesterol some said about bad cholesterol.some advice to eat fruits..I m getting confused.What is your opinion over it.?
-Why we following research and innovation of western world.Where we are lacking?
-Why you chose ONGC for job as medical officer?
-There are some news channel which are not showing news which are important to common man and some are biassed..What is your opinion?
-What is capitation fees?
Amount?So you paid or not?
-Currently medical students are not attending lectures and practicals.So the quality of education is getting lower..What will be solution for it?

M5(Lady member)-
You are from Sangli.Then how will you join or did activities in aruna chal pradesh about gyan setu.How did you get to know about it?
-What qualities of Doctors are useful in civil services.?
-How you develop your hobby as a Farm work.
-What is your service preference? And other than home  state where you like to work?
-Where you will see yourself after 20 years,professionally as well as personally.?
-Why you opted for medical degree, why not any other degree if you have to work as a administrator?

Chairman-
-What doctors are not prescribing generic medicine to patient?
-You got to select as a asat commandant.why you left it?
-Why you want to become an IAS officer.tell me in brief.
-You choose asat.commandant over doctor now choosing civil services over asst commandant.yes or no?
-Thank you..

Satish Kulkarni, 16 April
Optional History
Work experience in Software company
Board Manoj Soni sir
C'man
How do you find history as optional?
Why and who decides periodization of history?
Has India learnt lessons from history?
Followed by sub  questions
M1
What is importance of Iran for India?
What should be policy of India towards balancing relations with Iran and USA?
What is happening in Maldives?
Why Maldives so adamant?
What role should India play?
M2
What is robotics?
What are pros and cons of robotics?
What are policy implications for India in field of robotics?
M3
Which part of history you like the most and why?
How Mughals contributed to India?
Which event in history you would like to reverse and why?
Followed by questions related to it
M4
Do you know Mevad and its history?
Rewriting of history ,what is your view?
Some factual questions which I could not answer
C'man
Was Indian army's response to stone pelting in J&K justifiable?
What changes you could make in it?

Mr. Satish your interview is over..

Graduation - MSME
Optional - History
Date - 19 April 2018, forenoon
Board - Dr. Manoj Soni

Chairman -
1. Is your name abc?
2. You have done engineering from a good college and a masters from a reputed university. If I may ask, why did you go to the US in the first place? And what have you been doing since then?
3. You like listening to the classical music. Do you identify raags?
4. Is Bhoop the same raag as Bhoopali?
5. You have many hobbies related to arts and literature. How do you assess the latest government efforts to promote arts?
6. Name some culture promoting institutes?
7. What do they do?
8. Do you think the efforts by government in arts promotion are enough?

Member 1 (Lady member)
1. You have been to the US. There is a recent controversy going on in the US with respect to Russia. What is that?
2. What role did Mark Zukerberg play in it?
3. In India as a neutral country away from all that, how would you assess the controversy? Is it for the first time such foreign power meddling has happened in the domestic elections?
4. What are other techniques, apart from Facebook, of psy-war?
5. What do you think about ethical hacking? Is it good or bad?
6. In the recent past, some more people came to limelight because of bringing information in public domain. Can you name them?
7. Is it Russia or some Latin American country giving him asylum?

Member 2
1. You were born in Sangli. Are you from Sangli?
2. Name some famous crops from Sangli.
3. Explain the climate of Sangli.
4. You talked about sugar. Is all that sugar is exported? What kind of sugar is exported and what kind of sugar is consumed domestically?
5. What is the percentage of Indian export in global trade basket?
6. Has it gone up or down in recent times?
7. Is export led growth really necessary? Why should we care about exports instead of focussing on domestic market?
8. As a commerce minister, how would you improve India's export performance?
9. What about SEZ?
10. What role does the exim bank play?
11. How does it work?

Member 3 -
1. So your first preference is administrative service. It means you would like to be in policy making. There is a debate going on whether to allow foreign universities in India, either as their foreign campuses or in collaboration with Indian counterparts. Tell me four to five important policy points you would arrive at, if you are in charge of making a policy, while allowing foreign universities in India.
2. No no, these are policy considerations. Tell me points in the final policy.
3. Ok. Now tell me whether you support or oppose it? Substantiate with two most important arguments.

Member 4 -
(very vague questions)
1. How do you assess India's foreign policy over 70 years? Is it a success or not?
2. That is fine at the diplomatic level. But has it been successful? On what basis would you assess it?
3. On both hard power and economic considerations, how would you assess India's foreign policy - is it successful?
4. How do you judge our near neighbourhood policy? How are our relations with them?
5. But srilanka has been democratic for long time, it got independence soon after India.
6. Why are our relations not in so good shape with some of the neighbours? What is the reason?
7. Do you mean to say that our foreign policy depends on what happens inside those countries?

Name - Amit Kale
Board - Dr Manoj Soni sir
Date - 19th April, forenoon, 4th to go
Optional - Geography
Hobbies - playing football, adventure sports

Chairman

(Going through my DAF....)
1. Where are you staying now?
2. So have you joined capf?...No
3. Why not?
4. So you prefer civil services?
5. Tell me frankly..would you have really joined/worked in capf?... discussion went on for some 2-3 min on this.


M1

1. Application of GIS tech as a DM in your district?
2. How land disputes can be resolved using GIS?
3. Given one thing you have to change what will it be?..."Poverty"
4. What is level of poverty in world?(statistics)
5. How is it the main problem?
6. How does it impact nation and economy?
7. As a DM how will you address the problem of swine flu in your district?
8. Why don't doctors work in rural areas...esp private ones?
9. How can this problem be changed?


M2 ( Lady member)...she kept on smiling and positively responding.

1. Where all have you done adventure sports?
2. How was your experience with the Eco tourism and nature club?
3. As a Tourism Secretary how will you promote tourism? ...gave a detailed strategy.
4. Why don't foreigners come to India ?...what problems they face?
5. What do you find so interesting in geography?


M3  ...a bit intimidating!!

1. Which are the nuclear weapons states?
2. What is India's nuclear doctrine?
3. Don't you think "no first use policy" has it's drawbacks?
4. Pakistan has developed short range nuclear missiles...what should India do? Should it also develop such missiles?
5. If Pakistan attacks India with these missiles...how should India respond?.... suppose you are the foreign secretary...how will you handle the situation?....the discussion went on for 4-5 minutes...he was hell bent on grilling me on this issue!!


M4

1. How inequality is measured?
2. Is gini coefficient a good measure?
3. Is inequality good or bad?
4. How does it impact?
5. Discussed a case study wrt inequality.

Panel: Dr Manoj Soni Sir
Date: April 20, 2018
Session: forenoon, last to go
Duration: 25 min (This panel seemed quicker compared to other panels)

Ch:
(Long opening monologue, summarized my DAF to me and to panel)
What do we learn from king Shivaji (graduation Shivaji University, Kolhapur; optional history), that can be used today in administration and in strategic relations with neighbouring countries?

M1:
Fake news, how it can be regulated?
Is Press Media more credible than electronic media?
What policy can be deduced to prevent a common person from evil effects of fake news?

M2 (lady member):
Why invasions kept happening from North West frontier of India?
Name some invaders.
Are we a weak state as we don't invade others?
Is our policy in relation with Pakistan a success?
Are surgical strikes acting as deterrent?
What part of India's foreign policy would you tweak (if not change)?

M3:
What is the difference between BE and BTech?
Which course would you recommend to your younger brother who is appearing for JEE?
What is Operations Research? (MTech in OR)
What are applications of OR in Defence?
What all parameters would you consider while modeling a defence problem mathematically in case of ambiguous situation (where you don't have much information about enemy's whereabouts)?

M4:
What is the difference between software industries in Pune and Bangalore? (worked in Pune and Bangalore)

Interview on 20/04/2018(A/N)
Manoj Mahajan
Optional:History
Hobby: Astronomy,writing,reading
Smita Nagarajan mam Board
3rd to go

Cp:So ur hobby is astronomy we will start from it and go through it
Are u aware about extraterrestrial life?
Why the scientists are so excited about it?(Fermi paradox)
According to you what are chances of extraterrestrial life?
Is it 50:50?(just guess)
Are you aware about fast radiowave  burst?
Why there are so many radio signal/noise are coming to earth?(cosmic microwave background)
What is the significance of these signals?
So you are also interested in writing ...what do you write?(sarcastic poem on friends)
Why do you write sarcastic poem only?
Are u gifting them(poems) manually or on WhatsApp?(Aap to dostonke maze lete hai )(all of us laugh)

M1:How did you get interested in astronomy?
Did you read Carl sagan's book?And another 2-3 astrophysicists
Are u aware about scientists discussion of different forms of life in the universe?
How will you detect life on other planets?
Suppose life is a very different on other planets then how will you detect it?
Then what is life?
How will you define this is living thing and this is non living?
I think radio waves may be signals of different form of life.What's your opinion?
what is dark matter?how will you detect it?
What is dark energy? How will detect?
What are impact of dark matter and dark energy on universe?
What did you read?
Did you read autobiography of Nehru?
Some questions  related to astronomy

M2(woman):
Tell me different radio source in universe? And some related questions
Are u satisfied with current form of nationalism?
Is it jingoism?
As a student of history how will you see current phase after 50 years?(phase of transition)
Tell me particular nomenclature for that?
What is your opinion about current trend of rewriting of history?
What do you learn from crowd management experiences?
How will you apply that knowledge in the administration?
(She was excited to know more but Nagarajan mam stopped her)

M3:I will ask you only 2 questions
1) How will tackle situation in Kashmir(Suppose you are countering terrorists attack in Kashmir and suddenly people come on road and pelting stone towards you.Then what will be your action plan?)
2) Pakistan is impeccable enemy of India. It survives only for hurting India.Then what will be 'permanent solution' for Pakistan ?

M4:
People are not learning from history.You can see from recent moral degredation.what is your opinion?
Yes people learn but they forget after sometime like we forget about values of our freedom fighter.What should we do  to reverse this?( I was telling him about reforms in  education system and...He said I got your point)
Tell me about economy of Jalgaon?
Tell me about different crops from your area,industrial development?(percentage).
And some more questions.

CP: You will be aware about telecom sector.People are getting the cheap internet facility but government is loosing revenue.What is your stake on it?
Now suppose you are in telecom ministry , even then your stand will be same?(may be different because I will get insight on full spectrum of crisis and professional knowledge about it after training, experience)
She said yes yes
Thank you your interview is over.


Experience:Panel was very cordial.Mam was looking/observing like innocent child and very receptive.Interview was on hatake track.I think I was able to tackle almost all the questions.

Dr. Manoj Soni Sir Board
Optional- Sociology
19th April Forenoon (First to go)
Ch:
Read details of DAF
So Mahesh your are from Sinnar...
Is it a city ? Population ? Distance from Nashik ?
Nasik has been famous for many reasons...
So lets take foreign policy of india. Is that okay with you ?
Orientation of foreign policy since last 4 yrs.? Determinants ?
Areas affected inside country and outside ? In education sector ?
Ok

M1:
So you work in HAL ? Which section ? Natute of work ?
Tell me about fatigue test of undercarriage. What is total life of aircraft ? Of Su30mki ? How it is decided ? Why 25 yrs only? And not 24 or 26 yrs exactly ?
Recently many countrys have enquired about buying LCA Tejas..but HAL is not eager to sell them ..why ?
Dasault  denied  transfer of technology to HAL. Why ? So you accept that there are issues that needs to be tackled in Hal's quality output ?

M2: (Lady)
Lets talk about Maharashtra.
What is contribution of MH in India ? Historically ?
Maharashtra's geography ? Diversity ...
Maharashtra's coastline ? Contribustion of coastline to other parts of MH and India.

M3:
What kind of exprience do you have in teaching ? What is this Teacher's Day ? Why ?
Status of primary education sector ? Are we succesful in achieving quality education in primary ? But still we see in many schools one teacher is teaching whole school... How to solve this ?
What is this quality inspector ? (Job) . What is the class of post ? Class one or two ? (I said no sir its class 3 equivalent). So you are there on Diploma basis ? Then why did you join HAL on diploma basis since you have completed your engg ? (,,I clarified that I joined it then I was undergraduate..later I completed engg).
Then what was your purpose to join HAL ? Has it served your purpose now ? What if HAL promotes you And transfers you to other state ?

M4 :
Do you live in HAL township ? Why not ?
What is SBM ? Launch date ? Status in your town Sinnar ? What is this odf, odf+, and odf++ ?
Measures taken by Sinnar Administration ?
Pangarkar time is running out...so inshort...1 is for Best and 4 is Worst...How will you rate your town's SBM success ?

Ch:
Thank you ..(Then suddenly got something clicked...)
Mahesh what is your plan after interview , Medical exam ? Are you going to stay in Delhi for 2-3 days ? (I said No sir ...I have no plan to stay...leaving immediately after medical ecam.)
So you will resume your job immediately ?
..(I said yes sir.. It's Duty's Call)..
Thank you.

23 April
Optional philosophy
Background: civil engineering
Daf: cricket, NSS, integrated rural development project, dance(hip-hop),
Manoj Soni board

Ch: the significance of post offices is declining , should we wind up the post offices like air India

M1: what is green building?
How can we make this upsc building as green building?
What can we improve in this room to make it more environment friendly?
What is the difference between Western choreography and Indian choreography?

M2: what you have done in integrated rural development project?
What are all the activities you have done in NSS?
What are all the precautions required in blood donation camp?
What is done under 73rd and 74 the AA?
What are the steps taken for women empowerment?
Why women reservation bill is still pending?

M3: tell me the two philosophers prior to Socrates
What steps can be taken to make an existing structure earthquake resistant?
What does being "politically correct " means?
What are your views on freedom of speech? Where should we draw the line?

M4: when was iit roorkee established and who established it?
Why civil engineering is known as civil engineering?
What is the principal behind swing ball?
How to bowl reverse swing ? Ball tempering controversy
How to make a building smart?
How to make this room smart?
What is internet of things?
How IoT works?
How to build smart transportation system?
What is aritificial intelligence?

Manoj soni board.

Reading daf and then on seeing that I am working as junior engineer. Asked me about job profile. Then asked me which competitive exam I qualified.

So, you have heard of the terms insaniyat kashmiriyat jamhuriyat , what do you mean by all this.

Are steps being taken to promote kashmiriyat.


Location of kishtwar

Kishtwar famous for.

My own innovative views about solutions to Kashmir.

M1
African countries.
Maghreb region
Levant region
Panipat how many , why panipat
Arrange in chronological order invaders .
Air India divestment,views
Rohingya issue.

M2
Notable scientists of India
Recent Bharat ratna
Govt expenditure on rnd
Steps to promote rnd
Basic research or applied research
Green building or smart building.

M3
Property rights to outsiders my view
Who did it
Why
Book jagmohan
Book outsiders curse
Why public health engineering name.
In rural areas water treatment.
Our role
Kathua incident communal or other issue.


M4
Lending to poor.
MFI
SHGs
Women status in j&k
Saffron in Kashmir vs kishtwar
Vivekananda ideas which inspired me
What you do in VYF
Any social service?

Background
Mechanical Engineering.
Places resided: Hyderabad and Delhi.
Optional: Mathematics and Forestry.

Chairman of Board: Mr. Manoj Soni
Chairman
Q1. Am I pronouncing your name correctly?
Q2. So your home town is Hyderabad?
Q3. Are you staying Delhi or Hyderabad?
Q4. How long have you been staying in Delhi?
Q5. What were you doing in Delhi for so long (almost 5.5 years)?
Q5. Mechanical Engineering is a branch that is in huge demand. I am sure you must have got good offers in placement?
Q6. Why haven’t you applied for placements?
Q7. Telangana is a young state. Did Andhra Pradesh and Telangana gain in terms of forestry after bifurcation?
Q8. What type of forests are present in Telangana?
Q9. Are you aware where the red sandalwood trees are present in Telangana?
Q10. Will you work in areas where red sandalwood is grown?
Q11. Can you tell me 3 places across the globe where you want to stay for rest of your life?
Member 2
Q1. Are you aware of the recent controversy going on in KBR National park in Hyderabad?
Q2. Can you tell what you know about Mouse Deer?
Q3. What are the measures taken by the Government in that respect?
Q4. Can you tell me about Kawal Tiger reserve and the controversy that is going on?
Q5. What measures did the Government take?
Q6. Have you heard of LaCONES of CCMB?
Q7. State animal, tree, flower, bird?
Q8. Religious importance of jammi tree and tangedu flower?



Member 3
Q1. So you are a mechanical engineer. Can you tell me what should be done to avoid corrosion on metals?
Q2. What should be the properties of lubricant?
Q3. I am asking more specifically. Can you explain the desired molecular structure of the lubricant?
Q4. Can you explain how your simulation model helps rural artisans? (Final year project)
Q5. Which version of MATLAB did you use?
Q6. What are the qualities of a leader?
Q7. Would you like to be a team leader or team member?
Q8. You have taken subjects English and Sanskrit earlier. Can you tell me the similarities in grammar of these two languages?
Member 4
Q1. Can you tell me 3 major ecological problems that the world is facing right now?
Q2. You have been in Delhi for so long. Can you tell me what will you do to reduce the air pollution in Delhi?
Q3. Don’t you think planting of trees is also necessary? (Didn’t mention it my earlier answer)
Q4. You have mentioned project for rural artisans and you must have heard of Skill India. Can you tell me what kind of skills would you like to impart to the people of rural areas? And why?
Q5. The GoI has been focusing on north eastern states. So how are these states related to Bangladesh? (Not exactly on NRC and CAB but general issues)
Q6. If given a chance what 2 things do you think should not have happened in Independent India’s history? And Why?

Deepak Dhamane
B.Sc agri
IFoS interview
Date - 28/01/2019
Manoj Soni sir board

Ch -1 Where are you staying now?
2 how's your training going on? (currently in IRS CCE)
3 How much serious are you about joining Indian forest service?
4 what are the reasons for degradation of forest near Maharashtra - Telangana border?
5 how forest contribute in the national economy?
6 What is current forest cover in India?
7 Tell the difference between tree cover and forest cover.

M1 -
1 earlier you told about role of forest in climate change, so how do forest play a role in it.
2 Tell the reaction of photosynthesis
3 explain the reaction of respiration
4 what happens to the carbohydrates produced during these process.
5 which trees are found in UPSC campus
6 tell about ecosystem of Peepal tree


M2-
1 what is micro watershed ?(related to daf)
2 what are the components of wateshed
3 Size of micro watershed
4 how to define the boundaries of watershed
5 what is contour bunding
6 What are the bad impacts of green revolution in Punjab and Haryana
7 why there is high rate of cancer in Punjab
8 how to resolve the problem of saline soil

M3
1 Tell the tree species found in the maharashtra
2 tell about diversity of climate of maharashtra
3 is melgaht national park or wild life sanctuary or tiger reserve
4 tell about the biodiversity of melgaht
5 tell different species of parrot found in india
6 do know worlds most intelligent parrot species
7 what is the performance of india in grape production (related to daf)
8 why farmers are not opting for organic grape production despite there is problem of pesticide residue

Abhijeet Jagtap
Chairman: Dr Manoj Soni Sir
1. Have have joined any educational institution after 2010.
2. What u have learned in life in these years. ?
3. What are the incidences of happiness in your life?
4. Have u Visited any national park? Uniqueness of it.
5. Why u have appeared in CAPF exam?
6. Will you join C.O. post.?

M1:
1. Have you visited any sanctuary near Pune? Flora in it...
2. Mangroves in detail. With species.
3. Imp role played by Sanjay Gandhi national park.

M2:
1. What is remote sensing.? And details involved in it.
2. What is cloud computing?

M3:
1. What is geographical division of Maharashtra?
2. Forest in marathwada area
3. Sugarcane.. why UP is behind. ?
4. Coperative sector...
5. Hobby related question.
Thank you.

Aditya
Edu.- B.A.
Board-Dr manoj soni
Time-25 min.
26feb. Afternoon

Starting -
Chairman
Ohhh u r  IPS good!
1.Tell me about your traning in SVPNPA
2. Learings From national police academy
3. How much u find change in yourself
4.dont tell about diversity scope blah blah about ias. Tell me something different
5. Tell me 1 fully successful & 1 fully bad policy in last 10 year

M1- like army mission sadbhavna. Any example in whole capf ?
2 why not
3. Difference bw IB,LAC ,LOC
4.WHT lac actual meNing
5.drug problem in india
6.Opinion about drug legality & compare to west policy
7. Tell me west Rajasthan drug culture in wedding! Still there! As sp of jodhpur wht to do
8 how u convince people
9. Your cadre Punjab is much affected from drug. What your plan?

M2-
1.Que. About new development in cricket
2.learning from cricket & use in admin.
3. Some questions on budget (facts)
4.Earlier teacher? Whom u teach
5.Rte &issues

M3-
1.air pollution &measure
2.speciafix initiative in delhi about it
3. What is pm 2.5
4 how it affect body
5 how to remove it
6 what is development defination in your own language
7 any good indicator to measure

M4-
1.education policy
2.why still lagging behind
3 what u do as Dm
4 alternative of rote learning
4. Method of alternative
5. As Sp ,your friend want favour wht u do?
6 que. About 3rd degree torture.

+Many more que.

Kuldeep Singh
IRPF, CSE-2016
Edu. :BE (Comp Sc & Engg)
Hobbies: Skygazing
Board: Dr Manoj Soni Sir

I was first to be called in the Board's Forenoon Session.

Ch. So, you are Mr...., working with IRPF, must be liking your current assignment. What are you doing there?
Ch. In current Banking sector crisis situation what RBI has done in restructuring the whole bankibg sector.?
Ch. Is violence against violence is good? (He gave Gandhi Ji's example..extend another cheek for receiving another slap)
Ch. You are already selected in previous CS exam,Why are you attempting again?

M1. You belong to Sonipat, what is famous about it?
M1. Why women from Haryana are leading in sports now a days?
M1. Some other areas where there has been some changes noticed in recent past in your state and why these changes?
M1. From Economic angle, what is lucrative about Sonipat?
M1. Why so many Edu Institutions have come up there?
M1. Vande Bharat , do you know about it?
M1.Will Train 18 be successful in India? Why it is being talked so much?
M1. What about its speed?
M1. Highlights of Railway budget?
M2. Mr Singh, now a days the celebrities are in news for the extravaganzas in marriage functions, How do you feel about it? Are they right in doing so, your views.
M2.Who is known as Iron man of India?
M2. What was the other name of Vallabh bhai Patel?
M2. Who gave him the title of Sardar?
M2. On what occassion It was accorded?
M2. For what else he is famous for?
M2. How many princely states were there?
M2.How to improve safety in Railways? Is there any scheme lsunched for the same?
M2.Amritsar accident , Railway said, it is not to be held responsible. What do you think, Is is correct on Railways part?
M2. Is there a separate compensation fund for such accidents?
M3.Have you read today's headlines?
M3. Any 2 of them..
M3. Name the IAF pilot captured by PAK?
M3.What is the mechanism for repatriation of such captured soldiers?What India is doing to get him back?
M3. Is there any treaty in this regard?
M3. How can you use your comp sc knowledge in Railways?
M3. Imagine an example where you can use it?
M3. Issues in handling passanger luggage at Airports?
M4. What was there before the 562 princely states?
M4.Have you heard of SEZ?
M4.Have you heard of GCC?
M4. Why it is called only Gulf not a specific gulf?
M4.Is there any law for e-Waste management?
M4. Diff between Rules and Act?
M4 . Name the act dealing with these rules?
M4. I want to ask you something if you dont mind...Why have you changed so many jobs? In your last job you were earning double than what you are earning now...still you changed the job..why?

Ch. Thank you Mr. Singh, your interview is over.
Wish you 'All the best' & 'a bright future'.

Name: XYZ
Background: Electrical Engineering, Hyderabad.
Optional: Sociology
Board: Manoj Soni Sir

Chairperson
1. Have you been to Charminar?
2. What is the disease by which people were affected  during the construction of Charminar
3. Osmania University...is your college part of the campus?
4. As a sociology student how do you see the changing social relationships
5.Relation between Democracy and Social Media
6. Social Networking...Are you on any Social Networking platform? Issues with it?

M1
1. I see you are interested in debates Argue against E vehicles subsidy..( DAF based )
2. What is the mandate of WTO.
Was asking name of round(Doha).
3. Are Electric vehicles completely pollution free.. right from manufacturing to disposal? What are the pollutants?
 
M2
1.Importance of Golconda
How is it different from other forts? Architecture
2. Do you prefer hot cooked meals or packaged ready to eat food for kids within 6 years of age? Why?
3.Chilly Export
4. Special Category Status for AP

M3
1. Do you know about bill passed following Vishaka judgement.
Sexual harrasment of women at workplace.
He asked  features
2.Issues with Metoo movement

M4
1.Different types of Energy( I had participated in debate held by MNRE ministry of new and renewable energy)
2. Issues with wind Mills installation
3. Solar energy
4.What kind of music do you hear( hobby)
5. IL&FS  issue
6. Electric Technology to reduce emissions in plants?
7. Are you aware of the recent kidney racket playing out in papers?

Overall the board was cordial!

Unknown
Board- Manoj Soni Sir
27/2/19, Afternoon session
Optional- Sociology
Bihar, Mass communication Background
Timing ≈30-32 mins

Chairman:-
Brief yourself

Role of media,fake news,paid news

Journalism Vs Civil Service

Vaishali (Bihar) dist feature and follow up

Role of new Dowry Act for women empowerment in Bihar.

Is Patna coming under Smart city??

Other cities of Bihar in smart city.

Social Structure of Bihar regarding caste and class.

Recent award in sanitation.(follow up)

Status of Swaachta campaign in Bihar.


M1:-

What do you meant by LoC and LaC

Miraj Vs F-16

China's stand for Indian Diplomacy

Dassault- Rapid fire questions

Technology to improve Media reporting

M2:-

Education backwardness of Bihar

Comparison between Developed state (in education) and Bihar with some factual details

Bihar toppers scam and it's follow up

Smart City meant by

WHO role for NGO work and some follow up

M3:-

USA and China Recent Policy of protectionism,related follow up

Brexit and India

How do you access India's foreign policy over 70 years.

Why our relationship not good with neighbours

Bihar shelter home scam

M4:-

Classical song Vs Folk songs

Some folk culture of Bihar

Sankritization of caste in Bihar as cultural level

What is tripod attack

Nucelar bomb technology of india

Chairman:-
Thank you your interview is over.

Jon Snow:
Manoj Soni sir board

Optional- kannada literature

Engineering-ECE


Bangalore air show- why did it happen?

Was there any loss of life?

What is the issue regarding Citizenship amendment bill ?

What is the Issue in Arunachal Pradesh?

What is your stand on both?


Member 1

You have worked in Infosys. What was your job role?

What was the controversy with Infosys?

Was it the same issue at ICICI recently?

Have you heard of ILFS issue? What is it?

You have done electronics and then worked at Infosys, then why did you take kannada optional?


Member 2

What is swot analysis?

What is the swot of Infosys?

What are your strengths?

What is your weakness?

You are from Bangalore- what are the major problems of Bangalore?

Suppose you are made the dm how will you solve these problems?

Have you heard of odd even formula? Where was it used?

Was it a success?

What is this strength training?


Member 3

What is your view on the sons of the soil policy? 

Do you support the new law which is being discussed in Maharashtra?

Suppose you are an sp and there is a goonda with the backing of a politician , what will you do?

You talked about artificial intelligence. Tell me it's potential applications?

There is this issue of acceptance Hindi language in southern states. What is your view on it?


Member 4(Lady Member)

What is your view on the belgaum issue?

So you say it's not the people who are demanding it?

I have been to Whitefield and it's a mess? Why do you think it is so?

What can be done?

What is your view on death penalty?

Long question on the link between population growth and development ?

What is the TFR of Karnataka?

Have you subscribed for Amazon and Netflix?

Have any of your friends subscribed?

Do you know about Enigma of World War?

Do you think we should censor the content on netflix?

What kind of content can be censored?

K. Shashikanth
7 March 2019 Afternoon session
4th to go
Manoj Soni sir board

Background- Navodaya Vidyalaya, Electrical engineering, MA Rural development, Working in a NGO.
Hobbies- Cooking Telangana cuisine, Badminton.

CM::
Read my DAF aloud and started questions
1. What is this Telangana cuisine?
2. Difference between Telangana cuisine and Andhra cuisine?
3. What is your favourite dish?
4. Ok, we see McDonald's, KFC, Domino's daily. So, as an administrator what will you do to make your cuisine same like them? He was specifically asking me about the steps that I'll take to globalise the cuisine.

Member 1
1. What is the future of electric vehicles in India? (DAF)
2. What are the issues with electric vehicles?
3. Recent policy for electric vehicles.
4. Difference between FAME-1 and FAME-2?
5. FAME-2 scheme details.
6. Why did you do MA Rural development after engineering?
7. Why did you take Anthropology as optional?
8. How to make non vegetarian food organic?


Member 2 (Lady member)
1. What is Anthropology?
2. Tell me names of some anthropologists?
3. Do you know Margaret Mead?
4. What is her contribution to Anthropology?
5. On which society did she work?
6. What made people of Telangana to demand a separate state?
7. What is Gentle men's agreement and explain it.
8. Is there any animosity between people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at ground level?
9. Is population of India a boon or bane?
10. Should we have regulation on the number of children per family
11. Can we take coercive actions to control population?


Member 3
1. How to tackle heavy traffic in cities.
2. What is odd even rule and it's performance.
3. Helmets and traffic rules breached in cities. What should be done?


Member 4
1. What are the subjects of MA Rural development.
2. What are the schemes for rural areas
3. What is the checks and balances in MGNREGA
4. What is social audit
5. What are the problems of rural areas
6. Problems of Mahabubnagar
7. As a DM how will you develop your district.
8. Sanitation scheme in district
9. How will you ensure water availability for sanitation in your district, which is drought prone.
10. Some Schemes of Telangana about water distribution.
11. Is your village ODF? What type of latrines are used?
12. Twin pit latrines and it's advantages.
13. How water is treated for Drinking water.

Lokesh Yadav:
Ch: Manoj Soni Sir
ECE engg Anthropology optional, work ex intellectual property research, Income tax inspector, fitness and computer gaming hobby
1. Cgpa good, is it the case that engg not getting good jobs, that's why coming to civils?
2. (Job IT) What's the difference between tax ex and revenue? Types of revenue?
3. Budget mein changes in tax?
4. Explain in layman: how call is made from one phone to another? Can you connect to the gentleman present here? How we connect to network of different companies?

M1:
1. As PM of India. What 3 areas you want to improve and how?
2. PSUs are taking commanding heights of economy. Speak for 2 mins.

M3 (lady):
1. Use of your skills from engineering in income tax
2. How are you different from old people like us in use of tech in governance
3. Issue of gender discrimination in Haryana
4. Negative steps of khap? As DM what would you do if state is not taking action against khaps
5. Can we make use of game/make such game which can solve issue of gender discrimination?
6. Status of sex ratio? Why is it improving?
7. Institution related to anthro in India? Name of ministry?

M4:
1. What is hambantota?
2. China Slanka issue, present status?
3. SYL issue and solution? Do you think a solution is possible in future?
4. Problem of Dera culture and solution?
5. About 1-5G. Auctioning, speed etc?

M5 (lady)
1. (HOBBY) What is fitness?
Strength and endurance?
What is ironman?
Do you want to participate in ironman in future?
Does fitness training enhance productivity? What types of exercise that you do?
How would you motivate people of your department to go for fitness training?
Is it difficult to persuade then

Chairman tried to distract when lady member 1 was asking about khap
Chairman:
Thank you Lokesh. All the best.

Name : Siddharth
Optional :philosophy

Board - Dr Manoj Soni sir

Ch: nawab and sevice attitude
Ch: ambedkar and his official statement after constitution
Ch: ambedkar and his 5 teerth and their names
Ch: some constitutional makers and their contributions

M1: software’s and differences between -BCom, BSc, b tech and software eng
M1 :women entrepreneur ?

M2: china and manuf
What india can do for the same ?
M2: why IAS ?


M3: up and communal issues
M3: Nepal and China infrastructure , is it good ?
M3: Why India couldn’t do it ?
M3: should we remove PSU s like ONGC, Gail?

M4: forest clearances and delay ?
M4:innovations that can be done in forest ?
M4: issue of Forest dwellers and their rights ?
M4: govt stand on the same ?

Name: Vikash Kumar
DOI: 15-03-2019
Board Chairman: Dr. Manoj Soni
DAF details:
1. B.Tech in Chemical Engg, IIT Delhi
2. Home state: Bihar
3. Currently working as a Business Analyst with a social media firm
4. Hobbies: Trekking, Road trips, Travel blogs, Cricket and Football

Chairman asked me to sit down and kept staring at me with a never ending smile (Awkward)

1. Read out my qualifications and hobbies, asked what do you like to do most in your leisure time
2. Role of media in administration
3. Case: Suppose you are the SP of a district and the local MP calls you and tells you that a local media house is publishing a lot being critical of his works and the government and tell you to take action
4. Media is 4th pillar of democracy, what are the other 3
5. Is media today neutral and unbiased

Member 1:

1. Asked the nature of my present company.
2. How are you preventing content on your platform which go against our culture and are not fit for certain section of people
3. Issue of water in Bihar and how to solve as an administrator
4. Should 360 degree assessment of employees in civil services?

Member 2:

1. Nature of your work as a Business Analyst
2. Any of your analysis which eventually brought large gains for your company
3. State of agriculture and causes of farmer distress

Member 3:

1. What are Chemical Weapons, their use in past, which countries may be possessing them today, should chemical weapons be used in wars?
2. Issue of government monitoring persona data on social media
3. Tell me 3 ambitions of your life

Member 4:

1. Issue of people with criminal background and convictions contesting elections, especially in Bihar
2. How as a DM and RO you can try to cleanse this problem?

Chairman asked me cross questions regarding use of social media in my answer to the last question and said thank you!

Abhishek Gupta:
Background: Gujarat, engineering.

06 March 2019
Forenoon, 1st to go. (Time: 30 minutes)
Board: Manoj soni sir.

Hobby: Swimming, cricket

Chairman:
He read my DAF in front of me.
1) Where do you live? (Ans:        Ahmedabad)
2) is Ahmedabad heritage city?
Criteria for selecting heritage city.
3) Statistics of statue of unity. (How many tons of iron used?)
4) He spoke one or two line of any random poem. And asked me which "chhand" is this?(chhand is part of grammar, as my optional is literature)
5) Explain any chhand.

M1(lady):
1) Who are your favourite swimmers?
2) Then she spoke one name and asked do you know this swimmer?
3) In the past swimmers were allowed to wear black suit in competition, then they discontinued. Why?
4) Why Gujarat has low social indicators?
5) Why currently we are focusing on higher education rather than primary?

M2:
1) How many ports are there in Gujarat?
2) Why ports are important?
3) Is there any crude oil refinery in Gujarat?
4) What is the approximate capacity?
5) Why Iran is important for india?

M3:
1) When is the cricket world cup?
2) Where will it be played?
3) India is in which group?
4) How Weighing machine works?
Then some technical questions that i don't remember.
5) Should india play with pakistan in world cup? (Ans: yes)

M4:
1) Difference between 3G and 4G.
2) What we need for 5G?
3) What was your role in your job? (Worked in wipro for 1.5 year)
4) Were you paying tax?
5) Tax benefits in this year budget.
6) If My salary is 7 lakh per annum. Do i need to pay tax?

Chairman (again):
1) There is a situation. Your neighbor continuously try to abuse you and will try to harm you. Will you allow your children to play with him? (Ans: No)

2) Then why did you say we should play cricket match with Pakistan?
(I said as per the situation there is no safety of my children where as cricket team will have safety and security.)

3) So for you security of 15 player is important not of 130 crore citizens.? (Sir, obviously 130 crore citizens' security is more important but whether we play with Pakistan or not, it won't make any impact on Pakistan. And ICC also denied our request to ban Pakistan. So we should play.)

4) So why did we stop trade? It should also continue.
(Sir, if we will not play with Pakistan in the world cup then it will not create huge impact on Pakistan. But if we stop trade then it will distort Pakistan economy. So that is why we stopped our trade with Pakistan.)

Ok. Thank you.

Vishakha:
14.03.2019

Board -Manoj Soni

Background- Law


Chair- what humanities subjects did you study in graduation? Did you have an option to choose? What was your role in Wipro? what's the law that gives power to the government to require cigarette companies to show pictorial warnings on the packets? Why not such a warning for Beedis? Are they safer than cigarettes? Which directive principle under the constitution gives such a power to decide what's harmful for the public health?

M1- what techniques do you use for solving sudoku? How does it help you? Does it improve concentration? What was the topic of your research paper? Don't you think making special provisions for differently abled children's education would be an additional burden on the government? How will you take care of the special needs of such children in your district as an administrator? Should govt expenditure on education be increased? 

M2- How can a violation of international border by India(Balakot strike) be justified in international law? Have we become an overly litigant society? How can we deal with the issue of excessive litigations? Hypothetical- Saudi govt asks India to provide to it the custody of an adult girl who has fled the country consensually with a foreigner and is in the high seas? What legal implications of govt respects the request? Any violation of UNCLOS?

M3- why do you think the lawyers charge such an exorbitantly high fees? How is it fair because most of the people can't afford to pay such high fees? How's the quality of the free legal aid?  Why have the victims of Bhopal gas disaster not got justice till date? What do you as an individual can do to help? If there are communal tensions in your area what will you do to resolve the situation? What will be the first response? Was secularism part of the constitution from the beginning? When and why was it added? What difference did it make?

M 4- how are arbitrators appointed under arbitration act? How are damages different from penalty under the Indian contract act? What is a contract ? What are the essentials? Should the liquidated damages be paid by a PSU like NBCC in case the contract is not fulfilled because of delays?

Deleted Account:
Chairman Manoj Soni sir
27-03-19 fn
Tripura hobby painting Kathak
CWC mechanical energy

How u managing job and study without gap
Do u practice painting and Kathak still
How to manage water?
Desalination y not in India?
Issues?
Y not r and d in desalination?
Place where desalination done in India?


Member 1 why northeast isn't growing?
Hima das?
How she became so much famous

Member2
history of Tripura
Famous personalities from ancient and present?
Painters of India
Speciality of Raja Ravi Verma
Speciality of Jatin (painter didnt know)

Member 3
Demand of Nagaland?
Y we aren't making greater nagalim?
Let's make separate state for them?
What's the solution?
Tripura DM adjacent to border what you'll do for women
Tripura best state among northeast y more we need
Ahom social ordee
Member 4
Is mechanical engineering relevant when we're moving towards renewable sources
Y we not abolishing CWC when we are adopting bottom up approach
Nagaland posting what you'll do as DM?


It was wonderful
All the very best

Nidhin Raj:
Chairman :Manoj soni sir
4th to go in the morning section
Graduation : mechanical engineering
Optional : litrature of malayalam language
Chairman : good morning,  nidhinraj... What is the meaning of your name?
How many languages in india has got classical language status?
What are the criteria for classical language status?
Do you think creation of states on linguistic lines is too simplistic?
Should we constitute another state reorganisation committee now?
(Discussion on state reorganisation )
M1: suppose if i want to visit places in kerala which all places will you suggest?
Why?
What is there in munnar and thekkadi?

M2:Despite having high literacy why poverty exist in kerala?
What needs to be done?
Students politics(discussion )
Suceess of land reforms in kerala
M3: about hobby (magic, teaching )
Dowry issues in kerala
Why demanding dowry despite high literacy?
suppose you were the district magistrate what all the steps u would have taken to adress kerala flood?
What is kerala govt take over madhav gadgil commitee report?
M4: do you think litrature over a period of time deteriorated?
New forms of litrature?
Name some of your favorite writers

Chairman : your interview is over... Thank you☺

Sai Rohith:
Sai Rohith:
Sai Rohith
ECE, Public administration
3 years Software engineer
Karimnagar, Telangana
Board: Manoj Soni
Date: Mar 28, 2019

Chair:
Why did you change from TechM to another company? No need to say if its personal

Why left software when you are earning good

How do you appraise yourself of International affairs?

Which news papers do you read? Who are the editors?

What do you watch in Youtube?

Indicators of Malnutrition govt should consider for making policy on malnutrition?


Member1:
How metro operates without driver?

Favourite topic in ECE

Difference between 2G, 3G and 4G?

Voice calls use 2G or 3G or 4G?


Member2:
Speciality about Karimnagar

Qsns on Silver Filgree

Reasons for global economic slowdown


Member3:
What is famous about your home town

How do you make Gram Sabha more efficient?

How do you use mobile communication to improve administration

Nirmal paintings


Member4:
What is urban naxalism?

Recent incident?

Which police got intelligence about urban naxalism

Prefernce of services

Situation: You are an IPS and was invited as chief guest by an old age home. Give a speech for 1 minute. (I started saying answer normally. Member asked me to give a speech assuming all 5 here as old age members)

Chairman:
Full form of IAS

What is meant by Ordnance

Last punch: How can you choose Ordnance factory in your preferred list without knowing the meaning

Your interview is over

PS: Overall cordial board. No expressions from Chair - was smiling at times

Rajanikant:
Name: Rajanikant Chilumula
Date 28/03/2019
Background: Dual degree from IIT Madras (Mech Engg)
Job exp: Gas Turbines Engg in GE
State: Telangana
Hobbies: cycling, music
Board: Manoj Soni Sir
Chairman:
1. Very cordial welcome and made me comfortable. Had some lighter moments about my name and hero
2. Asked about my work profile and my role
3. Energy Policy of India
4. Challenges with the renewable energy sector and how to deal with them
5. Integrated power  systems and advanced technologies in it

Memeber1:
1. Why did you take Psychology as optional?
2. Do you think leadership can be taught? Can we make any layman a leader?
3. Do you think Multi National Companies are looting us since all the profits earned by hard work of Indian employees is taken away?
4. How to improve the value of Indian labour?
(Some more questions I can't recall now)

Member 2:
1. What are the threats for our internal security?
2. How to tackle Cyber warfare?
3. Do you think Telangana is developing after its bifurcation?
4. Hyderabad was developed by Telangana politicians. Don't you think they are at loss?
5. Do you think Naxalism has reduced in Telangana post bifurcation?
6. What is red corridor in India? What is the spread of the affected areas?
7. Do you think Telangana would be completely free of naxalism soon?

Member 3:
1. What kind of safety measures do we have to take during cycling?
2. What should be the optimum no. of gears for cycles?
3. What are dreams? What do the modern theories say about dreams?
4. Do you think the dreams that come in the morning will come true?
5. What is OCD? What psychological theories can be used to explain such disorders?
6. What is the status of GE companies shares?
7. What led to the overall GE business's losses?
8. Do you think big companies like GE can go bankrupt?

Member 4:
1. What is the significance of your name?
2. Why did you have to go to Vijayawada to study?
3. Do you support the corporate education system which makes children work like machines?
4. How will you as an administrator ensure quality education in Government schools?
4. People from telugu states are behind development but why do we see a rise in Honour killings in recent times
5. What are the factors that made Hyderabad and Bengaluru IT hub?
6. How will you make sure your staff who will be much senior to you work and cooperate with you?
7. Did you have any dreams recently ?
8. Dream about this interview? Did you perform well? (all started laughing)
Thank you.. your interview is over 🙂

28th march
Home state - Bihar
Optional - chemistry
Work ex- currently in ifos. Earlier Ongc
Manoj soni board.
I was the last to go in evening
Chairman went through entrie DAF

Chairman: u r from Madhubani, you must have prepared well hence I will not ask from there.
1. Tell me the theme song of IIT Bhu.
2. You hv technical background & 5+yrs of work ex. Will u stay in Forest service or willing to go back to corporate sector?
3. I don't think that in our life time kashmir issue will b solved. If you get a chance, how will you proceed to solve this? (almost 8 min of argument & counter argument)

M1:
1. There is growing movement towards protectionism in world. Why?
2. What's the issue between ongc & hpcl?
3What is the progress of social forestry in India?
4.  I want to have my own private social forest. Is it legally possible?
5.Tell me something about Chemistry of life.
M2:
1. Madhubani painting?
2.What is the status of Ganga river cleaning in varanasi?
3.As a DM in your district, what will be your priority area?
4.Why science subject popularity is decreasing in india?
M3:
1.How China relationships with Nepal will effect India?
2.How prevention of flood will effect agricultural productivity in Bihar?
3.How Gujarat is different from Bihar?
M4:
1.Why Bihar lagged behind other states in development?
2.Pakistan keep on instigating terrorist activity in different cities of India. What is d purpose behind it?
3.Will you leave Ifos if you get Into IPS?
Chairman:
Last question: If your senior gives you a legal order with which you don't agree. What will you do?
Thank you

Ramesh N
26 March
MANOJ Soni board
Academics: Masters in Information Security
Optional : Public Administration
Geo: Adilabad, Telangana
Hobby: Badminton

Interview was for ~30 mins.


Chairman
1.what have you been engaged in these days?
2. What was the issue in IT act few years ago( 66A)
2. How to address data colonization problem.
3. Is there any law on data protection across globe which we can follow to enact our law?

M1
1. What is PPP? Has it been successful in India?
2. Isn't it  shutting off government duty?
3. How can we evaluate ppp?


M2
1. Are you happy with the bifurcation of telanaga and Andhra Pradesh ? How do you see the progress so far?
2. Express your take aways about the success of badminton in Hyderabad.
3. What was issue in Adilabad few years ago? ( I spoke about tribal Issue) followup question to bring discussion on Naxalism
4. Who spearheaded Naxalism in Andhra pradesh?
5. What are the reasons for Naxalism?


M3
1. How to play cross court shot in badminton?
2. How to hold racket while hitting smash, and while playing a drop?
3. Why has the electronic industry not developed in India? And follow up questions

M4( lady member )
1. Why is your district backward? Reasons?
2. Do you support division of districts in Telangana? Why?
3. Is MGNREGA success? Why?
4. Don't you think MGNREGA is leading to Alcoholism, increased wages in agri labour causing loss to agriculture?
5. What is the relationship between China and India?

Chairman
1. If NAXALITES are causing violence and not surrendering, should we kill them BRUTALLY, MERCILESSLY?

Your interview is over. All the very best for your future.

Chairman : Mr. Manoj Soni
Name: Nivedita S Balaraddiyavar
optional: psychology
background: ECE


C:
1. Your name reminds me of Sister Nivedita. What do you know about her?
2. You seem prepared on that. Tell me about the purpose of your life.
3. It went over my head. (Me: Shall I rephrase, sir?). No need, philosophical questions are like that.
4. The way you speak about purpose and life, you seem like a serious person. Are you one?
5. What gives you utmost happiness in life ?
6. Why psychology as optional after electronics? And another different question related to why this choice of career. I asked if I should answer why psychology first. Asked me not to answer.
M1:
1. Good academic background, good job, why civil service?
2. How did you decide within only one year? You could have continued in the job?
3. You spoke of inspiration from Dharwad administrator, what would be the 3 things that you would focus on, if you were an administrator ?
4. Dont you think CSR is seen as additional tax anyway? Shouldn’t govt take extra tax and use this money better? Instead of asking firms to spend , which is not at all organised?

M2:
1. (? Dont remember 1st Q.)
2. Opinion on metoo movement .
3. Dont you think women are wrong in choosing to come out 20-30 years later? Do they have an agenda ?
4. Another follow up question I think
5. Implications of AI. And solutions.

M3:
1. I’m curious, What is this zentangling?
2. RBI-govt tussle. What is your take?
3. What will you do as RBI Governor ? Focus only on inflation, or think about the issue of liquidity ?
4. You say purpose as utility (talking about being useful ) and also you talk about satisfaction , don’t you think the two are contradicting ?
M4 intervened : are you in this for the pursuit of power alone instead? Aren’t you attracted to power that this job gives?
M3 : do you think administrators work more with their heads and less with their hearts?
You have studied psychology. So you understand unconscious, subconscious and conscious. Now tell me how you'll use this understanding in administration.

M4:
1. Questions on women related discrimination , couldn’t fully grasp the core of it.
2. So, she asked about my experience as a woman in IT industry.
3. What would I do to solve those issues, (in the capacity of an administrator , in your team maybe) ?
4. Bagalkot being your native, what is your understanding of the issues it faces? It is a backward district , so, if posted there, how would you approach ?
C:
Have a nice day, have a safe journey back home, Nivedita. .. and so on.
Me: So, I’m done , sir?
C: Yes.
me: thanked them.

IFoS interview-2019
Manoj Soni sir Board

1) What have you been doing since graduation till you started working?
2)What is the basic role of EPFO?
3) Link social security with ecological security
4)Why IFS?

Member 1
1) Tell me INDC targets
2)Link between Forestry and Agriculture
3)What are the ecosystem services provided by Forest
4)Government policies for tribals
5)Are the policies reaching tribals
6) What are the rights provided under FRA

Member 2
1) Endemic fauna of western Ghats
2)techniques used in tiger census
3)As DFO of your district , 3 primary objectives
4) Why do carnivores eat herbivores and not other carnivores?
5) Is hornbill herbivores or omnivores?
6) Unique feature of Hornbill nesting
7) CRZ guidelines
8) Mangrove species and where do they grow
9) Few characteristics of Mangroves

Member 3
1) Karnataka forest cover?
2)Bonn challenge and revised targets of India
3)Measures to reach the Bonn challenge?
4) Coffee species in Karnataka?
5) Where did coffee come from?
6) Integration if tribals?
7) As DFO measures you will take to improve schooling?
8) Major difference between tribals of North East India and Central India?

Azeez Khan
11th Feb 2020
Board: Manoj Soni Sir
Background: Home state  Odisha, Btech Biotechnology, Former Software engineer

Chairperson:
1. Tell us briefly about your journey since graduation
2. Why software engineer after biotechnology
3. How agroforestry can help in doubling farmer income
4. Problems related to agroforestry

M1:
1. Ex situ and in situ conservation
2. Application of biotechnology in forestry
3. Features of national parks
4. Benefits of Mangroves


M2:
1. Forest and wildlife resources of Odisha
2. Olive Ridley turtles
3. Why an officer of biotechnology background should be selected instead of forestry student
4. How often do you go to gym(hobby)
5. Do you go for jogging also?

M3:
1. Is timber smuggling happening in Odisha
2. How timbers are smuggled
3. What does anglo-vedic mean(dav school)?
4. How would you explain to a layman about forest resources of Odisha
5. Tribal knowledge about forests

Name: Ebin  Benny  Abraham 11/02/2020 IFoS  interview Board:  Manoj  Soni  Sir Background:  Mechanical  Engg.  from  IIT  Bombay,  home  state  Kerala,  hobbies:  watching american  satirical  shows,  listening  to  opera  music,  following  football,  online  chess


Chair: 1.  You  have  had  a long wait,  (I  was  5th  in  the  session)  would  you  like  some  tea?  What  were  you during  the  waiting  time? 2.  What  did  you read in  the  newspaper?  What  caught  your  attention? 3.  You  like  watching  American  Satirical  shows,  which  shows  do  you  watch? 4.  Is  ‘Friends’  satire? 5.  Why is IIT  Mumbai,  still  named  Bombay? 6.  How  do  forests  help  in  improving  the  quality  of  water? 7.  You  have  good  forest  cover  in  your  state.  Is  it  the  highest? M1: 1.  What  is  an  ecosystem? 2.  If  I  write  with  my  pen,  biotic  and  abiotic  factors  are  interacting,  is  it  an  ecosystem? 3.  What  happens  in  an  ecosystem? 4.  What  are  the  ecosystem  services  in  agricultural  land? 5..What  are  the  dominant  crops  in  Kerala? 6.  What  do you know about  silent  valley? 7.  What  are  the  different  types  of  forests  in  Kerala? 8.  Where  else  do  you  see  Tropical  evergreen  forests? M2: 1.  Place  of  Birth  Thrissur,  why  is  the  festival  famous? 2.  What  about  the  environmental  impact  of  firecrackers? 3.  What  is  CRZ? 4.  Have  the  restrictions  been  eased?  Why  do  you  think  so? 5.  What  happened in  Kerala  floods? 6.  Kerala  is  a  high  literacy,  tech-savvy  state.  Why  do  mining,  deforestaion,  quarrying  take place?  Is  it  a  governance  deficit? 7.  Can’t  we  use  technology  to  stop  this  quarrying?  How  can  we  do  so? 8.What  are  the  concerns  with  respect  to  Mullaperiyar  Dam? M3: 1.  Where  do you find  the  best  forests  in  India? 2.  I  say  climate  change  is  hoax.  What  do  you  think? 3.  Don’t  you  think  it’s  a  natural  process? 4.  What  changes  have  you  observed  with  regard  to  climate  change? 4.  What  is  your  analysis  of  the  Kerala  floods?  Don’t  you  think  dam  mismanagement  is  the  main cause? 5.  Recently  a  few  buildings  were  demolished  in  Kerala.  What  is  your  opinion? 6.  What  is  your  opinion  about  the  parading  of  elephants  in  Thrissur  Pooram? Chair: Thank  you,  all  the  best.

Yogi
Board Manoj soni sir
Background  Mechanical Engineering

Chairman
1. Your name resemble to Yoga.  Do you practice it
2. Yoga is only about asana.
3. Is only asan, pranayam meditation. Nothing more .
4. Job of DFO.


M1
1. How you used urs mechanical skill in forestry.
2. How will u deal with a situation by using ur Anayltical skill - you find a dead elephant wolithout tusk
3. Which skill u will see if u want to devolve ur staff , if u r the dfo
4. What is atv
5. How will atv used in forestry. Are they cost effective.
6. Why not jeep. What is the max slope u can run ATV.
7. Where western country used ATV
M2 - grilled me
1. How biotechnology help in forestry.
2. What u will do to incerase the productivity of forest.
3. What is fire flame.
4. How u will make a plant disease resistant.
5. Why trees shed there leaves in spring.
6. Name some species that shed their leaves.
7. why there are small seeds and large seeds
M3
1. Significance of bhiwani.
2. Well known politician from bhiwani n his major contribution
3. Problem of bhiwani
4. How will u check water table declining.
5. Any government scheme regarding that.
6. Why farmers are not opting for micro irrigation.
What u will do .
Chairman
U seems sweeting. Take some tissue paper.😂😂
Ok thank u , ur interview is over.

Anurag Mishra
Date: 13th Feb 2020, Afternoon Session (1st to go)
Dr. Manoj Soni board

Background: BS-MS from IISER, Pune. Worked for a year each in NCBS, Bangalore and in Zurich (both research positions in ecology)

Chairman (extremely cordial)

1. So you studied in IISER. How is the education at IISER different from traditional colleges where they offer BSc and MSc?
2. What was your research topic in Zurich?
3. Why did you leave Zurich, if it isn’t too personal a question.
4. Don’t you think the country is losing a person trained in sciences?
5. That too, biology is a need of the hour. We are having BSc Biotechnology, but I feel unless you know both biology and technology, how will you do Biotechnology?
6. Is a career in research still open for you?

M1 (poker face, seemed a bit disinterested)

1. What is Eutrophication? (I had mentioned Lakes in my work experience). What nutrients cause Eutrophication?
2. What are the types of Lakes?
3. What are the different layers in a lake ecosystem?
4. Which stage of succession in a lake has the highest biodiversity?
5. Why does elephant give 1-2 progeny, but mosquitos give million? Give the evolutionary basis, not genetic basis.
6. What are r and K selected species? Will you find r-selected or K-selected species in stable ecosystems?


M3

1. Have you interacted with Forest Department? Here I said no, but with Bugun when I did work in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. I have friends in Forest Dept. They don’t seem to do anything scientific? How do you think your background will help?
3. Are you aware of the evolution of methodologies of tiger survey in India (I said only in the last few years, he did not pursue it further)
4. What do you think of the numbers being thrown out in Tiger Census? Do they mean anything?
5. If I tell you a forest has 10 tigers, as a DFO what other information would you ask me? Is the number all that is important? (This went a lot back and forth. At one point I thought we were discussing tiger census)
6. What animals do you photograph (wildlife photography written in my hobbies).
7. Ok tell me if I have a plantation how do I improve the productivity?

M4

1. Nicely set up questions about Odisha, asking how many years I have lived there etc. .. Have you seen a Paddy Field? How doe it look? When is sowing and harvesting done?
2. Why is there problem of hunger in Odisha?
3. Odisha is a classic complicated case of forests-tribals-mining complex issue. What do you think?
4. What is govt doing for agriculture and to remove hunger?
5. What are the schemes for tribals in Odisha?
6. Have you seen Dugong? (No.) Ok tell me something about Dugong (herbivore, found in Gulf of Mannar, feeds on sea grass). Where is Gulf of Mannar? Do you know there is a water body called Dugong Creek in Andamans? You should go to Andamans, there is a Bbsr to Port Blair direct flight (I said there is from Kolkata). He again stressed I must visit Andamans.

Ifs interview 2019
Board :Manoj Soni
Name: chidambara Priya

Cm:
1)Is ur native village or town
2)u didn't get any placement
3)Tell me thirukural on forest
4)Novel wat u r reading last
M2
5)tell me something abt chola dynasty
6) climate change impact in Southern plateau
7)govt efforts to tackle climate change
8)tn efforts
9)role of women in forest management
10)y v need to protect wildlife
11)step to mitigate drought

Is this first interview

M3:
10)do u eat grass
11)is tiger eat grass
12)human eat both y tiger not
13wat is Iran us tension
14)role of Saudi
15) objective of namami ganga project
M4:
16)Growing potted plants abt hobby
17)Wat pots prefer
18)Hw long u do
19)Wat plants u take care
20)As dfo wat u will do
21)Is plants need affection
22)wat is flagship species

Name : Manoj K G
Graduation : B.Sc. Agriculture
Board : Boshale sir board
State : Tamilnadu
Optional : Sociology
Chairman
1. Why not agriculture as optional
2. Tell me about happy seeder
3. Exact mechanism of Happy seeder

M1
1. What is Air defence.. How to improve it
2.Land acquisition Act

M2
1. sociology.. difference between matriarchal and matrilineal.. examples
2. Why farmer suicides happening

M3
1. What is the policy of Trump which is deviating from previous predecessors of America
2. India's export majorly
3.India's import
4. top three countries in India's trade

M4
1.Why Onion price distortion
2. Storage infrastructure and how to increase it with technology
3. difference between warehouse and cold storage
4. crops which are being stored in warehouse and cold storage

Chairman
1. ideal temperature for cold storage
2. ideal temperature for onion

Your interview is over
thank you

Nikhil patil
Extc 2015
Optional -Maths
Hobbies- bodybuilding,cycling
Board -Dr Manoj  Soni 
Chairman –
What inspired you to follow bodybuilding ?
Tell me about Anna Hazare 
Then questions on has bureaucracy failed in Maharashtra ?should we promote more people like Anna Hazare to do work ?or bureaucracy should be reformed ?-Followed discussion on it 
M1-Explain about Sugarcane cultivation and problems in Maharashtra 
Explain about PMFBY nad issues
Gst and its issues has it been successful?
M2 – Rose valley and Sharda act –(i said i am not able to recall )
If your DM of an earthquake prone region  amd there is an earthquake ,what would you do ?
Judicial activism and issues 
M3-Brief intro about Bhima-Koregaon and then asekd botcentercentre and the state are fighting over its investigation What should be done ?
M4-Expalin Dpsp amd literally she asked me to name a few 
Then same about Fundamental duties
If your Dm of a village on which areas you would work ,if you have 1 crore budget ?
Your interview is over 
Thank you.

Panel: manoj soni sir
Date: 25 feb 2020
Last to go,around 5.10 pm

Chairman:1)You daf is happening, why u didn't join capf?
2) what are u doing now
3)what is the role of icls officer
4)where was your training
5) how to boost economy,steps by government.

M1: 1) civil service rules
2) protection for civil servants
3) disciplinary action against  civil servants,provisions,acts for same
4) penalties for civil servants
5) which movies u watch( hobby)
6) parasite,learnings
7) why Bollywood movies don't win oscar.

M2:j n k sp,2 inspectors with you and 15 civilian staff.2000 people crowd waiting to lynch you all. 2 options a) wait for help,follow rules
B) tie one local to jeep and go through the crowd

M3: 1) public life index( didn't know)
2) parameters to count standard of living
3) Melania trump  dress designer for yesterday s event( no idea)
4) what type of dress and colors,uniqueness
5)which old western movies u saw

M4: 1) which marathi movies went to oscar
2) why they didn't win oscar
3) 3 problems of Maharashtra
4) if u are chief secretary,how u will solve it,targets for them and whether you will achieve it,surety to achieve, etc.

Alok Kumar

28th feb, morning session

Board: Manoj Soni

2nd to go. Optional: Philosophy 

Graduation: Mechanical engineering 

Already in service: CSE 2018 _135_IPS

Chair: 

1.Hello Alok, so are you in training or leave ?

2.So, are you not satisfied with ips?

3.Career progression, dynamism, ground work, scope, are bookish terms, tell me something that is real ?

4.And power and prestige? That isnt the case ?

5.You know that ias has greater prestige and power, so why dont you accept that?

6.You are saying to your interview board that you have not experienced it ?Are you sure ?

7.You are already an ips.You must have read about power differences. Why cant you accept it  that ias is more powerful and prestigious?

8.A person should learn from his mistakes as well as from mistakes of others  Do you agree ?

9.Some more questions related to police.


M1: 

1.What is the difference between gi and patent ?

2 So the concept is same or different?

3.How is it different?

4.Why wages of women are less compared to men in a district. Does equal pay for equal work not apply to this ? Have you seen a wage list ?

5.what would you do to empower women and ensure they get same wage ?

6.Why philosophy after Mechanical engineering?

7.Who is J krishnamurthy?

8.Do you know Gandhi's favourite bhajan ?


M2:

1.Asked about 3 unheard names of philosophers. What have you read in philosophy?

2.These are all part of syllabus? Anything else.

3.What are three threats to security of india? Arrange them in order. 

4.Why Lwe exists there in jharkhand ?

5.What is aspirational district programme? What is the benefit? What does govt do ?

6.Is police corrupt? 

7.Have you ever gone to a police station to file a complaint?

8.What is people perception of police ?

9.How will you improve as sp?

10.What is community policing? How is it effective?


M3:

1. What is moral dilemma?

2.Explain it with an example .

3.Dont you think when you leave ips for ias you face such a dilemma ?

4.Justify your action of leaving ips for ias.

5.Which cadre did you get ? Which choice it was ?

6.Why Gujarat ?

7.What did your seniors say ?

8.But you want to become an ias ? So why think of commisionerate system. How is it better ? Will it slove the issue of tussle of power ?

9.Any negatives about Gujarat cadre? 

10.Tell me at least one. Kept on insisting 

11.Is our patent regime good ?


M4:

1.What is provisional patenting ?

2.Are provisional applications allowed ?

3.Is there a legal provision to that ?

4.What sort of applications did you work on ?

5.Your hobby is watching ted ed. What was the latest video you watched.

6.Questions on the video 3-4 questions on vaccination of small pox(video)


Chair : Thank you  Alok. Your interview is over.

Name : Sandeep BhaGa
Hobbies : listening and singing telugu folk songs Extra activities : Conducted blood donation camps State : Telangana..
Graduation: Electrical and electronics engineering
Optional : Anthropology
Sports : Kabaddi


Board : Mr. Manoj Soni

Chairman
1.What is the most interesting thing happened in your life recently.
2. What has driven you to take up blood donation camps?
3.why do u like to listen to folk songs? Is it for entertainment or as a source to know about the folk culture
4.Have u heard of Pathalgadi movement?
5. What is the reason that suddenly led to the movement?

Member 1
1. Anthropology.. What do u know about harappan civilisation?
2. Any other important site belonging to this civilization and it's uniqueness?
3. There is lot of talk on crimes against women.. What will be your priority if have given authority... She means to ask whether it is ur first  priority or so and why??
4. U r SDM and wife of DM complained to you of dowry harassment and domestic violence.. What will u do, keeping in mind ur reputation,  ACR report is with DM...

Member 2
1. What is uday and how far it is effective in achieving its targets??
2. What is one important reform in power sector to tackle discom crisis
3. Why are some states like Gujarat have least AT and C losses, but states like TN has high losses

Member 3
1. Any other contemporary civilization of Harappa in Mexico ?
2. What is the language they used?
3.In shopping malls and so, lot of data like phone numbers are collected?? What are the legal provisions for data protection
4. What should be done for data privacy and security

Member 4
1. What is the status of India in international kabaddi
2. Why is the criteria for kabaddi to become part of Olympics
3. Difference between judicial activism and overreach....
4.Examples of both..
5. There is lot of talk on aspirational districts... How many and which districts from your state are nominated..
6. What outcomes are witnessed in aspirational district

Amal P S
Chairman Manoj Soni
Candidate name -
Optional - sociology
Hobby - mentoring in civil services,watching movies especially thrillers,having conversations
State - Kerala
Why is Kerala called gods own country ?
What were u doing till now
ur a teacher ,so tell me what advice would u give students
5 social problems faced by the world
Biggest social problem faced by India
Counter questions on that
Member 1
Ur a mechanical engineer tell me what do u know about Tesla
What sports do u play
Tell me the skills needed for a cricket player
Do u think cricket is a game of chance or skill?

So u think there is no element of chance in that?
Have u heard of games called flush, poker ?
Which is the latest movie u watched
What award did parasite won?
Whats the speciality that u felt that it won Oscars
Member 2
Have u heard of bharatiya vidhya Bhavan?
Who was it's founder
What is the contributions of km munshi?
Do u think the phones we have is a threat to privacy and should be done away with ?
Do u think there are issues in orphanages in Kerala ?
There has been incidents of children trafficking to Kerala .what do u have to say about it ?
Member 3
What is afspa?
Where all it is primarily enforced ?
Do u think there is a military excess taking place in North east ?
Suppose ur a DM of Andaman nicobar islands and there is virus spreading among the centinlaeese .but the government policy is not to go and government is not responding.they are dying and ur on the ground zero with the cure .what will u do?
So what do u think about the human shield being used in Kashmir to save lives .it was the same thing there as well?
Member 4
Tell me what are the ethics of a teacher ?
Dont u think ur imposing ur philosophy when u tell the students to never back down from their  dreams ?
So what do u think about the Hyderabad incident and there u saw nirbhaya case where one guy was left scot free .what do u think we should do.?
They are using the loopholes in the law and delaying justice .still u think we should allow them?
Chairman
Thank you
Your interview is over

Name : Jella Manikanta vasu
Board : Manoj soni sir
Date : 26/02/2020
Pub Administration
Exp: Bank and Audit
Chairman
1) What is the nature of your work?
2) What are the problems of administration?
3) How to tacle them?
4) What is the root cause for all of these problems?
5) Do you think Family as institution failed in India?
6) what we can do to improve the position?
M1
1) As a DM how will you tackle those issues?
2) Tell me about India and Nepal relations?
3) Have u watched recent ayushman khurana movie?
4) which movie u watched and what is the essence of the story?

M2
1) In your team one person works well but takes bribe at home and there is no evidence but u received a complaint.
Another person does not work at all. What will you do in both the cases?

M3)
1)What are the guidelines for audit in CAG?
2)What is performance audit?
3)What performance do u measure in social welfare department?
4)Why Banks merger?
5)Large banks with pan India presence or small banks with technology which is better?
M4
1) What are the provisions for civil services disciplinary actions?
2) What are the articles under constitution with respect to civil services?
3) Explain 311?
4) Why Micro financial institutions are now not performing well?
5) Why they are charging High interest rates?
6) How to make them viable?
7) How govt procurement process can be made more efficient?
8) Some GeM provisions?

Thank you

Name : k prem sagar
Optional : PSIR
Interests: world war 2 museums visit and movies related to it
Board: MANOJ SONI SIR
Date: 26-02-2020

Chairman

1. It seems like you stayed about 5.5 years with cognizant . It is too long for a person to stay and seems you are happy .. then why change

2. What is your vision for 2047 as india is going to celebrate 100 years of independence ( I brought in international great power in answer)

3.so ,asked to reach great power for india, pak and China are dragging us . So which one is your priority ?

4. With respect to india policy towards China , one are where you want change ?

Member 1

5. Do you think UN is working as envisaged ?

6. What do you think of Jamal khasoggi episode ?

7.what do you think of common man perspective of telangana formation and it really benefitted

8. If you become secretary and got room , would you place gandhis portrait ( I said without any doubt)

9. Then he asked why and it seems Gandhi is not relevant today ( I countered that he is more relevant today then that time and it is we how don’t much about Gandhi rather than question of his relevance )

10. Then what should be done to make Gandhism more popular ?

Member 2

11. Let’s assume you are head of department and 10 people under you . 1000s of people surrounded and about to kill
3 options :

1. Take one as hostage and use him to make a passage

2. Do nothing and pray to god by remaining inside

3. Fire at people . What will you choose ?

12. There is bullying happening to you . How will you respond ??

13. If there is prejudiced boss on you . 3 options

1.do nothing and carry on with work
2. Don’t do work as anyway not being recognised

3. Make it public issue .

14. Have your ever been angry before ??
What did you do

Member 3:

15. Now if you are angry because your subordinates are not working . How will you respond ?

16. If you are in ifs ,and all people around you are speaking Chinese and keeping you aside , how will you respond ?

Member 4:

17. Now let’s see if you become ias , what are your priorities for Warangal ?

18. Why this different interest of wars .What you learned from ww2 museums visit ?

19. What is INA AND CONTRIBUTION

20. Told me to visit battle of Imphal, Kohima and said I will love it

21. How ww-2 affected Indian society ?

That is it ,it’s been pleasure taking to you . Have a pleasant evening

They took about 35-40 mins in total

Manoj Soni Sir board
Date: 28-02-2020 (Afternoon)
Name: Abhishek Gupta
Hobbies: Rubiks cube, Sudoku, Jogging
B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering
Optional: Mechanical Engineering

Chairman:
1. Write the figure of 5 trillion.
2. What is gdp.
3. What is this 5 trillion dollar economy.
4. How to achieve it.
5.. What can an individual do to make it happen.
6. How to give boost to Manufacturing
7. What will infrastructure do if no goods are to be transferred.

M1:
1. What is LOC and international border
2. Why is the present status like this?
3. Why haven't our army got it back?
4. Security issues in north east?
5. Should NCC be made compulsory to inculcate feelings of pride, love for the country?

M2.
1. Demonetisation--adv, disadv
2. Why banks being merged
3. Job losses in banks
4. HACCP

M3.
1. Sir creek
2. Why privatisation in BPCL
3. Provisions of Bodo accord and its impact
4. HDI dimensions and parameters
5. Difference between nationalism and patriotism
6. Extreme form of which is bad?
7. Technology harms humanity too. Iran shot down Ukraine bound plane.

M4
1. Man animal conflict. How to manage it?
2. Wildlife corridors.

No questions from hobby, birth place, jobs, Mechanical engineering, etc.

Date -24 feb afternoon
State - UP(Azamgarh).
Graduation - bsc(maths,computer science,psychology)
PG - MSC(comp sc)
Hobbies- watching contemporary movies, playing cricket
Medium - हिन्दी(Hindi)
Board - Manoj Soni sir.
Chairman -
1. are you still live in village?
2.name 3 innovation in computer science in past 10 years?
3.use of Artificial intelligence in administration?
4.name any example where gov has used AI?

M1-
1.what are the progress made in solar energy in india? what are the goals in solar energy?
2. What are the disadvantaged of solar energy?
4.what is the unit of irradiandiance(solar power) ?
3.regionalism impacts nationalism in  negative way and nationalism imapcts global world negatively. Comment?
4.Do you think nationalism is bad because pm Modi had travelled somewhere and there people criticised him for stressing on nationalism.

M2:
1.tell me about contemporary movies, give example. which movie you have recently watched.
2. Coaching Institutes are money making institutions and they exploit civil service students. comment. (I had earlier said that i work part time  in a coaching Institute)
4.two more questions(not remember).

M3 -
1.do you watch Hollywood movies too? tell me which movie you have recently  watch in Hollywood.
2.Why indian movies don't get Oscar?
3.being very big state and due to administration Inaccessibility, UP should be divided. What do you think?
4.is e-governance reachable to all?  despite this,UP is still backward in almost all indicators.
5.have you heard about one nation, one platform. (you are computer science student, what should it be, you can guess.)

M4-
1.do you remember psychology still, tell me the name of some psychologist you have study.
2 .tell me about sigmond freud.
3.salvation of India lies in its village. (Quote of Gandhi ji) comment?
5.have you study any development model,Do you know the development model of Switzerland?
4.why Bollywood movies have too many songs?
5.tell me the name of a famous lyricist from allahabad who recently died.

Ch - okay, your interview is over, dhanyavaad, shubhkamnaayein, namaste.

Manoj Soni sir board
BTECH in CSE
1.5 years in Vizag steel plant
6 years in ONGC
First interview

Hobbies - diary writing and trekking

Chairman - greeted and explained the process
Chairman - Started Reading DAF details  like native place , company name .. said that it’s good that you are here .. I have seen many students who either leave their job for  CSE preparation or change their job always .. you did none of them .. you prepared along with your job and also stuck to ONGC .. That’s good

CM - Tell me how did you manage
A: explained about my schedule and how I managed 2-3 hours on weekdays and utilised weekends in effective way also told them that I managed my leave well and took leave  on Monday if necessary and clubbed it with weekends  .. also said that my seniors are very supportive and I took 20 days leave before Mains and 5 days before interview

CM - ok that’s nice .. I see that you are from IT and you are working in IT department of ONGC .. that’s a good symphony .. I like it .. now why u want to break this

CM - Lets address the elephant in the room - does power excite you ?

CM - you are from champaran and Gandhi ji was associated with champaran .. let’s discuss about him  and then he asked is it practical to follow Gandhi ji ideas .. discussion on poverty , his economic ideas and materialism followed up .. 3-4 minutes discussion on  this topic

Now he told  other members to ask

M1- I see you are from PSIR .. tell me your view on general sulameani killing  (no cross question )
- tell me about the Jamal karogi killing
- Ok I see you like trekking.. let’s move to that area .. how frequently you trek
- Most difficult trek and details about its terrain
-  I want you to send you  to a 7 days Himalayan expedition and you won’t get any Porter to carry any luggage .. take your time and plan your bag .. remember you have to carry this bag
- Discussion on the items followed
- Next question on hyderabad  killing instant justice — (discussion became little bit uncomfortable )
- Suppose Nirbhaya is ur sister .. how will you react
- Cross question on that
- Chairman also asked follow up question on this
-  there are many leather factories which are facing non tariff barrier .. how to approach this problem .. cross question on this

Member 2

-  how do you rate ONGC .
- tell me one major problem ongc is facing
- Ok it seems you have prepared ONGC well let’s move on  from it
- what is ur view on sick psu .. I want your assessment .. where are we going wrong .. I don’t want bookish answer .. I want ur observation and she specifically mentioned that I have to give 4 observation - questions and answer followed on this
- Next discussion on champaran
- I have visited champaran some time back and I am sorry to say I am disappointed with this .. what do you think is it because of political failure or bureaucratic apathy ?
- Question of development model of champaran and it’s challenges

Member 3
-  What is nudge theory
- Is it successful in changing behaviours of people
- Ur assessment of Swach BHARAT mission and role of nudge theory in this
- Name and Shane policy and is it right
- How to use it in other scheme
- Is champaran ODF free
-  can you use IT knowledge and improve ODF status in champaran .. tell me ur plan of action
- Follow up question on this

Member 4-

- she asked about cooperatives (no idea why she asked  — no link to daf )
- Problems of cooperatives specially PACS
- Any successful model of PACS and learning
- Problem of district cooperatives
- Use ur IT knowledge to make it right
- No follow up question
- In the end she said very good

Finally chairman
Thank you .. your interview is over .. have a nice day.

Duration - 30-35 mins
5th one to go in second half (around 4:40)

Manoj soni sir board
11 March
Forenoon-last one to go
Public administration
Computer engg
No work experience
Jaipur, Rajasthan

Chairman
1) you are the last one , any worries about it?
2) how is weather in Jaipur these days?
3) you have studied in public insititute and not worked and wasted last 5 years, is it not a waste of public money?
4) tell me some instances when you have actually used computer engineering in past 5 years?
5) so tell me finally if it was a waste or not?

M1
can’t remember 2 questions only

M2
1) Rajasthan and climate change?
2) steps to prevent the impact
3) describe geographical regions of Rajasthan?
4) one agri research institute in Jodhpur, tell me about it?

M3
1) tell me about about Tagore writings? (School name Tagore public school)
2) shantinekatan model of education?
3) why is India not able to be a leader of south Asian countries.
4) increasing influence of China in South Asia, is it really so?

M4
1) banking sector crisis? (Father works in bank)
2)is corona virus a public administration crisis?

Chairman
1) corruption is a serious issue, yes or no?
2) how you ever been victim of corruption?
3) follow up questions on this discussion

CH- Wish u all the best
Thank you

No questions asked on hobby

Interview transcript
Date - 11/03/2020
Dr. Manoj Soni Board

Chairman
1) Why did you choose to be a fitness trainer after engineering?
2) you look fit, please give us some tips for fitness also
3) tell us some schemes to bring women empowerment in last 5 years
4) why is March 8 regarded as women's day ? What's the significance of the date?
3) are our woman empowered?

M1.
1) what's special about mechanincal engineering?
2) tell us about e vehicles.
3) e vehicles need electricity production which still needs coal. Isn't it still contributing to pollution?
4) what do you think are the issues with e vehicles?
5) is loan waivers good?
6) give a sociological explanation of how loan waivers can help our society?
7) are you justifying loan waivers?

M2.
1)Why do you want civil services?
2) Name an activity in colonial times which kept civil servants fit and also helped in socialising with local people?
3) what qualities do you think will make you better civil servant?
4) you told civil servants must be flexible. Will showing too much flexibility be beneficial?


M3.

1) what's the difference between sociology and journalism?
2)Since you have some farming experience please tell what are the issues faced by small and medium farmers?
3) what can we do to improve their state?
4) let's get back to women empowerment. What's the literacy rate of women in india?
4) please also tell how women education can be promoted in out country?

M4.( Very serious and irritated face)
1) women are put in frontline position. What do you think about it?
2) are woman really capable to lead in frontline positions?
3) name some famous Indian sociologist from your state?

Chairman

1) in which village did MN Srinivas did his study?
2) in which district?
3) what are his theoretical contributions?
4) can you please explain sanskritisation?
5) what is your views on sanskritisation?
6) you told that there are some negative aspects of sanskritisation . What are they?
7) can you back up your claim with any empirical evidence?

Thank you xyz. We wish you all the best. And have a very good day. Your interview is over now.

*11/03/2020*
*Name - Devanand Suresh Telgote*
BTech Chemical Engineering IIT Bombay
Optional Sociology
*Forenoon Session*
*Dr. Manoj Soni Board*
*Second to go*

*Chairperson*
1. Devanand right? Do you watch movies? Which movie of Devanand did you watch?  Not a single one. Ok name some movies of Devanand.
2. Telhara is your hometown. How far and in which direction is it from Mumbai? What is the population?
3. You are a Process Engineer. What is the work of Process Engineer? You worked in a prestigious company but just for 6 months. Why?
4. Why did you join Teaching for JEE students?
5. What are grapes producing region in Maharashtra?
6. How will you make the grapes industry more remunerative for farmers?
7. Design a process to make ethanol from grapes? Industrial Process.
8. Mudra Scheme? What is it? How will you use for farmers benefit?
9. FPO, SHG how will they help?

*M1*
1. You are interested in sports. What is Khelo India? What is its significance?
2. Is cricket taking space of other games?
3. Should Cricket be restricted to promote other sports?

*M2*
1. You are from Akola. Tell me about Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh, his contribution.
2. Should there be separate Vidarbha?
3. What should be done for political negligence?
4. Demographic Dividend. How will you ensure to leverage Demographic Dividend?
5. What are Skill and Education related schemes?

*M3*
1. Avanti Fellows. What is it? (DAF based)
2. What work did you do there?
3. Geographical and Administrative Divisions of Maharashtra.
4. Captain of Maharashtra Cricket Team? Vidarbha Cricket Team Captain?

*M1 again*
What do you mean by underprivileged?

*M4*
1. Why Sociology as optional after doing graduation in Chemical Engineering?
2. What is Sociology of Crimes?
3. What is Social Banditary? Who is Robinhood? Do you know his history?
4. You look interested in Mathematics. Mathematical Scientist who later became philosopher, won Nobel Prize. What is his name?
5. Cricket. Why Pink ball is Useful for bowlers?

*Chairman*
1. You have been in Delhi since January. Why so early? Did you join any private coaching institute?
2. Which places you visited in Delhi?
3. Is Lal Quila in Delhi? (Got confused here)
4. What is CCRT? (Mentioned in previous answer).
5. What is Wikipedia? (Mentioned in previous answer)
6. Is Wikipedia reliable.
7. What features do you look up to when you visit a place?

Ok Devanand Thank You. Wish you Visit Cannaught Place and India Gate.

Sumeet Meharda
Energy Engineer
IPS Probationer
Reading non fiction books,
Chairman - Manoj Soni sir
2nd to go

Rajasthan, staying there or else?
Iit powai
Beautiful campus, lake?
You were selected for IFOS also, why IPS over IFOS?
Power and prestige in your decision making?
You are in touch or not of graduation? Yes
Energy Security
National energy policy
Integrated energy policy
26/11
If you were there you would handle it difficulty
You + DM + 20 man - against 1000 men,
Pelting stone
Tie on jeep and take away? Yes or no- will you do?

M2
If it is Kasab, will you still talk to him?
Reading books?
Recent book -energy swaraj by solanki
Learning - amg principle- avoid,minimize,generate
Energy intensity increase or decrease if we follow amg


M3
How long in IPS
IPS cadre, will you join IAS Nagaland?
Major renewables
In India
How to reduce thermal energy

M3
I am not an engineer, you explain me solar pv works on light or thermal
How?
Normal and diffused light
Social media negatives in police
So we ban?
If the companies not listening?
Is technically possible to regulate in specific area?
You follow detective stories?
Read book on autobiography of IPS officers
Sherlock Holmes?
Who created this character?



M4
Will you Follow rules at all times ?
Track call of a terrorist and otherwise it will take many days? Will you do?
If Senior asks you to?
Under which act to track call?
Police resorting to extra- judicial things?why?
Geography- explain global warming and impact on food security.

Manoj soni sir board
Forenoon-last one to go
Public administration
Computer engg
No work experience

Chairman
1) you are the last one , any worries about it?
2) how is weather in Jaipur these days?
3) you have studied in public insititute and not worked and wasted last 5 years, is it not a waste of public money?
4) tell me some instances when you have actually used computer engineering in past 5 years?
5) so tell me finally if it was a waste or not?

M1
can’t remember 2 questions only

M2
1) Rajasthan and climate change?
2) steps to prevent the impact
3) describe geographical regions of Rajasthan?
4) one agri research institute in Jodhpur, tell me about it?

M3
1) tell me about about Tagore writings? (School name Tagore public school)
2) shantinekatan model of education?
3) why is India not able to be a leader of south Asian countries.
4) increasing influence of China in South Asia, is it really so?

M4
1) banking sector crisis? (Father works in bank)
2)is corona virus a public administration crisis?

Chairman
1) corruption is a serious issue, yes or no?
2) how you ever been victim of corruption?
3) follow up questions on this discussion

CH- Wish u all the best
Thank you

No questions asked on hobby

Manoj Soni Sir Board
12/03/2020
Forenoon Session, first one to go

Chairman: Where are you staying currently?
Have you ever visited Shaniwar wada?
What did you mostly liked about Pune?
How was the monsoon in Maharashtra this year?
Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra, tell me some out of the box innovative solution to address farmer suicides in Maharashtra.

M1: you are from Ahmednagar, do you know Malik Amber?
Tell me about him. Has Bajirao Peshwa used this Guerrilla Warfare in his battles?
Which Bajirao died on battlefield in 1761? ( 1 or 2)
M2: You have done many team work activity. Tell me any one unpleasant instance which you faced and how you handled it
Which Tribal Area closest to Pune.
Primitive Tribes, what are they, how to identify them and how to integrate them into main stream?
M3:
You have Work experience and Govt is hiring private players at Joint secretary level. Why no wait till then and join Govt at that stage.?
Should Lateral Entry process go through UPSC?
How should be the way forward in Lateral Entry Debate?
COVID 19 declared as a Global pandemic by WHO. Does this have any financial implications?(asked for clarifications) Does such declaration comes with financial Aid from WHO to various countries? (Said I'm not aware)
M4:
Difference between Pandemic, Epidemic and Endemic.
Why did you choose Anthropology as an optional?
How will you apply your Engineering skills to Adminstration
Anthropology shares a porus boundry with many disciplines, explain this boundaries between Biological Sciences and Anthropology ( later Medical Sciences and Anthropology)
Talked about Some Anthropologist never heard of.. Do you know him? (Said no Sir)

Chairman:
What will make you  happiest person on the earth?
Tell me 3 things which you learnt outside school, college, work experience and CSE preps..
Do you want us to ask you anything?

You Interview is over, thank-you

I'm not able to recall some questions. Interview went around 30 mins

Board: Manoj Soni
Date : 12 March 2020 (AN)
Work Ex: 11 years with IOCL
Optional: Public Administration
Hobbies: Travelling and internet surfing
2nd last to go in evening ( UPSC is totally unpredictable)

Chairman:
Q1: Have you heard about NOble Prize.
Q2: Any INdian who got it.
Q3: Tell me name of International Noble prize winners.
Q4: Any Indian noble prize winner, how you can frame Policy over it.

Member1: (Long Argument)
Q1: Do you have subordinates, what rating you have given?
Q2: and then long discussion over Rating.
Q3: Suppose we 4 are your subordinate and you gave all 4 excellent rating and one will be promoted.....whom will you chose (lucky draw) and some discussion.
Q4: very good rating not excellent, does it will bad?

Member2: So optional is Pub Administration.
Q1: Tell about good governance.
Q2: Use of good governance in IOCL.
Q3: how Public administration will help in controlling Coronavirus

Chairman: tell in which 5 sectors will you like to work?

Member3:
Q1: what is CSR explain it.
Q2: is not a type of extra burden over company?
Q3: Tell about the Final Pricing of Oil to customers.....why its not coming down despite low crude!!
Q4: your views about Diinvestment of BPCL and follow up questions.

Member 4:
Q1: so you travel which places have you travelled?
Q2: why travel to known places ....dont like adventure?
Q3: Tell about Vir savarkar ( came from cellular jail, port blair)
Q4: As a DM how will you deal with Coronavirus

Chairman: Thank you interview is over !!!

Manoj Soni Board
Mridul Singh

Geography Optional
Rajasthan
Landscape Photography


Chairman -
•How's the morning?
•From Ajmer, where have been staying?
•College in Gujarat!
•Tell me about Dhirubhai Ambani?
•Top 5 private companies name them?
•Would it have been better if we have choosen an open market economic structure after independence?

M1.
•What is this rural Internship?
•Where did you go?
•What was the water problem?
•What did they do? (Other questions in this regard)
•Doklam Issue what was it? Where was it?
•Is it advisable to send Force in other countries territory?

M2.
•kota - why so many suicides?
•no but Students pressure etc points you said is there everywhere why specifically kota?
•Should government spend so much money is higher education? There is a private sector why should government invest?
• shouldn't govt invest more in primary education?

M3.
•Landscape photography - what is it? Difference between landscape and nature photography?
•own a professional camera?
•differnce between oriental and western forests?
• answer in 3 line landscape of tropical rain forest?

M4.
• In which case Basic Structure was pronounced?
• How large was the bench?
• what is gross enrollment ratio of India? What is that government expects aims?
•use of ICT in administration? Won't it creat unemployment?

Thank You Mridul Singh your interview is over!

No Name
Manoj Soni Board
11.03.2020

Psychology Optional
Graduation : Electrical Engineering
Hobbies: Movie Watching, Diary Writing and Jogging

Chairperson:
1. You have a very unique name. What does it mean?
2. Why did you take electrical engineering in graduation and not as an optional?
3. When did you last visit a post office? (to which I replied that it has been more than a year)
4. Why is it a common answer in today's generation?
5. What are the uses of  post offices these days?
6.What can we do to make post offices better?

Member 2
1. Why did you take psychology as an optional?
2. Why do you want to become a civil servant?
3. Why didn't you choose electrical engineering as an optional?
4. Which branch of psychology do you prefer more? Social or clinical? Why?
5. Which are the 3 most important psychologists according to you?
6. What did Sigmund Freud base his research on?
7. What is child psychology?
8. Sir named a book and asked if I had read it? (I hadn't)

Member 3
1. What is eidetic memory?
2. Stress in workplace. How will you reduce it?
3. Maslow's need of hierarchy.
4. Perception of humans.

Member 4
1. ( in a very stern voice) There are different  post offices for soldiers. How can be it made better?
2. Suppose you're given a budget,  to make new highways or repair the existing ones? What will you do and why?

Member 5
1. So, you're a Delhite. Do you think this is a good step, giving free bus travel to women? And subsequent questions. (why)
2. Should the bus tickets be made free for students? Why not?
3. UP has brought new Commissionerate systems into place. Why?
4. Difference between police commissioner  and Commissionerate system?
5. Delhi metro-Do you think it's a good idea to spend so much into it?
6. Should they be shut? (to which I replied no)
7. But the number of vehicles have  gone up plus the last mile connectivity is a problem. Even then?
8. Should all towns be having metro?

Member 2
Chairperson was asking about post offices. And you linked it with the heritage. They have nostalgia attached to them. To which I replied abt the important post offices and freedom struggle. Turning them into museums and collecting data on non functional post offices. Linked with Malgudi Days.

Chairperson : Thank you, your interview is over.

Board-Manoj Soni Sir
Afternoon session(first to go)
Btech CSE,IIT Roorkee
Hobby-Cooking,Twitter
Hometown-Baran Rajasthan


Chairman:You are from Baran.Is it right pronunciation?
So you currently live in Baran?
Any other motive of coming to Delhi other than preparing for civil services ?
So you are from computer science background?
Would you like to work in computer science field in future?
But you are no more in touch with the new developments which is happening in computer science .So how will you manage?
Ok tell me two steps which should be taken to combat the global terrorism.
Name five global terrorist organisation?(Mentioned ISIS.He asked full form of ISIS)
M1:What is non alignment?
India was following non alignment in early 1971?
(Member gave some information regarding Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman.I said thank you sir for giving this info.I was not aware of this.
What is strategic autonomy?
Is India following this strategic autonomy?
What was Cold war?
Why US was taking so much interest in cold war?
Have you heard of Rousseau?
What is general will?
M2(Rude and loud)
What is a start-up(plus 2 3 counter questios)
What is 5G?
He said" I know all these things.Tell me how is it different from 4G?"
Asked about IoT and Artificial intelligence.
Refugees entering in turkey from syria.Should Turkey kill all of them?
M3:
Your hobby is cooking.What do you cook?
So you have worked in hospitality domain.What is hospitality?
What was your role?
What did you learn from all this?
Did you scold someone working with you?
Why scolding someone is wrong if he is not doing his work properly?
I said "Sir thoda subtle way me samjha sakte hai saamne waale ko ki dekh bhai hmaari bhi jimmedari hai aur tu bhi samjhdaar hai"(Everyone laughed)
Even after using these methods someone is not mending his ways, then?
I told him some formal methods.
M4:What was Marshall plan?
Berlin wall ?
Some factual questions which I cannot remember.
What is BRI?
Should India join it?
Chairman:
You talked about some constraints for India in joining BRI.What are those constraints?
Ok your interview is over.We wish you All the best.

Background:
Education: B.sc ( non med)
Work exp: Working in Union Bank of India since last 2 years
Optional: Punjabi literature
Hobbies: Poetry, Blogging , Quora

Date: 20/07/2020, morning session

Board: Manoj Soni sir, I was last person in morning session to be interviewed by his board

CP: You come from city of golden temple. How often you visit golden temple?
CP: So you must have been working in bank during lockdown, what all precautions your bank take.
CP: Do you think UPSC has taken enough
precautions as compared to bank.
Cp: You have studied in S.R College. What is S R. Who is swarup Rani
CP: Quote an example after 12th standard life or recent life which changed you perception about life or taught you something

M1: So you write blogs and active on Quora don't you think there's so much hate content and judgemental content is posted on social media how to regulate it.
M1: Govt regulations on social media. How to regulate it.
M1: Names of Famous punjabi poets.(Optional literature)
M1: Free knowledge vs IPR of books. Should books be available free on various sites as we find them or IPR be protected?

M2- Most of his questions were from my work domain
M2: Which banks merged with Union Bank.?
M2: How the merger is implemented at ground level?
M2: Mergers good or bad?
M2: Don't you think there would be discrimination with staff of other banks
M2: Privatisation of PSBs.
M2: Why not  privatisation,taxpayers money is used to re-capitalisation.
M2: But it's the profit that matters and pvt banks are doing well in it
M2: One reform in Education Sector you'll suggest.
M2: You have lived in Punjab all your life what if you get Tamilnadu cadre.
M2: So you write poetry...Kuch panktian sunayeie.( The moment i have waited for 🤣)

M3: His questions weren't as simple as i am writing in transcript. I forgot the actual questions. But there were lot of counter questions. I wasn't able to handle him well .
M3: There's trade from Afghanistan to India via Pakistan. Do the reverse also happening( i.e India to Afghanistan via pakistan)?
M3:  Do you think we have done enough for health sector during covid?
M3: Ain't we  entering into stage of Stagflation?
M3: Make in india vs Aatamnirbhar bharat . Aren't they same things with different names

M4: Have you visited wagah border? (Hometown:Amritsar)
M4: Shouldn't such a show of anger and power be banned?
M4: Why amritsar became famous in 2019? ( I wasn't able to recall he helped me recall that it was 100th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre )
M4: Shoukd UK publicly apologize for Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
M4: Do India need to officially demand apology ?
M4: 3 positives 3 negatives of lockdown.

CP: All the best for the result.
Take all the necessary precautions while working in bank you daily interact with so many people .Stay safe

(Nidhi)
Dr Manoj Soni board.
20/07/20.
2nd person to go
Haryana
Background- chemistry optional
Inspire scholar
Hobbies- decoupage, mandala art

CP- how did you utilise your lockdown period?
What is decoupage ?
Showed me a painting and asked me about mandala.
During locust attack, which chemicals were used?
Will it impact forests or crops only?
What is biodiversity?

M1: how did ncr deal with covid ? How it could have Been done better?
How federalism fared during covid ?
Why mMr high in haryana ??
Good governance index? Parameters?
Rank of Haryana ?

M2: comparison between India-China.
2 good things that China did that it reached here and 2 bad things about India that we couldn’t do better.
2 most imp ministries according to you and why?
How much should we spend on health infra

M3: what’s inspire scholarship? When did it start?
What’s it impact ?
Have we seen any change in R&D sector?
What are the issues with R&D sector ?
What can be done better?
Ques on ozone depletion were asked

M4: agri productivity and agri production difference ?
What’s msp?
Who is responsible for implementing it? (Fci)
What about oil seeds and pulses? (Nafed)
Npa, sarfaesi and ibc

Some interesting thing

M4 asked me about 69,79 in Hindi

And which month is this

Shravan

Next is ?

Bhadrapad

Npa sarfaesi Aur ibc me Bohot hi jyada pooch rhe the

KG
IRSIT, B.com (H), CA
Manoj Soni sir, 30-35 min
21st July, 1st to go

CP:
Lived in Delhi, how’s the city ?
Why civil services ? Status and power not a consideration ? - long arguments
Talk about a policy of current govt for 2 minutes
Do you pursue your hobbies

1st member:
History of Native place
Is delhi prefect for capital
Impact of Covid in profession - CA and business

2nd member
Why SK became developed and not India
Two potraits in your office apart from Pm, president and Gandhiji
Why can’t we have direct recruitment in civil services after 12 like nda ? Which is Better - current process or after 12?

3rd member
Astronomy - recent planet alignment
Offset meaning ? Is it applied ?
Ethics behind offsets ?

4th member
Why to join IAS when As a CA can do good in IRS
What to do if posted in department of social justice ?
Schemes of women empowerment ? How will you empower women ?
SFIO ? When established ? Why established ?
Satyam scam ? Why happened despite renowned auditors ?
One improvement in native place by civil
Servants ? What will you do if posted there ? On answering haphazard development, then means no planning since 70 years ?

Anonymous
Current - IPS

21/7/20
Chair-Manoj Soni board. Initially 4 members including one lady were sitting. 5th member joined in 5 mins.

Chair
1. You are already in IPS. Aren’t you happy.
2. Would you regret if you aren’t allotted service you are aspiring.
3. Do you believe UP gangster encounter was staged. Before asking this he said ‘honestly tell me’ twice.
4. What makes you believe that it was not true. Some more related discussion.

M1 Lady
1. Does police exceed its brief and use excess force?
2. How would you use GIS in policing ?
3. How would technology help in tackling law and order situation
4. Some more technology related questions AI, ML. She said something about scalar data vector data.

M2
1. Some senior police officers say criminal justice system doesn’t work properly because judicial process is slow, ineffective. Do you think so ?
2. What changes do we need in IPC, CrPC, Indian evidence act. Tell specific changes.
3. Detailed discussion on subsidies. What type of subsidies do we give, should we give them or not ?
4. How should we rationalise PDS system, FPS etc

M3
1. Role of police during covid times
2. Has police able to deliver on people’s expectations
3. Some discussion about police and COVID lockdown
4. Which section of law authorised police to enforce lockdown ?
5. What is FATF
6. Why Pakistan escaped blacklist ?
7. When UN blacklists some terrorist, how can we leverage that ?

M4
1. Isn’t golden temple most important part of golden triangle ?
2. What is golden triangle.
3. DM and SP are fulcrum of district administration. Don’t you think for 1 year SP should do DM’s job and DM should do SP’s job for better coordination
4. Shouldn’t we have one standard investment policy throughout India for boosting investment. Some discussion on this

Anupam

Manoj Soni
Pursing PhD
22.07.2020

Chairman
1. What is Geography in your research topic?
2. Tell 5 places related to lives of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
3. Any place related to his life in Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh?

M1
1. An old factory in Ghazipur?
2. From where raw material come to it?
3. Is Ghazipur peaceful place?
4. How you will deal with Mafia in Ghazipur?

M2
1. Who produces maps of India?
2. Who is produces satellite imagery?
3. How remote sensing can be useful in disaster management?
4. Any ministry of India that uses remote sensing in its working?

M3
1. Do think merger of banks is a good step?
2. Similar merger strategy you would like to suggest in any other affairs of govt?

M4
1. Is Mau sugar belt?
2. What issues sugarcane farmers are facing?
3. What could be it's solution?
4. What could be other use of sugarcane?

Vikash raj

Date - 21/07/2020
4th to go (afternoon session)
Manoj soni board
Duration - 30 minutes
B. Tech Mining (IIT Dhanbad)
Working in coal India limited
Hobbies - teaching and badminton

Chairman read the DAF for 2-3 minutes
Chairman-
1) India since independence not able to drastically change the education system leading to slow growth of education. Comment
2) Three points about drafts education policy
3) Issues in draft education policy
4) You were involved in an NGO how was your experience?
5) Offered me tea 😜
M1-
1) What are alternatives of coal?
2) Are you afraid that your job in coal sector will be danged?
3) Impact of opening of coal sector
4) Alternative methods of extraction of coal with less pollution?
5) Is your home district a agricultural town or industrial?
6) Why no growth of industry in your hometown?
M2(lady member)-
1) Anthropology is an apology to primitive man. Your opinion
2) Underground coal mine fire in jharia
3) Why government not able to resettle the people there?
4) Law and order issue in settlement?
5) National reserve security
6) Coal gasification
7) Coal bed methane
M3-
1) Last movie you watched. How it impacted you?
2) Scheme related to restore the village tank
3) industrial discharge in gange near Patna
4) Which country is pioneer in water conservation?
5) How to handle huge protest as a head of district.
M4-
No question
Chairman asked to remove mask and face shield to match photo
Wished me all the best for result
Very few cross questioning

D

Manoj Soni sir board
20th July, 2020
Afternoon session
Home state: Uttar Pradesh
Philosophy optional
Hobbies: Teaching and watching comic videos

Chairman (keenly watches the candidate throughout):
1) What is so happy about today apart from it being your interview?
2) How was your city named?
3) Why did you study social science instead of going for engineering or medicine as most other aspirants do?
4) How can you use any Indian philosophy in administration?
5) Tell me the names of 5 Indian philosophers.
6) Pick any one and tell how can you use his philosophy in administration.

Member 1 (framed questions vaguely):
1) Whom do you teach?
2) Where do you watch comic videos..do you watch series or what?
3) Which comic show would you recommend to me?
4) What are the 3 core functions that the government performs?
5) What were the functions performed by the colonial administration in India?

Member 2:
1) What are your thoughts on the extra judicial killing of criminals?
2) Why does UP have such poor law and order?
3) What would you do as an administrator to tackle this problem?
4) Why do we only take actions against criminals when they become a history sheeter...Why not nip them in the bud?

Member 3:
1) Choose 5 people from history with impeccable integrity.
2) Rank the neighbours of India in decreasing order of importance? Why such a low rank for Bhutan despite it being India's best friend in the region?
3) Has India ever defeated China in a war? Can we do that in the present times?
4) Pick any one relative or friend who has had the greatest impact on your personality.

Member 4 (smiling lady member):
1) You mentioned Jiddu Krishnamurti ji. What have you read about him? Follow up
2) Some statues are being razed abroad? Do you know about it?
3) Many names are being changed in India...does it change the ground reality also?
4) Do you think we have bio-ethics in the world?
5) Suppose their is a baby which is to be born and we know beforehand that it would have some disability or deformity. Should we allow such birth or should we go for abortion?

CP: Thank you! You may go now.
Cordial board
25-30 minutes
Soni sir has a mesmerising voice and personality😇

Name: Rajanikant Chilumula
Background: B.Tech & M.Tech (Dual degree) from IIT Madras (Energy technology specialization)
State: Telangana
Optional: Psychology
Hobbies: Writing motivational articles
Date: 23rd July 2020, A/N (2nd to go)
Board: Manoj Soni Sir board

Chairman:
1. Your hobby seems to be interesting. Do you publish your articles? What was your recent article about?
2. Why do you want to leave your specialisation? Is it not waste of resources? There are very few specialists like you in India. How is specialisation useful if you get a Postal service job?(tried to corner me!)
3. Gave me a long hypothesis..Do you think the changes in the energy sector led to increase in disequilibrium of ecosystem as well as rise in internal & international conflicts over a period of 500 years? Do you believe in this hypothesis? Can you give us examples?

Member 1: (Lady member)
1.What do you understand by Energy security?
2. How much is India dependent on other countries for energy needs?
3. Do you know about a recent deal between India & US regarding?
4. What does US gain by giving India such access?
5. Do you know about any modern technologies in the Ocean domain?
6. Did you hear about the new project of ocean exploration and stations similar to space stations(gave few foreign names which I was not aware of)? Do you think India must invest in such modern energy technologies?
7. Have you heard of Hydrogen economy? (I said using Hydrogen as fuel like fuel cells technology).. She said think of entire life cycle of Hydrogen.

Member 2:
1. Tell me what are Life Skills? How do we teach them? (DAF based)
2. What is the difference between Psychologist & Psychiartist?
3. What kind of therapies are used by Psychologists?
4. Do you think you are a good psychologist? You have studied Psychology for almost 3 years. You are like a graduate (Was not clear what he was expecting)
5. Which departments would you prefer as an administrator? What would you do if given an urban development role?
6. What is the scheme being implemented for urban development in cities?
7. What changes have you observed in Telangana with the implementation of the schemes?
8. What is the mission being implemented for drinking water supply? What was the challenge to implement this?

Member 3: (COVID-19 based)
1. Recently there was a culture of Work from home for employees? What was the effect of it?
2. Do you think it is good for Government employees? How would you make sure public are satisfied?
3. Recently banks were insisted to give loans liberally to businesses by RBI. But banks say MSMEs are not ready to take loans. How do you resolve this issue?
4. Do you know about the 3Cs hanging over the necks of bankers? Why is it said so? How do we manage this?
5. What was the impact of reverse migration of skilled labour from Telangana? How did the Government tackle the issue?
6.We have seen that the no. of patients with other diseases in hospitals reduced. What do you think is the reason? How long can the patients delay their surgeries?

Member 4:
1. Can you name one famous Educational Institute in India which is internationally famous? Which was build before Independence (Only after I said IISc Bangalore, he went to next question)
2. Tell me 3 negative qualities of a good leader. Give me examples
3. Who is more famous in India Amitabh Bachan or Rajinikanth? What about foreign countries?
4. I will give you a case study. Answer me directly ( If you are going to use AI & use robots for surgeries, let us say the patient died. Who will you find accountable?The doctor, the hospital, the Government or the manufacturer of the robot?)

Chairman: Asked me to remove mask for a final verification & wished me All the best!

Arjeet
Board-manoj soni
Chattisgarh
Raipur
Public administration
Electronics engineering

Ch- what is modern in new raipur
Water conservation how it can be jan andolan
What u have done to conserve water
M1-benefit of small state
Is it better to make small small state in india
How to improve blocks in administrative system

M2-naxalism
Pds of cg
Nyay scheme
M3- global innovation index we should be ashamed or proud choose only one
So hype about solar so y investing billion in other energy like coal gas plant

M4-forest fire
How to prevent
Innovative way to tackle it
Nano material
Negatives of nanotechnology
Prisoner dilemma how to solve it

Ch- your interview is over

Date :23/07 1 st person in afternoon
Board :Manoj Soni board
S Chaitanya
Background
B tech and Mtech in electrical engineering at IIT Madras
Mathematics optional
Hobbies Tennis and Badminton
Interests Chinese language and culture

Chairman
1. How is Covid in Chennai?
2. Jobexperience?
3. Whyinterest in Chinese culture?
4.Howcan you use knowledge of Chinese culture to better deal with China?

M1
Do you watch Mann ki baat?
Tell 3 steps to reduce water use in agriculture?
Status of UNSC reform?
What is India doing?
China has veto power and will surely veto any chance of membership into UNSC. Should we even try and how?

M2
What is good governance?
Parameters of good governance?
How should we involve citizens?
At what level should we involve citizens?
Method of measuring good governance?( Told about notice aayognreport)
What are indicators?
Why is TN doing better?
What areas TN is not doing good?
What are SDG? List them.
Are they relavent and useful?

M3 ( he was not happy with my answers at all)

Tell me what changes should be done so that you will stick with electrical engineering and not join civil services?
How do people become judges?
Shouldnt we take generalists there too without any degree as bureaucrats form laws and they are generalists and are better placed to implement them?
Army recruitment,  is there need of degree?
When should we allow students to choose careers and jobs? Is it after 12 or after degree?
Should we select civil servants after class 12 itself?

M4( Lady member)

How shall you use your background to better formulate renewable energy policies?
Why is someone with background required when bureaucrats can get same advice from a specialist in field?
Do you know China sword policy? ( No idea but she explained it was related to plastic waste in China)
Plastic wastemanagement rules?
Difference Between recyclable and non recyclable plastic waste and should they be regulated differently?
How will you better implement plastic waste management rules? Is it not too impractical?
Any further measures about plastic waste management?

Chairman asked me remove the mask and informed me that interview was over.
Estimated time 30 mins.

Name:AK
Optional: Law
Board: Manoj Soni
Date: 23/07/20
Afternoon slot, Last person to go in

Chair:
1. Any difficulty in reaching Delhi from your district?
2. Procedure for tribes to get listed as ST
3. FATF and follow up questions

M1.
1.You are from Maharashtra. Origin of vadapav
2. Which single leader  comes to your mind when you say maharashtra
3. Tell me one way in which shivaji maharaj altered the way of maratha life.
4. There are no international bodies currently on international law in environment. Do you think India should take a lead?
5. Consider a case when govt trying to raise finances after covid, announces a bond for general public at 2% higher rate. Give positive and negative effects
6. In current scenario, which 3 countries would you like to rely on? And why? What about Russia?

M2.
1. You have volunteered at social project related to organic farming. What was your role?
2. Why organic farming has not increased much yet?
3. Why environment protection law was brought? A specific event after which it was brought.
What provisions were added?
4. Any new Environment related legislation and explain

M3.
1. Maharashtra's covid scenario-failure?
2. Mumbai floods? Who to blame- people or administration?
3. Why so many lawyers in the courts? Can courts restrict the number?
4. Comparing police response to riots in USA and India

M4.
1. Common man's access to justice limited. How?
2. Should advocate's fees be reduced?
3. Should some case load be transferred from courts to Panchayats?

Verification by removing mask and shield. Thank you.

Native: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Qualification: M.Tech (Computer Science & Engineering) - IIT Bombay
Hobbies: Writing emails to editors, authors and government functionaries; Collecting interesting song lyrics and dialogues from Telugu movies
Board: Dr. Manoj Soni
Date: 24-07-2020
Time: 20-25 minutes (last to go before lunch)

Chairman:
1) Your name is xyz Both parts refer to Lord Krishna. Then why do you have two parts in your name?

2) How do you want to be remembered in your life? What is your goal in life?

3) Haven't you made any positive impact on others' life till now? Give examples (flowing from previous answer)

Member 1:
1) On what topics do you write emails?

2) Give an example of what you wrote about and the result

3) Do you know RTI? Have you ever used it? For what reasons? Did you get the reply?

4) You have a good academic record. Now why are you changing stream?

5) How can engineering institutions ensure that engineers remain in engineering? It is a lot of brain drain. What do you suggest?

Member 2:
1) What is your view on cryptocurrency? Should it be allowed or banned? Why?

2) Under which law the cryptocurrency can be banned?

3) How do you think 2021 will be? What impact 2020 will have on 2021?

Chairman (intervenes):

. Please remove your shield and mask - I need to crosscheck
. You must wear the mask now but wearing the shield is your choice.

Member 3:
1) What is Guntur famous for?

2) Tell me top-4 states in terms of GDP. Make a guess

3) Now tell me top-4 states in terms of per capita income.

4) Among Sikkim, Delhi and Goa - what do you think is the order in per capita income?

5) There is one public institution doing exceedingly well without reservations. What is that?

6) Why is there no reservation in armed forces, when it is there in civil services? Doesn't efficiency matter in civil services?

Member 4:
1) What is your view on granting permanent commission to women in army?

2) Why do you think it took 70 years to achieve that?

3) Which other country has gender parity in armed forces?
What is the status in US?

4) Guntur is famous for food. Is it still famous? What food items is it known for?

5) Tell me a traditional martial art from Andhra Pradesh

6) Is it popular now? Why not (as many martial art training institutes are coming up over time)?

7) What can be done to revive it? What can you do as an individual?

Chairman:

Thank you. All the best.


Analysis: Very casual. Nothing much from current affairs or educational background.

Board: Manoj Soni Sir
Date : 24th July , morning session , 5th to go.
hobby : running, travelling and food tasting.
education: B.sc , LL.b, LL.m ( constitutional law)

Chairman: there are too many address in your DAF. so where are you currently- Sir, surat since i have recently joined services there.
2. famous line on surat food and since you are also a foodie - me: surat nu jaman ane banaras nu maran . i.e. for food go to surat and for moksh goto banaras.
3. do you think we should make DPSP justiciable by 2047 ( this he framed in almost 2 mins creating a good background on it).
4. tell me two points in favour and two against.
5. will you do it ?
6. how many Dpsp in constitution. and tell me 5 very important.

M1
1. a big epidemic in surat in the 1980s?
2. difference between solicitor general and advicate general.
3. how many wars india has fought. and in one line explain all of them.
i mentioned 1962, 1965, 1971 . he asked about 1949. so i mentioned that as well.
4. 1999 kargil ? not a war ? i said sir since you asked wars with nation and this is was not a full fledged open war. so i did not mention.
5. what about galwan? we lost 20 lives ? not a war ?
1 or 2 more questions I cannot remember regarding the same.

M2
1. comment on lies, dammed lies and statistics
2. how can we improve it ?
3. how to implement it in larger scale
4. SDGs (since i Mentioned in one of my answers .) does it has any special provision for disabled ?
5. is the govt doing enough ? if not where do we lack ?
6. how do we improve this ?
7. as an admisitrator how will you bring changes
8. any provision in the National building code regarding the same ?
i said no, so she asked me to take a good read at it. 🙈

M3.
1. why do you like experimenting with food ?
2. explain with one recent experience and explain the dish with your logic.
3. which is the famous food of bihar ?( Litti chokha )
4. process in making it.
5. why don't you join judiciary - i told him i was already working as civil servant
to which he followed up by asking me why not judiciary. . (eventually i had to say sir i would definitely give it a thought.)
6. major amendment in cr.pc by which executiveagistrate power was transferred to judicial magistrate ? i made a wrong attempt here by talking about 176A .
6. to which he said the provision is in regards to cr. pc to remove Nuisance . i said sorry to which he told me its sec 133.

M4 ( by now the chairman had already started giving the member warning to look at the watch before even starting. )
1. is civil services still the same effective today ?
2. what all things can be done in regards to the same ?
he still managed to ask a couple of questions which i am unable to recall.

Chairman wished me luck . thanks !

Seeker

Board- Manoj Soni
Date.. 22/07/2020
State- Bihar
Optional-geography
Works at IMD
Afternoon

Chairman- you play flute. Did u have training for it? Do u play classical ragas?
Is IMD doing it's job at par compared to other countries forecasts? (Job related)

M1- u have studied from CBSE.. Tell me 2 things that we are doing good fit education? Two things that we are doing wrong in education? Two things that we can do to improve it?
Ok now tell me two things we did right during lockdown to fight with covid? Two things we could have dinner better to manage during lockdown?
What is integrated agriculture farming?

M2- tell me famous temples in Gaya (daf)..Why is Gaya famous for?
How can cricket be played in present circumstances? (Grilled here)

M3- How is IMD useful? What is it doing for agricultural insurance? What are the schemes for agricultural insurance? Objectives of JNV (DAF)? Has it been successful in reaching those objectives? How can it improve?

M4- have you heard about ancient silk route? Somewhere I read that it also passed through patna-prayagraj-delhi-amritsar belt.. Do u think it's correct? Ok how do we conclude that it existed here.. What are the evidences we see?
Have u heard about cryosphere? If polar bear goes extinct, how will it affect people in distant lands as in India? What are zoonotic diseases? Any correlation between climate change and zoonotic diseases? Can covid be called an example of climate change induced virus... Just only an opinion on it.... Your opinion May differ?

Chairman- thank you. Your interview is over

(Mask and Sheild created lots of frustration.. Once the chairman even told to correct the mask as it was coming down while talking.. Difficult to understandt board members expressions as only their eyes are visible)

11th March,
Afternoon,1st to go.
Board : Manoj Soni Sir
Optional- Anthropology
Hobby- no question,
Interest- tribal culture

Ch: 1.Where are you currently living?
2. Do you like Delhi?
3. What you like in Delhi?
4. Tell me culture of any one    tribal{talked about santhal}
5. Case - Me DM of A&N island and came to know sentinelese are dying due to some disease. As no one is allowed inside their territory including DM, what will be your coarse of action?
6.Will you resign for saving them?
7. What is your priority, law of land or constitutional morality.

M1:
1. Case: Me Officer in Forest area, came to know a tribal festival in which they kill many animal. What will you do?
2. Will you shoot when they have weapon and retaliating?
3. Why Naxalism prominent among tribals?

M2:
1. Do you know Christopher von Haimendorf? His contributions?
2. Leader of Santhal movement?
3. 100m sprint race world timing(daf)

M3:
1. What are issues with tiger conservation?
2. Case: Me as Police officer, Came to know that forest dweller family in Sunderban has killed the tiger. Upon reaching there you came to know that the same tiger killed member of their family few weeks back. What will be your coarse of action.
Many counter questions.

M4:
1. University of Roorkee was so marvellous and at par with other IIT then what was the need to make it IIT?
2. Why IIT Roorkee is not in List of eminent institute
3. What is Coding?(daf)
4. Why Software engineering job after grad in polymer engineering?
Thankyou

Augustus
Board: Manoj Soni
Date: 27 July 2020
Chairman:
* You have mentioned so many addresses in your DAF, where are you based in ?
* What have you been doing in Delhi for last one year?
* Have you given TED talk ( hobby : watching TED talk) ?
* What is the procedure to give TED talks?
* You might be having lot of ideas to give Ted talks , share some ideas.
* In three bullet points tell me about Delhi education model.
*Have you read about it in official documents?
* What's in happiness curriculum?

M1:
* Do you support statehood for Delhi ? Why not?
* Delhi is considered unsafe for women, do you agree? And what is the reason behind it?
* Housing for all scheme:  civil engineering solution to it?
* What else apart from prefab structures?
* What was your institution's role in working with BMTPC ?

M2 :
*What's the price of gold these days?
*Can you tell me the price of 1kg of gold?
* Would you suggest someone to invest in gold ? What financial instruments?
* Two things for which your district is famous for?
* Why is it called gateway to the north east , as it is not in northeast?
* India foreign policy for Nepal : one positive, one negative aspect .
* Unofficial blockade: good or bad in your opinion?
* Nandan nilekani started a platform few days ago, do you know about it?
* One positive, one negative aspect about it.
* Visvesvaraya contribution to India? Which year did he die?

M3:
*How will you use knowledge of civil engineering in civil administration?
* What is National Building code?
* Some changes in NBC regarding fire safety done recently ?
* What are reasons behind fire outbreaks in buildings?
* How will you ensure compliance to norms?
* Any government platform that takes views of citizens directly for better governance?

M4 :
* Uses of jute?
* Would you suggest farmers in your district to continue with jute farming or to diversify?
* Any Air force base in your state?
* What is the historical significance of these bases ( world war 2 reference)?
* How is the course that you studied in b.tech different from your course in masters ?

Chairman: Is this you(photo)?  Can you remove your mask and shield? Your interview is over . Have a safe journey.

Anonymous

Board: Manoj Soni Sir
Date: 22 July 2020 forenoon
Duration: around 30min(12.53 to 1.25)
Background: Btech (comp)
Optional: public administration
Hobbies and interests: playing harmonium, Hindustani classical, mentoring, vipassana,

Chairperson:
1. How is your surname pronounced?
2. You can remove either the mask or shield if you are not comfortable (had fog on shield. Removed mask)
3. Your hobby is classical music. So what do you do? Play, sing or listen?
(Chairman comments: May God bless you to cure your voice so that you can resume singing again)
4. In this raining weather and this timing, which are the three  ragas that can be played?
5. What is the timing of Megh Malhar?
6. Tell me the situation of covid in your native place.
7. Looking at Maharashtra, what is , or if there is any hope that corona will be overcome eventually at least in the long run?
(Chairman comments: Yes, Dharavi is an effective model not just at Maharashtra's level but now at global level)

M1:
1. So suppose if you get selected, then your joining will most likely get delayed by 2-3 months. What will you do during that time? Will you learn something related to the services? 
2. Some states have multiple capitals. What is your view on having multiple capitals?
3. There are issues of data security in recent times esp they have a geopolitical angle, what is it?
4. What should be done by India to ensure better security in 5G technology? Any technical solutions?
5. To contain China we are going for multi-alignments. Is it going against NAM?
6. What could be the fallouts of such multiple strategic engagements?

M2:
1. You are computer scientist and a musician. Its a deadly combination. (I humbly said that i am just a computer engineer)
2. You play harmonium. What were the reasons that it was banned by All India Radio?
3. We are getting so much into these mobiles and technologies that we are losing ourselves. Do you think that in future our civilization can get endangered because of this issue?
4. What is your view on vertical construction of buildings in cities and limiting their geographical expanse?
5. So you agree with the idea? Can we start implementing it immediately from tomorrow?
6. (Long question)With respect to Indian Foreign Service they choose one foreign language in the career and then specialize in that country's affairs. Do you think that similar domain specialization should be made compulsory for IAS based on their respective graduation?
7. But how will deciding it after 7-8 years service work as it hardly has any exposure? Wont then graduation be the criteria?

M3: (lady)
1. So when sir referred you as scientist you immediately corrected him that you are engineer. Dont you think engineers can be scientists?
2. Where do you see engineers then?
3. You referred some technologies, tell me wrt Quantum computing, what is the difference between q-bit and ordinary bit?
4. What will be the impact of Quantum computing on security? Can India benefit from that?
5. Initiatives of govt to promote quantum computing?
6. What are the challenges or issues in Quantum computing?
7. Have you hear of 3D modelling of universe?
8. You have stayed in Pune, there are many famous labs in Pune. Which are they? 
9. What is the speciality of NIV?

M4:
1. If in future there is occurence of a new event like corona, but not the same novel corona, can it be dealt with in a better manner?
2. With benefit of hindsight, what should be done so that in future if novel corona reoccurs we all can enjoy it without suffering?
3. What are the learnings from this corona pandemic? (Later Clarified, in context of labour)
4. Illegal works in real estate is an important issue in Urban governance. What has government done to address it?
5. What is the difference between the function of RERA and function of Municipal Commissioner of Pune or Mumbai?
6. What was the recent bank fraud in Maharashtra?
7. What is the full form of PMC? Why did it occur? What  is the background of Wadhwans?
8. What happens to the money of depositers if such frauds occur?

Sahil 
Optional : Chemistry
Education : B.Tech
Chemical Engineering
Home State: Punjab
Work : Indian Forest Service,2018
Board : Dr. Manoj Soni 
Date : 12/03/2020

Chairman
1) What are your areas of interest?
2) Tell me some important social issues currently?
3) Have you heard about live-in-relationships? Your Opinion
4) Suppose a live-in couple has a child and then they decide to break up...can you imagine the mental trauma the child has to go through?Do you think such relationship are right for our socirty?
5) What is your opinion on people watching pornography within their own personal space? Should Individual autonomy guide all such actions?

M1:
1) Tell me about some important environmental issues
2) Expalain el nina and la nina events and its impact on India
3) Melting of polar ice caps and its effects
4) Impact of Climate Change on food security of India?
5) What is Earth science?
6) Tell me your strengths and weakness

M2:
1) What is issue regarding Capital city of Chandigarh between Punjab and Haryana? What is its solution ?
2) Why do farmers in Punjab burn paddy straw despite government restrictions?
3) Why should the Government compensate the farmers for not burning stubble...does it not go against the "polluter pays principle"?
4) As an Engineer tell me how can we solve the stubble burning problem

M3:
1) So your Hobby is reading memoirs...what memoirs have you read? (I answered karmayogi which is about E sreedharan )
2) Asked me in detail about the summary of the book
3) What leadership qualites have you learned from the book

M4:
1) Why do we need to remove the stubble before planting new crop?
2) Tell me about Malnutrition and Food Fortification in India
3) Why India lags in Global Hunger Index?
4) Have you heard about the term "Fraternity" in our Constitution..Explain its meaning.

Chairman: Thank You ...your interview is over

Duration : 15-20 mins..cordial board

Manoj Soni Board
Optional PSIR

How is state of affairs in God's own country.
Kerala has been initially one of best managed state in covid related cases. But why did the decent spike in cases happen?
You have been in Gujrath. How was your experience.
Did you attend Garbha festival.? Did you learn some steps of Garbha.?
What do you mean by Hawala money.
About the recent gold smuggling case in kerala, why is NIA investigating it?
Is there any leagal provisions against Hawala money.?
About the verdict on Padmanabha temple. What do you think about the verdict?
Why did Moody's downgraded rating for India
What are the steps taken by Government to address this?
You worked in a private university. In your opinion is there an increase in such private education institutes.
What are the positives and negatives associated with this increase.
IITs and IIMS are globally ranked institutions. But new IITs and IIMs are alloted, but do you think this decreases the quality and  bringing the average down.
Do you think goverment should increase spending on higher education.
Why is the government spending low on education.?
There is an idea of people initiated development and less reliance on govermoment measures. What is your opinion on this?
With regard to reasons for corruption, how will you score the  polity, beaurocracy and civil society in a scale of 100?
Why did you give civil society 50? Don't you think it's the responsiblity of politicians and beurocracy in educating the people.
Do you want to change your stance.?
You have lived in Kerala, Karnataka and Gujrath. What is the similarities and differences between these states.
Regarding issue of solid waste management, how do you propose to deal with medical waste arising out of covid crisis.
What are the provisions in atmanirbhar scheme for MSME.
What is CRZ.
Is there a scope for more development along kerala coast.
What is solution then?

#MH #working_candidate #Public_Administration

Candidate from Maharashtra
PT on 2nd August FN
Manoj Sony Sir Board
Qualification: BSc, MBA (Finance), CAIIB.
Optional: Public Administration
Place: Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Work Experience: 5 year +  experience and last assignment was Assistant Manager in Public Sector Bank. Now fully preparing for civil services.
Hobby: DIY, Quora and Teaching.

I am not mentioning some of questions which were related to very personal information.

Well questioned are not in sequence too. But written for separately for chairperson and other members.

Chairman Sir: 
1.Tell me about yourself in 40 second?
2. Why did you leave your public sector bank?
3. Wasn’t it possible to prepare with public sector bank job.
4. What did you learn from your two year stay in Tamilnadu while working in bank?
5. Civil Services is of lot of uncertainty. Do you have any plan B?
6. Being from humble background how did I contribute to your Society. Especially in Taluka or District?

Members:
1. Why do you want to become IAS?
2. You are science graduate and you can use your science knowledge for administration?
3. You got two now national level prizes for optimizing banking operation? What was it about? (I just told topic and asked do he want me to explain in details. He asked me to explain). I explained my work.
4. What learning from of Shivaji Maharaj can be useful in present governance system?
5. Why higher cases of COVID in NAGPUR?
6. Do you know a writer who writes on Shivaji Maharaj? (I did not remember. I said I am not able to remember his name.)
7. What is Afghanistan issue? How do you see India’s role in it?
8. Why banks are making lot of NPA (told them in policy issue and operational issues format).
9. Should governments go for privatization of bank?
10. Why NPA is lower in Private bank and higher in Public sector bank.
11. How do you see banking after 10 years when privatization and merger is going on?
12. Why Videocon group has failed (it was continuous question to IBC reference in one of my answer)
13. Asked me to explain DIY (Hobby). What innovations I did in It. He asked can you explain them. ( I told one. He asked me one more )
14.  He said will it be right to call them DIY? ( as per my understanding there are part of DIY. But sir, if other name available please suggest me. He smiled)
15. How we are performing in Disaster management and what we can learn for future? ( I mentioned DM in one of answer related to Diversity of work of IAS)

I tried to write transcript to best of my memory. If I remember further questions I will write in group.

Name : Azeem Akram Bin Latheef
Board :- Manoj soni sir
Time duration - 35 to 40 minutes

*Chairman*
1.Meaning of my name
2.Have you heard of Azeem o shan Shahansha  song?
3. Seen film jodha akbar?
4. You studied in Mahatma Gandhi University. Tell me why Mahatma Gandhi is great?
5. Is Gandhian Economic model practical? Why, why not?
6. Tell me three things that u can do practical with Gandhian economic model?
7. Define yourself
8. What qualities you have that take you to greatness?
9. Name 5 areas of your interest? ( most of questions asked by board members revolved around these interests areas of mine)

*Member 1*
1.Medals for India in Olympics?
2. why india  weak in sports?
3. What's the relation of sports with education?
4. You studied electronics and communication engg. Is Social media good or bad?
5. What's the issue going on now regarding privacy?
6. Explain pegasus controversy
7. If transparency is necessity in public affairs , why issues?

*Member 2*
1. Why kerala good in education?
2. Why people moving gulf if its that good?
3.Impact on tourism due to Covid
4. What shd be done to improve tourism sector
5.Kovalam resort condition
6. You studied in Jawahar Navodaya vidyalaya. What are it's positives?

*Member 3*

1.Why 'Bin Latheef' in name!
2. Explain the social development indicators of kerala.
3. Why then people moving to gulf?
4. How can kerala's economy be made better?
5.What you will do as an ifs officer to make the situation of NRIs better?
5. Even small and poor countries like Ghana plays football? Why football not getting momentum in India?


*Member 4*

1.Why your profile says that you are an educator? ( educator at kerala state civil service academy mentioned in DAF). What you have to do in Kerala State civil service academy?
2. Why you  didnt work as engineer? Why turned into civil service?
3.Whats ur father and mother doing?
4. Favourite football club? (said FC Barcelona)
5.Why arsenal in decline? ( seems member is Arsenal fan)
6.Why keralites not joining army ?
7. Why spice trade from Malabar declining?

Shwetansh Mishra:

Background-
B.tech in Mechanical engg, MNNIT Allahabad
Work ex- Tata Motors, New Delhi
Native- Gorakhpur
Optional- Philosophy

Prof Manoj Soni Sir Board, 2nd Aug, afternoon shift
First in the group

M1(Chairperson)
Asked to remove mask to verify photo.
1) So 'my name', How is life?
2) So you left your job in TML after a couple of years to prepare for civil services, are you also giving other exams?
2) Why philosophy as optional, was it due to interest or a tactical decision?
3) Name six schools of Indian philosophyi.e. saddarshana, in order. Name various Vedantic schools.
4) After more than 70 yeras of independence has India been able to fully utilize its soft power?


M2(Lady member)
1) Meaning of name.
2) Tata leader who inspired you most. What was most prominent leadership lesson you learnt from him?
3) What strategies would you follow to promote soft power in abroad?


M3
1 - Does your interest extends to sociopoltical philosophy also? What is the relation between democracy and socialism? Have read book titled 'democratic socialism'(also mentioned writers but i am not able to recall)?
2- What is the relation between FR and DPSP?What happens if conflict arises? Name the judgements related to it in order.
3- How EVs benefit in reducing carbon emissons?

M4
1- Why the EV market is not picking up?
2- Continuing with Constitution, what provisions for Power devolution between centre and state? What happens in case of conflict?
3-What are various environmental protection laws in india?
4- What is the forest cover in india? What's the trend, by how much it has increased?

M5
1-What do you like to read? Favourite biographies. What other writers do you read?What about poets?
So you like purist poems?
2-You are also interested in philosophies of other nations. Which ones? What about Sartre? Have you read philosophical books like that by ayn rand?
3- In what groups of people you can classify the population in Gorakhpur? What about for someone as development office?
4-In reference to your statement on diaspora, what do you think are reasons for attacks on indians in african continent?

Board - Manoj Soni Sir ( 5 Members )

3rd August, Afternoon Session - 1st to go.

Piyush Kumar Rai
Graduation- BTech, Material  Science and Engineering IIT Kanpur

Optional - PSIR
Hobbies - Listening Talks on Advaita Vedanta and Reading Non Fiction Books

1. What's going on in life?

2. Advaita Vedanta - Philosophy of Shankara, Right! Very unusual for a young person!

3. Your graduation subject is a very specialised subject with high demand,  why do you want to join services?

4. Which of the following subject are you most comfortable with - PSIR, Agriculture, Forestry etc. - follow up on IR!

5. So, There is a concept called Thucydides trap in IR, have you heard of it? What is it?

6.  Do you think this was applicable to India-China Relationship in recent times?

M2

1. After IIT, Why IAS? Don't you think it's a waste of a seat!

2. You are a sports person, volleyball! You Run Marathon too! What is the best timing? Do you run regularly!

3. What do you think of Odd even scheme, do you think it worked well!

4. Why is zomato IPO getting oversubscribed! Don't you think it's a risky thing?

5. Why did you change your school after 10th ( JNV Ballia  to JNV Pondicherry).

Wanted to ask few more, I guess! But Soni Sir reminded him of time!

M3

1. Have you heard of Max Muller? Translated upanishads!

2. What do you think of disinvestment by government? Some areas where we shouldn't disinvest?

3. Does genetics have to play some role in sports? Why do you think we aren't doing well? Offer some solutions.

4. Are you following olympics! What happend in today's match!

M4 -

1. Have you heard of Badrayana? What does shankara has to do with him?

2. Have you heard the name of Plato! What's the name of his book? What is he talking about?

3. Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya! Tell your interpretation of it!

4 - Russia, France and Isreal - Indian Relationship- 
A follow up question on - Economic Dimension of the relationship!

M5 ( The only lady member)

1. Why IAS, IPS over IFS when you have good knowledge of IR?

2. You didn't work after graduation, didn't you ever think of it!

3. What are the similarities between Machiavelli and Chankya?

4. Why do people put Machiavelli ahead of Kautilya?

Soni Sir : Best wishes, your interview is over.

PS- Will update, in case I remember any question that I forgot to add.

My friend , who is civil Engineer and from Tamil Nadu shared some questions.
Today , Manoj Soni Sir Board
Corruption, india china standoff places, importance of doklam plateau, Tamil literature, they asked which format cricket best test or T20,
what is the current major problem India facing ?
how the situation of corruption in india ?
and leather industry in tamilnadu .
Do u victim of corruption?
What will you do if u r senior officer is corrupt ?
whether we should live with corruption ? Like living with corona ?

Board - Manoj Soni Sir ( 5 Members )

3rd August, Afternoon Session - 1st to go.

Piyush Kumar Rai
Graduation- BTech, Material  Science and Engineering IIT Kanpur

Optional - PSIR
Hobbies - Listening Talks on Advaita Vedanta and Reading Non Fiction Books

1. What's going on in life?

2. Advaita Vedanta - Philosophy of Shankara, Right! Very unusual for a young person!

3. Your graduation subject is a very specialised subject with high demand,  why do you want to join services?

4. Which of the following subject are you most comfortable with - PSIR, Agriculture, Forestry etc. - follow up on IR!

5. So, There is a concept called Thucydides trap in IR, have you heard of it? What is it?

6.  Do you think this was applicable to India-China Relationship in recent times?

M2

1. After IIT, Why IAS? Don't you think it's a waste of a seat!

2. You are a sports person, volleyball! You Run Marathon too! What is the best timing? Do you run regularly!

3. What do you think of Odd even scheme, do you think it worked well!

4. Why is zomato IPO getting oversubscribed! Don't you think it's a risky thing?

5. Why did you change your school after 10th ( JNV Ballia  to JNV Pondicherry).

Wanted to ask few more, I guess! But Soni Sir reminded him of time!

M3

1. Have you heard of Max Muller? Translated upanishads!

2. What do you think of disinvestment by government? Some areas where we shouldn't disinvest?

3. Does genetics have to play some role in sports? Why do you think we aren't doing well? Offer some solutions.

4. Are you following olympics! What happend in today's match!

M4 -

1. Have you heard of Badrayana? What does shankara has to do with him?

2. Have you heard the name of Plato! What's the name of his book? What is he talking about?

3. Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya! Tell your interpretation of it!

4 - Russia, France and Isreal - Indian Relationship- 
A follow up question on - Economic Dimension of the relationship!

M5 ( The only lady member)

1. Why IAS, IPS over IFS when you have good knowledge of IR?

2. You didn't work after graduation, didn't you ever think of it!

3. What are the similarities between Machiavelli and Chankya?

4. Why do people put Machiavelli ahead of Kautilya?

Soni Sir : Best wishes, your interview is over.

PS- Will update, in case I remember any question that I forgot to add.

Sandeep Kumar
3/8/2021
Maths and computing, IIT kharagpur [2019 graduate]

Board: Manoj Soni Sir
Afternoon, 2nd in order.

Chairman:
How is the name of your village pronounced?
Are you the first person from your village to appear in the CSE interview?
Which basic facilities are available in your village? Which are lacking?
Suppose a person from your village has gone to the USA and earned a lot of money and gives you 50 crore to bring development in your village. You have to spend it within 5 years. Tell me your priorities. ( 5-6 minute long discussion on various issues I mentioned. He insisted on specifics like how much exactly I will spend on which projects and how I will implement it.)

Member 1:
Carrying forward the discussion on your village, tell me what is the potential of mustard oil production in your village? Will you include it in your list of projects?
What about fisheries?
What is Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan? What is the National Rural Health Mission?
What is the Indradhanush mission?
(Forgetting few questions. I will update as I recall.)

Member 2: [Lady member]
Why did you join NCC?
What are the aims of NCC?
What did you learn from NCC?
What was Ramanujan's contribution? What is so special about his achievement?
How will you use mathematics to solve the problems of your village?

Member 3:
What is the status of sanitation in your village? Will you include it in your list of projects? [with reference to the last question by the chairman.]
So many IAS/IPS from Bihar, but development has still not come in Bihar. What are the reasons?
The problems you mention are known to people in Bihar, still no action has been taken. Why?
What do you understand by development?
How to achieve practically what you said? [I had emphasised inclusive and participatory development]
What parameters will you use to measure this kind of development?
Define sustainable development.
Why is air pollution such a big issue? What should be done so that industrialization takes place and air remains pure too. [He was talking in the context of Bihar’s industrialization.]
What is the greenhouse gas effect?

Member 4:
Why is the Siachen Glacier important to us? Why do we have armed forces in such extreme conditions?
Not even a blade of grass grows over there. Do you think it is justifiable to spend so much money in that region?
Why has the defence budget not increased as a percentage of GDP in so many years? What do you recommend regarding an increase in budget?
What are the challenges in defence budget expenditure? [discussion on revenue expenditure vs capital expenditure issues. ]

Chairman sir: We wish you best of luck. Your interview is over.
I thanked the chairman and members.
Panel was cordial and gave me ample time to frame my answers.


PS:  Few questions might be missing. I will add them later when I recall. During the interview, a mask is mandatory but face-shield is optional.

Manoj Soni sir board , last to go
Profile: Btech in Engineering physics from IIT Delhi
Optional: Physics
hobby: Student mentoring, Blogging, Covid cashrelief fundraiser
Work experience: Milaan Foundation (India Fellow social leadership program)
Summer research internships at University of Saarland and Leibniz institute in Germany

Chairman (M1)
1. What is milaan foundation and what did you do there?
2. Don't you think you wasted Investment in IIT course given its very specialized course?  (Don't give any theoretical answer like you will use experience in administration)
3. Who was Thomas Kuhn?
4. What is Higgs boson and why is it called God particle?
5. Use of Higgs boson particle

M2:
1. What's your opinion on corona virus as bioweapon?
2. What is Crispr CAS9 and it's implications on coronavirus issue
3. So many lies are being spread in the world, how do you address it?
4. What is linkage between quantum physics and AI?

M3:
1.You mentioned about Hindi medium, Till what class, were you in Hindi medium?
2. What's your view on regional language courses and discussed on it thereon?
3.  What's controversy on western part of India?

M4:
1.  What does govt do for underprivileged section ( I mentioned it )
2. Are underprivileged section getting benefits of govt. Program on ground?
3. Did everyone get govt. Job as per up govt. Has suggested?
4. What would you do if you are made DM and will you give govt. Job to these people?

M5:
1. Tell about your project in Germany and how you got it?
2. Can you recall an Indian who made it big after studying in Germany?
3. What is namami gange project and how can we use clean water for agriculture?
4. Why is UP poor despite so many PM? What is it that is going right for UP? What do you see it's future in?
5. Tell about Palestine issue
6. What is going on in Lakshadweep?

Pratik

*Date:* 3rd August (12:55 to 1:25)
*Board:* Dr. Manoj Soni Sir
*Candidate Profile:*
B. Tech (Mechanical), Anthropology optional, Worked in Tata Motors


*Chairman:*
Q. You've studied Mechanical engineering, Anthropology, Agriculture Engineering and Forestry. So which subject among these will be useful to you in administration?
Q. What are the recently enacted new agricultural laws. Explain in nutshell. And why are the farmers protesting?
Q. How will you use Mechanical engineering in solving the issue of recent farmer protests?
Q. What is your opinion about these reforms?
Q. Tata Motors is a good employer. Would you agree? Then why did you leave the company?

*Member 1 (Lady member):*
Q. When did you start writing Journal? Why?
Q. You have written Emerging Technologies as your interest area. What are these technologies and how can they be useful for India? Explain with specific cases.
Q. Do you know about Gilgit-Baltistan issue?
Q. Can you explain entire Kashmir conflict since its origin in brief?

*Member 2:*
Q. Explain your role at Tata Motors.
Q. Is Burma important to India? What is happening there?
Q. Should India intervene?
Q. What's Philosophical Anthropology?

*Member 3:*
Q. Applications of 3D printing?
Q. Can we build buildings using 3D printing? Explain the mechanism?
Q. What is CSR?
Q. How much does Tata Motors contribute in CSR? Where?

*Member 4:*
Q. What is the biggest problem in front of humanity? (I said Climate Change)
Q. Are we doing enough to solve climate change?
Q. Why are we not able to move ahead?
Q. As the president of USA what will you do solve this?
Q. Why should developing countries cut their emissions when major emitters are developed countries? Don't you think it's unfair? What's the way ahead?

*Chairman:*
Q. Which values are core to you?
Q. Suppose you are a senior level govt officer and you have strong views about a particular policy. But the govt has brought out policy which is contrary to your views or values. How would you proceed?

Name: KK
Date: 05-08-2021
Afternoon Session, Last to go
Duration: 30 Minutes
Board: Dr Manoj Soni
5th Attempt
Optional: Sociology
Graduation: B.Sc
Hobby: Ted Talks, Cooking

Chairman:
1. What's going on?
2. What are you doing after college?
3. Don't you think the time for some back up plan has come ?
4. What was the role of planning commission?
5. Why was it dismantled and why Niti Ayog now ?
6. Full form of Niti Ayog?
7. In which year was PC dismantled?
8. 3 points which can justify that NITI Ayog is the right step.

Member 1(Lady):
1. What 3 sociological challenges you see in today's society?
2. How to remove Caste Inequality?
3. Suggest some practical steps instead of idealism?
4. How to reduce corruption in the Civil Services?
5. Whats your view regarding Nuclear Disarmament?
6. Name of the treaty ?

Member 2(Male):

1. View regarding division of UP into two smaller states?
2. View regarding our federal structure? Centralisation needed or decentralisation?
3. Why China did what it did at Indo-China Border?
4. Was granting asylum to Dalai Lama right decision?
5. History of British steps regarding Tibet and China?

Member 3(Male) (Was in grilling mode, never agreed fully on any answer):

1. Why historically high rate of crime in your district (UP) ?
2. Do you foresee the situation where any country can resort to nuclear attack anywhere ?
3. Have we achieved any success with respect to elimination of plastic?
4. Which two states have decided to ban plastic?
5. What's integrity pact?

Member 4(Male):

1. Which ministry works for Diaspora? (Lady member corrected that it's been merged with MEA)
2. What steps has government taken for Diaspora ?
3. What benefit to us from Diaspora?
4. Name any sociologist you are comfortable to talk about (told Emile Durkheim)?
5. Tell about Emile Durkheim?
6. Explain his concept of Suicide?

Chairman: Thank You. Best Wishes to you.

Amrit Jain, Electrical and Electronics Engineering from NIT Warangal
Indian Defence Accounts Service 2019
Hobbies : Singing, playing guitar
Optional : PSIR
Board : Manoj Soni Sir
Interview : 4th August, Afternoon

Chairman

1)So Amrit, you are the last candidate for the day, Are you tired? Are you hungry?
2)Lets start, so you are 2018 batch IDAS officer?( I corrected him politely )
3)Okay, so your training has just finished, How do you feel about about your current service?
4)But then, I believe you want to get into a "better" service, if I may use that word gently?? Why?
5)So you play guitar? What kind of guitar? What kind of songs?
6)Okay, then what do you like to sing on guitar?(Indian bollywood) Okay, then you dont do classical songs on guitar?
7)Really, are you interested in learning Indian classical? Tell me the difference between Drupad and Khayal form?
8)Do you know anything about Gharana tradition?
9)What is your opinion on this statement, "Indian classical music has led to formation of several composite cultures in India"?
10)Should we make Indian classical music a compulsory part of higher learning education curriculum?Do you know anything about SPICMACAY, I believe its an acronym for something, Can you tell us its full form?

M1

1)Are you more comfortable in Political Science or International Relations?
2)What do you make of the threat of China  and Sino-Pak axis?
3)How is India able to deal with it?
4)Which international grouping supports us against them?
5)Tell me something about Representation of People's Act? Who are observers? What is the role of Returning officer?
6)What is Model Code of Conduct?
7)Tell me how would you like to improve our policing?

M2

1)You are already into a finance service, Don't you think that Government should allow only commerce graduates or CA/CS professionals to enter into such finance services(IDAS, ICAS)?
2)Is excessive democracy a hindrance for growth of nations(particularly India)?
3)Ok you are right, but don't you think, too much of viewpoints on an issue bring policy paralysis in India?
4)Then how do you resolve it, you take a decision, but you are not able to implement that decision in India? Don't we need a very strict form of democracy?(He spoke at length about failures of African democracies)
5)But that is the issue right, Government is not being strict enough, Look at the timing of Kumbh Mela, don't you think we needed stronger government to disallow such events?


M3
1)Okay Amrit, I see that you have graduated from Electrical and Electronic Engineering from NIT Warangal(long back), Can you recall any of it ?(Dont worry I am not going to ask you anything from it)Do you think this engineering is of any use to you now?
2)Don't you think that this realization of serving better through civil services came very late in your life?
3)Why did that happen?
4)Okay, it is said that we are doing too much of auditing? What is your view on it?
5)But then, financial scrutiny of every administrative decision(procurement, proposal) is causing so many unnecessary delays?
6)Recently, I attended a conference in which all esteemed members agreed that we are having too many auditing procedures, ( they were all experts in this field ), What do you think needs to be changed?
7)Tell something about India's UNPKF in Srilanka adventure? How did it impact India-Srilanka relations
8)Talk something about Afghan situation and why is India so much worried about its security?


M4 (lady member who tried to ask a question earlier, but chairperson told her to wait till her turn comes)

Profile- Already in IPS
Optional- Hindi Lit
Graduation- IIT Delhi, B. Tech
From Jaipur
Date of Interview- 06-08-2021
Board- Dr. Manoj Soni
Around 30-35 minute interview
Chairman-
1. Why IAS now?
2.Limitations of IAS?
3. Would you join politics?
m1-
Recites a poem of hindi... Asked to tell about the poet.
EIA and EPM
Our common future report
Kashmiri pandit Rehabilitation
m2-
Why hindi literature after B. Tech?
What  kind of music you listen to?
Gave a situation on rural development
m3-
Gave a situation of sand mafia and police.

M4-
If you become IAS then in which department you will like to work?

Chairman-
Asked one follow up question on situation which member M3 asked .
Abhi ye hi yaad h...
End of interview

Nikhil - 4/8/21
BE Automobile/Sociology/Nashik ,MH
Manoj Soni sir board.
[major questions]
1. Give name of 3 indian sociologist
2. Which one is your favourite? Why
3. How will you apply M.N.Srinivas work in administration?
4. Application of Automobile engg knowledge after engg.
5. Marathi drama related question- vijay Tendulkar- name his play/theme[hobby]
6. Saints of Maharashtra- their impact on Maharashtra society.
7. Do you think Vidarbha has faced discrimination? Why
8. Domestic Tourism issues/ solution/ your experience[hobby]
9. How safety issues in tourism can be tackled?
10. Statement- “individual initiative gets impede by institutional structure” do you agree/disagree. explain[connected to 3rd qstn]
11. What is bimstec? SAARC?issues
12. What disturbances are going on in India’s neighbourhood
13. What is happening in Western sahara?
14. Which countries recognized Israel?

Manish

Manoj Soni sir board
3rd one to go
Graduation - civil engineering
Hobby- writing articles on social issues
Optional - Sociology

Chairman
- life kaisi chal rahi h
- 5 social reformer in 21st century
- kya kisi desh ko apni sanskriti follow krni chaiye

M1(Lady member)
- Quad meeting's decision regarding covid pandemic
- asked name for muslim minority in China and its province(factual)

M2
- what is cryptocureency
- blockchain technology
- India's stand on cryptocureency
- who owns data in blockchain technology
- what do you wanna contribute for your alumni
- what is the plan B

M3
- Social issues of Rajasthan
- sex ratio in Rajasthan
- New technologies in civil engineering
- Technologies for earthquake resistant building
- Reasons for India doing worst in Olympic
- why same states are performing better than other states
- on which issues you wrote article

M4
- reasons of child marriage
- ghunghat Partha...good or bad

Chairman
- ghunghat ka shringar ras mein importance...agar ghunghat htaa diya toh ek ras hi khatam
- agar ghunghat prtha htani h toh burka prtha kyon na hatayein

Anonymous

Board: Dr Manoj Soni Sir
Graduation: B.Com Honors
State: Madhya Pradesh
Optional: Commerce and Accountancy
Hobbies: Practicing Zero waste Lifestyle, Vipassana Meditation
Forenoon Session, 04 August, Last one to go (1.05 PM - 1.35 PM )

Chairman:
(Explained the protocols, Asked for facial verification)
1.Can you suggest some other measure for facial verification so that we can avoid impersonation? (I mentioned Biometric identification - finger prints, iris scan)
2.Why people are reluctant to share Biometric details?
3.What are your views on Right to Privacy? Also, tell about the Supreme Court's recent judgement on the same.
4.What was the need to make Right to Privacy, a Fundamental right? How giving this status is different from already existing legal provisions?

Member:
1.Can you mention some famous monuments of MP that can be made a tourist attraction?
2.Do you know some famous hotels of MP?
3.What are the major minerals that are found in MP?
4.Does the government alone mines them or private sector is also involved? How is the collaboration between both?

Member:
1.Explain your hobby (ZWL). What do you do?
2.What about the huge plastic waste that is being generated presently? What should we do about it?
3.How will you convince someone to adopt these ideas of ZWL?
4.How will you convince the farmers who are protesting for adoption of new farm laws? + Also asked the provisions of laws and full forms.
5.What do your friends talk/think about you as a person?
6.Do you empathize with people?

Member:
1.Do you know Western Sahara? What is happening in Western Sahara currently?
2.How is India's relations with Latin American countries? How can it be improved?
3.Name some technologies that you think can revolutionize the world.

Member:
1.Do you think India is a regional power? And even global power in some sense?
2.Why India does not adheres to the concept of Waste to Wealth?
3.Why MP is performing so good in agriculture?

Chairman:
Your interview is over.
Are you staying in Delhi or going back home?

Vishnu meena
Forenoon session
Btech IT
Working : Teacher
4th to go
CH: (Manoj soni sir )
1.How are u ?
2. Kite lying kaise karte ho ?
3 . Wat u learn from kite flying
4. Aerodynamic law of kite flying
5. Different types of manjaa ( for kite flying)
6. Tell me one thing how to solve india’s one problem that other problems can be solved 😂

M1
1.bharatpur famous for
2.social problems comparison between bharatpur and delhi
3. Problems of delhi
4.sex ratio comparison between delhi and bharatpur

M2
1. Malware and pishing
2. Spyware
4. Pegasus iasue
5. 4G and 5G comparison
6. Why 5G
7. IPv 4 and IPv6 
8. Change in school education in last 2 decades
9.are u satisfied with ur job

M3
1. School timing
2. NEP 2020
3. Job, naukari, service mai comparison
4. Sports events in school
5. Why we are celebrating just 7 medals

M4.
1.Permanent seat in unsc for india
2. NSG and india
3. Military training for students in india like south korea
4. Ncc related questions

Finally
Your interview is over all the best
U can go now

Anonymous
12 August 2021 morning
First person to go
Manoj Soni sir board
IIT Delhi, chemical engineering, nss, public administration, working in startup


What you doing now ?
Whats you role and responsibilities in your company ?
How you using chemical engineering knowledge in your job ?

Member 1
Tell about socio- economic status of rajasthan ?
Tell about the social  issue of  rajasthan ?
If you appointed as dm of your district, in which three area you like to focus? (Detailed discussion in that)

Member 2
Winter Olympics where and which year ?
Tabilan taking control on Afghanistan impact on Afghanistan, region and global ?
Whats india concern ?

Member 3
Oldest iit ? And whats the different about iit delhi from other iit ?
Why You choose nss in college and why not ncc ?
Who is Vikram Batra ?
Gallatary award during war time ?
Civilian award in India ?
What the big significant happen today at 5.45 ? (Isro- eos-3 )
What happen ? Why not successful ? Name of fuel ?

Member 4
What the issue with the renewable energy ?
What are the issue related to the storage ?
Chemical used in the battery ? And what the issue in it ?
How geopolitics of new world is different from the geopolitics of oil ?
New emerging technology and how will it change our life ?
What is smart cities ? What the meaning of smart in smart cities?

Chariman sir your interview is over you can go now thank you.

Sanjay K Meena

Transcript CSE 2020

August 10 2021,Morning Session ,3rd to go
Chairman-Manoj Soni Sir
Duration-40 mins approx

Profile:
Home state-Rajasthan
Graduation -Electrical Engineering ,IIT ROPAR
Post Graduation-MA in Sociology from IGNOU
NET-JRF In Sociology
SBI PO(Haven't joined it yet)
Hobbies-Stairs Running,Watching Web Series and Listening to Music.

(Chairman asked me to remove my mask and face shield to varify my photograph.)

Chairman-
Q1-What you are upto  these days ??
Q2-Why masters in Sociology ??
Q3-Should govt intervene in customs ,traditions and cultural practices of citizens ??
Q4-What is your stand on Dowry ??
Q5-If your in laws are quite well off and they want to give dowry would you accept it ??
Q6.Why no ??They are giving it happily .
Q7.How dowry is unconstitutional ??
Q8.Why liquor is banned in some states like Gujarat and Bihar and not in others ??
Q9.What is your stand regarding banning it at national level??



Male Member 1 -

Q1.You have enrolled for masters in 2017 and haven't completed it yet ??why ??
Q2.Forex reserve of India ???Its constituents ??
Q3.Is US dollar also part of Federal reserve ??
Q4-Tell me something about IPCC 's 6th report ??
Q5.India's stand on it ??
Q6.What is Maritime security ??
Q7 Asked about UNSC 's August presidentship and Maritime security resolution ??
Q8.What was RIN mutiny and significance of it in India's Independence ??

Male member 2-

Q1-Who guided you for civil services ??
Q2-Why India is focussing so much on Renewable energy ??
Q3-Developments in the field of solar energy in last one decade ??
Q4-Negative impacts of 5G on society ??
Q5-Difference between High commissioner and ambassador ??
Q6.Your views on changing the name of award(Rajiv Gandhi khel ratna award ) and stadiums ??


Female member -

Q1-What type of songs do you listen to ??
Q2-Mention about a modern history leader who was a poet, singer ,author , and also painter ??
Q3-Steps that govt has taken to promote Indian culture at international level and what more should be done ??
Q4-Unique features of 2021 UNSC meet ??(As I have mentioned the word while answering Q3)
Q5-Uniqueness of this year's Independence day ??

Male Member 3-
Q1-Differentiate between Ramayana and Mahabharata Sociologically ???
Q2-How Pre 1990s India was different from Post 1990s India ??
Q3-Social issues of Rajasthan ??
Q4-Difference between Punjab and Rajasthan on social parameters ???(As I have done my graduation from IIT Ropar,Punjab).

Chairman -Best of luck for the results .Your Interview is over ,You can go now .
(It was mostly DAF +Current Affairs based )

Interview Transcripts 2022:

Board Manoj soni sir

Fourth and last one to go before lunch break. 

Chairman:

What is the meaning of your name

Then something about the aarambh programme at kevadia

Women empowerment programmes in India for past five years

Is reservation needed for women in armed forces

Member 1: with the kind of respect that people have towards women in India is it ok to have women in combat role( he was hinting at the issue of outraging modesty of women in case they become pow)

 Karmayogi mission do u know about it.

What's difference between institute academy and college.

Something about 1971 war.

What is super power

Is there a difference between super power and world power

Who is the super power now.

Member 2 :Taliban rise to power and rights of women in Afghanistan and also what effects it will have on minorities and it's implications on India.

Do u know about a famous place in puducherry. ( Aurbindo ashram)

Member 3 : v and k shaped recovery in economy

What will you do if your district is more caste based and caste association have huge influence on working of the district.

Member 4: what do you think of the farmers law.

What's the issue

What's difference between multilateral and world Bank

What do you think of world bank's working

Give me a brief description of the history of development of tamilnadu on lines of human development index, education and industrial development s and job opportunities.

The board was cordial to me . But questions seemed very random. Jumping from one topic to another. And they cut me short after stating two or three points.

Manoj Soni sir board.

PSIR optional

IPS

Went in, chairman sir seemed irritated for some reason or they have planned a Stress Interview beforehand…(he had come 1.5 hours late)

As soon as I sat and opened the buttons of my blazer, he said sarcastically : hope now you’re finally comfortable 

Q. Meaning of your name

Q. Cow protection 

Q. Cattle population in India

(Couldn’t answer)

Q. Contribution of animal husbandry in India’s gdp

(Couldn’t answer)

Chairman remarked these are basics connected to your name you must know

Q. Same irritated look Now I’ll ask you why IPS to IAS and you’ll say diversity, challenges etc etc all usual stuff…you can’t be having any different reason do you?

(🤦🏽🤦🏽)

Q. Literacy rates in Rajasthan, in India.

Q. How is literacy measured?

Members :

Basic Daf related ques on IR: Iran-USA, Pakistan ,west Asia, ISA etc

Policing reforms…some questions on hobby…difference between motivation and inspiration…mostly discussion on IR

Chairman again :

Q. Who won the war of Mahabharata?

Q. Was it an ethical win? Was it okay to cheat Drona and Deceive Karna etc etc

Q. So only ends matter to you not means!

Q. Why don’t you accept the Pandavas we’re unethical

Your interview is over.

Aruneesh

Board : Manoj Soni Sir

Forenoon, first to go.

24.08.2021

PSIR, BIT MESRA, TISS HRM, Football, Weight Training, HS- Jharkhand (Currently in WB)

Chairman : So young man, how is life? How is the weather in Kolkata?

A lot has been going around in the realm of football, can you elaborate on few recent instances.

How many aspirational districts are there in WB? How many in JH? Can you name few?

What initiatives will you take in these aspirational districts?

Tell me what is the exact criteria for the selection of aspirational districts?

M1 : You are the DM of a water scarce district, what measures will you take to ensure that that the issue of scarcity is resolved in your district?

What is Jal Shakti Abhiyan?

What are the current developments in it?

M2: Is Privacy a right? Is it a fundamental right? Was it always a fundamental right?

When can an Individual’s privacy be transgressed?

Why is facial recognition considered breach of privacy?

Have you heard about the DNA technology Bill? Is it violating any privacy norms?

An instance where public health related necessity became a threat to individual privacy?

Is International Relations your forte? If you were India’s ambassador to Afghanistan what would have been your approach if you were to give your inputs for recognition of Taliban to the Government? 3 points from the perspective of India’s own interest and 3 from geostrategic perspective?

M3: Carrying forward the privacy conversation, let us say you and I are friends and you post my picture on social media without consent, what legal action can I take in that case since my privacy is breached.

How many districts are Still naxal affected? Why do you think the issue of naxalism still persists? Do you have any solution for that? Do you think Naxals of Jharkhand and Naxals from Chattisgarh have common concerns and grievances? What will be your policy to deal with the Naxals in your district? Is there a grievance redressal mechanism for Naxals?

Do you think China is a bigger threat than terrorism?

M4: Differentiate between TISS and BIT in terms of – academic curriculum, professors, values they added in your life, type of friendship you formed, professors, areas of improvement needed, what you learnt from both these institutes which will help you in administration and the reason you chose these two institutes for higher education? (DAF based, all this was one long question! Had to differentiate on these stated parameters, was trying really hard to ensure that I don't miss out on any)

What are the issues plaguing our higher education institutions?

If I ask your closest friends to tell 3 good qualities and 3 bad qualities about you, what would they say?

Who do you idealize and why?

Manoj Soni Board

What did you do after graduation ?

Why IAS after IPS ?

Any Startup Idea that you can think of. How will you seek funding?

Need to reduce carbon emissions.

Effects of global warming.

Why reforms required in police.

2 most important reforms in police.

Defence developments in Space. 

Why walking is preferred over running?

Significance of Tibet.

Anti drone technology.

Refugees and afghan Refugee crisis.

What can we learn about Bhutans vaccination drive ?

Implications of Afghan crisis on Saarc ?

V

Transcript 2020

Manoj Soni Sir board

27/08/2021

B.Tech IT 

Sociology optional, 

writing slice of life blogs

Chairman:

1. Why civil services after IT(long question short)

2. What made you to chose sociology optional?

3. What is your view on culture?

4. Can state interfere in cultural aspects?(follow up questions and went on like discussion)

M1(lady member)

1. Afghanistan is called graveyard of empires, who where the erstwhile players apart from recent players? 

2. Among different types of vaccines which is very effective?

3. What is the difference between these and traditional vaccine?

4. What advantages does it have?

5. Do they have any negatives?

6. If you’re DM of a district, how will you approach vaccine hesitancy?

7. Will you penalise people for not getting vaccinated? 

8. Do you support incentives for vaccine?

9. What kind of incentives? Name few

M2

1. Technology and AI, how can it transform examination and recruitment pattern?

2. How will AI change the long term process of examination?

3. What is principle of subsidiarity?

4. Polluter pay principle? 

M3

1. What blogs have you written?

2. What is quantum computing?

3. Will there be a need to update cybersecurity protocols and encryption techniques in quantum computing?

4. Caste violence and untouchability are still existing, has Prevention of attrocities act failed to handle these issues?

5. What about misuse of PoA, Act?

6. What is digital detox? 

M4 - did not ask any questions 

Chairman:

Thank you. Your interview is over and please stay safe.

It was a good experience and went 20 to 25 min (appx)

Date of Interview : 23/08/2021, AN, 4th to go 

Board : Manoj Soni Sir 

Background : B Tech Chemical Engg IIT B

Optional : Mathematics

Home City/State : Lucknow/UP 

Hobbies : Reading non-fiction books esp. on international relations

[2 members on either side were seated quite close to the candidate; arrangement made it difficult to maintain eye-contact with all of them]

Chairman

1. You're from the City of Nawabs, do you also carry the attitude of Nawabs?

2. You studied from ICSE school. How do you think it is different from CBSE or state board, from the experience of your friends?

3. You also lived in Mumbai. Any life lesson you learnt in Mumbai? 

4. Did you learn Marathi? Did you try Marathi food? A short conversation on Parsi food from my answer

5. Did you enjoy the city of Mumbai?

6. What is the role of the youth, and not the govt, in making India a Vishwa Guru by 2047? [The Chairman here tried to unsettle me a bit]

M1 

1. Why the shift from Chemical Engg to civil services?

2. What will be the impact of disruptive technologies?

3. Impact of technology on bureaucracy in the next 15 yrs? 

4. What changes can we make to bureaucracy to better adapt?

5. Which IR book you read recently. Tell me about it.

6. Do you think decision of President Biden to withdraw from America is wrong or do they have something else in mind?

7. How will the importance of West Asia change in the future?

M2 

1. Did you sit for campus placements?

2. What is doctrine of lapse? How was it applied in case of Awadh?

3. Impact of technology like digitisation on a poor country like India. List negative social and economic impacts.

4. How is tech useful in the long term? How does tech lead to creation of new jobs? Would not driverless cars lead to joblessness?

5. What are bad banks? Are we not rewarding inefficiency of banking system through them?

6. Why was AMUL model of cooperatives not replicated in sectors other than dairy? Was it because in Amul govt had provided initial support?

7. Have you heard of "bleed India by a thousand cuts"? What is it and why?

M3 

1. What are pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions?

2. What is the use of referring Bills to Parliamentary Committees? Do they also fix accountability on the govt?

3. Coming to Afghanistan, tell me short term impacts of takeover by Taliban on India.

4. Now, tell me long term impacts.

5. You mentioned China. Why is China involved in Afghanistan? What will they gain from a friendly Taliban?

6. What should be India's immediate priority in Afghanistan?

7. Does the international community have a role in Afghanistan or are they helpless?

8. But do you think sanctions are effective?

9. If you are Perm Rep of India to UN, and UN is discussing whether to give humanitarian aid to Afg or impose sanctions on it, how will you address this issue?

M4 

1. Tell me the most important landmark of Lucknow. What is its speciality? Anything you remember about its roof? 

2. I think Residency is more famous. Your view? Which will be more famous internationally?

3. PM mentioned energy independence for India by 2047. What does he mean?

4. Based on the data you quoted, do you think we can even achieve independence?

5. Since you mentioned tidal, let’s talk about oceans. How does climate change lead to acidification? 

[I could barely hear the last word, politely asked the member to repeat]

6. What will be the impact of acidification?

7. Our islands depend on sea water for drinking water. How will they be impacted from acidification?

Chairman

Thank you. Your interview is over. Stay safe and have a pleasant evening!

Overall, the board was very cordial and polite. They were eager to have a conversation and not a cross-examination (just as mentioned in PT syllabus). Even though the board’s interviews that day were delayed, they did not rush and gave adequate time to answer. The questions were asked mostly from DAF.

P.S. Snacks were available generously! :P

P.P.S. Stay calm and give your best!

M

Manoj soni sir board

26 August

Name: Meera

Daf details: state- kerala, sociology optional, btech in mechanical engineering 

Chairman: 

Why were you named meera? Is it connected to mirabai?

Who was mirabai? 

Why sociology? Have you tried internalising the discipline?

Sociologically analyse the relevance of mirabai

Why was her reformative approach in caste and gender not sustained in the future?

M1

Why corona is spreading so much in kerala- give 2 main reasons.

What is happiness index?

Is spirituality an important aspect of happiness? If so, how?

Given a choice, between a totalitarian government with a very high economic development and democracy which one would you pick?

It is said that a poor man can do any crime. What's the point of democracy if people are not safe from crimes?

Do you think china will have a revolution in the next 10-20 years?

Has there been any pro democratic movements in china?

M2

Why did you choose mechanical engineering?how was your experience?

What are brownfield projects?

What is the government trying to do in the monetisation plan?

What do you mean by vision?

How do you define yourselves with your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

M3

How would you use your mechanical engineering knowledge to bring about mechanisation of agriculture in your district?

Where will you source the money from?

What is the recent ipcc report about? What is the rate of warming?

How will it impact kerala?

M4

Opinion on girls in NDA

Sexual violence against prisoners of war

Is newspaper a social media?

Give 3 reasons to regulate social media and 3 reasons not to

Do you think social media can really be controlled? If so, how?

Chairman

If given a chance would you change your name- pick a name from the 3 Yashoda, Rukmini and Radha.

A S

Interview Date :- 25th August 

Board :- Manoj Soni 

Home state : Bihar 

Optional :- Geography

Work ex:- Oracle and currently in Indian Information Service

1) 30 sec ..Introduce urself with your unique traits 

2) Mumbai encounter(26/11) you are a cop and kasab is firing in front of you ..what will you do 

3) What is infodemics

4) Laws for infodemics

M1

1) Why Geography ?

2) Why monsoon prediction is challenging and how can we improve the monsoon modelling 

3) Impact of climate change on agriculture 

M2

1) Suggest ways to revive the economy of Bihar 

2) Tell one most important govt scheme in Bihar 

3) If you have to devise a subsidy scheme ..how will you do it

4) what is difference between efficiency and effectiveness ?

M3

1) Live streaming during 26/11 . Do we need to restrict media ?How will you do it

2) Is there the need of coaching institutes?

3) What is corruption ? 

4) What is the procedure to arrest a cabinet minister

M4

1) Where do you want to see you after 10 yrs 

2)What is role of IT in govt ..tell me 3 imp fields 

Which one will you choose?

3)As a software engineer what do you think about the e-filing portal glitches

4) You said you stay calm in tough situation ..tell me an incident from your life

N

Board - Manoj Soni 

Date of interview - 27 August

Background - CA, Mcom

State - Gujarat

Optional - sociology

Hobbies - Trekking and Ecotourism

CM

About civil services decision nd all

5 places which are not tourist destination but have potential in Gujarat?

How will you promote tourism in such area??

M1

Criminalisation of politics - supreme court judgement and your opinion

Bhutan tourism (follow up from my previous answer)

M2

Gandhiji ideology about Governance?

About kutch region?

Caste census - positives & negatives

White desert - reason

M3

About somnath temple

Harami nala in kutch

Places you trek?

What all things you consider while preparing for trekking?

Next place you want to trek?

M4

Considering all your education background, you might be interested in share market??

Should pension and PF invest in share market?

Marriage as institutions changing - how, why and impact on society?

Should we tax agriculture income?? Who has authority??

I J

Qualification: MBBS

Work Experience: Medical Officer X 3 Years

State: Kerala

Hobbies: Public speaking, critical writing

Co curricular activity: Founding member, Health on wheels program amongst a host of others

Date of interview: 23rd August 2021

Chairman: Manoj Soni

3rd person to go. 

Chair: Good afternoon. Lets start off. Before that, keeping a shield is optional, but wearing a mask is compulsory. Please remove your mask for a minute so that I can verify you with your photograph

Excellent. So lets start. You passed out in 2018?

Chair: What were you doing since then?

Chair: OK. So why did you jump from Medicine to Civil services?  

Chair: So, if it is not a confidential issue, then can you please explain your experience? 

Chair: Would you agree to me if I tell you that, despite 75 years of our independence, we have not been able to give everyone on the this country atleast 1 glass of drinking water. 

Chair: What are the probable reasons accodring to you? 

Chair: Can you tell me some proactive steps the government is taking now?  

Chair: Are you sure that Jal Jeevan is about tap water connection? 

Chairman points to the next member.

M1: Taking that conversation forward, so, is right to drinking water clearly mentioned in the constitution.  

M1: Which article? 

M1: So, how do we mention it clearly? What is the procedure?

M1: Okay. So, imagine that you are walking through the street and you find a dehydrated dog locked inside a car. What would you do? 

M1: Points to the next member. 

M2: South Indians love professional courses. Can you tell me gthe characteristics of education sector in south India? 

M2: Can you give me the situation of health care professionals in India? 

M2: Are there divides? 

M2: Do you agree that it is huge?

M2: Then what can we do about it? 

M2: So, tell me about bridge course. 

M2: And about paramedicals? 

M2: Next member. 

M3: So, based on health on wheels program, can we take urban doctors to rural area to solve the rural urban divide?  

M3: What is the single most achievement of India? 

M3: what are three positive contributions of colonial british rule? 

M3: What do you understand between religious tolerance and acceptability?

M3: So, is using religious tolerance as a word, is there something wrong to it? 

M3 pointed to the next member after thanking me. 

M4: Good afternoon. Can you tell me three positive things about Gig economy? 

M4: And, three negatives? 

M4: Okay. What are some of the recebt measures taken by the government to stop mounting NPAs? 

M4: One thing the government is doing is it is recapitalising the banks. What do you understand by it? 

M4: And, is it good to pump public money into such banks? 

M4: Last question. In a rigid bureacracy, there is no space for the answer, 'I dont know'. In such a case,.what would you do? 

M4: Good. Thankyou *Waves to the chairman*

Chair: All the best. Your interview is over. 

Overall, board was cordial. I was doubtful in a lot of answers. 

This is only a rough recall.

Harshit

01.09.2021 Forenoon

Smita Nagraj Maa’m 

Background- B.com, C.A 

Hobby- Pranayama

Others- Gold Medalist in CA, AIR Holder in C.A IPCC

Rajasthan

Chairman

- Why there is contrast between stock market and Indian economy ?

- What are unicorns?

- Shall I invest in ipo’s of unicorn?

- Why so many frauds are taking place in stock market?

Member 1

- What is Gem portal?

- Why govt is purchasing even after it is not cost effective?

- Don’t you think that it amounts to wastage of taxpayer’s money?

- Why CSR funding is not being made in education sector?

- What is economic justice?

Member 2

- You CA people help in tax evasion and that is why INDIA’S tax to gdp ratio is very low.Your views about it?

- Steps to increase tax to gdp ratio?

- Why govt is not giving reservation to women in parliament?

- Why they have agreed for the same in case of local governments?

Member 3

- Issues between EU and UK?

- Difference between law and order and internal security?

- Major areas of Atmanirbhar Bharat?

- How to increase India’s trade volume?

Member 4

- What are the parameters for declaring drought?

- Why floods in Rajasthan in recent years?

- Suppose you are DM of a district where flood is about to come. What will be your strategy BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER FLOODS?

           

          Chairman- Thank you

          Duration - 30-32 Minutes

Sarfaraz ahmed 

Gurgaon, Haryana 

Commerce and accountancy 

Bcom hons and mcom 

Sujata mehta maams board 

Last to go 

Duration -35-40 minute 

Chairman maam-

Introduce urself with ur academics

Whar are doing since 2019

Why civil service 

Why billionaire increasing in india with poors are also increasing

Why stock market booming 

What are unicorn 

How startup helps 

M1- what is reagon economics (didn't answered) 

Why we win less model at Olympics 

What need to done to win more Olympics 

We have infrastructure already how to use it (counter) 

M2-why Haryana winning more medal in wrestling

Can this culture can be imitated in other states (based on my reply)

What is IFRS 

What is Ind AS 

Tell me some IFRS

M3- what is international accounting standard board ( didnt answered) 

Should cricket included in Olympics and why it's difficult to include cricket in Olympics 

Why we r not hosting Olympics 

Why 2047 plan to host Olympics (it's too late)

Why SEZ failed in India

Why not build SEZ near ports 

M4-(psychologist, as he saw my body language again and again and even looking at my shoes also) 

Gurgaon is unplanned and how to plan outer Gurgaon 

As a DC of border dist whats ur priority

Chairman maam- do u want that we ask qs from some specific are ( I said maam no specifice area but If u want we can discuss more) 

Share ur good experience with any govt dept 

Share one bad experience also 

Do u asked for any help from govt in lock down (I said no) 

Ur interview is over 

All members seemed satisfied and chair maam was happy 

Note - chair was circular (those marriage waali) and two members were only at a distance of 1 metre. Table was like a meeting table

Satyasraya

Background : history hons. Du History optional 

Board: Smita nagraj mam

Date: September 3

Chairperson 

1. What are you doing since 2018. Why you did not go for postgraduation. 

2. Why did you choose history ?

3. If given the opportunity to make a time capsule what would you put in it?

4. What are your views on protest, explain with example? 

5. Why farmers of particular states are at forefront of farmers protest? 

6. How would you solve the farmer protest issue? 

Member 1

1. What 3 steps would you take to improve situation of football in India? 

2. What is government doing for same? 

3. Should schools be reopened for all classes? 

4. What is the government doing regarding opening of schools?

5. Fertiliser subsidy, advantages and disadvantages? 

Member 2

1. Do you know of marriage law amendment bill of 2010?

2. Is history of any importance? 

3. History is the unfolding of past, your view. 

4. Has the shunting of children and adolescents in their home during corona had a negative impact over mental health? 

5. CJI has admitted a PIL based on letter of a 10 year old boy regarding opening of schools . Don't you think it is problematic ?

6.In which article of constitution is complete justice mentioned? 

Member 3.

1. How online radicalisation is done? 

2. What steps should be taken to better regulate online space? 

3. Recently a maritime dispute was settled in Indian Ocean, do you know about it? 

4. How is maritime boundary delineated? 

5. Recently economic emergency was declared in a country, Which country and Why? 

6. Similarities between history and anthropology? 

Member 4

1. What are laws and mechanism for dealing with cybersecurity issue? Are their any lacunaes? 

2. How did the Pegasus issue happen? 

3. Why did the aghanistan war last so long? What should be Indias focus regarding Afghan issue? 

4. Schemes of government of India for promoting village level entrepreneurship? 

5. What are your views regarding national cyber crime reporting portal? 

Chairperson 

1. Investment portfolio of middle class is changing. Explain and what are it's implication for government? 

Thank you your interview is over

Emailing 5_6174462877563356236.pdf

A

Transcript

BB VYAS sir board 

Background: UP+ Mechanical engineering+ IPS+ involved in Designing of Race car+ Hobbies- cricket and Teacher 

Chairman: 

Asked me to sit down directly before even I could wish. But I wished all of them and then sat down. Chairman was pretty happy about it and said very good and then asked me to sit down again (Idk If he asked me to sit down before wishing intentionally or unintentionally ) 

So you are in IPS, did u join the academy? Why not ? 

So today (6th September) is teachers day? I politely said sir it was yesterday. Oh ok, said the CM and then asked - "COVID is the best teacher" My take on this. Asked me to talk in 5 concrete points 

What is you opinion about instant justice by police? Does it happen? Should it happen? 

What is National security? What are the threats to National security? (Talked about external+internal + modern threats like Cyber security aspects and climate change) 

Counter question: Should we have a specialised force to deal with Cyber security challenge? What has india done? 

Member 1:

So u have done car designing, he asked very long question. But the crux was that how the design of vehicles in mountainous terrain will be different from that of normal vehicles ? 

History of car racing in and current situation? Where it happens ? Talked about Coimbatore and Buddha international Circuit. When did F1 happened for last time in India? What's the current status of Buddha circuit? 

So you play basketball and cricket both. Again very long 3 questions in one. He clearly said I will ask 3 questions and u please answer them after I have asked. So I carefully listened. 

So If you have to chose one out of basketball and cricket which one will you chose to play and which one u won't? How to improve the attraction of the other one in india? Third question, I forgot even there but thankfully even he forgot that. And while we were talking about second question he asked about NBA and what India can learn from America in terms of Basketball etc etc 

Member 2

Tell me your 5 positive and 5 negative attributes (talked about giving lot of time to cricket and some time waste)

How will you manage your passion for cricket and your duty as DM ? 

How has the experience of cricket change with coming of highlights (not this exact question but somewhat like that ) 

What is Brexit? Tell two positive and two negative impacts of Brexit on India

Member 3:

What is Hexit? Related to Hungry- she only told me (thanked her)

New rules change in Drone rules? (Told 6-7 points

India is trying to become ------ by 2030? (What is india trying to become under new drone policy. I didn't understand the question. It was fill in the blanks type ) She told Global Drone hub 😀

What are three colours under rule? Meaning of each colour? 

Member 4:

So u come from rural or urban background (said rural) 

So what's your take on 'rapid urbanisation' (talked about smart cities with smart villages to ensure inclusive growth etc etc) how will you manage the both? Who will do CG or SG? Said along with these two we will need strong Local government to ensure sustainable development of both regions. 

Status of Urbanisation in UP. (Smart cities first, new infra development etc etc) 

Lot of MSMEs in UP are stressed. Is there a policy gap? Challenges? 

Passed to CM 

What is principle of natural justice? 

Thank you. Your interview is over and All the best for your future

No question related to if I wanna share or ask anything 

Overall: very cordial board. Sir was listening for whole time and nodding and smiling. 

Mask: they asked me to take the mask down with shield on 

I have forgotten few questions. Will add once I recall

Background:

ICAS, 2020 batch.

Andhra Pradesh, Sociology. 

No questions on other aspects of DAF

Date of interview: 07-09-2021. 

Chairperson: Dr. Manoj Soni sir. 

Chairperson:

Q. Have you ever been to Delhi earlier?

Q. What places did you visit?

Q. Select any one. I'll ask questions.

Q. What is the significance of India gate?

Q. Tell me some architectural aspects of India gate. 

Member 1: 

Q. Need for Central Vista project 

Q. Courts permitted Central Vista project to go on. What is the one specific argument which won the case for govt?

Q. A special kind of marriage is practiced in AP and Telangana. What is it?

Q. Isn't it a violation of our laws?

Q. What are the reasons for decline in marriage system these days?

Q. A follow-up question

Q. Andhra Pradesh was formed as per linguistic reorganisation. Isn't the formation of Telangana a violation of this?

Q. Isn't the bifurcation of states violation of federalism?

Member 2: (Lady member)

Q. What will be the responsibilities after you join your first posting in the service?

Q. If you handling an office, what steps would you take to minimise costs?

Q. A technical word to describe what you mentioned?

Q. Do you know Rajat Gupta?

Q. What is insider trading?

Q. Recently, one person was fined for insider trading in India. Do you know the name?

Member 3: (Lady member)

Q. What is needed for India: large scale manufacturing or MSMEs?

Q. Why do we need to move people out of agriculture?

Q. Do you think our MSMEs can become competitive, vis-a-vis other countries like China?

Q. Do you think MSMEs could address the problem of regional imbalance in the country?

Q. Give me an example from you state in One district-one product scheme?

Member 4: 

Q. Inland waterways in Andhra Pradesh

Q. Need for inland waterways

Q. Impact of climate change on seas

Q. Name some Islands which are affected. 

Q. What do you know about Diego Garcia?

08. 09. 2021 

Manoj Soni Sir's Board

First to go; Afternoon Session 

Asked to remove mask for verifying photo. Faceshield - optional. 

CM: Commented on my active student life.

1. Carnatic Music - Are you Kaansen or Tansen? 

2. Differences between Carnatic & Hindustani forms.

3. Are there different forms of compositions in Carnatic as well - like Hindustani has Khayal, Dhrupad, Thumri etc? 

4. What was the MS thesis about?

5. Did you study everything in Biology - degree says Biological Sciences? 

M1: 1. What do I blog about? Most recent blogposts. 

2. From a biological perspective, what is the origin of COVID19? (Lab origin theory)

3. Will it continue to stay within the population without causing disease? 

4. What do you know about defence? (Not much - except from preparation perspective)

5. What is the latest according to you? (Theatre Command proposal; IAC-1)

6. Defence spending vs Social welfare spending - what should we do? 

M2: 1. What is the YouTube Channel/Podcast stuff mentioned in DAF? 

2. From IISER - should education be publicly funded? 

3. Why is India democratic when countries around it have had army dictatorships? (Possible high point)

4. Shouldn't credit go to the army as well?

5. Will Bangladesh also become democratic like India? 

M3: 1. What are the differences between Kolkata and Bengaluru?

2. Why is Bengaluru no longer a garden city? What measures are being taken to handle the situation?

3. Should students have strong political awareness and ideologies? (As long as they don't get violent, it is good to engage with ideas & ideologies) 

One or two more questions. 

M4: 1. Why does Taliban not have even a single woman leader when Islamic countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan have them?

2. Why is there a tendency of authoritarianism in democracies? (Possible high point) 

One or two more questions. 

Over all, it was smooth and cordial - no cross-questioning or heavily probing questions

Board-Dr. Manoj Soni

Forenoon, 4th to go

Graduation-B Tech Agricultural Engineering

Optional- Anthropology

Daf- essay writing, studied a course in Hindi literature

Trivandrum, Kerala

Chairman

Directly started the process

1. Is your name a Malayalam word? What it means? 

2. Topic of essay I wrote in arts festival (daf) 

3. Introduce yourself in Hindi by focussing on your personality 

4.Project your personality traits in English

5. Are you a good leader? 

Member 1

1. Do you think agrarian crisis do exist in our country? 

2. Contributions of my college to the agriculture in Kerala

Member 3

1. Tell me about the treasure at Padmanabhaswamy temple

2. Tell something about the emerging technologies

3. Status of agriculture in China right now

Member 4

1. Talked about palm oil scandal in Kerala

2. What is culture? 

3. Constititional provisions related to culture

4. Opinion on Sabarimala women entry

Member 4

1. Is it right to punish a person after decades under #metoo allegations

2. Is it really necessary for women to enter Sabarimala? 

3. In your opinion where do we want to really give prime focus for women empowerment? 

4. Do women empowerment negatively affect our social structure? 

5. Difference between aadhar card and voter id

6. Do u feel any privacy issue if you are asked to link your aadhar and voter id? 

Chairman

Your interview is over. Thank you

Board: Dr. MANOJ SONI 

Optional: sociology

Daf related questions on : cake baking, women empowerment cell. 

State: Tamil nadu 

Cp: asked me to sit. Then verified my photo.

1. How is weather in chennai? 

2. This is not usually rain season right. I mentioned about reverse monsoon in the later part of the year. He said climat change is very prevalent. I agreed with sir.

3. Read my daf. Verified pronouncuation of my name.

4. You bake cakes. What type of cakes you bake?

6. Do you bake christmas cake?

7. What about cup cake?

8. What do you think about indian society?

9. Can you elaborate on what you mean by transitional?

10. Cultural revuvalismand identity are getting strong now a days.

Member 1

1. Do you think women in army is a priority for women empowerment.

2. India as a welfare state. Your opinion is it good or bad? What is the impact on society? 

Member 2

1. Diff between food act of your state and centre?

2. Why actors as politicians are worshipped in your state? 

Member 3

1. Women in army. do you think society is ripe to accept it?

2. What are regional issues of tamil nadu and sri lanka. And how has it affected national scenario?

3. What is the fisherman issue of india nad sri lanka?

4. After the mumbai attack what are the coastal surve8lance measures taken? 

Member 4

1.  What is the status of ltte?

2. Is the sri lankan issue of tamils resolved?

3. Do you know about kurdish issue? What are your views?

(Follow up)

4. Greater nagaland. What do you know about it?

5. What are the name of insurgents in the latest assam peace agreement?

6. What do u think will be your way of empowering women? Making them understand about their capabilities or skilling or... (dont remember other options)

7. Any other priority in women empowerment? 

Cp:

Have a safe stay. Your interview is over.

Interview transcript 

Manoj Soni sir Board

Last (6th) to go

Optional- Anthropology 

Chairman-

1. Tell me about your Upsc journey (told about my attempts and preparation phase)

2. This seems a very simple journey, no struggle story? (Told him that journeys are not defined by the struggles you face but the lessons they teach)

3. Meaning of you name

4. Your name and your medical background- any story behind it? 

5. Situational question about being SP 

6. One question on Afghanistan 

M1-

1. Can India ever coordinate with Russia and China over Afghanistan issue?

2. Coming from an Army background, you have seen the Defence closely. Tell me positive points and negative points 

M2- very analytical questions 

1. Relation between culture and religion 

2. Society is moving from status to contract to status

3. Linguistic pluralism should lead to pluralistic laws. Do you agree?

M3-

1. Reforms needed in bureaucracy 

2. Why Babu culture?

3. Why stagnation in bureaucracy?

4. We are already having community engagement, what more needs to be done to change public perception towards bureaucracy 

5. Why doctors praised but bureaucrats criticised during Covid

M4-

1. Questions about right to protest

2. Questions about Odisha Government giving reservations in medical and engineering colleges

3. Questions on education sector in general

Chairman-

Questions on saree.

Asked to recite a poem 

Thank you. All the best. Stay healthy and stay safe.

AHF

Board- Manoj Soni sir

Btech Mechanical

PSIR

Bihar

Achievements- published writer in a national daily

Hobbies- Quora, European Football

Q1. You have a nice name. I have also heard about Satyam Shivam Sundaram. Do you know its essence?

Q2. Why did you take psir as optional?

Q3. Do you know about the constitution?

What are DPSPs?

Q4. Can you name some?

Q5. Are they justiciable?

Q6. Give me some examples of DPSP that you would have justiciable in nature?

M1.

Q1. What is post truth? Are we living in a post truth era?

Q2. You write on Quora,but there's no authenticity of information on Quora. Your views?

Q3. You are a published writer in a national daily. Do you write regularly?

Q4. What was your last article about?

Q5. What is the reason behind so many custodial deaths?

Q6. You studied in DAV school. Tell me about its founder.

Q7. Name some social reformers from 18th century.

M2 (lady member)

Q1. Picking up from what you mentioned- grievance redressal. Do you know about citizen charter?

Q2. Is it statutory or voluntary?

Q3. It's great that Bihar has brought RTPS Act. Tell me more?

Q4. What goes in the back end while making something like citizen charter, RTPS as statutory?

Q5. About custodial deaths, what do you think is the fountainhead of the problem why police has a negative image?

Q6. Are you aware about some police reforms?

M3 (lady member)

Q1. Did you follow Paralympics? Tell me about it.

Q2. Do you think our efforts are decent or there's scope for improvement?

Q3. What has the government been doing for persons with disability?

Q4. What more could be done?

M4

Q1. You did NCC. You were in which wing?

Q2. Tell me something about the Indian Army.

Q3. What new has been done with respect to Indian army?

Q4. Should we increase our military expenditure given we spend 62 billion dollars?

Q5. Even with this much amount we are constantly facing border issues. Shouldn't we just accept LAC and LOC as international border and resolve the issue for the good?

Spartan

Board - Dr. Manoj Soni 

Date - 10/9/21

Education- BBA/MBA-HR/Pursuing PhD

Job experience- Executive HR + Teaching

Optional- Literature in English Language

Afternoon shift 

2nd to go

Chairman- 

1-So you have studied at St Joseph. Who was St. Joseph?

2- What has literature in English taught you ?

3- Which books do you feel have added such values to you ?

4- Is Christ University a UGC recognised University (due to educational background)

Member 1- 

1- As an HR what all technologies can you use to make work more efficient?

2- How will you manage conflict if your superior doesn't use data based analysis ?

3- Who is Ann Rand ? 

4- Books authored by her ?

Member 2- 

1- How are Christian missionaries different from Other schools?

2- Do you feel they are indulged in Conversion?

3- Where all are Chirstian Missionaries more active geographically?

4- What is difference between Debate, Speech , Elocution?

Member 3-

1-You have done NCC , how many years did you do it?

2- What are drawbacks in NCC

3- How can India solve it's issues with its neighbours?

4-Do you think Indian writers in English language who are settled abroad get given prizes like Pulitzer because of the influence they can exert ?

Member 4-

1- What is the Title of your Thesis ?

2- CAG recently flagged that the Universities in Odisha aren't having good quality because low percentage of students clear civil services and other govt service exams, do you think that should be the only crieteria ?

3- Why Indian students go abroad to study ?

4- Do you think choice based systems also have a role to play ?

5- How does Choice based system help in innovation?

6- Do you think Indian graduate have low employability?

Chairman-

Your interview is over

Have a great day

Board- Manoj Soni sir 

 

Swapnil 

IPS (Earlier IPoS, CRPF AC) 

Philosophy

Asia Pacific, Robotics 

Jogging, Motorcycling 

 

Chair: 

 

#Read out DAF and asked how long did I work in the mentioned services. 

#From Sardar Patel College of Engg to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, how has been the journey so far? 

#What is the biggest contribution of Sardar Patel to Indian Bureaucracy? 

#Human shield incident of J&K, role of Major Gogoi and some follow up questions like what will you do in such situation? in what circumstances will you open fire? 

 

M1 

 

#Difference in approach of Tilak, Bose, Bhagatsingh towards Indian freedom struggle. 

#More and more number of people becoming religious as many surveys say so. However, there's lack of spirituality in it. Why so? What's the difference in religiosity and spirituality? (Philosophy optional related) 

#Arbitration is a process for biggies and they decide which law to apply, where to arbitrate and who shall be the arbitrator. However, there shall be a common law for a poor man and lack of access to justice. How do you look at this dichotomy? Do you think poor people don't have access to justice as much as the rich do? (Question linked from Major Gogoi to the namesake ex CJI Gogoi and the judiciary). 

 

M2 

 

#Extrajudicial killings- why police resort to it? Justified? 

#Why poor perception of police image in public? 

#Many constables etc are engineers. You're an engineer too. Will there be any apprehension in mind of constable of the kind that I'm equally educated and I shall not work under him. 

#Should Deparent of Post be dismantled given the irrelevance of many services it provides like letters. 

#Suggestions for improving revenues and services of India Post? 

#Why India Post lags behind e-commerce giants in delivering parcels? What can be done? 

 

M3 

 

#Right to service acts have been enacted in some states. Despite the clear mandate to deliver services prior to the act, why was there a need of such act? 

#Right to service act there in Haryana but only 7 complaints received so far by the commission in last few years. Why so? 

#Issue of lack of awareness hampering performance of social sector schemes. Explain with one example. 

 

M4 

 

#Robotics, AI- where are we heading in terms of technological evolution? Boon or bane? 

#Self learning and complete intelligence possible? Some followup questions on machine learning. 

#QUAD- what is it? Why should we be concerned about China's aggression in South China Sea? 

 

M1 

#followup discussion on role of judiciary and encounter killings.

A G

Chairman - Dr. Manoj Soni

Date of Interview- 10 September 2021

Afternoon slot

Doctor, Mbbs, Safdarjung Hospital 

Hobbies - Bhangra, Badminton

State - Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana

Chairman

 ⁃ Can you remove your facemask and shield to match your picture?

 ⁃ You can wear mask again. Can you tell what is the importance of masks even when there is social distancing? 

 ⁃ So After doing internship in 2020, what all you did? 

 ⁃ What was your experience in COVID duty and during 2nd covid wave?

 ⁃ We need funds for health, for education. Seeing limited resources what do u think is the least important ministry from which funds could be cut? (I said every ministry is important and we should cut on corruption, leakages and rationalise subsidies)

 ⁃ How will you prevent leakages? ( i told DBT, digitisation)

 ⁃ How to prevent misuse of funds in DBT?( talked about E-RUPI - voucher based system)

 Member 1

 ⁃ Seeing such a shortage of doctors, didn’t u rethink your decision to stay a doctor ?

 ⁃ Regarding Pegasus, how can state do snooping on public? 

 ⁃ Earlier it was paperwork but no issues like this, why? 

 ⁃ How to balance Rt to privacy n Rt to public security? 

Member 2

 ⁃ What is the need of UT? Shouldn’t this idea be scrapped? 

 ⁃ What about Chandigarh? What has centre done in it? 

 ⁃ What are the issues regarding Organ transplant and donation? 

 ⁃ What is this Euthanasia, Active, Passive, what are the provisions in India? 

 ⁃ Shouldn’t Rt to die with dignity involve anyone whoever wants to die, why only vegetative state? 

 ⁃ Who was really Safdarjung? 

Member 3

 ⁃ If you are given power to allocate budget, u think that is sufficient?

 ⁃ What other things are required?

 ⁃ Have you heard about Ajmer? 

 ⁃ It has always remained outside of federal powers. What is analogous nowadays? (Can’t remember exact question)(Answered UT directly administered by Center, they wanted to hear this) 

 ⁃ What are the recent Singapore developments? 

Member 4

 ⁃ You have been a head girl of your school. What were your takeaways? 

 ⁃ How you dealt with crisis with a positive attitude? example?

 ⁃ What are India’s relations with pakistan

 ⁃ How to improve them?

 ⁃ Tell me anything about Indian ocean region

 ⁃ You also do Bhangra. Do women also perform it? Or is it a male dance? 

Chairman

 ⁃ So how was your overall experience in UPSC bhavan?

 ⁃ Any suggestions as a doctor?

 ⁃ 

 ⁃ Your interview is over. Stay safe and healthy!

Cordial and comfortable board.

Dr Manoj soni board 

afternoon session

IPS

CM- 

Take off your faceshield and let your mask be, is that okay? ( posed as a question) importance of face shield  

Why civil services after so long in medicine?

Have you read everybody loves a good draught) reading hobby) - said no

Elaborate on the title anyway

M1- book called deep estate ( not read)

Relations between japan china koreas amongst each other

M2- opinions on medical services coming under consumer act,ayush being allowed for surgery, narcoanalysis

Kerala police allowed surveillance but left parties create hue n cry in parliament -is that a double standard?

M3- women in police acting more insensitive, why? How to rectify?

Further elaboration on what changes in training required

M4-framework to manage disaster in india

DM act provisions , role of district disaster management committee 

Broken window theory , example in india. 

Commissioner listening to every issue himself , will it not lead to centralisation? ( related to answer to previous question)

CM best of luck in your career.

A S

Board: Manoj Soni

13/9/21 Morning

Tamil Nadu

How are you feeling today?

Why are you feeling grateful?

Tell us about your college?

What is the nature of your work?

Tell us about Kisan Credit Card?

Beneficiaries?

Why did you choose this graduation?

In what way your parents helped you?

if there is something that you can give to your mother that can make her life easier what would it be?

NCC? Why you didn't join Army?

In what way you have contributed to your country today?

Rotaract club? Tell me something that you don't like about your rotaract club when you were President?

What do you know about disaster management?

Climate Change Risk Index? 

What needs to be done and who are all the stakeholders?

What is something that you can contribute to your village?

Do you know about Umpty tag?

Chennai floods?

Solution to chennai floods?

Maldives is creating infrastructure in water? Do you think India should also do constructions in coastal zones?

Do you play cricket?

What is your opinion on cancelling the 5th test match?

They are being careless. don't we have to punish them?

Few questions I couldn't recall.

All the best Everyone.

Interview transcript

Board : Manoj Soni sir

Greeted everyone 

Chairman: Welcomed me by name 

Asked to sit and remove faceshield and mask

Then said faceshield is optional but mask compulsory

Then

Ch: 

1. is it first time that you are coming to delhi 

2. Why did you come to delhi so I early ( I came 1 month ago)

3. What did you learn from mock interview

( My earlier answer was to attend offline mock)

4. What did these people told you about us 

( I said that board people are very knowledgeable so don't try to bluff ) 

Everyone laughed

 So which places you have been in delhi 

Have you have street food 

Did you visit chandni chowk and pratha vali gali 

How was your stay at delhi 

5.so you are from bharatpur.are you completely based out of bharatpur

6. Tell us about famous bird sanctuary

7. Have you visited it?

8. Your hobby conversation with strangers is very unique. Isn't it very rare

9.tell us any conversation where you learnt most

10. Some follow up questions

11. You also have hobby of ghoomar dance so what is the theme of it

12. Do you perform it

13. What is the taal associated with it

14. What are navarasa

M1

1. What is quality ( categorically mentioned that you have studied from IIT Bombay so want professional answer)

2-3 follow up

2. Tell us about padmavat controversy

Follow up questions

3. How to manage violent protest

4. If you are dm and people are protesting , burning public property.then would you use force to curtail it

Some follow ups

M2

1. 

So what is historical significance of bharatpur in indian history

Chairman interrupted and asked how Bharatpur rulers were able to defeat Mughals

2. Historical significance of deeg mahal 

3. Mains crops in bharatpur

4. Is farming in bharatpur profitable

5. Why these actors actresses advertising product which they never use. Is it moral to do so

6. Any actress advertising a product and simultaneously using it

( My answer was Kareena Kapoor using preganews) 

Everyone laughed

M3 : 

1. who is bhramkumari ( not knowing)

2. Tell us about Gargi 

3. Gargi yajnavalika dialogue and follow up

4. Asked about controversy in kendriya vidyalaya about compulsory prayer 

( I said not aware)

5. Why so many rape in india

6. How to ensure safety security of women

7. If you are dm of bharatpur then how would you make Bharatpur women safe

M4::

1. tell us everything which you know about marathon

2. How did it started

3. What did you learn from ncc

4. What did you learn from yoga

5. Some follow ups 

Chairman:

We hope that you implemented your learning from mock very well here 

We hope that your experience here is very good

Asked again that is your experience good 

Then , suggested that conversation with strangers is very good but proper precautions should be there otherwise it becomes dangerous

Then , said stay safe healthy and enjoy in delhi 

Your interview is over

Nothing from optional, engineering, no single current affairs, no general studies questions

Anonymous

Manoj Soni Sir 

Tamil Nadu, NSS, coin collection, B.E. CSE, 2015 passed out. No work exp

Chairman : 

Asked me to remove mask for verification. Then said Face shield is optional while mask is compulsory.

When did you reach Delhi? Via flight?

Why early? Are you coming to Delhi for first time? Did you visit any place in Delhi? 

What places are you planning to visit

Status of Air India privatisation

Why it failed earlier

Is it okay for govt to completely exit from civil aviation

What other PSUs in india facing huge debt and govt planning to exit

Member 1 : 

What is interesting in coin collection

Did you buy and sell via online 

Did you attend any Campus placement during your college days

Did you try any part time job like teaching

M2 :

What is natural language processing

Applications of it. Other areas of usage

M3 :

What are health related problems TN youth face

Why youth kill themselves for politicians and recent incidents of neet candidates

So TN people are emotional in nature?

What would you do in NSS to address youth health problems

M4 :

What is the meaning of your name

Why govt release commemorative coins

What did you learn from this hobby

What are all the Impacts of COVID 2nd wave on community different from 1st wave

One problem in your village you would want to address

Does roads available

Which newspaper do you read

How logo of Hindu paper looks like

M1 interrupted and asked one quick question. Do you know what Hindu published in its front page on 31, Jan 1948 after death of Mahatma Gandhi. ( He told the answer and then everyone was discussing about it) ( my DOB is 31 Jan)

Chairman again :

" I will ask one very personal question, you may answer or skip it. Your wish"

How you were able to manage expenses for past 6 years

Exams are uncertain in nature. Do you have any second plan

If there is a proposal to provide monthly stipend for candidates who are preparing for govt exam to manage expenses would you support that? 

Thank you. We wish you all the best.

Overall : Board was cordial. Members expecting specific answers. If I say don't know they moved on to next questions. Mostly based on DAF.

No questions from Optional or international relations

Time : 25 - 30 mins

H

16/09/2021 Afternoon (last one to go)

Board : Dr. Manoj Soni sir

DAF : 2Y work exp, worked in technical and cultural fests in clg

Ethical hacking, reporter in NP

Thane, Maharashtra

Optional : Anthro (no Q asked)

Chairman

1. Tell us some good news. (Said 4 days back selected as RBI grade B officer)

Congratulated me.

2. Tell us more good news (Nothing came to mind so talked abt MH govt obc ordinance)

3. What was good, SC order or the ordinance?

4. U studied in U of Mumbai. When was it established?

5. We had universities from pre British times, then why we have IITs, IIMs? Why we need exclusive, separate institutes?

6. Aren't universities performing good?

Member 1 (male)

1. What was vjti previously called? Why?

2. Why didn't they name Victoria golden jubilee technical institute then?

3. What is pratibimb in DAF?

4 Why do we have technical festivals separately in clgs? Don't culture include technology?

5. Technical includes robots only?

6. You said festivals provide opportunity to demonstrate knowledge other than curriculum, so why don't we include these competitions in curriculum itself?

7. Isn't curriculum enough?

8. Why do you want competition where students from different clgs complete?

Member 2 (female)

1. Why is your hacking ethical? (Ethical hacking in daf)

2. Will you allow someone to hack your system for your own good without your notice?

3. How do you ensure privacy in hacking?

4. 5 ways you can fight drought in MH?

5. How can we ensure that farmers cultivate non water guzzling crops?

6. Any govt scheme for this?

Member 3 (Male)

1. You r an engineer, tell 1 technical and 1 procedural method to prevent floods in Mumbai as Mumbai handled covid well?

2. Dvpt projects causing or reducing floods?

3. Traffic congestion in Mumbai - 2 decades of expansion from South Bombay to other parts reduced or increased traffic?

4. You moved to Bangalore for work, how was your experience?

5. Apart from pleasant climate?

6. You were working in premier org Wipro then why left it?

7. You want to reform the society?

Member 4 (female)

1. Related to floods in Mumbai, it is also bcoz of High tides. What can we do? 

2. Drought at one side, flood at another in state what should be done?

3. What is a relationship between poverty and climate change?

4. What is the meaning of pratibimba?

5. Is reflection always correct? When you are happy, sad?

6. You were in reporting? During freedom struggle we had news of inspiration, happiness. Why today we have only negative, murder, crime related news?

7. Is it not wrong? It is a marketing strategy?

8. Which NP do you read?

9. What is Safal yojana?

Chairman

1. You talked abt yellow journalism. Why is it called yellow?

2. Any other colours of journalism?

It was nice talking to you. All the best for your future.

16/09/2021 Afternoon (last one to go)

Board : Dr. Manoj Soni sir

DAF : 2Y work exp, worked in technical and cultural fests in clg

Ethical hacking, reporter in NP

Thane, Maharashtra

Optional : Anthro (no Q asked)

Chairman

1. Tell us some good news. (Said 4 days back selected as RBI grade B officer)

Congratulated me.

2. Tell us more good news (Nothing came to mind so talked abt MH govt obc ordinance)

3. What was good, SC order or the ordinance?

4. U studied in U of Mumbai. When was it established?

5. We had universities from pre British times, then why we have IITs, IIMs? Why we need exclusive, separate institutes?

6. Aren't universities performing good?

Member 1 (male)

1. What was vjti previously called? Why?

2. Why didn't they name Victoria golden jubilee technical institute then?

3. What is pratibimb in DAF?

4 Why do we have technical festivals separately in clgs? Don't culture include technology?

5. Technical includes robots only?

6. You said festivals provide opportunity to demonstrate knowledge other than curriculum, so why don't we include these competitions in curriculum itself?

7. Isn't curriculum enough?

8. Why do you want competition where students from different clgs complete?

Member 2 (female)

1. Why is your hacking ethical? (Ethical hacking in daf)

2. Will you allow someone to hack your system for your own good without your notice?

3. How do you ensure privacy in hacking?

4. 5 ways you can fight drought in MH?

5. How can we ensure that farmers cultivate non water guzzling crops?

6. Any govt scheme for this?

Member 3 (Male)

1. You r an engineer, tell 1 technical and 1 procedural method to prevent floods in Mumbai as Mumbai handled covid well?

2. Dvpt projects causing or reducing floods?

3. Traffic congestion in Mumbai - 2 decades of expansion from South Bombay to other parts reduced or increased traffic?

4. You moved to Bangalore for work, how was your experience?

5. Apart from pleasant climate?

6. You were working in premier org Wipro then why left it?

7. You want to reform the society?

Member 4 (female)

1. Related to floods in Mumbai, it is also bcoz of High tides. What can we do? 

2. Drought at one side, flood at another in state what should be done?

3. What is a relationship between poverty and climate change?

4. What is the meaning of pratibimba?

5. Is reflection always correct? When you are happy, sad?

6. You were in reporting? During freedom struggle we had news of inspiration, happiness. Why today we have only negative, murder, crime related news?

7. Is it not wrong? It is a marketing strategy?

8. Which NP do you read?

9. What is Safal yojana?

Chairman

1. You talked abt yellow journalism. Why is it called yellow?

2. Any other colours of journalism?

It was nice talking to you. All the best for your future.

H p

Date: 15 Sep 21

  Afternoon 3rd Last to go

Board: Shri Manoj Soni

Background: Civil Engg, Work ex- Fintech

optional: Sociology

CM: 

    • Your designation was very interesting, can you explain it to us?

    • Which are the genres you follow in documentaries?

    • Name the last one you watched?

    • If you want to start a company then what domain will you choose and why?

M1:

    • Where have we been successful in watershed management?

    • What is watershed management?

    • Have you been to Kerala?

    • What can we learn from Singapore in the areas like tourism?

M2:

    • How to start a business in this country?

    • If you want to involve the government in your startup, how will you do that?

    • Tell me what are the 2 key things needed to start a business in 1 min. Just 2 things.

M3:

    • You lived in Bangalore, tell me what you expected and what the reality was?

    • How Bangalore tries to solve its problems? How this approach differs?

    • Do you think that just good weather isn't enough, Bangalore will lose out to its competitors if it doesn’t improve?

      ## He shared his own experience about Bangalore    

     

M4:  

    • What do you know about crows?

    • What do you know about their social behaviour?

    • What are the key problems in the industrial ecosystem?    

CM: All the best for your future, thank you.

M

Manoj Soni Sir.

15/09/2021

Afternoon, 5th to go.

BA Psychology, MA Political Science, MA Anthropology, LLB.

Bharatnatyam, Zumba.

Reading Fiction and biographies.

Optional: Anthropology

2 lady members.

Face verification was done and the Chairman asked to put on the mask again.

Chairman:

1. So, you come from Pune. I've been there. What do you say about "Pune Misal"?

2. Have you ever prepared it?

3. Since you've completed your graduation, you've been learning one or the other thing, there's just learning everywhere, can you tell me something about this?

4. You come from a prestigious institute. Tell me after whom is Fergusson college named and why?

5. Is his contribution more important or the national leaders'?

6. Zumba and Bharatnatyam. Diverse. Have you completed your course in Bharatnatyam?

7. Can you do Arangetram without being a Visharad?(Follow up on me having done my Arangetram.)

8. Does Maharashtra have a Classical dance of it's own?

9. What do you think is the socio anthropological reason behind having many classical dances from South India?

Member 1:

1. So taking the cue from your answer (Temple traditions in South India), is Kathakali having it's origin in temple tradition?

(I answered it does have religious connotations with it, but I'm not precisely sure about it's origin in the temple. This was going to spiral down rapidly!)

2. Okay, so does Kuchipudi have it's roots in Temple tradition?

( I apologized, I said I'll have to read on it further.)

3. He one by one asked all the classical dances in the same format. It started getting uncomfortable but I humbly took a step back and apologized.

4. What is the relationship between Psychology and Anthropology?

5. What is the difference between Psychology and Anthropology?

6. What is this SARTHI scholarship?

Member 2(Lady):

1. Pandemic has affected lives of many. From the perspective of mental well being, tell me how are children affected?

2. How is home schooling impacting them?

3. Tell me three reasons why farmers are facing hurdles in your state?

4. As a bureaucrat, how will you tackle their issue of misinformation?

5. I see you're an ordinary resident of Delhi since 2016. (She got confused with my university being IGNOU which is based in Delhi.) Why did you evacuate yourself during the pandemic then?

(I explained that I had come to Delhi only in 2019 and then the pandemic struck. With some more lines I convinced her that I was taking a distance course from an open University in my hometown.)

Member 3(Lady):

1. Do you know about the history of Aga Khan Palace? (I informed about Mahatma Gandhiji's house arrest.)

2. Not the recent one, but how and why it was built?

3. Maharashtra has a peculiar way of wearing sarees that has amused me, can you elaborate on the type?

4. Why don't young girls wear it then as it's the part of their culture?

5. Is it difficult to put on? How long will you take to drape a saree?

6. You see gender discrimination is on the rise and psychology of advertisement has proved to be a success in many areas. If you're to show an innovative method of changing people's perception through advertisement, how will you do it?

7. Pandemic has changed the events at coastal environment. Tell me how the Mammals have been impacted?

8. What is the Invisible Fencing?

Member 4:

1. I'm going to ask you very general questions. You've been born and brought up in Pune. Have you seen Pune changing in the course of years?

2. Tell me 4 changes that seem prominent.

3. Do you think the urbanization has also led some companies move out of Pune and find an alternative place?

4. Urbanization is inevitable, what two areas will you suggest that have to be worked upon in the coming years?

5. So, something that you answered about traditional Indian dresses, will you be comfortable in accepting the western dresses in day to day life?

Chairman:

Your interview is over.

You may go.

MONICA

16/09/2021

Manoj Soni Sir board

Afternoon 5th to go

15-20 mins

 

 Agriculture / Tamilnadu / Bee keeping / Origami / NSS

Chairman 

When did you come to Delhi? What places you have visited in Delhi ? (Basic qs to ease the tensions) 

Why did you choose agriculture ?

origin of origami?

Chairman said he was also fond of origami and were discussing abt origami 

What agricultural techniques can we adopt from other countries ? 

Mem 1 :

Climate change and Agriculture 

What would you do if you are Chennai corporation Commissioner in next 25 yrs? 

(Since 2 lady mems and myself was in yellow saree...)

 Asked why different countries interpret colors differently? 

 Mem 2 : 

Regenerative agriculture 

(Gave a long answer himself) 

Can we adopt the regenerative agriculture in pilot basis ? 

why Rice based food system has shifted in Tamilnadu to other foods? 

Mem 3 :

Problems of Coimbatore Solutions to the problems

Mem 4 : 

Advantages of beekeeping

what makes you angry? 

Do you Raise voice when you are angry ?

Chair

Wished me safe journey and good luck

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

Very cordial board 

Chairman was very welcoming

No grilling no cross qs

Answered the questions which I am not aware of and also pointed out how to improve my answers further..

Manoj Soni Sir.

15/09/2021

Afternoon, 5th to go.

BA Psychology, MA Political Science, MA Anthropology, LLB.

Bharatnatyam, Zumba.

Reading Fiction and biographies.

Optional: Anthropology

2 lady members.

Face verification was done and the Chairman asked to put on the mask again.

Chairman:

1. So, you come from Pune. I've been there. What do you say about "Pune Misal"?

2. Have you ever prepared it?

3. Since you've completed your graduation, you've been learning one or the other thing, there's just learning everywhere, can you tell me something about this?

4. You come from a prestigious institute. Tell me after whom is Fergusson college named and why?

5. Is his contribution more important or the national leaders'?

6. Zumba and Bharatnatyam. Diverse. Have you completed your course in Bharatnatyam?

7. Can you do Arangetram without being a Visharad?(Follow up on me having done my Arangetram.)

8. Does Maharashtra have a Classical dance of it's own?

9. What do you think is the socio anthropological reason behind having many classical dances from South India?

Member 1:

1. So taking the cue from your answer (Temple traditions in South India), is Kathakali having it's origin in temple tradition?

(I answered it does have religious connotations with it, but I'm not precisely sure about it's origin in the temple. This was going to spiral down rapidly!)

2. Okay, so does Kuchipudi have it's roots in Temple tradition?

( I apologized, I said I'll have to read on it further.)

3. He one by one asked all the classical dances in the same format. It started getting uncomfortable but I humbly took a step back and apologized.

4. What is the relationship between Psychology and Anthropology?

5. What is the difference between Psychology and Anthropology?

6. What is this SARTHI scholarship?

Member 2(Lady):

1. Pandemic has affected lives of many. From the perspective of mental well being, tell me how are children affected?

2. How is home schooling impacting them?

3. Tell me three reasons why farmers are facing hurdles in your state?

4. As a bureaucrat, how will you tackle their issue of misinformation?

5. I see you're an ordinary resident of Delhi since 2016. (She got confused with my university being IGNOU which is based in Delhi.) Why did you evacuate yourself during the pandemic then?

(I explained that I had come to Delhi only in 2019 and then the pandemic struck. With some more lines I convinced her that I was taking a distance course from an open University in my hometown.)

Member 3(Lady):

1. Do you know about the history of Aga Khan Palace? (I informed about Mahatma Gandhiji's house arrest.)

2. Not the recent one, but how and why it was built?

3. Maharashtra has a peculiar way of wearing sarees that has amused me, can you elaborate on the type?

4. Why don't young girls wear it then as it's the part of their culture?

5. Is it difficult to put on? How long will you take to drape a saree?

6. You see gender discrimination is on the rise and psychology of advertisement has proved to be a success in many areas. If you're to show an innovative method of changing people's perception through advertisement, how will you do it?

7. Pandemic has changed the events at coastal environment. Tell me how the Mammals have been impacted?

8. What is the Invisible Fencing?

Member 4:

1. I'm going to ask you very general questions. You've been born and brought up in Pune. Have you seen Pune changing in the course of years?

2. Tell me 4 changes that seem prominent.

3. Do you think the urbanization has also led some companies move out of Pune and find an alternative place?

4. Urbanization is inevitable, what two areas will you suggest that have to be worked upon in the coming years?

5. So, something that you answered about traditional Indian dresses, will you be comfortable in accepting the western dresses in day to day life?

Chairman:

Your interview is over.

You may go.

Manoj Soni Sir Board

16/9

Work Ex- Automobile

Electronics Engineer

Anthropology Optional

Chairman:

Why Civil Services?

Why Did you leave your Job?

Enumerate Major Terrorist attacks in last 10 yrs?

What was India's response to Pulwama attack?

Why Balakot was chosen?

Which technology was used to identify location of Balakot?

Did we flout any International convention by attacking Pakistan?

M1:

Why Anthropology as an optional?

How Human evolves?

Why is our brain size reducing?

What are socio cultural implications of Human Evolution?

Why crimes against women?

What is Patriarchy?

M2:

What was your Patent?

What are the different forms of patent?

What is the working principle of Electronic Voting Machine?

How to hack working machine?

What are the safeguards to Indian EVM?

M3:(Further asked on EVM)

Why Paper Ballot is considered Gold Standard for election?Then why are we using EVM?

What are the electric Vehicle projects that your organization is working on?Tell us interesting emerging technologies in the field of IC engines and Electric Vehicles?

M4:

How to use Robotics in cleaning Garbage?

Can we clean Space Debris using Robotics?

Which countries are working on it?

What are important stages of Disaster?

Which one is the most important step in Disaster Management, according to you?

How would you resolve the grievances of Citizens?

What is the Significance of Aga Khan Palace?

Chairman Sir:

It was nice interracting with you.

We wish you all the best.

Thank You to your entire Team

Sadaf Choudhary

Board : Manoj Soni Sir

14/09/2021

Afternoon, second last to go.

DAF tags : Uttar Pradesh, chemical engineering, college in Punjab, worked as a data analyst for a bank

Hobbies : Reading Fiction and traveling

Optional: Political science and International relations

2 lady members.

Face verification was done and the Chairman asked to put back the mask on .

Chairman:

1. India is a diverse country in terms of culture, cuisine, dress, etc. Tell me something unique about Amroha's culture (my hometown)?

2. Do you know how to play Dholak? (Amroha is famous for its Dholak industry)

3. Do you know about Kamal Amrohi? Which all movies did he produce?

4. What was your work profile? What all did your organization do?

5. Why did you prefer data analytics over chemical engineering?

6. Tell me any two memorable events from your tenure as the head of literary society in the college? (I told him about the Model UN that we organised, and the monthly book club meets that we started)

8. Is UN still relevant? Would we ever be able to move towards a World government system?

9. Meaning of your name?

Member 1 (Lady):

1. (Taking the cue from book club)

Recently I went to a mall and found children's book being sold by kg. How did we reach such a low point in terms of reading?

2. Socio cultural similarities that you observed between UP and Punjab?

3. Differences, if any?

4. Celebrities endorsing products that they themselves don't use. Is it ethical on their part?

5. Have you ever heard of the term "Famous for being famous"? (I linked it to social media influencers, but she clarified that it meant someone being famous because they were linked to famous families/persons)

6. What is more important : intensity of punishment or certainty of punishment?

Member 2:

1. How is political science and international relations related?

2. With globalization on wane, do you think international relations as a discipline is still relevant?

3. In terms of Afghanistan crisis, what should both India and Afghanistan do to mutually allay each other's concerns?

4. Do you really think India has a leverage upon Afghanistan, or Taliban particularly?

5. SAARC has become defunct or is it just inactive as of now? Should India revive it?

Member 3(Lady):

1. Why do you like to travel?

2. Where all have you traveled?

3. Do you travel in group or solo?

4. Safety concerns for female travelers?

5. What can we do to improve in this domain?

6. How do you manage your food?

7. Have you ever faced difficulties in terms of infrastructure, especially the washrooms for female travelers?

8. If you've to encourage a batch of 6-8 standard students to take up chemical engineering, how would you do it? Tell me any specific experiment.

Member 4:

(Started by saying that he really liked my confidence, and how I've been speaking with my experiences)

1. Tell me about your work experience? What was your job role?

2. How did you navigate the cultural shift while working for a US based bank?

3. What difference did you notice between Indian banks and US banks?

4. What did you learn on the job that might help you become a good diplomat? (Told me that he was trying to gauge if I'll be a good fit for the IFS, since it was my first preference)

5. Jalandhar is a beautiful city. What did you like the most about it?

6. Do you know about Nooran sisters? Ever attended their concerts?

(A bit of discussion upon their songs)

Chairman:

The board had a really good time interacting with you. 

We wish you all the best for your future.

Take care of yourself and your family well.

You may go now.

(Overall a very cordial board; no cross-questioning, no grilling)

Anonymous

17 September 

2nd to go

Manoj soni sir

Optional: commerce and accountancy

Background: b.com, m.com, caring for stray dogs(hobby)

Chairman

-beautiful saree, what material is it.

-what did you learn in your internship.

-what made you apply for the internship, was it compulsory part of your master's program?

-what was the eligibility criteria?

-college rank in nirf.

-top 3 colleges.

-why need nirf, when we have other rankings.

M1

-winters, what special needs to be done for stray dogs.

-rbi kehta he campaign.

-we talk of averages, which removes our focus from the best, why?

-any country without resources but doing very well?

-any landlocked country?

M2

-3 problems of your area and how would you solve them?

(Not able to recall other questions)

M3

-as a prospective student, convince me to apply to your college.

-no. Of foreign students in college.

-what measures taken for north eastern and foreign students to prevent any discrimination.

M4

-what is transfer pricing and how do companies misuse it?

-any recent international taxation issue?

-how it affects FDI in country

-what are governments arguments to levy capital gain tax on international transactions not involving india.

-why companies leaving china not coming to India?

Chairman

Thank you, enjoy the weekend.

(Might have missed a few questions)

Frank

Interview Date: 16/09/2021

Afternoon session, 4th to go.

Profile:

Mechanical Engineer

Sociology Optional

Working as freelance content writer

State: Kerala

Hobbies: Singing, Pencil sketching, World Cinema

Other: Have won an ISRO competition, Flood volunteering

Board: Manoj Soni

CM: First made me remove my mask and verified. Then asked me to wear it properly (later when it came down while I was speaking asked me again to wear it properly)

Chairman read my DAF very slowly: 

You are a Mechanical Engineer, You've been working... So if I ask you why did you leave your job you'd tell you wanted to prepare full-time..

Are you getting content works nowadays? Which subject do you write? 

Your have creative interests... helps you manage your stress, Right? What do you sketch- Portrait, landscapes..? 

 

Cuisines even if they have similar ingredients differ in taste (talked about it for some moments taking examples) Do you think it is the geographical factors, sociological factors or anthropogenic factors influence this? Can you substantiate with the example of Kerala food?

M1

1. He took the cue from chairman and gave a long monologue about Kerala being so different. Then asked me what is so fascinating for an outsider like him..

2.Do you think God's own country tagline has helped Kerala Tourism? Marketing is one thing.. what is Kerala doing in tourism infrastructure?

3. Last year we were asking about Kerala's success in controlling Covid, this year it is the opposite.. what happened?

M2: Lady

1. You have World Cinema has your hobby. (Told me how she liked Comedy cinema and it is so few nowadays, she has to depend on animation movies) why there are few comedy movies now?

2.Your state has positive sex ratio, 1084 right? Is male migration to other countries a reason? How has this influenced the working pattern? Do you know which job women occupied due to this migration? 

(At this point, Chairman left the room only to return few moments later)

3. There is snake boat race in Kerala.. what message does it give to a kid? What about direction? Don't you think it is important?

4. What is anticipatory socialisation? Tell me in individual point of view? Why do people do it?

M3: Lady

1. You have won an ISRO competition.. I'm taking you to ISRO.. who founded ISRO? What is the rocket launching station in Kerala called? Why Thumba was selected? What rockets are launched from there? What is this PSLV, GSLV...? GSAT? It's purpose?

2. They have already asked about Kerala. So where are you from? Is it a small town? Tell me 5 social issues of your place? Where you brought up there? (Taking cue from my answer) What is patriarchy? But I thought Kerala had a matriarchal system? (She cut me in between but then asked if I wanted to add something more and I completed my answer)

M4

1. You have done flood volunteering. So how can we prevent another 2018 flood? What caused the floods? Did the rainfall occur throughout Kerala? Yes, there was mismanagement of Dams. Rainfall will increase, we cannot prevent that ( talked about climate change) what can we do to prevent overflow of rivers?(he was not satisfied with my answers.. so went on trying to extract it till I said I don't know) Where do Kerala's rivers originate? How long are these rivers? Can we increase depth of rivers that much distance? (I had told de-siltation) 

CM: You have nice stay in Delhi. Your interview is over. You can leave. 

Questions were all really long with monologues and details. All questions had something to do with DAF. 

Felt like the interview lasted for 25-30 minutes.

Anonymous 

DR. MANOJ SONI board 

Forenoon, 4th to go 

30-35 mins 

Relevant background info -

Saharanpur, UP 

Chemical engineering 

PSIR 

Model United Nations, literary society 

Learning kathak, reading fiction 

Ch-please remove your mask for verification

Facesheild optional, mask compulsory 

How was you transition from chem engg to psir ? 

Some key geopolitical events in recent past ? ( I mentioned 3, he said if not paucity of time I would have mentioned some more ) 

Counter questions ( AUKUS) 

What is the high commendation award mentioned in your DAF? ( in the MUN ) 

What was the literary society about ? Something to do with literature? 

Instruments used in Kathak? ( mentioned learning ) 

Basic taal in kathak? 

Do you foresee a situation wherein you will let go of your ethics ? ( I said no, he came back to this in the end ) 

M1( lady)

What's Saharanpur famous about ? 

How should the wood industry rejuvenate, become more relevant ? 

We talk of women empowerment, but we see women themselves defeating the purpose by demanding dowry and stuff.. how do you resolve that? 

Given a chance, devise a crowd managment policy in shakunbari Devi ( famous temple in saharanpur) in the event of a huge fair ? 

5 things in life you feel gratitude for today ? 

M2 (very jovial ) - 

You come from sarsawa( my town) , how do people like us know it ?( Answered most likely because of the air force station there) 

Why does India needs seat at UNSC ? ( Gave the conventional answer of PSIR, he again stressed on why India wants to join, corrected my answer and said, we want to be at global table of high diplomacy to play greater role in policy formulation in issues like cybersecurity etc ) 

Why contestation between developed and developing countries over climate change ? 

Follow up - why developed countries emphasizing on net zero? 

M3- seemed very disinterested 

You mentioned Africa something ( I mentioned south africa ) , tell me what issues africa raising at UN ( Could recall the recent Vaccine IPR waiver proposal of India and South Africa , climate change , and SDG etc - not very well structured) 

Tell me about sub Saharan Africa , what issues they face ? 

How are India's realtion with sub Saharan Africa ?

Recently conducted africa summit ( couldn't recall speciifcs) 

M4 ( lady) - was writing something all the time 

Said will ask me one question but not framed properly 

Recently kejriwal banned crackers in delhi , why ? 

Tell me about air pollution of Delhi ? 

What does the polluted air do once it gets inside our body ( used alm the biology I could recall at that time :p) 

Ch ( again) 

Wrt your ethics question, a situation rises where you have two options to follow your ethics or save a life what will you choose? (I answered I will choose life and be ready to face the consequences for my unethical actions) 

Again Now, you have choice between following your ethics or a grave National interest what will you choose? ( I answered I will ll stick to ethics because in the long term it will lead to protection of national interest) ( I think I messed up here)

Ch- okay thankyou. All the best, stay safe , stay healthy. Your interview is over. 

Overall, good experience. Cordial and encouraging board. The ethics question could have been better answered, I think.

S A

Name- Siddharth Aanand

Education- B.Com

Optional- Maithili literature

State- Bihar,Darbhanga 

Board- Manoj Soni sir

2nd in afternoon session on 05/08/2021.

Time- Around 2.50pm to 3.20 pm

 Entered.. Greeted.. They asked me to remove face shield and mask to verify me from my photo they had. 

I have been told that mask is compulsory so I continued with it. (But I removed face shield and put that in my lap). 

 Chairman sir-

1. You pursued commerce till 2013 what happened then you suddenly develop interest in Maithili literature? 

2. Do you know about noble prize? 

3. In which areas it is given? 

4.Recently who has awarded. 

5. Anyone from India in the past? 

6. You are a DM of a district and you come to know a person recieved Nobel Prize from your district. What will you do? 

7. Can you reciete few lines of maithili poem? 

Member 1.

1.Do you know about Madhubani painting? 

2. What are the problems of bihar for its growth. 

3. Which govt schems are doing good in your district.

4.As a DM what will be your priority to develop industries in Darbhanga. 

5. Why do you want be in civil services? 

Follow up- your father is in police why not IPS first? 

6. There are many civil servants from your district. Do you know any of them? 

7. What is happening in Nepal and India's reaction. 

8. What is happening in South Africa? - violence on Indian diaspora due to Gupta brothers involvement with ex president in financial irregularities. 

Member. 2 (Lady) 

1. Social and cultural relation with nepal specially with Bihar. And follow up conversation. 

2.Tell me about the History of Maithili language and literature. How old is it? 

 2-3 more questions which I am unable to recall at this point of time

Member 3.

1.Do you believe in Numerology? Why Aa in Aanand? -my name

2.Why violence on diaspora in South Africa? Any other reasons? 

3. It is happening globally with Indians. Why? 

4.How many soldiers from undivided India participated in WW1? 

5.How many got martyred?

6. How is the relation between India and Suriname? 

Member 4.

1.Do you know Ravi Dahiya? What happened with him? -opponent bite in arm.. The madel colour was not confirmed till then. 

2. Can you tell me opponent's name? Country name? 

3. You have told that you like to do things in diverse areas but it is not reflect in your dad since 2013. - I told few things including learned cooking which they heard coaching so asked

4. Have you taken coaching? 

The chairmain sir greeted me and gave best wishes. Your interview is over

Name - Holy Pdf 

Date and session of interview-5/5/2022 Afternoon session (Last to go) 

Board- Manoj Soni Sir 😎

Optional- Sociology 

Mechanical engineering (No Single Question) 

Hobbies- Working on local environmental and social issues, Shayari writing (Lot of questions on hobbies) 

Your experience in interview- Board asked sometimes counter question (however Soni Sir observes very closely) Overall good experience 

Utility of mocks (if any)- Next IAS and Chanakya Mandal acted good for me 

(Not allowed to remove mask and hand gloves. He says shield is optional as per your convenience ) 

Chairman 

1)Greeted me and asked u waiting for long so what you were doing

Mentioned another Mechanical Engineering is there but didn't asked single question 

2)Long monologue about crisis provide new opportunity and asked how world and India got new opportunity by covid 19 crisis

3)5 trillion economy - Asked me write on paper with big letters and show everyone (then asked number of zero - Sambit Patra Style)

4)Whether india can achieve 5 trillion? 

Current status? 

Then steps taken? 

5)Your favourite shayar? 

M1 lady member ( DAF based ) 

1)What works you have done on local environmental and social issues? 

Modus operandi of work? 

2)Asked what I did in covid crisis at my village? 

Role of grampanchayat in that ? 

3)Devdasi system we discussed

4)Then asked to recite my Shayari.. (Everyone were happy after listening) 

5)Where do I stay (Mostly in my village) 

M2

1)Again asked about environmental issues on which I work

2)Asked about net forest? 

3)Carbon neutrality by 2070?what it mean? 

Steps taken by India in this regard? 

4)India's steps as vaccine Maitri bad or good? 

5)How's india's relation with Sri Lanka? 

6)How world responses to Pokharan II Test? 

Sanctions on India for this? 

PM during this period? 

M3

1)Asked hindi shayar who was English department head? 

2)Black vs green water 

3)Difference between community and society? 

Durkheim theory regarding it? 

Then about suicide theory and it's relation to above mentioned theory? 

4)Five Social evils u wanted to remove from society? 

(he added corruption to my list) 

M4 

1)Started with vaccine Maitri asked vasudhaiva kutumbakam and from where we have taken this 

Asked full quotation (few other lines are there) 

Whether India followed it with the china? 

2)Monologue on Ahimsa parmo dharma 

Then asked whether we are following it or not? 

3)Then asked somebody with knife attacking? Will you still follow? 

4)Asked about there should be presidential democracy in India? My opinion? 

5)What is Vishwakarma? It's Pouranic relation? 

(Few questions asked by every panel member lost at its place, so can't memorise) 

Chairman Greeted for better future and healthy life. Your interview is over. 

(Interview last around 28- 30 minutes.)

name: siddharth rao gautam 

date: 5th may, forenoon session 

board: manoj soni sir

college: IIT Delhi (Textile Technology), 2019

optional: Mathematics 

Hobbies: Music(singing, playing guitar,harmonica), Vipassana meditation, Street play(POR: director of institute street play team)

NSS volunteering

Experience in interview: board was cordial 

mask was compulsory while face shield was optional

Chairman:

1. What do you know about Siddharth Gautam?(expecting the spiritual point of view), follow up questions on philosophy of buddhism.

2. Didn’t you go for the college placements?

3. You are graduated from IIT Delhi. How and when did you decide choosing civil services?

4. did you get training for singing? do you sing bollywood songs?

5. Mention any government policy after independence which you think was not good for India.(my answer: national population policy with coercive measures including forced sterilisation)

6. Give 5 solutions in brief to control population.

7. Do you think India is a patriarchal society?

Member 1(lady member)

1. some questions on women empowerment, women education(in context of population control), women as decision makers

2. why is that the female contraceptives are more prevalent in india than the contraceptives for males?

3. questions on patriarchy, how financial independence alone is not enough for changing patriarchal mindset.

4. mention some places where you had performed street play, asked about the themes of all those street plays.

5. problems of orphans in india?(one of the themes of the street plays I had performed)

6. asked about rendezvous(annual fest of IIT delhi)

Member 2

1. How would you teach me vipassana meditation if I am a beginner? Tell me about the procedure

2. Where did you attend the 10 days vipassana retreat?

3. asked about the WHO claiming more deaths in India than the official figures, how far do you think is this true? WHO’s figures are how many times the India’s official figures on death?

4. The figures were intentionally shown wrong by the state government or is there any discrepancy in the data collection and identifying the cause of deaths. what do you think?

5. asked about the national association of blind where I had worked, what were the activities in which I had participated?

6. asked the name of the student for whom i had written the exam as a scribe.

Member 3

1. some technical questions on textile technology( screen printing, dispatch printing, etc)

2. You said you got interest in humanities subjects during college days, why did you choose mathematics as an optional then?

3. you play harmonica too. what is that slide button on the side of the harmonica? How does it work?

4. when did street plays get prominence in India? 

5. Name the most famous personality of street plays in India?

6. Tell me something about tripura?

Member 4

1. Who was the leader of the East pakistan liberation war 1971, what were the causes?

2. asked about Indus water treaty.

3. what is the capital of manipur?

4. what is Imphal’s significance in the freedom movement?(battle of imphal)

5. Did INA win or lose against British Indian army?, what were the causes that it couldn’t proceed further?

Name-AB

Date- 6 may afternoon

Home state- jharkhand 

Optional -Geography 

B. Tech. In Chemical engineering 

Chairman- Manoj soni sir

Chairman

1. Hydrogen fuel status

2. Manufacturing method of hydrogen fuel

3. Place u want to visit in the world and how will u spend 24 hrs. If u r given ample power by the almighty god.

Member1

1. New education policy

2. Jharkhand potential and challenges

3. Witch hunting related questions(2-3)

Member2

1. What r u doing after passing out from college?

2. GHGs

3. Rank of india in ghg emission

4. India's initiatives to tackle climate change

Member3

1. School related question

2. Sri lanka crisis

3. Preamble amendability

4. Basic structure of constitution

5. Diary writing and threat to privacy

Member4

1. Why the region is known as chhota nagpur

2. Area of chhota nagpur

3. Soft power of india

4. Things from jharkhand u want to promote at global level.

5. Recently studied book (hobby)

and its theme.

Interview transcript

Name-Rishabh Dev Yadav

Graduation-B.sc(h)Physics

Optional-Sociology

Hobbies-Playing Cricket, Singing, Reading

Board-Manoj Soni Sir.Second to go in the Afternoon session

Chair-Its interesting that a student of Physics also likes to sing.Are you an amateur singer or trained in hindustani classical?

2.Since you like to sing and read,are you aware of Romanticism(i said i am vaguely aware to which he said that means we should not discuss it further and i said yes)

3.Who won Nobel prize in Physics this year?

4.Nobel recepients from India( i started taking names without putting any honorary prefixes)

chair-you are a young citizen of this country don't you think you should call Rabindranath Tagore as Gurudev.( I apologized immediately and he said no problem)

5.You are a DM and a person from your district gets nobel prize for peace.What would you do?

a bit of cross questioning here

M1-you read history till 10th? what lessons can we draw from history( this member seemed friendly but later found out he was also the one who was trying to trick me)

2-President is the head of the executive or government?

3.Who wrote Indian constitution?

4.How many members were there in Drafting committee

5.Two other names from Drafting committee

M3-Startup policy of government and what whould you do to promote startups?

2.Varnashrama Dharma( here i wasn't sure .member 1 laid a trap by leading me in the direction of varnas and i said varnas are four and ashrams are four and named them)

3.What are purusharthas?

4.Write your name in Hindi

5.Rishabh Dev was associated with  which religion?

6.Who won nobel prize in mathematics? is there even nobel prize for mathematics?

M4-Tell me what is the issue with Lithium batteries

2.What are smart cities?

3.What has been the progress and have you been to any smart city?

4.what is the issue with NGOs regulation?

5.How would you defend government's position on the same?

M5-You are a DM of a district with carpet industry contributing close to 25 % of the local economy but it also employs child labour what would you do?

2.Your opinion on sedition law

3.definition of sedition

4.contribution of MN srinivas?

5.What is sanskritization? 

Very pleasant experience,seemed like a purposeful conversation,no grilling.

Utility of mocks- very helpful in confidence building and in my case questions were repeated as well.

Name - Putin

Date and session of interview- 6th May, forenoon, first to go.

Board- Shri Manoj Soni

Optional- History

Profession (if any) - Lok Sabha

Hobbies- Cooking, Watching Movies

Your experience in interview- Very cordial board. (more than 35 mins)

Utility of mocks (if any)- 6 Mocks. Getting acquainted with the environment and also some questions were repeated.

Chairman

Q.1. Based in Delhi or Jaipur?

Q.2. Present Work?

Q.3. Most significant work or assignment you have done?

Q.4. What difficulties faced by differently abled people in the society?

Q. 5. What govt have done for them? Are we treating them in good way? What have you done for their welfare in your life?

Q.6. Are you a leader, manager or administrator?

Member 2 (Lady)

Q.1. You like cooking? Have you seen Sharma ji ki Namkeen?

Q.2. How did you develop interest in cooking?

Q.3. is cooking a hobby for you or a compulsion?

Q.4. How cooking can be used in administration?

Q.5. Have you heard about Piplantri village in Rajasthan? What special?

Q.6. If made SDM in Rajasthan what would be your focus of work?

Member 3

Q.1. Russia-Ukriane conflict, Impact on world?

Q.2. Lemon prices are increasing? Why? Does heat play a role in this?

Q.3. Govt mechanism to tackle price volatility in vegetables?

Q.4. How to supply when production is low in country?

Q.5. Oil prices increasing, impact on economy?

Q.6. Act governing Police in India? Why such a law was needed then?

Q.7. Is police administration good in our country? What reforms needed?

Member 4

Q.1. History should be rewritten? Your views?

Q.2. What is your view about the history that we study? Is it good? Do we need to revise it?

Q.3. Five insurgent groups in North east India?

Q.4. What is soft state?

Member 5

Q.1. Difference between administrator, manager and leader?

Q.2. Difference between leader and administrator?

Q.3. Who is more useful – leader or manager?

Q.4. How to develop the western part of Rajasthan?

Q.5. Renewable energy potential in Rajasthan?

Q.6. Power crisis – what govt has done to tackle it?

Q.7. He kept insisting on one particular step, which I could not answer, so I replied that this is what I am recalling right now.

Q.8. Republic vs Populist Govt? difference.

Q.9. Is Taliban a Republic?

Chairman

You selected in CAPF? Why did you not join?

Interview over. You can go. 

(Not remembering some questions)

All the best to candidates.

Name : Jr. Panda

Date : 10 may, 7th to go

Board : Manoj Soni sir

Time : 20-25 minutes 

Background : Chemical engg, IIT Delhi

Optional : Mathematics

Hobbies : Chess, Teaching & Mentoring, NSS

Job : nothing 

Mock utility : etiquettes, courage to face big pipal, diverse questions from DAF. 2 question repeated here.

Soni sir looks very carefully, but not with compassion rather than feeling of contempt and shock.

Methodology of writing : Question asked (my answers to them)

Chairman sir 

Remove your face shield, and mask. Showed me my photo, I want to confirm your identity. 

Why no spectacles in photo? 

1. What are 3 lists in the constitution. (Done, but forgot to mention sch 7th & 246 names🥲)

2. Name some entries. (Done, but only 1 for concurrent)

3. You did not mention, agriculture? (I said its in state list)

4. Tell me how centre passed farm laws, if agri is state subject? (I said entry in concurrent list like inter trade, not recalling exact entry sorry sir)

 5. Ok, then how other 2 laws then? (Contract farming, same as above)

 6. What if tussle between state and centre on concurrent? (Said article 254)

 7. How did to make transition from chemical engg to maths, is it because of deep interest developed during college? (Told not college but class 10, and helped me in JEE also, wanted to say more but he diverted)

Member 1 

 8. What is your view on B.tech in regional languages? ( agreed and justified)

 9. No, I am asking for Btech? (Agreed)

 10. How could feel if you were to study chemical in Hindi? (I said I was more comfortable in English, would have faced difficulty) 

 11. How can local languages help? 😏

 12. Isn’t it difficult to develop infra wrt this? (Yes, but will increase inclusivity, and language is just a medium, final end is knowledge)

 13. Can South Indian languages be clubbed in one group? (No)

 14. Do you know, Bodo language in listed in schedule (agreed)

 15. How will be your approach to develop Computer science course in Bodo language? (Told)

 16. Do you know what is Elo rating? (Explained, what & how)

 17. It means that higher rated player will also beat lower rated player, right? (Countered by Ramesh babu pragnanda😂)

Member 2(Lady)

 18. Compare west and India in health facilities and response to covid? (Casualties and budget)

 19. No I am not talking about budget? Tell some other things. ( I tried)

 20. How did India respond, elaborate? (Both positive and negatives given)

 21. Why there is resistance to new medicines? (Testing procedure & safety)

 22. What is vaccine diplomacy? (Layman explanation, but was expecting technical words😏)

 23. Don’t you think exporting vaccine at the time, when Indians were suffering is bad? (Said balancing the act)

Some questions & answer I don’t remember, because I got distracted in between by Soni sir’s look😞

I under pressure, because I knew i am not doing good and marks would have been decided by now😐

Member 3 

 24. What is mathematical model? (Explained with examples : weather forecast, taxation, covid)

 25. If you made DM, how will you use it to solve social problems? (Son meta preference, stubble burning, water table — tried to take them to my home state😁, but they are smart😎)

 26. You just said, karnal is rice bowl of India? But I know Chattisgarh is. (Tried to explain why)

 27. If you are DM, how will you resolve tussle between state and centre on concurrent item? (Constitutional and legal guidance😂)

 28. You will not consider local leaders? (I said will persuade in accordance with above😊)

RN chaubey sir (upsc member) got covid today. Each board is hence taking 8 candidates instead of six. Already, Chairman Sir Manoj Soni ji was filling up for other member.

We all at Team PTT are praying for his faster recovery and good health. 

Also, strictly follow measures taken by upsc for zero contact interview.

Name: CYZ

Date : 10.5.22

Hobbies : books on India, travelling to rural areas.

Optional PSIR 

Chair: manoj soni

1. You were waiting outside for 5 hours. What were you doing ? (I said i talked to people and tried to learn from their experience and learnings )

2. What did you learn?

3. BRI : does it excites you as a IR enthusiast or civil engineer ?

4. Why is china building BRI ?

5. Is there a possibility of collapse of chinese regime ?

6. India is often accused for carrying out covert operations in Baluchistan. Should india try to induce regime change in China ?

7. How India is countering BRI ?

8. Travelled to rural areas : why ?

9. What books on India have you read recently ?

M1. 

1.Challenges in rural areas ?

2. As a DM, how will you solve this ?

3. What is Srijan and Swadesh in your DAF ?

4. How is policymaking done ?

M2.

1. I will give you name of 3 books, tell me the author and we will discuss one of them: letters from father to daughter, the wonder that was India and India won

 freedom. 

2. Why is India won freedom controversial ?

3. India is having large deficit . You are posted in NITI aayog. What is your advise to bring down deficits ?

M3

1. You said 'property tax',how will it bring down india's fiscal deficit ?

2. What happened in Doklam ? Did india statitioned its troops in Bhutanese territory ?

3. What's going on in Ladakh. Has China taken India's territory ?

M4.

1. What is urban naxalism ?

2. Reasons for urban naxalism ?

3. How to prevent youths from subscribing to such ideology ?

4. Why Delhi provides such env. for Urban naxalism ?

5. Should sedition law be struck down ?

Name :-

Date :- 11/05/2022

Board :- Manoj Soni sir

Optional :- Geography

Background :- B.Tech ECE, Worked in Wipro

Hobby :- Reading Quora , Mentoring students , Watching Malayalam Political satire

1. What have you been doing since you passed college .?

2.So you left work to prepare for UPSC .?

3. How long have you been watching Malayalam political satire( DAF based -only one)

4.What is surgical strike ., where did India conduct surgical strike , why did India conduct surgical strike .?Why its called surgical strike .? Tell me exact year

5.Are you sure India conducted surgical strike in Myanmar .?

6.What is invasion .?Is Russia invading Ukraine ?

7.can surgical strike be called Invasion .?

-Mentioned POK was considered to be Indian territory

8. Any other reason .?

9.Technology used in surgical strike.?

10 . Why has India done Aerial strike , motive for it .?

11.Spirituality vs Religion.?

12. World bank report on countries having highest net worth -Name 5 ( i asked him if he meant GDP - he was not . Did not understand question)

13.What is data privacy ? Should it be absolute ..?

14.What can be done .?

15. Which is absolute authority according to constitution ? -Parliament or Supreme court or Executive

-I went with check and balance system , with Supreme court being interpreter

-Member helped me to reach answer -" We people of INDIA ....."

16. Kerala has huge migration to outside .... (long monologue ..) .Is Kerala model sustainable .?.

17. What has happened to remittance income ..?( meant COVID -19)

18. Any exact data ? Current status ..?

19. What is being done for this ..solution.?

20.Is there any neighbouring country who was impacted by fall in remittance ?

21. What is string of pearls .?

22 Was Hambantota a military strategy by china or merely financial investment .?

23.What is SDG goals .? Name 5

24 Do you think common target for all is good idea .?

19.What is India current position..?

25. Why statue of unity is called so .?

21.Where is it located .?

22. Is kevadia a district .?

23. Seasons in India

24. Why Land slides are happening in Himalaya (promoted for more and more reasons )

26. Solutions 

27. Sustainable mining ..? can it be a solution for Landslides

28. Technology used for Sustainable mining ..?( There was a long monologue on issues with use of dynamite before asking question)

-Some other questions I can not remember 

- Overall :- static topics , nothing from DAF , i did not feel any question related to current affairs were asked ( Sri Lanka was asked in 2 questions)

- Slightly Grilling experience

Name: Doesn't matter 

Degree: BE computer science

Currently working

11th May 2022

Manoj Soni Board 

Chairman: 

Why are you interested in learning about Gut Microbiome? (DAF)

What is it's importance? 

Difference between Gut Microbiome and Probiotics.

You are working. What is your job profile?

What is public good? 

Give few examples of public goods?

Is Health public good. What about Education? What about milk? And elections? 

If elections is public good then is it fair spending public money on elections ?

So you support state finding of elections.

Now design how the state funding of elections can be implemented in India.

Member1: 

I will hold on to the topic of state funding of elections. 

According to you if money is allotted in accordance to seats won in previous elections then isn't it unfair on new political parties? (Said can have a floor price allotted to newly registered parties ) What will independent members do?

Don't you think state funding will give rise to spur of new political parties. 

Has electoral bonds brought in transparency. 

So you are working, have you had a chance to penalise anyone or fire anyone. How did you feal with it. 

Tell me a state from where a president and prime minister both come from.

Member2:

Why do you want to do civil services? 

What will you do if you become are DM in urban area? And also in Rural area. 

Rusaia- Ukraine issue. What extra would you  do other than what India's efforts has been.

one more question, can't recollect.

Member 3: 

Famous garden in Mysore.

What is Amrit in Azadi ki Amrit mohotsav?

What is it the government is planning from the 75th year of Independence? ( Amrit kaal)

What is inclusive development? Do we have it in India.

Are we more tolerant than needed in India.

How does India get it's statistics?

What's the difference between CSO and NSSO?

Member 4: 

Do you know some personality called pandit something.( I don't know nor  remember.)

E commerce companies india. Pros and Cons 

How are they advertising? 

Is there any regulations to these e commerce companies.

Chairman: Your interview is over. Have a pleasant evening. Thank you. 

Experience: Board is very cordial. Will give you ample time. They don't cross question nor break your flow. 

Just enjoy the process. 

All the best to everyone.

Mock: Treat it as a mock and nothing else. 

I would like to thank "Interview Transcripts group 2021". Immensely helped in my preparation

Name - 

Date - 12/05/2022

Keywords from daf - mining , patna 

Board- manoj soni sir 

Utility of mock - mannerism and thinking on the feet

Chairman 

1. Are you accustomed to this heat weather ?

2. What is rat hole mining 

3. Why civils after mining 

Member 1 

1. Khalistan issue 

2. How to tackle illegal mining and naxal of chattishgarh 

Member 2

Bodo peace deal ( long discussion ) 

Member 3 ( lady )

Again khalistan issues

( Seem least interested ) 

Member 4 

Permanent commission and is it right ?? 

Should army should be called to deal with internal security ??

Experience - cordial and combination of both factual and opinion based question .

Some question unable to recall.

Thanks to this community and all the best

Name :-

Date :- 12/05/2022

Board :- Manoj Soni Sir

State :- Kerala

Optional :- Public Administration

Background :- 10 years of work experience in software (First at a European company and then at an American company)

Hobby :- Watching Football

Wore the mask during the interview but took off the shield.

Chairman - 

1. How is the weather in Trivandrum ?

2. Do you find any difference between the weather here in Delhi and Trivandrum ?

3. What is your role at your current company ?

4. "We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." What 3 things would you give today's youth ?

(I said good moral values, grilled there as to how we can provide moral values)

M1 -

1. You work at a private organisation which is technology based. Can we apply the same process from your organisation in government ?

2. One government office where you would like to apply technology ?

3. Can we use technology in financial schemes also ?

4. Would rural India not need digital skills to access govt schemes ?

5. What kind of app would you develop for rural India - Mobile based or something that works at Panchayat offices/post offices ?

M2 -

1. What is good governance ?

2. MSMEs are important. As District Magistrate how would you encourage them ?

3. Corporate farming vs co-operative farming ?

4. Can there be startups in public administration ?

5. Can police functions be done by such start ups ?

6. What is Yellow Journalism ? Paid Journalism ?

M3 - 

1. You watch football. What is offside rule ?

2. When is a penalty given ?

3. Dimensions of a football ground ?

4. IMF and WB - created by which conference ? Which year ?

5. Difference between IMF and WB ?

6. Why is Sri Lanka reluctant to take loans from IMF ? Why does it prefer loans from China, does it come without conditions ?

M4 - 

1. You have worked at European and American software companies, compare the work culture between the two ?

2. Which one is better ?

3. Would you suggest the same policies(hire and fire) in government ? Should the Minister/Secretary resign if he makes a mistake ?

Could not discuss much on M4's last question as Chairman had indicated to the panel that they were running out of time.

Overall an average experience.

Name-...

Date and session of interview - 11/05/2022 Afternoon 

Board- Manoj Soni Sir

Optional- Anthropology

Graduation - Chemical Engineering

State- Uttar Pradesh

Chairman:

1. You are a Chemical Engineer. How would you explain iron pillar of Qutub Minar not being rusted? 

2. Water scarcity is a major issue. Do you agree? How Central government is handling water crisis? 

2 Follow up questions.

M1

1. You are from XYZ district. Tell me 2 famous things about your district.

2 min discussion.

2. Separate state of Bundelkhand? Your views.

3. Which state has the largest population of Tribals ? Socio economic variation among tribes of India?

4. What is polyandry? Which tribe practice it? Rationale behind such practice? 

M2

1.Meaning of your name?

2.You are DM of Kalahnadi district of Orissa, which is a water scarce region. GoI is running MGNREGA scheme. How would you implement MGNREGA scheme to alleviate water scarcity? 

3. Famous Battle in your District? Discussion on that.

4. Explain Federalism in Indian context.

M3

1. Objective behind post of CDS? 

- Whether it resulted in over centralisation of power in one hand?

- Do you think post of CDS will ensure that we won't lose any war? 

- Pakistan had CDS in 1971, We didn't have still we won that war. How our case is different from Pakistan's? 

2. Constitutional status is given to Cooperatives. How this is going to benefit cooperatives? 

3. Who are PVTG? Name any two? 

M4

Long Monologue on Fake currency.... similarly there is fake news. How do you define fake news? 

- implications of fake news? 

- Role of Foreign agencies , political parties in spreading fake news? 

- How GoI is handling fake news? 

2. Social Media Intermediaries like Google and Facebook have been issued notice by GoI to remove illegal content. Why government is doing that? 

Chairman Sir

Wish you All the best and Have a safe journey. Thank you.

Name- Lalu

Date and session of interview- 10/05/2022, Morning Session

Board- Manoj Soni Sir

Optional- Economics

College- DTU- Automobile Engineering

Profession (if any)- Presently Working as AAO in IAAD ( UT of J&K), 

Hobbies- No questions asked so not worth to mention

Your experience in interview- Stress Interview, got nervous and as such ruined it

Utility of mocks (if any)- area to be covered and practice

Chairman-

1. What do u like most? Engineering, Economics or job?

2. Why Gandhian economics is not practical even though it is relevant?( I was beating around the bush)

3. Tell me three principles of Gandhian Economics ( i responded in negative , he was not happy as i bluffed in first question)

4. Tell 5 human rights ( I missed right to life, he pointed out)

5. Asked bout job profile of AAO( i answered about general profile, however he later pointed out he wanted to ask me about my responsibilitie ..I tried to answer ..he said no)

M-1

1. Mandate of CAG

2. Dr.B.R. Ambedkar view on post of CAG ( i said sorry not able to recall)

3. Story behind naming Comptroller in name of CAG.( Not answered)

4. Finance Commision working

5. Devolution of taxes

M-2 

1. Why CAG does not audit GMR in PPP of Delhi Airport? 

2. RBI mandate 

3. Relation between inflation and growth 

M-3 ( Lady Member ..she was the only one who got pity on me and asked general question)

1. Changes observed after formation of UT of J&K

2. Development vs environment sustainability in UT of Ladakh 

3. Two ways by which you can develop UT of Ladakh.( Adventure tourism and Service industry)

M-4 

1. Few Questions asked in Gandhian. economics( i was like ....yaar aata toh hain nahi)

2. GDP of India ( not growth)

3. Swadeshi model of economic development ( i cited example, but he was not happy and pointed out he had asked but not given another chance)

3. How to make India a 5 trillion economy?

Manoj sir pointed two times to members to not to ask more questions.

#Sharing_is_Caring

#sab_honge_kaamyaab

Date of interview : 10th May forenoon session

Optional : philosophy

Work profile : PepsiCo India ; Assistant Commissioner State taxes( ACST) ( uttar pradesh)

Board : Manoj Soni

Completely based on job profile and philosophy *

Chairman: 

1.how does it feel to be ACST?

2. Don't you feel power?

3. Doesn't it add to your status

Ok let's discuss about philosophy 

4. Name the india schools of philosophy in order

5. 6 schools of vedanta

6. What learning from your entire reading of philosophy will you apply to governance and administration?

Member1 ( Maam)

1. Bureaucracy is complicated and there are multiple pressures. How does one not succumb to these pressures?

2. But one has to take care of family , there's also social status. What is your limit? How will you ensure that you don't succumb?

3. Why is Namami gange not able to perform?

Member 2 

1 you said about basin approach. Are trying to say that other states are not performing? ( probably tried to pressurize)

2. What is UP gst collections? How does it compare with state like Maharashtra?

3. What was difference in PepsiCo and

Government work environment?

4. What learning from PepsiCo you can apply in your department?

Member 3( little difficult to comprehend)

1. Do you know about sufism?

( I said my knowledge is limited)

Ok so I will ask the question 🙂

2. A long monologue on a sufi Saint who was beheaded by Aurangzeb for saying " Allah nhi hai , kuch bhi nhi hai Allah k sivah" and Shankaracharya said "Aham Brahamasmi" . How do the two compare.

3. Asked about all the constitutional provisions related to state taxes ( I could come up with only 3)

Member 4

Q1. What is artificial intelligence?

Q2. If intelligence can be artificial then we don't human thought and neither philosophy. What do you think?

Q3. Why there are so many types of yoga?

Q4. Why PhD in sociology is also called doctor of philosophy?

Overall I felt the questions were a bit different from ones asked in mocks. Yet the board was listening very pateiently

Name: Ashutosh

Board: Dr. Manoj Soni

Native State: Uttar Pradesh

Background: B.Tech ( Electrical Engineering) IIT Kanpur

Optional: PSIR ( political science and international relations)

Hobby: Sun Salutation ( Surya Namaskar), Meditation

Chairman Sir

1. You have very high CGPA, So tell me how did you get this, was it hard work or were you really passionate about Electrical Engineering?

2. So now you are aspiring for civil services, Is it a loss for electrical Engineering or gain for civil services? Overall nation is losing out a good engineer? ( told him that I will use my education knowledge in civil services, He replied well you will hardly get any opportunity)

3. Ok, so you have electrical background, tell me what is "integrated energy policy". Have you heard about it? 

( Now this went a bit unexpected.

My reply: Sir I am not aware of exact provisions but....

Sir: What but? Do you want to take guess about it? Do you want to analyse word integrated and energy?

Me: Sir, if you permit

Sir: No, No, you don't treat policies like that. You should not make guesses on that. This is not the way.

Me: Sorry Sir. 

I am shaken a bit from inside. But calmed my self immediately. I thought that I still have lot of interview questions left. Let's give our best in that)

M1:Ma'am

1. You good good marks in electrical engineering and still you choose political science as optional. This is like a crowd mentality. I don't find any leadership skills in that?

( I told her that I had analysed syllabus of many optionally before choosing so it's not crowd mentality. It's based on my interest. And leader is one who delivers result. I think I will be able to get good result by choosing PSIR. )

2. Tell me about judicial activism with some examples. Is is good for our country? What's your take on it?

3. These days we see lot of cases pending in judiciary. What steps are being taken to resolve that?

4. Have you heard the word Lutyens Delhi? Why is it in news these days?

( Told her that since new parliament is coming up, we are now transitions from Lutyens era building to new Central Vista and Parliament which are symbol of moving towards Atmanirbharta)

Ma'am: But Lutyens Delhi also refers to some old elites.

Me: Ma'am I'm not aware of it. Will read about it

M2: Sir

1. Women have been given permanent commission in army? Do you think it will enhance effectiveness of army? ( Looked happy when I replied in support of women permanent commission)

2.Recently Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 was amended in which DNA samples etc can be take. What is your view on that?

(Me: supported amendment that it will lead to better criminal investigation bla bla. But I did not reply it in fluent English.)

3. But don't you think there is loss of privacy? Even for small offences, now police can take DNA samples etc

( I had not read about this act properly. So couldn't answer it with proper legal points. So gave a made up answer that govt and judiciary should develope institutional mechanism to prevent misuse of data and prevent unnecessary criminalisation of people. Again english was not so fluent) 

M3: Sir

1. What is meaning of your name Ashutosh?

2. Is there any purana associated with Lord Shiva

( I roughly knew it was shiv purana. But I was a bit scared of taking anymore guess after being reprimanded by chairman. So simply said Sir I am not aware of it. Sir said it was shiv purana. I said ok sir)

3. Now listen carefully. My chair had asked you whether you joining civil services will be a gain for civil services or loss for electrical engineering. Answer me carefully.

(This time I decided to take a decisive stand now. And specially in question which involves choices between 2 options. I just answered that gain for civil services)

4. How is it a gain. You will hardly ever apply your electrical engineering knowledge as DM. You will be busy in administrative tasks.

Date - 10 May, Morning Shift, 4th to go.

Board - Shri Manoj Soni

Optional - Sociology (no question asked)

Job - GST Inspector (no question asked)

State - Rajasthan (no question asked)

Chairperson - How is your name pronounced ?

CP - Let's start with a simple question - Why are institution places airports named after personalities?

CP - What was the contribution of JNV in freedom struggle (my University Name)

based on my answer - CP - How was power transferred to Indian leaders to form Constitution,any act, ordinance etc.

CP - You mean if British did not give power we would not have achieved freedom.

I was pathetically bad in answering CPs ques.. My fault and the intimidating environment of the Room

M1 - Which 2 Princely states did not join union initially. Me - J&k Hyderabad

M1 - J&K was in favour. Which other. Me - Junagadh

M1 - how did they join - I could not tell Juna story

M1 - How many day it took to craft Consti. - Me 2 years 11 months 18 days. M1 it was 17 days😔

M1 When did Goa join and how

M2 - You are Mcom tell me Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return - I utterly failed. I said don't remember

M2 - Har ghar nal se jal - how many houses do not have tap water in Jodhpur - I - don't know..

M2 - but you live in Jodhpur. I😔

M3 - Female member

U-R war and why so many Leaders visited India

M3 - Based on my reply , how do you see population of India - asset or liability

M3 - which country can India replace to come in top 5 powerful countries and related Cross questions

M4 - Looked like a Sage

M4 - Diff between culture and civilization - I - Don't know exactly sir

M4 - Supreme court interference in social customs and giving sanction to Live in relation - your view

I floundered 

M4 what is Brics, UNESCO 

To sum it up it was not my day.

It is not the board which is less cordial, it is our destiny and hard work which will sometime do not favour us..

Still, hopeful for some magic.

All the best to everyone.

NAME: Chaitu

Date: 4th may, Forenoon Session 3rd to go

Board: Manoj Soni Sir

college: NIT Trichy (Mech), 2019 

Optional: Anthropology Time - 30 Mins

Hobbies: Cricket, Jogging, Movies

State - Telangana

Experience in interview: Except one lady member every body with monotonous face

Mask was compulsory while face shield was optional

Utility of Mocks: Gives you confidence and articulating answers 

Chairman:

1. Apart from preparation what are you doing nowadays?

2. Opinion on commercialisation of cricket

3. Privatisation of govt institutions. Good or Bad? 4. Where is tobacco board established?

5. Tell me about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, his philosophy and time period (DAF) 

Member 1

1.What is global warming

2. Does India's recent targets and efforts suffice to cap global temperature below 1.5 Celsius?

3. Panchamrit goals by India in COP 26

4. What is renewable energy and its challenges?

5. How do use mechanical engineering in administration?

Member 2 (lady)

1. Tell me about your home town?

2. Status of covid vaccination in my home town?

3. Why UPSC after engineering?

4. Which state has lost after bifurcation of telangana and andhra & what are they?

Member 3

1. Do you remember anything from sanskrit? (Subject in class 12th)

2. Name one any famous literature in Sanskrit and its author?

3. Tell any two words which are adopted in telugu from sanskrit?

4. Can Sanskrit is used as Link language in communication b/w states and governance?

5. Steps to increase awareness and protect indigenous languages? 6. Do you watch women cricket, captain of odi and t20 indian women team?

7. Tell me something about Panchayat raj? 8. Which state was first to adopt panchayat raj and year?

Member 4

1. What is a Machine? 2. Difference between googly and chinaman?

3. How do use Anthro knowledge in administration? 4. Then how anthro can be used in urban governance?(based on my previous answer)

5. Why some species such as apes are still primitive in terms of intelligence despite growing in same environment as humans?

6. 10 lines on difference between Manipur and Tripura?

PT date - 09/05

Board - Manoj Soni sir 

Optional - PSIR

Background - Btech Electrical Engineering from DTU 

Hobbies - Astronomy and Jogging

Chairman : You can remove your face mask for the confirmation of the identity. Asked to wear it again. You can remove the face shield if you like. 

Q1 - what did you do at forumias ? Why did you leave it after a year ? 

Q2 - You are an electrical engineer, what is the electrical demand of India ? What is the installed capacity ? 

Q3 - what are the different sources of energy ? Asked about the way electricity get produced in a thermal power station ,then nuclear energy power generation ? Asked if I could explain about other sources as well ? 

Asked where are you more comfortable - electrical, political science and International relations. I told PSIR since I had read that recently, while studied electrical engineering during my graduation. 

Q4 - what is energy security and energy independence ? What is the difference between the two? 

M1 - 

Q1 - what is the meaning of PPP? Which Prime Minister of India gave the idea of PPP? 

Q2 - how many States in India ? And Union Territories ? Confirmed the two union territories formed from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir ? Difference between lieutenant governor and governor ? 

Q3 - what do we understand by common wealth nations? What is commonwealth ? 

M2 (lady member) 

Q1 - you have an interest in Astronomy , do you think by sending missions to moon,Mars etc. ISRO is wasting resources of the country ? 

Q2 - is privatisation in space sector going to be detrimental to national security ? What should be done to deal with them? 

Q3 - what do you understand by the term 'water wars'? Is India facing them? 

Q4 - what is water security ? Is India facing it ? What should India do? 

Q5 - you mentioned about inter linking of rivers , aren't there ecological issues associated with them ? What to do? 

M3 :

Q1 - you talked about India using Indus water as part of water war to pressurise Pakistan. How can we do that given that Indus is just one river? ( Talked about the entire river system) where will this much water be diverted to? ( Can be diverted to water deficit regions in the states like Punjab, Haryana, rajasthan, UP, etc.) 

You are an engineer, tell me how can we actually divert this much water ? 

Q2 - why is night sky black? What about the incoming starlight ? 

Q3 - You talked about PPP in Namami Gange project, what will the revenue model for STPs built through PPP ? 

M4 : 

Q1 - why is India providing so many benefits to Nepal ? What are the reasons other than the geographical reasons which make Nepal important for India ? 

China is making inroads in Nepal too like in other countries like Sri Lanka. How can we prevent that ? 

Q2 - Has India achieved 100% rural electrification ? Are all the households covered? By when do you think we will be able to cover all the households? 

Q3 - In the context of Ukraine - Russia war and emerging situation, what should India do going forward ? 

Chairman signalled this to be the last question. 

Chairman - thank you. All the best. (Thanked chairman sir and the lady member ) 

Chairman asked to take away the face shield since I had forgotten about it. 

Overall experience - cordial but a bit serious. No overtly generous and friendly remarks or smiles from the members. Mostly they maintained a serious poker face demeanor. Only once a member remarked good on an answer. There were some follow up questions but no grilling. 

I did get a little nervous during the beginning but could manage it better later.  

Utility of mocks - help in practicing and developing on the spot thinking and communicating.

Sindhu N Raghavan

10th May 2022 AN session 

Home state: Tamil Nadu

Optional: Geography 

Manoj Soni Sir board 

Chairman:

Would you like to have some tea or coffee. Which one do you usually have?

1) Are you wearing a silk saree?

(I said yes and Chairman said he thought so)

2) how are these sarees made?

3) Does it have a GI tag?

4) Do you think language is a factor that unites or divides India

5) Give two reasons to justify your opinion 

6) Is tamil a classical language?

7) what are the criteria to declare a classical language?

8) What are the other classical languages?

9) Do you think learning of other languages can be promoted?

Member 2:

1) You studied Civil engineering but opted for Geography, why?

2) Is it a scoring optional?

3) Name of Tagore's Nobel prize winning literature

4) Is the leadership responsible for crisis in Srilanka?

( Is Srilankan economy export oriented?)

5) Name of Srilankan PM

6) How is he related to the President 

7) How many people from Rajapakshe family in Srilankan cabinet?

8) Percentage of Tamil population in Srilanka

9) Percentage of Sinhalese

10) Did Srilanka take assistance from IMF?

11)Name of the port being developed by China

12) How does this port project affect India?

Sindhu N Raghavan

10th May 2022 AN session 

Home state: Tamil Nadu

Optional: Geography 

Manoj Soni Sir board 

Chairman:

Would you like to have some tea or coffee. Which one do you usually have?

1) Are you wearing a silk saree?

(I said yes and Chairman said he thought so)

2) how are these sarees made?

3) Does it have a GI tag?

4) Do you think language is a factor that unites or divides India

5) Give two reasons to justify your opinion 

6) Is tamil a classical language?

7) what are the criteria to declare a classical language?

8) What are the other classical languages?

9) Do you think learning of other languages can be promoted?

Member 2:

1) You studied Civil engineering but opted for Geography, why?

2) Is it a scoring optional?

3) Name of Tagore's Nobel prize winning literature

4) Is the leadership responsible for crisis in Srilanka?

( Is Srilankan economy export oriented?)

5) Name of Srilankan PM

6) How is he related to the President 

7) How many people from Rajapakshe family in Srilankan cabinet?

8) Percentage of Tamil population in Srilanka

9) Percentage of Sinhalese

10) Did Srilanka take assistance from IMF?

11)Name of the port being developed by China

12) How does this port project affect India?

Chairman - Manoj Soni sir board

Date - 5th May 2022, forenoon

1st to go

From - Telangana

Optional - PSIR

Work ex - IRPS 2019

Graduation - ECE 

Chairman - 

1. How long have you been staying in Vadodara?

2. Is it Baroda or Vadodara?

3. What are the name changes in the last 20 years or so?

4. Why they are changed? No survey of public opinion being taken.

5. Why IIT Madras didn't change to IIT Chennai?

6. Overall, you are in favour of changing names ?

Member 1 - 

1. What books you have read in international relations?

2. Who was Shyam saran? What's his contribution?

3. Who was Henry Kissinger? What's the name of his book?

4. What did Kissinger say about Nuclear weapons?

5. Do you know about Pokhran 1&2?

6. Do you think nuclear weapons were able to create peace in the world?

7. There is theory that china has used bioweapon of COVID ? Do you believe that it's true?

Member 2-

1. Difference between inverter AC and normal AC

2. Does inverter AC works with direct power?

3. Difference between electrical and electronics

4. What's a semi conductor

5. What's a communication explain to layman

6. What is 2g/3g/4g explain to layman

Member 3-

1. What are different types of transformers?

2. What is power transformer, distribution transformer?

3. What's India's stand on Russia-Ukraine war?

4. Why is India not openly supporting Russia like China?

5. What's the minimum requirements to form trade union?

6. What's your view on IRMS?

7. Do you know what's RTI?

8. What's exempted information?

9. Apart from CBI, RAW, and IB all other information can be given?

10. When flag hoisting is done?

11. Fundamental duties

12. When was the constitution adopted?

Member 4 - Madam

1. Did Telangana and Andhra Pradesh benefit after bifurcation?

2. What is Palamuru Labour? 

3. What are two famous things in Hyderabad

4. What's the difference between the mask you are wearing and the mask I am wearing?

5. Do you think India's response to COVID was good or we could have done more

6. What is COVID appropriate behaviour?

Chairman - your interview is over.

We wish you all the best for your current job.

Overall cordial board

Mostly from daf

Mocks gives you confidence

NAME- Dr.Armaan Malik

Buldhana, Maharashtra

Graduation - Bachelor of Ayurveda, medicine and surgery

Date-12th may afternoon

Hobby- Reading articles on India's security

Board - Manoj Soni sir

Chairman

1) Duration of your graduation course and other general information

2) Why u r leaving Ayurveda??

3)Tell me names of army,navy, airforce chief

4) Information about Ayurvedic surgeries

M1 

1) asked me some indigenous weapon systems.. some discussion on indigenisation of weapons

2) Tejas program

3) why don't we store large amount of ammunition as reserve

M2

1) Famous Personalities from Satara(my graduation city)

2) If you are Finance secretary then how will you create surplus budget?

3) what is CCI and its role

4) GDP spending on Defence and its detailed distribution

M3

1) Tell me something about Tribal medicine

2) As a DM, how will you contribute and promote tribal medicine

3) Your opinion on various Ayurveda Pharma companies and their products

4)Why Ayurveda is Upaveda of Atharvaveda?

Also asked me a shloka about medicinal plants from Atharvaveda

M4

1) what is propaganda?

2) Examples of propaganda...I told Chinese propaganda against India during Galwan clashes...she asked me recent one....I told WHO'S misleading COVID death figures from India

She asked me what India should do... whether we should launch Negative propaganda against WHO?

Chairman- your interview is over.Best luck for your future..

Overall experience- Board was very cordial...was interested in my Ayurveda and my hobby..

Mock- I found Chahal, Vajirao, Vajiram very useful...byjus was also good...

Thank you🙏

DD

Forenoon 17 May 2020

Civil Engineering Graduate from NIT Allahabad

Manoj Soni Sir Board.

Optional: PSIR

Hobby: Bonsai, Sudoku

30 min

Chairman:

‌why you want to join civil services?

‌3 contribution you made to society till date

‌Name instance where UN been successfully to prevent a war? ( I couldn't answer)

‌Did that mean UN failed in its primary mandate?

‌what bonsai do you have?

Member 1

‌Why Tamil Nadu is more industrialized than UP?

‌why Sriperumbudur is famous?

‌What is fisherman issue between India and srilanka?

‌Kachhathivu Island issue?

‌Giving Kachhathivu to Srilanka was valid?

‌whether bill was tabled in house?

Member 2

‌Why easy UP is poorer than West UP?

‌rivers in East UP?

‌sugarcane industry and related issues?

‌educational status of area

‌famous Buddhist sites in vicinity

‌how govt is developing those areas?

Member 3

‌was India right in joining commonwealth at the time of independence?

Member 4

‌How to design beams?

‌difference between White and Grey cement?

‌what is pozzolonic material, usefulness?

‌role of ICJ, India's representative there?

‌WTO recommendation recommendation to Indian Forex?

Chairman:

‌Similarities between Civil Engineering and Civil Services?

‌Take any problem and tell me how will you solve that using innovative?

Name : Lipi Nagayach 

Date and session of interview : 18th May 2022, forenoon session (1st candidate to go)

Board : Dr. Manoj Soni Sir

Optional : PSIR

Background : B.A. (hons) Political Science 

State : Madhya Pradesh

Hobbies : Reflective writing ; listening to mantra, stotra ; International sports events

Your experience in interview : It was very different from the mock interviews. Surprisingly, no questions were asked from International relations or current affairs. Very few technical questions. The board was more interested in asking personal questions (for instance, chairman sir asked about my friends circle & what qualities do my friends have etc). 

There was a lot of discussion on my hobbies & how I developed interest in them.

Some questions were very very factual (& random) like — when did the first meeting of constituent assembly take place?, tell us about the third battle of Panipat?, name the architect who constructed India Gate..etc

Conclusion : Although on unexpected lines but it was a pleasant experience.

Utility of mocks (if any) : I had given 6 mock interviews ; 4 offline — at KSG, IAS Gurukul, Rau’s IAS, Samkalp & 2 online — Byju’s & Samkalp. Mocks are helpful in boosting confidence, knowing one’s strengths & weaknesses, improving/ practicing communication in front of esteemed panel, preparing one’s DAF thoroughly etc

Chairman Sir (very cordial)

Asked me to remove the face-shield & mask only for verification. I was asked to wear the mask again & gloves were on throughout.

 1. You have a very uncommon name. What does Lipi mean?

 2. You have very interesting hobbies, encompassing a wide range from sports, devotional music & hindi songs to reflective writing…. which poet-saint do you listen to?

 3. Which stotra did Adi Shankaracharya compose?

 4. Do you understand Sanskrit?

 5. How did you develop this hobby? (Of listening to mantra & stotra)?

 6. Who’s your favourite hindi/bollywood singer?

 7. Do you sing?

 8. Lipi, you seem to me an introvert, very serious individual who is extremely committed to achieving one’s goals in life. True, isn’t it?

 9. Such people have a limited friend circle. Tell me about your friend circle. What qualities do your friends have?

Member 1 (Lady) (cordial)

 1. Are you interested in cinema?

 2. Which famous filmmaker’s anniversary are we celebrating this year? [ I asked if it’s Satyajit Ray? And she said yes]

 3. She gave a monologue on Satyajit Ray & asked me more about him & his movies/works etc — I had no idea regarding that — so I apologised & she moved on to the next question.

 4. Tell me about reflective writing.

 5. Do you read?

 6. When did the constitution came into force?

 7. When was the first meeting of constituent assembly held?

 8. How many female members were there in the constituent assembly?

Member 2 (Gentleman) 

 1. What is Bhopal famous for?

 2. What is Raja Bhoj known for?

 3. Have you visited the India gate? Name its architect.

 4. Architect of Chandigarh?

 5. Why is government promoting start-ups?

 6. What’s a unicorn?

 7. You have a philosophical bent of mind. Tell me about Indian philosophy.

 8. How’s the western philosophy different from Indian philosophy?

Member 3 (Lady) (very cordial)

 1. You are wearing a traditional saree, is it? What fabric is it?

 2. Tell me more about Maheshwari sarees? Which ruler promoted it & why?

 3. You have an excellent academic record. Why did you choose Political Science as your graduation subject?

 4. Tell me about Delimitation Commission.

 5. You were born in Narsinghpur. Why was Bhagwan Narsingh in news recently?

Member 4 (Gentleman)

 1. Tell me about the 3rd Battle of Panipat

 2. Mahmud Ghaznavi invaded a temple 17 times. Why did he do so? What was his ideological motivation?

 3. What were the objectives of Panchayati Raj?

 4. Who designed the Indian flag? When was it adopted?

 5. Do you know the difference in the procedure of hoisting the flag on 15th Aug & 26th Jan?

 6.

Name : ak

Date and session of interview : 18th May 2022, forenoon session (6th candidate to go)

Board : Dr. Manoj Soni Sir

Optional : Anthropology 

Background : B.Tech (Aerospace engineering) 

State : Andhra Pradesh

Hobbies : Painting (landscape), watching scifi movies. 

Experience : Some questions were completely unexpected and some deep in technical aspects. Overall a very cordial experience

Mocks utility : Raus ias was for me mostly on similar lines for some questions. Vajirao and reddy, KSG discussion helped me in framing varied answers. Overall good for confidence and can check your prepared answers infront of mocks

Chairman :

1. What shall we call you? You have a quite big name. What does that mean?

2. Why haven't you taken up placements?

3. Research project that you have done. What is its utility?

4. Why aerospace?

5. Why now civil services? ( A big to and fro conversation on specialists vs generalists, technology led governance etc)

6. Extremism in North east and Anthropological underpinning

7. Peace process in North Eastern states.

8. One social problem and anthropological explanation.

Member 1 ( Lady)

1. Status of tribals in india.

2. Safeguards provided for tribals.

3. Which is the state with highest tribal population?

4. Meaning of the name thiruvananthapuram?

5. Which airport is closed for a religious procession twice a year in india ( Answer is trivandrum because there will be a procession on runway, so closed for 4hrs, she gave a complete explanation of procession)

6. Is mangalyan mission a failure? (NO MAM, we did it in first attempt, what about the rover, I explained her about orbiter and it's functioning) 

7.How are these images sent back to earth?

Member 2 ( Technical background)

1. What is a wind tunnel and it's utility

2. How are take off and landing taken place in an aeroplane.

3. What is the temperature outside and inside at 30000ft?

4. What are cross winds and rudder pressure?

5. Helicopters vs fighter jets differences?

6.HAL recent helicopter Light combat specification ( not aware of so discussed about Rudra and Dhruv)

7. Reason for helicopter failures (CDS news linkage)

8. ICBM development and India's stance ( range and payload), Russia recent endeavour

9. Today's news on new indigenous ships built.

10. What is the reason for number of bones to reduce in body from 213 - 206 over a period of time

11. Field of vision for human beings is maximum at 180, but why do some animals have higher field of vision. After stating some reason what is value for horse and cow?

Member 3 ( Art background) 

1. Do you have professional certification in painting ( hobby) 

2. Andhra has a rich tangible and intangible culture. Elobarate? 

3. Favourite painter india and world ( answered one with Abindranth tagore and explained his impact) 

4. A big question about one of his disciples who had created a huge mark in India's landscape painting (Nandalal bose and his paintings, Bengal school of art discussion) 

5. Who is one foreign painter included by Archaeological survey of india in 9 whose art works are considered national treasure ( Not aware mam) 

6.She explained about a Russian painter Nicholas's Roerich (himalayan landscapes) and recommended me to go to the national modern art gallery which is conducting varied festivals on national museum day. 

Member 4 (Gentleman) 

1. Freebies policy of various states and Recent report that some states can follow Sri Lankan route. 

2. 3 capital issue and your opinion, with recent high court judgement. 

3. Tribals problems of hill vs plain tribes ( tried to explain Bodo problem but wanted about andhra tribes not aware of) 

4.PVTG tag and characteristics. 

5. Name some of them in Andhra pradesh. 

6. Schemes and programmes targeted for pvtg 

7. Why a special category needed within tribal protection

8. Land aleanation of tribals and impact? 

9.1/70 act of Andhra pradesh which is famous for protecting land rights of tribals. 

10. Closing comments about a village from my district, which is also my surname.

Name- Dr.N

Date and session of interview- 19/5/22 morning

Board- Dr.Manoj soni

Optional- medical science

College- M.S.Ramiah medical college

Profession (if any)- doctor

Hobbies- guitar, fitness(nothing was asked)

Your experience in interview- good, chairman was cordial, apologized for making us wait,

Utility of mocks (if any)- acted as confidence booster

Chairman-

1) do u u think u have wasted a precious MBBS seat?

2) WHAT IS NFHS

3) when was it started

4) who conducts it

5) when was it last conducted

M1-

1) who is from mysore who got bharath Ratna

2) wat r his contributions

3) have u visited vijayanagar 

4) is karnataka a backward state

5) how do u treat scorpion bite

6) what is PCR and explain its mechanism

7) what is the dam over Krishna river

M2-

1)what is the name of sweet named after mysore

2) as DM, how do u control an encephalitis epidemic

3) what do u know about cauvery issue

4) what was the vaccine drama happening during covid crisis.

M3 - 

1) what is the difference between human blood and animal blood

2) what r the major blood groups

3) What r the uses of Pcr

4) what is the significance of 3 bands in the national flag

M4-

1) what do u know ayushman bharath

2) explain the models of implementation

3) what are the drawbacks of health sector.

4) what can be done to address it

5) if there is pressure from a minister to give a project to an average contractor, what would you do.

Overall.. satisfied with my performance... I answered the question about wasting a medical seat decently.. but they did not seem convinced. Other areas were fine.

Name:

Date: 17.05.22

Session:Forenoon(last one to go)

Board:Dr.Manoj Soni

Optional:Medical Science

Chairman:

1.Are you a fast person or a slow person?

2.What is a doctor looking for in civil services?

3.U might not get a chance to work for the improvement of health infrastructure in the country what will u do then? (This was a follow up based on my answer from the previous question)

4.when did u last visit a post office? (DAF related)

5.Do u think the post offices should be closed given that they are less useful now?

M1:(lady member)

1.how can we reform our postal system?

2.tell me specifically in relation to financing of post?

2.If u were to pursue your post graduation what branch would u choose?

3.why not PSM? (Based on my answer to the previous question)

4.what are the failures of our nutrition policy?

5.why anemia problem isn’t being addressed?

M2:

1.function of pancreas other than glucose metabolism?

2.joint replacement why needed?

3.application of forensic medicine?

4.BRCA1 and 2 genes ? What are they n positivity rate?

5.WHO criteria to declare a pandemic?

6.three pandemics other than covid 19?

M3:(lady member)

1.where is your college located?

2.how will u use knowledge of forensic in Administration/service?

3.if made the chief secretary of your state what will be your priority areas?

4.issues of women in your state?

5.zero FIR?

M4:

1.issues of maternal and child healthcare and how can they be addressed?

2.what should be done to address the problem of malnutrition in India?

3.how to bridge the digital divide in the country?

4.what is USOF?

Chairman again:

1.what is your biggest fear in life?

2.so that means as a person u do not like taking risk?

3.any incident from your life wherein u took a risk with a disclaimer that if it was very personal I could refuse to share.

Experience of the interview:

It wasn’t a question answer round as might look at the outset by reading the transcript.Enough time is provided to express oneself with absolutely no grilling . 

Utility of mocks: 

1.Helps to understand possible questions that can be framed from your DAF ( many repeated in my case) thus it is important to at least prepare a basic framework for those questions. 

2.Confidence building b4 actual PT ( especially for 1st timers )

3.Actual PT is far more pleasant than any mock interview.

4.I found Vajirao and reddy, Chanakya mandal,KSG and Unacademy mocks to be useful. In addition mentorship sessions by Anupam Sir@Smartwork Labs very extremely helpful.

5.Also the Interview Transcripts should be read regularly to pick questions relevant your profile.

Name- Dr.N

Date and session of interview- 19/5/22 morning

Board- Dr.Manoj soni

Optional- medical science

College- M.S.Ramiah medical college

Profession (if any)- doctor

Hobbies- guitar, fitness(nothing was asked)

Your experience in interview- good, chairman was cordial, apologized for making us wait,

Utility of mocks (if any)- acted as confidence booster

Chairman-

1) do u u think u have wasted a precious MBBS seat?

2) WHAT IS NFHS

3) when was it started

4) who conducts it

5) when was it last conducted

M1-

1) who is from mysore who got bharath Ratna

2) wat r his contributions

3) have u visited vijayanagar 

4) is karnataka a backward state

5) how do u treat scorpion bite

6) what is PCR and explain its mechanism

7) what is the dam over Krishna river

M2-

1)what is the name of sweet named after mysore

2) as DM, how do u control an encephalitis epidemic

3) what do u know about cauvery issue

4) what was the vaccine drama happening during covid crisis.

M3 - 

1) what is the difference between human blood and animal blood

2) what r the major blood groups

3) What r the uses of Pcr

4) what is the significance of 3 bands in the national flag

M4-

1) what do u know ayushman bharath

2) explain the models of implementation

3) what are the drawbacks of health sector.

4) what can be done to address it

5) if there is pressure from a minister to give a project to an average contractor, what would you do.

Overall.. satisfied with my performance... I answered the question about wasting a medical seat decently.. but they did not seem convinced. Other areas were fine.

Name - Dr. C

Date and session of interview - 19-5-22, Morning

Board - Dr. Manoj Soni

State - J&K

Optional- Medical Science

Profession (if any) - doctor

Achievements- Done ICMR research project

Hobbies- Reading fiction books

Your experience in interview- good, board was cordial, they focused more on factual questions and not much opinion based questions were asked

Utility of mocks (if any) - acted as confidence booster, some questions from mocks but actual interview was quite different

Chairman-

1) meaning of name

2) why shifting to civil services? do u think u have wasted a precious MBBS seat?

3) why not doing job and working as a doctor? 

4) if I come to you and ask you to help me in registering for a health scheme, what is the procedure for that? (focused on Ayushman Bharat and PM Sehat scheme in J&K) 

Some more questions on specifics of the schemes

M1 (sir) -

He focused completely on medical science questions. 

1) Functions of Bone marrow? Which cells made there? Lifespan of Rbcs, Wbcs and other blood cells. 

2) what is calcium homeostasis? 

3) drug composition of paracetamol

4) functions of insulin? 

5) WHO criteria for declaring a pandemic? 

6) food sources of omega fatty acids

7) why despite implementation of ICDS scheme, incidence of malnutrition is high in India? Districts where malnutrition is high? 

8) Tulips are famous flowers of J&K. In which areas are they grown and in which season? 

M2 (mam) -

1) question on research project? How it was conducted and what were the findings? 

2) difference between organized and unorganized labour? 

3) WHO report on Covid and why it is different from official Govt figures, and what is the stand of govt on this? 

4) recently new chief election commissioner has been appointed. What is his name? 

5) functions of election Commission

6) who conducts elections for local bodies? 

7) has the panchayati raj system led to empowerment at ground level? 

M3 (sir) - 

1) Medicare is becoming costly. If you become health secretary, what steps will you take to tackle this? 

2) which trees are there in kashmir? 

3) gardens in kashmir? Tell about them. 

Asked some other questions, not able to recall. 

M4 (mam) -

Again talked about leaving medical profession and joining civil services and gave her inputs on that. 

1) about delimitation commission. Name it's members. 

2) recommendations of delimitation commission. 

3) about hobby of reading. How do you pursue it? 

4) difference between meningitis and meningioma. 

Overall cordial board.

All the best to other people for the interview.

Name- KP

Date and session of interview- 04/05/2022 (Afternoon), 3rd to go.

Board- Dr. Manoj Soni 

Optional- PSIR

College- IIT Roorkee

Profession (if any)- 1 Year Work Experience

Hobbies- Following IR, Badminton, Trekking

Your experience in interview- Overall good experience, Mostly profile based Questions, Very few follow up questions but i think they were observing everything and marking simultaneously at every point

Utility of mocks (if any)- actual interview was quite different, Helps in improving personal conduct, You get to know about the themes on which questions can be asked

Chairman:

Does architecture really helped you to excite about the statue of Unity ? Have you visited the monument?

Do you agree that Constitution of the UN was for the peace and Security?

In which areas UN was able to Prevent War? (Asked about very specific Conflicts)

Where is PM Modi Today?

What is the purpose of visit in Europe?

What are your views on Russia-Ukraine war?

Why Russia is not able to win the war till now?

Why you left your previous job in IT?

How IIT and Architecture Helped you at personal level?

M1

Capital of Meghalaya

Tourist sites in Meghalaya

What kind of work you did in ADB? (Internship Firm)

2 more questions (Unable to recall)

M2 (He asked every question on different theme - Without any Cross question)

Name of the Indian Architects in Modern India? (Asked for about 5 architects)

Why you chose PSIR only?? And not any science subject? Because it is easy?

Agriculture is a state subject? How union government has enacted the three farm laws?

Inheritance Vs Environment? Which one is more important?

2-3 more questions (Unable to recall)

Chairman offered Coffee in between - Politely said No. 

M3 

Doctrine of MAD? (Later on member gave me hint - MAD means Mutual Assured Destruction)

Gujral Doctrine

Doctrine of Reciprocity

1 more questions (Unable to recall)

M4 (Only Lady Member)

Comparison between city of Gandhinagar and Chandigarh

What qualities you acquired in JNV?

What Kind of articles you write on sportskeeda? (Follow up question)

Chairman: Your Interview is Over, Thank You!

CHAIR : Manoj Soni Sir

Date 18th may

Background: Maharashtra, Philosophy optional , Electrical eng. 

Hobby: movies

Chair:

1. Should ethics be Absolute or Relative

2. what do u think of war of Mahabharat.. was war justified..

3. Which language movies do u watch.

4. Which charecter of a movie you can relate yourself to.

MEMBER 1.

1. Why did you choose Philosophy as a optional.

2. Who is philosopher king in India

3. Name change of cities.. what is your view eg. Poona to Pune.

4. Automation in future ... will it see public resistance.. what is ur view.

Member 2. 

1. How does DC shunt motor works

2. Why only 1 phase and 3 phase electricity.. why not 4 or 5 phase.

3. What is RFID how does it work.

4. UCC 

5. No first use policy .. ur view

6. Cardless payment by RBI

Member3 . 

1. Who was Punjabrao Deshmukh ?

2. Yavatmal farmer suicides? 

3. What is BT cotton

4. Why suicides even after bt cotton

5. Millets cultivation

Member4. 

1. 6 Indian schools of Philosophy. 

2. When and where shankarachrya born. (Questions on Favorite philosopher)

3. Famous work of shankaracharya 

4. What is shankaracharya Philosophy. 

Chariman.

1. Vedanta philosophy.

2. Are you strong minded or flexible personality.  

Interview over.

Name- AS

Date and session of interview- 20/05/22 , Forenoon

Board- Manoj Soni Sir

Optional- PSIR

College- Kirorimal , DU 

Hobbies- Badminton , diary writing

Chairman - 1)what had you planned after taking Statistics in graduation?

2) Its an emerging field , what led you drop it and shift to civil services

3) So you have done masters from ignou ( political science ) , tell me few challenges in this sector

4) Is there anything in NEP w.r.t open courses?

5) Are you aware about some of the open courses by USA and UK?

M1 

1) Why is it that we are improving in social indicators, but our rank is not improving?

2) what are the different types of sampling techniques

3) explain judgemental sampling to me

4) what will you do to tackle low sex ratio in Haryana

5) If you are posted as SP , how will you prevent ragging 

 

M2

1) how is Fiscal Deficit calculated?

2) what is India's trade with malaysia

3) Do you know how to use SPSS and Anova software)

4) what is Deep ecology?

5) something about Russia - Ukraine ship incident he was asking

M3

1) you know about aaya raam , gaya raam that emerged from haryana?

2) what was law brought to curb it? What are exceptions in the law

3) Name 2 alumni from KiroriMal

4) how many states and UTs are in India? Which is latest one?

5) Do you think Saarc is dead?

M4

1) There is an institute in Karnal to check soil salinity...Do you know its name?

2) why is there so much issue of soil salinity in Haryana and Punjab?

3) Name 2 famous statisticians from India. Give me real life example of snowball sampling

4) Name 2 modern political thinkers

5) what is thucydides trap? Who was he?

6) what is name of organisation that has been brought to chevk China?

7) Do you think US wants to only counter china or its end game like with USSR?

Chairman

Thankyou , we wish you all the best for your future

Name- Abhishek Vashishtha

Date-17/05/2022

Manoj soni sir board

Afternoon session- 2nd to go

Duration- 25 minutes

IRS( C&IT)

B.Tech. (ECE)

M.A. Political Science

DAF keywords related to interview-

Playing cricket, Watching web series, Mentoring school students.

Chairman sir-

1) Have you joined the IRS?

2) When will you start training?

3) What type of web series you watch?

4) Situation based question-

You are a captain of ship that is about to sink.

There are four people on the boat -

You, 75 years old scientist who is about to receive noble prize, 50 years old sick man, 18 years old boy.

You can save only one...who will you save and why?

5) If that 18 years old boy is your own child then what will you do?

M1

1) Some term related to electronics 

2) How will you design antenna?

3) Difference between microprocessor and microcontroller?

4) What is optical LED?

5) What is AIIB and ADB?

6) Which is more suited for india?

7) Head quarter of ADB?

8) What is differed taxation system?

M2(lady member)

1) How you started mentorship?

2) Why india put ban on wheat exports?

3) How can it resolve the food security problem of country in need?

4) What drives you for PSIR since you have done graduation in ECE?

M3

1) Why direct tax collection is low in india?

2) Recently a cricketer died- name him and tell his contribution?

3) Cricket is dominating sport in India and other sports are unable to grow- your views on this?

4) Technologies used in driver less car?

M4(lady member)

1) How average is calculated in cricket?

2) What is delimitation commission?

3) Where was it established recently and it's outcomes?

4) Any changes in parliamentary constituencies made by it?

5) Role of ECI with respect to outcomes of delimitation commission?

6) Criteria for regional and national party?

7) Number of seats in lok sabha?

Chairman sir-

You said you have interest in International relations now tell me-

1) Where is Radcliff line, Macmohan line and one more line?

2) Exact location of Radcliff line?

3) Is POK threat to india?

4) Russia invaded Ukraine because of security reasons, should india use military to regain POK?

5) Do you think India can solve it's issues with China and Pakistan?

6) How to manage china?

7) Why india used military power in surgical strike and air strike?

8) Do you support surgical strike and air strike?

Abhishek your interview is over.

Its a hot afternoon in Delhi take care of yourself.

We wish you all the best for your career in either IRS or any other service you get this time.

Then i asked can i leave sir?

He said yes and then I left after thanking board members.

Overall impression of the board- 

Cordial board, no grilling, bit of cross questioning.

Utility of mocks-

Help in developing interview etiquettes and they bring out few points in your personality that you can improve.

Thanks to the admins of this group and the wonderful community.

25 May 2022

Manoj Soni Sir

Name : Manish

Duration : 27-28 minutes

Optional Geography

College : Ramjas College, Physics (2019)

Hobbies : Playing and Watching Cricket, Stargazing and Night Sky Watching, Playing Flute

Other KeyWords: Police, CAPFs,

Chairman :

First verified my photo and then, Manish, a very Indian name, sanskrit meaning someone who's controlled his mind.

1. So Have you controlled your mind?

2. Such words of wisdom at such a Young age, How did you do that?

3. You have this hobby of stargazing, how long have you been doing it?

4. You also play the flute, do you have any professional training?

5. Do you know any ragas?

(I said no, I just read the notations and play songs, Bollywood songs. He asked any favourites to play on flute, I said Chhukar mere man ko kiya tune kya ishara, Sir said Badla ye mausam, I replied Lage pyara jag saara)

6. Do you like violence? ( I wrongly interpreted it and talked about India's approach and relevance of pragmatism and Even Nuclear thing)

You're diverting the topic, I asked your personal take on Non Violence.

7. If someone slaps you, what will you do? ( messed this Opportunity) 

8. If he slaps you again, will your response be the same?

M1 ( no expression at all)

1. You have this hobby of watching stars, what do you watch exactly?

2. Can you name the stars of Saptarishi?

3. You also like cricket, Which teams are still alive in IPL this year?

4. Who do you think has the best chance?

5. Who has been the best batsman of the season so Far? 

6. How has been the performance of Dhoni? I mentioned significant decline in terms of batting, He asked about Captaincy and Wicketkeeping.

7. What's the objective of Kausal Vikas Yojana?

8. There's also an element of Recognition of Prior Learning under this, what is that?

9. What is authoritative Leadership?

M2 

1. What are the challanges to India's internal security?

2. What are the areas affected by Left wing extremism and what should be done?

3. What can be done in case of North East Security situation?

4. You also mentioned Terrorism, How can we deal with that?

Lady Member M3 :

1. You mentioned about larger purpose in life, What is that?

2. You read about this Incident of shooting in Texas, I said No. So she described the incident.

What could be the reason

3. Can the three issues you mentioned be dealt with?

4. Can we then rule out mental health issue?

5. What are the options available to a Physics Hons. graduate like you in the Country? ( I mentioned Research after Masters and Doc.)

No, Just the Physics Degree, You graduated in 2019, You must've thought of something.

6. So, You have no Plan B? What is your plan be?

M4

1. You've graduation in Physics, I'll narrate a story tell me the Physics involved in it. ( Spoke for 30 seconds about a party in chilly weather and fire giving warmth, I believe I mentioned more of Chemistry than Physics)

2. Ethanol blending, what are the benifits?

3. These are general arguments about GHG and Import Bill, Tell me the benefits as a Physics student. I Said Sorry Sir.

4. Sugarcane Cropping being water intensive, Should it be done?

5. Since you're from Haryana, Recently a guy named Bagga was arrested, what was the matter and what is your take on that? ( didn't want to get into controversy, so trod lightly)

Chairman : Good Luck, take care of your Health, Hope you'll get what you deserve. and You forgot to take your shield.

I was about to pull the door even after reading Push, but then realised that this would be blasphemous for a Physics student.

Experience : Bit of Cross Questioning, Felt more sophisticated that the mocks

Utility of Mocks : Gave 7-8, Confidence building and mannerisms. One to One were helpful especially with Kaptaan ❤️

Date: 11-05-2022

Board: Manoj Soni

Optional: PSIR

IRAS (2019 Batch)

Home state: Kerala

Hobbies: Writing poetry and short fiction, reading fiction in magical realism, watching cricket.

Disclaimer: please don't consider the text to be verbatim.

3rd to go in the forenoon session.

I went in. Chairman asked me to please take my seat after I had completed wishing the board. Chairman reads out my name and asks if he is pronouncing it right. I say yes. He also confirms my first name. I was then asked to take off my face mask and shield for verification. He compares my face with the photograph that I had provided and brought up some difference with regard to a scar/mole on the right side of my face which seemed prominent in the photo but absent on my face. A minute or two went by trying to find this scar until the chairman, lady member on the panel and I came to a conclusion that it might have been a temporary bruise or something.

I was told that the face mask was compulsory but the face shield was optional. Hence I attended the interview without my face shield.

Chairman: 

- So we have a poet among our midst.

(I reply 'an amateur poet sir')

- A poet is a poet nonetheless. Do you have to have a specific reason that triggers you to write? How does it work?

- So you are in service already. IRAS. I see that you were alloted the service after the 2019 exam but joined quite late. 

 (I explain about being on Extraordinary Leave for a year and then joining training in January 2022)

- So what all parts of your training have you completed?

- Would you consider yourself as a person with a lot of inner strength, strong values? Are you a person who holds on your opinions no matter what?

- What if your superior gives you a task where you have to do something that is totally against your value system? What if you have a good understanding about this topic and feel that what the superior is saying is not the way to do things?

- What if it was a scenario where you have to draft a cabinet note? 

- What if it was completely against your values and conscience? Will you do the job or recuse yourself?

(During the course of answering one of the previous qns I mentioned about putting down my advice in writing in the file)

- So you are in Hyderabad now as part of your training. Have you visited some of the famous places there? Like Hussain Sagar, Golconda Fort, Char Minar?

(I respond saying that of the places mentioned I've been only to the Char Minar upto now and that I've passed by the Hussain Sagar while going in the bus to the Char Minar)

- But you've been in Hyderabad for so long, since January and you haven't visited the other places?

(I mention that during the initial 3.5 months of my training I was at Vadodara and that I've been in Hyderabad only for the past 1.5 months. Chairman says ok.)

Member 1 (Lady Member):

- You are from the state of kerala. What is your opinion about the Sabarimala verdict? State authorities faced many difficulties in implementing the judgement.

- You said about reforms. Do you think that is a word that is getting misused today?

- Do you think we should have privatisation of the railways? What areas can be privatised? What are your thoughts on that?

- During the past few years what are some of the major contributions made by the railways?

Member 2:

- In the railways we are now going to implement a merger of services. What are your thoughts on this?

- But then now there is not going to be recruitment of engineers. Can you become an S&T engineer? Then what will be the future?

- If you were dealing with the IRMS file would you put down your advice in writing against such a merger of services?

- Should we look at the issue of ticket fares in railways and shouldn't there be some kind of an increase? What should be done here?

- What is magical realism?

Name : Lipi Nagayach 

Date and session of interview : 18th May 2022, forenoon session (1st candidate to go)

Board : Dr. Manoj Soni Sir

Optional : PSIR

Background : B.A. (hons) Political Science 

State : Madhya Pradesh

Hobbies : Reflective writing ; listening to mantra, stotra ; International sports events

Your experience in interview : It was very different from the mock interviews. Surprisingly, no questions were asked from International relations or current affairs. Very few technical questions. The board was more interested in asking personal questions (for instance, chairman sir asked about my friends circle & what qualities do my friends have etc). 

There was a lot of discussion on my hobbies & how I developed interest in them.

Some questions were very very factual (& random) like — when did the first meeting of constituent assembly take place?, tell us about the third battle of Panipat?, name the architect who constructed India Gate..etc

Conclusion : Although on unexpected lines but it was a pleasant experience.

Utility of mocks (if any) : I had given 6 mock interviews ; 4 offline — at KSG, IAS Gurukul, Rau’s IAS, Samkalp & 2 online — Byju’s & Samkalp. Mocks are helpful in boosting confidence, knowing one’s strengths & weaknesses, improving/ practicing communication in front of esteemed panel, preparing one’s DAF thoroughly etc

Chairman Sir (very cordial)

Asked me to remove the face-shield & mask only for verification. I was asked to wear the mask again & gloves were on throughout.

 1. You have a very uncommon name. What does Lipi mean?

 2. You have very interesting hobbies, encompassing a wide range from sports, devotional music & hindi songs to reflective writing…. which poet-saint do you listen to?

 3. Which stotra did Adi Shankaracharya compose?

 4. Do you understand Sanskrit?

 5. How did you develop this hobby? (Of listening to mantra & stotra)?

 6. Who’s your favourite hindi/bollywood singer?

 7. Do you sing?

 8. Lipi, you seem to me an introvert, very serious individual who is extremely committed to achieving one’s goals in life. True, isn’t it?

 9. Such people have a limited friend circle. Tell me about your friend circle. What qualities do your friends have?

Member 1 (Lady) (cordial)

 1. Are you interested in cinema?

 2. Which famous filmmaker’s anniversary are we celebrating this year? [ I asked if it’s Satyajit Ray? And she said yes]

 3. She gave a monologue on Satyajit Ray & asked me more about him & his movies/works etc — I had no idea regarding that — so I apologised & she moved on to the next question.

 4. Tell me about reflective writing.

 5. Do you read?

 6. When did the constitution came into force?

 7. When was the first meeting of constituent assembly held?

 8. How many female members were there in the constituent assembly?

Member 2 (Gentleman) 

 1. What is Bhopal famous for?

 2. What is Raja Bhoj known for?

 3. Have you visited the India gate? Name its architect.

 4. Architect of Chandigarh?

 5. Why is government promoting start-ups?

 6. What’s a unicorn?

 7. You have a philosophical bent of mind. Tell me about Indian philosophy.

 8. How’s the western philosophy different from Indian philosophy?

Member 3 (Lady) (very cordial)

 1. You are wearing a traditional saree, is it? What fabric is it?

 2. Tell me more about Maheshwari sarees? Which ruler promoted it & why?

 3. You have an excellent academic record. Why did you choose Political Science as your graduation subject?

 4. Tell me about Delimitation Commission.

 5. You were born in Narsinghpur. Why was Bhagwan Narsingh in news recently?

Member 4 (Gentleman)

 1. Tell me about the 3rd Battle of Panipat

 2. Mahmud Ghaznavi invaded a temple 17 times. Why did he do so? What was his ideological motivation?

 3. What were the objectives of Panchayati Raj?

 4. Who designed the Indian flag? When was it adopted?

 5. Do you know the difference in the procedure of hoisting the flag on 15th Aug & 26th Jan?

 6.

Interview transcript

Date of interview -12 may afternoon

Manoj Soni sir board

Hobbies - cooking and teaching

State - Rajasthan (east)

District - sawai madhopur

Background - mining engineer from ISM Dhanbad + 5 years of teaching experience for IIT JEE students.

1st interview at upsc

5th attempt

Chairman sir asked me to remove shield but mask and gloves were on

Chairman sir

1. So you are a cook? How often you cook? What you cook?

2. Have you tried ker sangri(western rajasthan berry and bean dish)

3. What Is special about ker sangri?

4. Where it is grown in rajasthan?

5 what factors determine its growth

.

6. So due to water scarcity it is grown in western rajasthan. Honourable PM is thinking about 75 lakes a district , what do u think? (I was like sir we have to mobilise fund as well as acquire land) 😅 i thought big lakes

7. As sdm how would you manage water crisis. ( Mentioned johad ,anicut, talai)

8. What is area of smallest district in India? ( I said sorry sir)

M1 (lady)

1. What are impacts of Indira Gandhi canal in western rajasthan?

2 can same model be used for river interlinking ( i said no ma'am. Interlinking need displacement, environment degradation , flooding etc

)

3. Big projects where displacement took place?(tehri and narmada)

4. What do you think of water wars?

M2

1. What is average area of a district in India?? ( From chairman sir question)

2. Why should government pay farmer for constructing johad( i mentioned but earlier ( i said for equity)

3. What is mazdoor kisan Shakti sangathan and why it is famous?

4. What is tarun Bharat sangh(i didn't know) NGO by rajinder singh)

5. What do you think of 50 km BSF jurisdiction? Against federalism?

M3 

I would ask little bit history

1. When cabinet mission came( 2nd sept my birthday, 2nd sepb1946, 1st interim government)

2. It's members (i remember all 3)

3. Recommendations

4. Direct action day?

5 minamata convention?

6 use of mercury?

7 origin of Maharashtra?

7. Origin of name rajasthan (James Todd annals and antiquities of rajasthan)

8. Why budget is advanced for 2 months( vote on account)

M4

1.So you are a teacher as well as cook, you teach while cooking or vice versa😂(both separately)

2. How impact of chemistry be minimised (green chemistry)

3.average landholding in India? (1.08 hectare).

4. How mechanisation possible in such small land?

5. What is organic farming?

6 difference between organic and natural farming? ( I knew it😃)

7 border district of rajasthan with pak

(Jaisalmer barmer bikaner ganganagar)

8. Something about technology.

Some questions i could not remember, will post once I do 

Utility of mocks - vajirao and reddy ,ksg, unacademy and Shankar ias were quiet good. 

Overall cordial atmosphere. I was having fogging issue due to mask and spectacles. But could not remove it and gave interview with fog.

Interview Transcripts 2022:

Name- Lok Sevak Kaka 

21/02/23 

Board Manoj Soni(faced him earlier in cse18 and butchered me)

all male members( soni sir replaced Nagaraj ma’am today only 🙂, Mujse personally milna tha sir ko 4 years baad)

Optional- Sociology

ICAS 

Hobbies/prizes etc- Basketball @Nationals, Long distance running, Calisthenics, Child Rights projects under KSCF and CRY, 

Interview medium-Hindi( mains in English , but panel was using entirely pure hindi words especially soni sir)

Interview time 35-40 minutes (checked wall clock in front on me) 

Entered room and wished them, chairman said Namaskar Kakaji

Chairman(writing English translation)

Remove mask

I want verify your photo

Meaning of your name

Do you think you have followed meaning of your name

Have you joined service, when,How many months done and how many months left 

Share your experience in training

Tell me about Live in relationship(bone of contention between me and sir)  too long discussion on this (I was on optimistic view but sir was in debate mood and wasn’t ready to listen,tried to counter with full force, asked me to not use reference of constitution and supreme court..said some extreme comments , like crores of children will be parent less and sabko state nahi sambhalega and family will not survive in India, this is against India culture and values

Do you want a society like this, filled with parentless child, unmarried families

Insisted too much to change my stand

Do you support destroying  in India

Child ka kya hoga

50 crore

Family institutions 

I kept calm and answered patiently  with steps that can be taken, sticked to my view 

Sir- chaliye jab tum apna stand change nahi karoge toh iss topic ko close karte hai 

Sir was like “marunga nahi, kehke lunga” gif

M2

India US, recently lots of agreements happened,

Why us important 

Which agreements

Does US benefits from them

Agreements on paper but they are not doing technology transfer so what’s benefit for India

DTII(since I mentioned defence sector of India)

Biggest security threat for India 

Explain the india china border issue and intrusions in details

Explain salami slicing(I mentioned in previous answer)

17 rounds of corps

Tell me more about western sector part

Tell me about recent clash

Can we handle it

Are borders stable

M3

Should we start with sports ?

Gave a statement 

“Khel ke maidan me ek bargad ka ped hai jiski cchaw me baki ped dhak gae hai”(long discussion followed up) 

Why cricket came forward but not basketball or others

What challenges do other sports facing

What challenges did you face to reach at national level

You choice between Individual morality vs social morality (long discussion, he was in debating mode)

In what situation individual morality can be given up

Many social evils challenged by individual morality and individual morality challenged by social

If you are in higher position, would you go for your ethical values or social values

Tum constitution ko bahut mante ho lagta h

Sir was like “dekhe h tere jese samvidhan ke dalle bahut “ gif 

M4

Asked my height and said 6+ are required there

Konse state ko represent kia

Your position in basketball 

Were you feeder or shooter (I said one who is dribbling, he feeds, one who is free, he shoots i.e depends on the situation and I did both)

But they 6+ could block you easily (told him my jump been upto ring 10 feet)

He was like aha hahah wawawawa gif

Now service related

Should we merge all accounting services 

Amount of FDI this year

How many sectors (FDI)

GeM and counter questions 

Procurement process

Sir was like “kuch ata bhi kya tumko” gif 

M5

Long speech on news reporting by new York times, guardian, etc they all are known to be genuine agencies 

They report any incident of india, mostly  unpleasant news, should we do something about it

Recent mob lynching case, guardian reported that police involvement is there, your take

How to stop them from reporting fake news, we can ban fake news in India but how to do in uk us etc countries about incidents of India

Personality Test 2022

Date -21st Feb 2022

Manoj Soni Board

Background - X IIT, cricket as an award in achievement but not a hobby and already in service.(Employed)

Chairman 

1. About Village background (DAF)

2. Why do you want to Join IAS after Ex-X and Y?

3. What other hobbies which are not mentioned in DAF

3. 3 Farm Bills

4. 3 unsuccessful policy of Government in last 7-10 years

Member 1 (Current Affairs)

1. Short seller

2. Transfer Pricing

3. Tax avoidance and Tax Evasion

4. Srilanka and Pakistan Economic crises

5. Debt trap policy

Member 2 (Random questions)

1. About NCRTC - 

2. International dairy Summit 

3. Pashu Aadhar Card

4. 1-2 more questions not able to recall 

Member 3 (DAF based)

1. 10 cricket player of Indian subcontinent 

2. IIT ....... and it's journey

3. Chellenge faced by your IIT

4. How local people benefit from it

5. What it's linkage with other areas which may be visionary by Nehru ji 

Member 4 *(Random questions)*

1. 3 achievement in space

2. Chandrayan -1 Major finding 

3. QUAD related questions 

4. About Ramayana and Mahabharata 

5. Learning from them and your favourite 

6. Relevance of them in today's time

7. Explain which type of personality you are?

Questions which I am able to recall and only indicative topic mentioned

Name- Dr. Strange

Education-IIT DELHI( mechanical)

Current service - indian forest service 

Optional- mechanical engineering

Chairman- Dr. Manoj Soni Sir

Date-21-02-2023 afternoon session last to go.

Chairman Sir,

Q1- you are engineer and a poet, so tell me about your self that is not in daf? ( 🧐)

Q2- you must have heard about PM jan dhan yojnna( I didn't remember much about scheme so i was little afraid 😳😣) but then he said i want know about PM VAN DHAN VIKAS KENDRA AND current status in your state( 👏🎊)

Q3- suppose you are an IPS officer and posted in Naxal affected region. You are about to do a search operation.You have two police men with you, one is unmarried and other is married. Whom will you send first for search?( Given there is a high chance of casualty while moving forward) then he told me you have another option, you can go alone by yourself?

M1- 

Q1-we are facing high incidences of HWC , still india is introducing cheetah in india?

Q2- in your state ,there are larger numbers of cases related to elephant -Human conflict , why? How to solve them?

Q3- there is huge water pollution during fewtival and puja like Durga pooja idol immersion and related things. how to mange it?

M2

1.Tell me 3rd Law of thermodynamics?

2. Link entropy with randomness in society with special focus of communal riots

3. How will you reduce entropy in society?

4. Entropy increases with temperature or decrease?

M3

1. Tell me 5 big events in indian history which has changed the course of india ? 😕

2. ( I said 1st is ashoka's policy of dhamma) counter question on this , do you think mauryan empire fell due to ashokan dhamma policy?

3. Asked me to tell more 4 events

4. Tell any one event post independence which was watershed for india?

5. I replied as pokhran -II , so he said why not pokhran -I? 😁

6. He said suppose if you have a choice to be born as male and female in next birth, which one would you choose?

M4-

Q1 - do you think with modern cars and new technology, role of mechanical engineering has declined?

Q2- ( i tried to answer in favour of mechanical engineering in first question) so he asked counter question that in e vehicle role of mechanical engineering?

Q3- how has Russian ukrain conflict inpacted various industries across the globe? ( I said growth in weapons etc)

Q4- log monologue on how world wars and current wars like russia- ukrain conflict have led to invention of new technology and creativity. So do you thing war can be termed as destruction- construction?

Q5- some counter question which i don't remember

Some questions i am not able to recall.

Utility of mock- bring to the light focus area from mock. Chahal mock was good and apt one. If you want to put yourself in grilling zone and rapid fire mode go to rau's ias. One to one Sriram is good. I had worse experience with nextias which i will not recommend to anyone.

Samkalp interview is also good for current affairs and conceptual questions. 

Tip- study you daf and current affairs well. That will give to confidence and power to drive the interview in your comfort zone ( for example when i said most important events post independence was pokhran -ii , i said it becomes i was having indepth knowledge of wars and weapons and good grasp over current affairs related to topic)

So friends keep preparing and hope for the best .👍🏻😇

Name- Sherlocked 

Date and session of interview- 21/2/2023 ( 3rd one to go )

Board- Manoj soni sir 

Optional- psir 

College- GECA ajmer ( RTU) ( No questions)

Hobbies- Rail enthusiast, Playing Street cricket, 

Medium- Hindi (mains too)

Time:-  30min +

state:- Rajasthan 

Your experience in interview- Badia tha simple battchit hui .... round table thi .... confrence room type tha jisko convert kia ho interviews ke lie

CM sir :-

Mene Namaste kia udr se reply aya namaskar 🙏

1. Kesa feel kr rhe hai aap

2. it's normel to be nervous we are here to only have some talks nothing much

3. Remove ur mask, aap ka photo kitna purana hai ...kisi or candidate ki photo thi then mene kha sir ye meri nhi hai fir umhone dusri dikhai jo ki meri thi...kha koi na accha hua aapne bta dia.

4. What is rail enthusiast 

5. IRMS shi hai ?

6. social justice in constitution 

7. kya preamble mai kuch badal dena chahiye ( socialist)

8. preamble sunao

9 driverless trains possible hai ?

M1 

1. Mobile towers ka paisa kha se ata hai

2. 1g to 5 g evaluation

3. Naxal problem case study

4. child labour case study

5. 21 feb ko kya special hai ( international mother language day)

6 NEP mai kya provision hai mother language ke lie

M 2

most questions about railways becouse father is loco pilot and hobby also 

1. railway accident kyu ?

2. First stream engine

3 first railways in india

4 kokan railways and founders.

5 ayushman Bharat and rajasthan issue (chiranjivi)

6. difference between both.

M 3

1. test cricket khtm ho rha hai ?

2. 2022 ki ek ghtna jisne apko sbse jayda prabhabit kia ho

3. South china sea issue

4. baki questions bhul gaya jyda nhi pucha tha

M 4(B tech pr atak gaye)

1. instrumentation in agriculture

2. btech ka favourite subject

3. social inclusion and its impact on democratic institutions

4 continuity to previous question india pak and russia mai compare krke batao

5. kisan soil health card

CM sir :- shubhkamnaye apka interview over

Utility of mocks or O2O (if any)- Mera pehla interview tha toh start krne ke lie mock dena shi rha...pta chal gaya kitna depth mai ja skte hai....key areas pta chal gaye...2 offline and 5-6 online die ..bhut tha itna idea lene ke lie...

Chairman: Manoj Soni

Date of interview: 21 February, 2022

Time: Morning, first one to go

Keyword of DAF: Sociology, Cycling, Rubics Cube, Traffic Management, Science fiction movies, Geology, Hansraj college

Chairman

1. Which day it is today?

2. Why people don't keep clean shave now a days? = saw mine

3. About Hansraj?

4. Name 4 social reforms of present time

5. Sociology of LASER (I think it is what was asked)

6. Cycle race in the world and India's position

Member 1:

1. How will you manage traffic of your district if you are the DM? 

2. Issues of traffic in Delhi, solution.

3. J&K issue for India and Pakistan - how both perceive it differently?

4. Some thinker's name of sociology and his book, I forgot the name

Member 2:

1. Intersteller Movie - about it

2. Again some questions on traffic

3. Cycling issue in our country. 

Member 3:

1. Why high number of death on roads, issues. 

2. How to make people follow traffic laws. 

Member 4

1. Why people don't wear helmet while cycling?

2. Why cycles in India are costly?

3. Aravalli's, Delhi ridge, fault lines near Delhi

4. Digital conent like movies and webseries - show sexual content and other stuff - should they be regulated?

Chairman again

1. Why corruption in India?

2. Did you face corruption (here i was caught and I think it this question may cause me dearly)

These are 50-60% questions what I could recall. Sirs and maams, please pardon me for this. 

Remarks: Overall 80% question from DAF. Soni sir was smiling and all the member's were very cordial. Fear in real interview was only 20% of mocks. Real interview is all together a different game. I am not sure what my marks would be but I enjoyed the entire interview. Initially I was little nervous but by 10 min later, only i was speaking and rest were listening and observing me very closely. Just go and enjoy the process. What I felt was not knowledge but what you really are would come to your rescue in the final interview. I was not able to revise so much content which I scrambled during interview preparation. But what helped me answering was what I really felt. I am done with this years cycle. I want to say to all BEST OF LUCK. Don't run after so much content - only 2 things needed = your DAF and your BROAD UNDERSTANDING. Rest you can deny if you really don't know. That way you can manage 60-70% of your interview nicely. 

My mocks: Vision IAS, NEXTIAS, Vajirao and Reddy, RaoIAS and one to one with many including Ravindran sir

Observation of mocks: you can give mocks but don't run after many. Choose few and focus on your own core strength. All institutes are equally good and equally bad. They on the one hand help you in giving simulator environment but on the other hand break your own confidence like RaosIAS did with me. Give 4,5,6 mocks and I think you can develop your confidence within this much feeding. 

That's all from my interview. Best of luck to all.

Name Shantanu kumar Meena

Date 21/02/2023

Branch ECE 2018 passout NIT Jalandhar

Working  Railway junior Engineer NWR

Board Manoj soni  sir

Hobby music and football

Jate hi mene sir ko hath jodkar namste kiya. Phir sir ne bhi hath jodkar namskar kiya kyoki ve khood niskam karmyogi hai

Chairman 

1.aapka name shantanu hai aur gaav ka name badiyawala hai.sir ne pronounce galt kiya jisko mene bolkar sahi karvaya 

Sir ne gaav ki population ke bare me pucha.uske baad ye pucha ki aap pahle ladke ho apne gaav ke jo upsc bhavan aaye ho.mene kaha ki ji sir. Gaav and panchayat dono me pahla hu.sir ne great and praise kiya

2.sir ne  favorite song pucha mene bataya and lyrics puche me thoda bhul gaya pressure me then sir ne khood hi bolkar isko pura kiya.mene thank you bola.

3.mahabarat se pucha kyoki mera naam shantanu tha.mahabharat me andar jakar thoda grill kiya sir ne

Member 1

1.FDI

2.sickle cell anemia

3.shree Ann ke bare me millet and pucha ki aapke gaav me konse millet hote hai

4.climate change ka jaipur par effect

5.aap DM bankar apne gaav ki school me jaoge toh 5 things jo baccho ko padaoge

Member2 

1.Football ke bare me.wc 2022 kisne jata kiske khiladi

2.hattric final me kisne Mari

3.final me pahli hatric thi ya isse pahle bhi kisne Mari thi

4.pele ke bare me

5.bharat ki rankings fifa me

6.india me football develop kyo nahi hai

7.kya sports institute ko autonomous banaya jaye

Member 3

1.Hindi literature hai aapka toh novel padte hai.

2.filhall konsa pada

3.railway me kaam karte ho .Railway me safery ko lekar kya chal raha hai

4.stunt karte ho. Daf se related tha

Member 4

1.Mahabharat me dropdi ke chir haran ko russia ukraine war se jodkar pucha kyoki shantanu name tha isliye

2. International ethics ke bare me

3.kuch leaders ke bare me jo russia ukraine war ko lekar jimmedar hai

Dubara manoj soni sir mahabhart par questions karte hai me sir ki baat se agree hota hu.sir has jate hai ki aap har baat se sahmat ho.sabhi haste hai.me hath jodkar and thanks bolkar nijlata hu. 

Manoj soni sir ko lekar kafi daraya. But sir ne meri kafi help ki jaha par bhi me atka.aage dekho kya hota hai

Overall I am happy ki upsc chairman ne mera interview liya hai😄

Name - 🫣

27 March 2023 and afternoon session

Shri Manoj Soni sir board

Bsc (PCM)

MSc (Mathematics) form Bangalore University 

Optional - Mathematics 

Home state - Uttar Pradesh 

Guest lecturer for a semester at Maharani Cluster University ( MCU ), Bangalore 

Keywords in DAF : Teaching Mathematics ( Question were asked only from this here)

Chairman sir 

Talked about , have you lost weight ?😅

Talked about my marks in grad and post grad 

1. Use of Mathematical models in social problems

2. Meaning of name

3. Which saree are you wearing and name some other saree arts

4. Why did you leave your job as guest lecturer?

5. Is MCU private ? 

M1 

1. Does the name Luis Caffarelli ring any bell to you ?

2. Talked about , our finance minister is fond of sarees and she deals with numbers , if you are made FM , what kind of number crunching you would have in your budget ?

( I didn't expect that I would be put in the FM 's position, the way the question was started 🙃 )

3. Why should we select you as civil servant - convince the board 

M2

1. Some very complicatedly structured question, about some leader qualities 

2. Another very complicatedly formed question - crux was how to develop rigour in students ?

M3

1. AI is in news why ?

2. Moral dilemmas associated with it ?

3. Is it value neutral ?

M4 ( lady member )

1. Disconnect between education and jobs ? ( Words used were different, not able to recall right now )

Many followups here 

2. What's the role of indep directors ?

3. What is CSR funds ?

4. If you have ₹  5 CR under CSR funds , what would you do ?

5. If you donot make it to civil services, would you go back to teaching as a profession ?

Manoj Soni Sir board

Daf banking, Kerala, environment, sociology

Chair

1.3 problems faced in banking

2.why Kerala is called gods own country? 

3.why nationalisation then and privatisation now

M1

1.Difference between global financial crisis 2008 and present banking crisis in usa

2.how inflation is controlled

3.importance of mangroves

4.what are backwaters?

M2

1.is rbi a good regulator

2.new steps needed in bank regulation

M3

1.sociological changes in Kerala

2.communist govt and still Kerala called gods own country

M4

1.what is social resilience? 

2.is ukraine resilient? 

3.is Pakistan resilient?

Manoj Soni Sir

DAF Keywords- Indore, Biology, Chess, American music

Duration- 25 minutes, first to go. Started after 2.15 pm in afternoon shift, much later than other boards. 

Opening thoughts- grand chambers of the chairman. Beautiful round table. Smiling Soni sir asked to be seated, removed mask so he can verify the picture. Said it was my choice to wear or not wear the mask. 

C: How are you feeling today?

- Read out DAF and said you have a variety of interests, studied from eminent institutions etc. How did you get interested in your graduation subject

- You are from MP, so you must be well prepared with the cheetah reintroduction, so I am not going to ask anything from there *everyone laughs*.

- Have you heard of a prestigious research institute in hyderabad?

- Have you visited CCMB? Did you ever think of pursuing PhD from there?

- Do you understand Sanskrit? Can you recite the full shloka of which Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam is a the ending phrase of?

 - goes on to recite it himself, as I said I dont know.

- What is the meaning of VK and do you think this is a practical idea today? Discussed about India's leadership on this front. 

M1 (straight forward questions, few counters but no grilling)

- Are you aware about crypto? Can it be regulated? Discussion followed.

- What about drones? What are their applications?

Cannot recall some questions. 

M2 

- Since you like American music, have you heard of Bob Dylan? What do you think about him getting a Nobel?

- You have played chess. Tell me, if I keep one grain of wheat on one square, 2 grains on 2nd square and so on, what quantity of wheat is required to fill up 64 squares?

- Indore has been the cleanest for long now. How has this behavioural change been cultivated in people?

- How can you apply the same to Delhi dumps? Smiled and said, good, I think you will clean Delhi as well. 

M3 (spoke very slowly, fortunately was sitting very close. Cordial member)

- Continuing with chess, what is the difference in approach between chess and *some Chinese board game* that I hadn't heard of. 

- What can be the implications of trans national animal habitats? 

- What security threats are posed by translocation of animals? How can this be managed?

M4 (longest interaction, almost 10 minutes)

- Are you aware of *some south african animal corridor*? Said no

- What is the utility of animal corridors

- What is the difference in animal corridors built in India and in other countries? 

- Are you interested in international relations? I unknowingly did a very enthusiastic nod. 

- What do you think about the Russia Ukraine war? 

- Do you see any correlation between war and defence manufacturing companies?

- What does your company do? (DAF)

- What is your role? Tell us what all steps you follow once you receive a manuscript? How many hours you give?

- What is minimum wage? Discussion followed. 

C: Your interview is over. Take very good care of yourself. 

Mocks- 7-8 mocks. Board was not overly cordial or smiling throughout, but there was no grilling and minimum cross questions even in questions that were followed by a longish discussion. Nothing extraordinary or life changing, just another day at office.

Name- जय ज्योग्राफी

Date and session of interview - 31/03/23 Forenoon; 35 minutes around

Board- Manoj Soni Sir

Optional- Geography

College- BTech + MTech in EE; IIT Kalyanpur

Profession (if any)- worked at qualcomm; currently unemployed

Other keywords - Varanasi; running; ghats; cricket; old people; Physical education

Your experience in interview- 

Chairman Sir - 

Please enter; It is advised to wear MASK but you can remove it if you want - kept wearing it throughout interview

1. You live in varanasi, how does it feel like waking up in the morning everyday? - surprised by the first question but handled it i guess

2. Kashi Vishvanath corridor banane me administrative challenges? - told; Which act was used in land vacation? - said land acquisition act - sir asked again - a bit awkward moment - i retreated on my stance

3. what one thing you observe at ghats apart from being calm and serene? - sir himself told my prepared answer; i said life is transient, everyone has to die at one point - sir said vairagi nature 😛

M1/2/3/4 - 

1. Malacca strait geopolitics - told

2. old age people problems? Don't you think older people are themselves responsible for their condition by not interacting with others? old age homes too costly or in poor condition? How do you improve it? - told

3. difference between lakes and lagoons - told wrongly; 

4. india's biggest lagoon - realised here - chilika lake 🥲

5. Can a lake have brackish and freshwater both - said don't know exactly but there is a place where the both meet and do not mix 

5. Arctic countries - related geopolitics - told

6. Physical education - difference in being fit, tough, resilient? What should a young and an old civil servant should have? - thoda hesitated but told

7. Tim Cook - MNC CEO or topmost civil servant - which would have greater impact? What would you choose? - told

8. Haridwar - many lineage history kept in record books. What could be its future application? - could only tell one

9. Difference in Varanasi in recent years - told few points - told but hesitated - non fluent repeated a word thrice - vocabulary gave up 🥲 

10. What is qualcomm into? autonomous cars? Is their car in market? - told

11 What is snapdragon i hear about qualcomm? - told

12. World Bank head? said not know exactly - would like to guess - ajay bagga said - banga it is

13. Malacca strait discussion? Geopolitics around it. Who controls it? - told

14. Which is your favourite area in Electrical? - said communications

15. Future of communications? - drove conversation towards 5g

16. What is special and different about 5g? Difference between 4g & 5g? - told

Utility of mocks or O2O (if any)- helped me cover DAF; gave aroud 10 - improved somewhat in communication but couldn't improve much beyond a point; 

Chankya mandal pariwar - very helpful; Chahal; Only ias were close; O2O with khan sir; ravindran sir;

Members listened patiently - didn't interrupt in between; questions were deep - felt they were testing something with each question

Date: 31/03/2023

Name: @The_Underwoods

Manoj Soni sir 

Keywords from DAF: IDAS, Bareilly, geography, Classic fiction

Chairman- reading the DAF...

So, you are from Bareilly, ..., you have filled that you have been recommended for the services before.

I explained to him that by the time DAF-1 was filled, I hadn't joined the services.

1. You don't want to be part of IDAS?

( I said that I will happily work here if I don't get into IAS)

2. Why did u go for geography? Were u genuinely interested or just because of the nature of this examination? ( I said that I had interest in both physics and geo but ultimately chose geo)

3. Geography is a multi-disciplinary subject. So do sociology, economics, anthropology affect geo or vice-versa?

4. Give me 2 eg. each- geo affecting social dynamics and geo affecting culture and vice-versa

5. Do we take these interconnections into notice when we go for policy-making? Can you give me one example of any law which takes into consideration these interconnected aspects?

(One more question, which I forgot)

M1

1. Since you mentioned geo, let's talk about geopolitics...how are India-China relations affected by geo?

2. Tell me about transboundary rivers. With which neighbours does India have these issues?

3. What about inter-state river issues happening inside India?

( By mistake, I said Center forms a committee...)

4. What is the mechanism for the resolution? 

M2(lady)

1. I have heard that Bareilly is famous for textiles. What is that?

2. What is the difference between the two textile patterns which you said?

3. Did it originate in Bareilly or did it come from outside?

4.Can taxation laws be changed only through constitutional amendments?

5. Why did introduction of GST need a constitutional amendment?

M3( probably IFS)

1.  Do you know about (Note: question wasn't "Have you read" ) any book on Asia?

I said that I haven't read any particular book but I know about one.

2. What is it about?

3.  What is the importance of Karakorams for India?

4. What is Shaksgam valley and Siachen?

5. Why are they important?

Since I wasn't giving a straight answer, so he pressed on to his point again.

6.Why do we need to protect Siachen and Shaksgam?

7. What is metaverse?

8. Why have we lost interest in metaverse?

9. is metaverse the way to AI or the reverse is true?

M4

1. I have always associated Bareilly with Barfi and Jhumka. How can district authorities break this perception?

( I said it's due to popular Bollywood songs)

2.You mentioned physics. Are physical laws absolute?

I said not at quantum levels.

He added also not at the cosmic level.

3. Then what's the point of studying them?

4. Is there any theory working for unification of all laws?

5. The recent debate about Elon Musk. Is he a genius or a reckless guy?

6. Decision to buy twitter- what was it?

I said it was a good one initially, but presently it shows Musk's recklessness.

7. Why?

8. Employees can be fired for efficiency purposes also. 

9.When can a book be considered classic?

10. Can a book written 1-2 years back may enter the category of classics?

Chair(Smiling)- 

It was nice interacting with you. All the best for your future. Your interview is over.

Overall experience: Cordial board. The ambience was quite relaxing and positive. At one point, I felt nervous since members were making some non- verbal gestures to each other, but I ignored that and went on to answer questions.

Utility of mocks: last year, I went for 5-6 mocks and couple of one to ones. The mocks literally sucked the energy out of me. I felt demotivated which badly affected my PT. (Ravindran sir's one to one was the best though)

This time, I went for mock only at Samkalp and Vajirao and Reddy's, but had many one-to-one interactions with my batchmates and friends. This helped to improve my overall communication skills, and also talk about things in a broad perspective. Talking to friends is a good way to relieve overall stress.

Shivam Singh

28th March, forenoon session

Board- Manoj Soni sir

Btech plastic technology

Hobbies: watching comedy series, exercising 

Optional geography

Gautam Buddha nagar

Transcript

Soni sir

Your picture has a moustache, why did you remove it?

Does it give a serious look?

What kind of comedy series do you watch

Which series did you watch recently

Have you seen standup comedy

What are cardiovascular exercises?

Do you do then or teach them too?

What does a plastic engineer do?

M1

Largest island in the world?

Which country has control over it?

A famous institute for plastic technology?

Where is it?

What courses does it teach?

M2

Latitude and longitude of UPSC bhawan

Latitude and longitude of Noida

What is India's rank in happiness index, does it reflect true picture. Does having moustaches help with happiness?

Is ban on single use plastics good?

M4

Heard about the great Pacific garbage patch?

Ocean currents in great Pacific garbage patch?

Why is it formed?

Can oceans be cleaned by such initiatives?

What initiatives have been taken?

How is ocean cleanup funded?

How to manage plastic wastes?

Repo rate?

How does it impact?

Reverse repo rate?

How does it impact?

M3

India's geography, two pros and 2 cons

Should India focus on maritime power or continental power?

Is China a maritime power?

Should we have unified studies for Himalayas?

Soni sir

Three policies of the government or schemes in the last 75 years which you feel we should change?

Should we remove socialism from the preamble?

Usa is a welfare state and not socialist

Chairman sir, your interview is over. Thank you. 

Some other questions, I'm not able to recollect. 

Experience - was very cordial. The conversation was natural. 

No one interrupted that's why the questions may not be as much as are asked in a mock. Even the questions asked randomly didn't feel like that. 

Mocks- 20+, most questions were around my daf so giving mocks helped in answering and presenting better.

Name - Komaram Sitarama Raju

Date and session of interview - 31st March, Forenoon, 2nd to go, 25 minutes

Board- Mr. Manoj Soni

DAF - Andhra Pradesh, Mechanical Engineering, Sociology, Worked in a School, DIY and Gadgets

Chairman (Random questions)

1. We just celebrated Rama Navami yesterday. Tell me in which Indian month and on which day we celebrate Rama Navami

2. What about Krishnashtami

3. Do you know any Indian month names?

4. Is the month (I said) the first one?

5. What about Karthika and Mrugasira?

6. It’s been years since you finished graduation. Don’t you think you should have a backup plan now? I sincerely wish that you should clear this exam. If everything goes bad, what are you going to do?

7. Next, question is bit personal, if you wish not to answer you can avoid answering. You worked only for a period of 1 year and that too for small amount of compensation. How are you managing your expenses?

Signalled the next person to take over

Member 1 (On a single hobby)

1. What is your this Gadget enthusiasm hobby. 

2. How is technology progressing these days and what is the future?

3. Many countries are placing restrictions on internet and what is the outcome of such firewalls?

4. What is this data sovereignty?

5. Who has more data US or China?

6. Is population a factor in measuring volume of data?

7. So China has largest amount of data?

8. How is India acting in data governance?

Member 2 (Name, Mechanical)

1. Tell me which Mahabharata character you relate with apart from Lord Krishna.

2. How a Chimney functions?

3. No no, just explain a conventional chimney?

4. Does this room have a chimney and dont you think the space at the top acts as Ventilator

5. As world is moving towards eVs, what advice you would give to the countries in Persian gulf region

6. You said, you have a backup plan, so, you are not serious about this preparation.

Member 3 (Andhra, Hobby/Current affairs)

1. Did your state get bifurcated?

2. Tell sociological reasons for the same?

3. In undivided AP, which was the most urbansied town?

4. What is all this fuss about ChatGPT. There’s also an article about the same in today’s newspaper, right?

5. So, what are the ethical issues in using ChatGPT?

6. Okay, what’s the exact issue mentioned in today’s article?  

Member 4 (Hobby and International Relations)

1. What is this your DIY hobby and what did you do?

2. Let’s go to Israel. How are India’s relations with Israel?

3. Just stick to Israel, Palestine is not required here.

4. Tell specifics, not generic data about Israel relations.

5. Since India and Israel are moving closely, don’t you think we should distance ourselves from Palestine?

6. What is a Free Trade Agreement?

7. With which countries India signed FTA?

8. Do we have a FTA with the US?

Overall experience: Calm and Cordial

Utility of mocks or O2O (if any) - Gave mocks with VajiRao Reddy, Chahal, Chanakya MP and Samkalp. Samkalp’s panel was not good when I went. First 3 are good.

O2O with Ravindran Sir(Very Good) and Khan sir(Confidence booster)

Name- 

Date: 27 March afternoon (last one to go)

Board- Manoj Soni Sir

Work experience: BPCL, Indian Forest Service (IFS)

Optional: Mathematics

Sports: Hockey

Hobbies and interests: Thriller movies and Toastmasters International (Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership)

Chairman:

1. You have been waiting since 1 pm. Did you get bored?

2. What did you do in these 4 hours? (I answered - read newspaper and revised my DAF Notes)

3. Which newspaper did you read?(The Hindu)

4. Are you sure?

5. Tell me the headlines of the newspaper. (I answered - news related to direct tax collection, ISRO launching satellites & EPFO Subscribers being passive investors in Adani Group)

6. What is direct tax and indirect tax? Explain with example.

7. Are you sure?

8. Why the direct tax collection slowed down in February 2023? (Mentioned in the newspaper headlines)

9. Suppose you are in IPS and incharge of a force conducting anti-naxal operations. In one incident, You have surrounded the naxalites in a room. You have 2 able jawans who can neutralize the naxalites. One jawan has old parents and the other jawan is married. Who will you send for neutralizing the naxalites? I answered.

8. Are you sure?

Member 1:

1. If you are in IPS and incharge of a force, then how will you increase the morale of the force?

2. What are the qualities of Competent Communicator and Competent Leadership? (DAF based)

Member 2: 

1. What is Golden Ratio? (Optional)

2. How will you apply it in UPSC Premises?

3. How does an aeroplane fly?

4. What is the role of wings?

5. How will you use knowledge of Mathematics for the development of Rural Areas?

Member 3:

1. Who formulated the Mathematical model used for COVID prediction (from previous answer)?

2. How did you find the government's handling of COVID?

3. Name one area where the handling by government could have been better.

4. What are your service preferences? (I mentioned here that I am already in IFS)

5. What is your cadre in IFS?

Member 4:

1. Some part of your district is drought prone right?

2. The tanker mafia is not allowing government to provide water supply over there, is that so?

3. What has government done to tackle it?

4. Recently Maharashtra government has launched Jalukta Shivar Yojana 2.0? Has it benefitted the drought prone areas of your district?

Chairman: Good luck for Forest Service and result of CSE.

Date: 10 april 2023

Name: NA 

Optional: Public Administration 

Grad: Electrical engineering ( NIT Dgp )

Home State: Uttar Pradesh 

Hobbies: Writing poetry, blogging 

Other daf keywords : Taekwondo, job in cement sector, home district.

Board: Manoj Soni Sir

CP: Grilled a bit. 

1. Remove mask to check and match photograph. Then gave choice to keep mask on or remove it. I kept it on.

2. Are you a poet who is engineer or an engineer who is poet ? ( I tried to be diplomatic but he said to be straight).

3. Recite the poem you wrote. ( Done)

4. ( Based on poem) Other seems like you have a negative view of the society why so negative ? ( I said not negative but hopeful, some counter questions)

5. Said let's change the topic, then he asked about Jammu Kashmir incident where some stone Peltor was tied to army vehicle as human shield. Agree or disagree. ( He started grilling on my opinion, some counter questions ).

Member 2 (Lady)

1. Up is a big state but when compared to many southern states it is not doing so well economically, what could be the reasons and what would you do to make it better ?

2. What do you think about panchayat Raj? How is panchayat performing on your village ? 

3. (Based on last answer) What changes have you seen in your village on last 5 years where panchayat had a role ? 

4. (Based on last ans) How panchayat helps farmers in village?

5. If given charge of your district what are the key areas you would work on ? 

6. Since I pointed agriculture, she asked about credit problem for farmers and what is being done about it ?

Member 3 

1. "Leaders are one who do right things while managers are one who do things rightly. Also leaders are made not born." Your views and who in your view is a leader.

( Chair intruptted that it's a fine question but you should not take name of any political leader).

2. Since you worked in pvt sector , give any anecdote where you had shown leadership quality in workplace. (Told one experience).

Member 4 (He was very chilled out 😅)

1. Since you have public administration as optional, in UP panchayat there is a phenomenon of "Pradhan Pati". What do you thing what would you do to remove it ?

2. In your district there is a problem of soil erosion due to a river. It happenes every year . Given charge of your district what would you do to prevent it ?

Member 5 

1. Started with some of his experience related to "sarpanch pati" then without asking anything gave his opinion that its deep rooted and requires societal change (which I had covered in answer already so I agreed and nodded).

2. What happened in joshimath ?

3. What is land subsidence ? 

4. Some big hydro plant is there and also Himalayas are bit fragile what other places are on radar after joshimath ? ( I couldn't remember so said don't know)

5. ( Jumped to daf) You did taekwondo. Did you get any belt ? 

6. Were you able to continue taekwondo after an year of mandatory course? 

7. What about blogging ? What do you write about ? 

8. (Based on last answer) Why should people be interested to read about your life or views . Would you read about my life or views if I start blogging? ( I said I would love you read and learn form your experience. He and others started laughing . He said you are saying this because I'm sitting here.) Then he again asserted why should people read your blog ?

9. (Situational question) Since your district faces some floods, suppose you are on a boat in floods which includes a pregnant lady, a young guy, an old man and a dog. Water starts getting inside the boat. You must let one go to save others . What would you do ? 

10. ( Since I said I would save human life over others ) Would you not let old man go he has lived his life ? ( I said no).

CP: okay your interview is over, all the best, have a nice day and take care. 

Overall experience: Some grilling, daf and opinion based questions mostly. 

Mocks: (gave 4) Vajirao > Unacademy > Samkalp > Rau.

O2O: Next and Ravindran sir.

Name : YAYATI 

DATE 12/04/23

Manoj soni sir board 

1st to go . 27 min duration 

Daf KW : INSP CUSTOMS/ daman / bundelkhand / indore/ advaita vedanta / movies / blood donation 🩸 

Chairman ( witty 👿 smile and glance ): checked photo / mask ka monologue , i chose to remove as voice unclear and fog on specs .

 1. Do you like your job and why ? 

2. What is your role in organisation . 

3. Kernel of ADAVITA VEDANTA and meaning of it . Told sholka asked me to recite full . 

4. Meaning of mithya in AV 

5. How as enforcement officer see brahman in tax defaulters. 

6. Do you know about challenger philosophies to AV . Short monologue on it . 

Lady member (M2) AP EX CHIEF SECY ( other candidate told me ) smiling and good vibes 

1. What is your role in blood donation camp in college. 

2. Side effects of wrong blood transfusions. 

3. Golden blood pe questions. 

4. Why indore is so clean 

5. Where would you like to settle in india and why . ( ans Bhopal)

6. Why not indore or daman . 

7. Tell me about indore temple collapse . And who is in the wrong. 

Member 3 : male ( oldie guy )

1.why are your favourite movie character . And why . 

Where do you write letters to them , why privately write. 

2. Are we a consumer by compulsion or by choice .

Asked clarification wrt state or market . 

Said in general batao . 

3. Asked about social media compulsion behaviour. 

4. Some questions on scholarship i got and how it has helped you . 

Some more follow up questions. 

Member 4 : male ( chill 😎 bro type vibes ) smiling whole time . 

1. Is Lalitpur in bundelkhand . 

2. Tell me two positive of your district. 

3. How as DM WILL you fight drought. 

4. 3 core areas you would like to work upon in your district if posted there . 

5. Why datia temple so frequent by celebs and politicians. 

6. Some gender regressive practice in that temple and your opinion. 

Member 5: male ( very deep questions and counter questions) 

1. Tell me 2 similarities and 2 differences in people of UP/ MP and daman . ( asked for time here ) 

2. Is portugese culture visible in Daman. 

3. Why not merge daman with. Other states or goa . 

4. Portugese has MARITIME superiority , is it needed for india today and how . 

5. Answer about naval , said do you know meaning of MARITIME . 

6. How do you see yourself as cooperative taxman or assertive taxman . 

7. Why assertive ? Is it working . 

Chairman said 

Thank you. Its been lively interaction with you .

OBSERVATION: 

1. Close sitting around a round table 

2. Helpful mocks : chahal and CPM ( chankaya parivar mandal ) and study iq . 

Feedback ka apne hisaab se dekh lena . 

3. Go for 020 with ayush sir ( Forumias) , shinas sir( ilearn best daf analysis) , mohan sir( ias baba ) , arpit gupta sir and kaptaan for real helpful feedback (some of questions asked by Kaptaan got repeated) 

4. Must go to khan sir before interview for confidence boost. 

5. Very unpredictable but rooted in daf questions, prep helped 

Thank you.

Date: April 11th, 2023

Board: Chairperson Manoj Soni Sir

Graduation: IITK, Civil Engineering 

Optional: Civil Engineering

Daf Keyword : Teaching, Athletics, UP

Q-1 What did you do today after waking up? 

Q-2 Did you read today's newspaper? 

Q-3 Your graduation is civil engineering. That means, you have studied your civil engineering well. 

M1:

Q-1 How will you use your civil Engineering knowledge in administration

Q-2 Big infrastructural projects in India

Q-3 what do you do in your free time? 

M2

Q- you only remain in UP city. Don't you think you have missed opportunity of travelling outside your state? 

Q- why students not taking Engineering profession rather coming to other sectors? 

Q- why do you not want to pursue Teaching ? (DAF) 

M3

Q- what are bodies in disaster management? 

Q- what were the bodies before 2005? 

Q- Recently NDRF & Indian Army was in the news. Why? 

Q- can Indian athlete bring gold medals ? (DAF) 

Q- how will you bring awareness regarding NDMA guidelines related to disaster? 

Q- Which thing do you do after waking up? Don't you make your bed after waking up? 

M4 (female) 

Q- what is 3D technology ? How can it be used in CE and other fields? 

Q- Current progress of 3D construction in India? 

Q- Why Eastern UP not have so much development as comparison to Western UP? (Home State) 

Q- I ended my answer with UP global investor summit. So is there ground level change in infrastructure in UP? 

Q- what will you do in R&D (civil Engineering) if you don't come into Civil Service

CHAIRMAN- okay, your interview is over. 

Very Cordial board.

Board- manoj soni sir

Optional- philosophy

Chemical engg., chess, poetry

10 April afternoon

Chairman- 

You have multiple identities you are an engineer, you have studied philosophy and you write poems also…how you identify yourself

What makes you more happy

Since how long you are writing

Can you tell us a few lines of your poem

When did you write this..2 follow ups..not relevant here

Now i would ask from philosophy…out of shatdarshan which one is your favourite

Are you aware there is seventh school is being recognised recently

Ok tell me what it requires a philosophy to be recognised 

M1.

What is the difference between darshan and philosophy

What is the difference in problems of your district and its parent district (my district is newly carved out)

Recently rajasthan has created 30 more district..there is shortage of police, lack of infrastrure etc…tell me when a new district to be created and what is significance of creation of new district

How your study of philosophy would be helpful in resolving problems of administration

If you have to design one scheme for women of your district what it would be.

M2

Have you heard of thaggu ke laddu..

What is the name of  famous textile mill of kanpur

Are you aware of what is happening there now

Is there provision of paternity leave in india

Even in countries like korea despite having longer leave of around 1 year people do not take it…Do you think we really need it

What are the laws to protect women against sexual harrassment

On whose name the law has been carved

You played chess..but you don’t play it now a days

Are you aware of world championship started..who were the top contender

Why carlson not playing..

M3(lady member)

What is the contribution of kanpur in freedom movement

What is the relevance of chemical engineering today

Why you switching from chemical engineering ,,1 follow up ..not relevant here

one thing that india has done unique or special in chemical engineering

M4

You talked about refineries.. Which is the largest refinery in india

What are the reasons of recent hike in price of petroleum…how india managed to survive while all our neighbours are on their knees

You talked about strategic reserves..where are they located

Are you aware of quad and aukus…what are they and how they are different

Are you aware of name of nuclear submarine to be given to australia

All the best to all

Name - What you seek is seeking you!

Date - 10 APRIL 2023

Board- Shri Manoj Soni sir

Home state - Karnataka

Job profile - Teaching

Optional - Kannada Literature

Approx time: from 1230 to 1. Maybe around 25 mins(not sure)

Pretext- Upsc though is running on minimum number of boards(3), today one more member was absent and they had to manage with 2 boards (soni sir and satyavathy mam). so our group of 5 candidates were made to wait until the other two groups were over and we were distributed (3+2) to soni sir and satyavathy mam board. I was the 7th one in that sequence for soni sir board for the forenoon session

Entered and wished good afternoon to chair, mam and sirs. took seat after asking to so so. soni sir told my name and asked should i call you by your first name, is that fine? i said yes sir

Then usual talk. It is good and advisable to wear the mask although it is not compulsory. i sensed sir wanted me to wear mask so kept wearing it

sir then said Mr. Rumi you have an interesting and diverse area of interests.. Among your hobbies of Pranayama, meditation, strength and conditioning exercise and collecting charity.. which one would you like the most.

I said meditation and raising charity

then sir went on to my career page and said you have worked at a software firm, may be placed by college. then went on to an ashram for a long period. then you have started teaching profession.. you seem to be confused about life

i said sir although it seems so, i wasn’t confused.. i was raised in a religious environment by my mother and while i was working in artificial intelligence firm i got interested in human intelligence... so to explore my spiritual side i went to ashram for 3 months initially. but it got extended to 6 years as i went on probing deeper and deeper

sir asked then why did u join corporate firm in first place.. i said sir bcz i had financial security concern and my family condition was bad at that point of time as we had separated from my father

then why take up spirituality- i said i had lot of questions to be answered.. and it had become overwhelmingly compulsive for me to find answers for them. and by the time i went to ashram our financial condition was stable as my mother was also supporting me..

sir passed on to member 1(old gentleman)

whatever the questions u had, did u find answers for them?

i said yes sir. i found answers to most of them

what if you get some more questions in future?

sir i cant be sure of that. but sir i have found service to nation and service to society is the primary goal of my life. so i think civil services is the best platform for me to work towards my goal and try to bring about on ground , grass root level change

you see, all of us do get questions, but we try to find answers within the workspace we are in.. anyways tell me about gender neutrality…

i went on to say, sir in any policy or budget if we have equal provisions for everyone… (sir interrupted, what gender have u filled, i said male.. what is gender then?)

i said sir gender is a social concept and sex is a biological concept. then what is gender neutrality…

i said treating everyone equal is gender neutrality… 

do u know that there is a transgender as well.. how are they categorised..

i said sir they are categorised under others column in the application..

sir asked name one and only transgender civil servant in india..

i said sir i will have to look into it..

sir only said.. its a person from odisha.. i said ok thank you sir..

name some famous transgender personalities..

i said manabi bandopadhyay(school principal), gauri sawant, laxmi narayan tripati who are activists.. and said sir there is one more person working in movie industry called ojas rajni as a famous makeup artist

sir then went on to ask tell me some famous personalities from kannada literature.

sir asked how would india with its credentials of peace can bring about an end to this conflict.. we have seen sri sri ravishankar.. sadhguru who are doing lot of good work.. how can this message of peace be worked upon

i said sir india has been votary of peace from buddha to mahatma gandhiji.. and the same credentials can be used to bring about a resolution of this conflict.. in this direction our foreign ministry has made it stand clear that both the parties should sir across the table and have a peaceful dialogue.. i think both the parties should give away their sticking to ideologies and ideas and be flexible and talk across the table to solve the issue.. our very concept of vasudaiva kutumbakan from mahopanishad speaks about this..

sir then asked you have appeared before jpc on land acquisition bill.. given that land acquisition is so tedious even today what would be the changes you would like to bring in?

sir the changes suggested in the 2015 amendment act was good enough but that dint go through.. the changes i would like to bring in sir is..

for the projects involving national interest like rural infrastructure, defence corridors, industrial corridors, if we can remove difficult procedures like social impact assessment and taking the consent of everyone.. it will be easier for acquiring land for national purposes…

sir then passed on to last old member (male) who was quite cheerful..

sir asked since u have done computer science engineering.. and there is 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g.. among 2g and 3g which is better for india… 

i said sir.. since 2g is less speed and more latency and 3g is more speed and less latency i would say 3g is better

sir said - 2g is indigenous technology.. 3g we have to import.. isn’t 2g better in that perspective..

i said sir except for the national security reasons like borrowing technology from china, 3g,4g or 5g is better suited as they are the modern technologies which people prefer.. coming to indigenous technology our honourable prime minister has launched 6g test bed and 6g in future is going to be an indigenous technology…

sir repeated so 6g is going to be indigenous in future.. i said yes sir..

then manoj soni sir took over and said the usual lines with a slight smile

“please take good care of yourself while you are in delhi and look after yourself well”

i gently stood up.. folded my hands and said “sir, thank you for this opportunity”

sir folded hands in return 

i said thank u mam

thank u sirs to other members 

(they seemed uninterested and dint look up - same has happened with other candidates as well!- may be its their SOP)

and left the room…

had mixed feelings right after coming out of the room. in between the interview i had a drop of sweat also from head coming down. but i dint wipe it since it would give an impression that i’m nervous. i dont think the board would have noticed the a small drop of sweat.. but i was actually nervous given that my last interview with manoj soni sir board in 2021 was devastated.. as soon as the clerk said chairman’s board, i felt uncomfortable.. but said to myself that its going to be good and ill answer well no matter what.. that actually worked and though i was nervous i was able to handle most questions.. but yes, some questions regarding my career could have been better defended, some questions better answered.. but thats okay, life isn’t perfect.. for a unique background like mine, an unique personality like soni sir with immense spiritual expertise would be the best suited. couldn’t ask for better questions and better board and better interview..

emotions - not completely satisfied.. but emotions are not proportional to marks in upsc interview! hope my hard work along with my spiritual quest pays off in the form of a good service.. 

signing off with these lines from Gita… जो हुआ वह अच्छा हुआ, जो हो रहा है वह अच्छा हो रहा है, जो होगा वो भी अच्छा ही होगा..

O2O with Kaptaan:

Most of the predictions went 💯 true..

my entire interview was daf based except few questions 

universe communicated to me via kaptaans voice 🙏🏻😊

Name : Young Monk

Morning session- April 12

Manoj soni sir board

2nd to go. Around 22 Mins.

4th attempt, 1st Mains, 1st Interview.

Question wala KW: Emerging tech, Metaverse, Hollywood sitcoms, Prakasam district, Andhra pradesh, unemployed, Anthropology

No question came from these KW: Acharya Nagarjuna University, Electrical and Electronics engineering, Blockchain, CZARS, Police, Dance. 

Chairman sir

 1. Photo and mask related stuff.Went straight to my hobbies section and told i had very intresting hobbies.

 2. Asked what was my surname out of 2 names.

 3. So hollywood sitcoms, have you ever been to Hollywood?

 4. Asked me if in the entire world you were given a business class ticket where would you go? I said Japan because of so and so reasons.

 5. Pointed to my work experience gap and grilled a lot for 2 mins. Saying you completely wasted your engineering education by choosing not to work.

 6. Suddenly a blank face and a question on Defining human rights? 

 7. Give me 5 human rights ? 

 8. So a terrorist would have the same rights?

 9. What about a convicted murderer? 

 10. So do you mean there are limited health rights for convicted?

 11. So you are mixing up two things. Freedom and health? I said yes sir, sorry sir. and he passed on to next member with a very dissatisfied expression.

M1( Male - sitting at my immediate left)

 1. Started with the Work experience gap. He said you are either from a privileged background or you are living solely on love of family.

 2. Pointed to my scholarships got clarification on what they were.

 3. What is metaverse

 4. Explain it to a layman with example

 5. What are the devices we use to access metaverse

 6. Have you hear of the recent sexual harrasment in metaverse

 7. What should be done to regulate it?

M2( male - sitting to my immediate right - most positive person in the world)

 1. You have an intresting hobby of emerging technology. Do you think technology can be biased? Gave the generative AI example

 2. Then what to do to ensure that such bias doesn't creep in?

 3. Our govt is trying to promote organic farming. We have seen success in sikkim and disaster in srilanka? Why is it so contrasting.

 4. If you were to lead a mission to improve organic farming in India what steps would you take?

 5. China is expanding its bases and allies how is it affecting our intrests?

M3( Male - sitting 2nd to my right - long monologues from member)

 1. He picked from my Japan answer i gave to soni sir

 2. What is westernisation and modernisation. Do you think they are one and the same. What should a country do should it abandon traditional values and adopt western or a fusion? I said fusion

 3. Give me 3 countries who have successfully done so ? I said china, japan, india.

 4. China claims arunachal, what do you think claims over historical records is fair? I said no, follow current 

 5. We are claiming entire kashmir because of historical reasons? I said we have shared civilisation values, culture and people aspirations

 6. Taiwan and china share the same culture then should they be united? I said no peoples aspirations should be taken into account. 

  ○ A contradictory views here in 2 similar questions may have been conveyed to the member, he was about to ask a follow up but sir pointed to mam. Member stopped.

M4(Nilam sawhney Mam)

 1. Prakasam district is a very backward district. Compared to vijayawada and Guntur why is it so?

 2. What would you do to promote development in prakasam district?

 3. What is the situation of fishermen in prakasam district, what are the problems they are facing?

 4. How to solve their issues? I quoted deep water fleet, skilling etc.

 5. How was the systems performance when covid struck? Was district adiminstration able to handle the situation well? I talked about volunteer system

 6. Didn't you see the hospitals not being able to meet the growing cases? I said yes mam that was the case but the admin did well within its limited resources.

Name-Alexander Lukhasenku

Date and session of interview-12/04/2023 and afternoon session 

Board-Manoj Soni

Optional-PSIR

College-VSSUT(ODISHA)

Profession (if any)-Unemployed

Hobbies- Odia cuisine, Cricket, Quizzing

Your experience in interview-

Chairman

1.U must be tired waiting?(Follow up)

2.If you have interacted with your friends then if not secretive then can you share what you all talk?

3.Why you have done mechanical engineering??

4.Why you choose psir whether u have internalised it or read for exam?

5.What is sovereignty?(Follow up)

6.You are giving me defn of state?

7.Then tell me which state has no external influence?

M1(Male)

1.Is NAM a good thing?

2.Why International relations is anarchic ?(Follow up)

3.If this is so then why UN laws are there?(Follow up)

4.What's difference between peacekeeping, peace making and peace enforcement?(Follow up)

5.What India is doing for peacekeeping?

M2(Male)

1.Why supply controlled by some countries in economy but demand is present all across the world?(This is not the exact qn but similar qn asked couldn't recall)

2.What's diff between globalisation and internationalisation?

3.What is rltn between konark and rath?

M3(Male)

1.Why kbk was in news?(District related)

2.What govt did to improve situation?

3.What are odia cuisines u know?

4.Tell the Odia name of water rice.

5.What is special about Bhitarkanika?

6.What are places of eco tourism in Odisha?(Follow up)

7.What about Konark?

8.Who is Veer Surendra Sai?(My University name)

M4(Female)

1.What is the status of nutrition in odisha?

2.If you are DM of Kalahandi how will you improve nutrition? 

3.Name the states with whom Odisha shares border?

4.Border disputes of odisha?

5.Why migration was there in Odisha?

Overall experience-Handled majority of questions in a good manner but did blunder in some PSIR related questions. No board member smiled during my interview & Soni sir made a face like he was going to kill me but after interview got over he smiled 

Utility of mocks or O2O (if any)-Gave lot of mocks and O2O. It helps in building confidence and improving communication.