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[Topper’s Interview] Tusharanshu Sharma (AIR-75/CSE-2014) Sociology Optional,

IIFT & MBA, hails from Chandigarh
Subscribemotivation28 Comments3 years

1. Candidate Profile
2. Education
3. Introduction
4. Electronic Vs Paper material
5. Tempo and style
6. Struggle of a Senior player
7. Working professional
8. Prelims (CSAT) General studies
9. Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude
10. Prelim accuracy
11. Mains: Compulsory language paper
12. Mains: Essay
13. General Studies (Mains) paper 1
14. General studies (Mains) paper 2
15. General studies (Mains) Paper 3
16. General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude
17. GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2014
18. Mains answer-writing?
19. Mains Optional Subject
20. Before the interview
21. During the interview
22. CSE-2014 Marksheet
23. Career Backup
24. Views on UPSC reforms
25. Insecurity about profile
26. Wisdom
27. Credit: Friends/family
28. BOGUS Marketing Propaganda

Candidate Profile

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Q. Details

Name Tusharanshu Sharma

Rank in CSE-2014 75

Roll No. 526494

Age 27

Total attempts in CSE

2
(including this one)

Optional Subject Sociology

Schooling Medium English

College medium English

Medium chosen for

English
Mains answers

Medium chosen for

English
Interview

Home town/city Chandigarh

Work-experience if
1.5 years
any

Details of other
competitive exams, IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) MBA
including (International Business)- made it in 2nd go
success/failures

Details of coaching,
mock tests, postal
Enrolled at one in Delhi. Wasn’t very helpful so
material for any
dropped out.. no mock test series
competitive exam (if
used)
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Service preferences IFSàIASàIPSàIRS-ITàIRS-C&E
(Top-5)

HaryanaàPunjabàHPàUPàUK –north factor runs

state cadre preference throughout but later realized good research
(Top-5) should go into this..with IFS worthy rank, I hope I
am out of the cadre dilemma J

Education

fill the details here

% in class 10 90.2%

% in class 12 91.4%

Graduation
B.Com (Eco majors)- 81.5%
course and %

Name of
college, city,
SD College, Chandigarh (2009)
passing out
year

Post-
MBA (International Business)- 2012
graduation

Any other
professional NA
courses

Copying from my DAF:

Hobbies:
Painting, travelling, playing, singing, basketball, playing
guitar, photography and reading (yes I’d 8 hobbies and
I’m not sure if it’s a very good idea from interview’s pov J)
Extracurricular achievements:

Hobbies &
University gold medal-economics- 09
Extracurricular
University topper-academic year -07-08
achievements
NCC best cadet, Chd-army wing,08
Exhibition of artworks at Art Gallery Chandigarh,
2009
1st prize-inter group basketball championship,
NCC-‘07
Best all round student award,04-05
Artist of the year award-05-06

Introduction
Q. Tell us something about yourself, your family, when and why did you enter in this field of
competitive exams?:

Me: I was born & brought up in a village but had the fortune of studying at some of the best institutio
like St. john’s, Chandigarh and IIFT, Delhi. So had the best of both the worlds. Loved to always invol
myself in various activities- both curricular & extra. Played for couple of bands, put up an artwork
exhibition, did B.Com in Eco, MBA in IB in finance but took up experience in an FMCG marketing
company, then quit to prepare..so basically had foot in many doors or I give you the liberty to call me
confused (though not anymore).
Academic: I am an honours graduate of Commerce in Economics from SD College Chd I did my M
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Hanken School of Economics, Helsinki where I studied for a trimester. Grades have been decent. Ne
was very studious but always serious at whatever I started.
Family: My father is an advocate at Pb.&Hry High court. Mom is a retired lecturer. Didi is a dentist an
an MBA in hospital mgmnt and now studying psychology. Jiju is an IIT grad and working for a mento
institute. Most important part of our family is my 1.5 year old nephew to whom I give a big credit for t
achievement (as you would need good breaks during your preparation which make you forget the
world). Family showed utmost faith and support because it wasn’t easy to leave a very high paying jo
to start preparing for this and till last minute, option to get back to corporate was kept open.
When did I enter this field: Competitive exams (in 2008 when I began preparation of CAT), UPSC (to
once in 2012 when I was in IIFT without much prep , but plunged in sept 2013 for one full fledged
attempt)

Electronic Vs Paper material

Q. In recent times, there is spur in electronic material- blogs, sites, pdfs, RSS-feeds. Many aspira
feel bogged down by this information overload. So, how much do you rely on electronic material
and how much on the paper material (Books, newspapers)? If possible narrate a typical day in yo
studylife. What is your style of preparation (e.g. I continue making notes no matter what I’m read
I just read multiple times but don’t maintain notes, I make mindmaps on computer …or xyz style)

1. Electronic Vs books:
a. No shortcut to books when it comes to static part, but for things like current affairs, latest exampl
to substantiate your answers, some topics in GS-3, GS-2 and studying background of various top
you have to go online. No blogs/RSS feed or particular sites. You need to have an eye for the rig
kind of questions. That knack comes through lot of reading (electronic or otherwise) and complet
knowledge of your battle (syllabus, previous ques etc)
b. Please don’t focus on the sources (you mustn’t feel great that you’ve done a NCERT or IGNOU e
They are unlimited. Focus on the syllabus instead. When you feel confident that you have covere
topic sufficiently, move on. And remember topic is not the sentences in the syllabus but every wo
of the syllabus.
2. Newspaper: Read 2 (Hindu and IE), but would wrap them up in max 1 hour after listing down the
possible topics that I need to research on. Then began the arduous task of knowing more on those
(mostly online) or putting them aside for delegation to friends.
3. Typical day: started 4 am and ended at 9:30pm. Target was set a night prior. Good time for breaks,
sports and meditation on daily basis.
4. Style of preparation: Systematic daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly targets. Tried sticking to them b
had kept enough buffers too. Focussed on narrowing my sources and revision of the ones done earl
Delegated work to my friends and family when load became excessive. (learnt that in MBA J).They
researched stuff and mailed me back which my dad printed and I studied. Couldn’t do any writing
practice even though Id kept a month for it as most of the time went in content building.
5. Notes making– Extremely important. No other way to absorb this ocean. Make notes that you can re
later. There can be diff ways of making notes like (a) writing them separately (b) pasting stickers in
books after every say 8-10 pages) (c) dictating them on laptop (speech to text softwares) .. I did them
depending on the size of book & constraint of time and in case of sociology went to the extent of doin
an excel analysis on topic wise thinkers and thinker wise topics!

Tempo and style

Q. People know what books and syllabus points are to be prepared. But most of them lack
consistency in their preparation. So, how do you keep study momentum going on? How do you
fight against the mood swings and distractions?
A. Discipline is very important. Healthy breaks are imp too which preferably donot involve crowd. I resor
to many individual habits & hobbies like playing guitar, painting, home basketball, meditation, watching
motivation videos, not keeping many mentors etc in my breaks.
PS: can differ from person to person but the target is solace which takes you away from the temporary
negativity yet not too far to make you forget the larger goal!

Struggle of a Senior player

Q1. How did you survive through this mental prison and what’re your words of wisdom to other
senior players? If any specific inspirational incident(s), please share.
For me idea of UPSC got built pretty late even though I had taken one attempt during IIFT. I went to wor
and then came back later after working for a while. So avoided that ordeal. But I think it is good to have
backup of some kind when you know what you are up against.
Q2. What went wrong in your previous attempt? What changes did you make in this current
attempt?
Didn’t study. Missed even pre by couple of marks and reaching that close to cut off was a boost in a way
This time.. I studied.

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If you’re a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with job
Put down my papers before prep in Sept 2013. Couldn’t manage with the job.

Prelims (CSAT) General studies-

Topic strategy/booklist/comment

History Ancient

History Medieval

History Modern
(Freedom Struggle)

Culture and society

Can rem following right now:
Polity (theory + Ancient and world history -NCERTs, Bipin Chandra
current) for Freedom struggle & post independence, Norman
Lowe (world history), Culture (Spectrum), Polity-
Economy (theory + Lakshmikant thoroughly + Yellow book+ net like pib
current) website, Ramesh Singh (prelim eco but economics
NCERTs, Economic Survey of India, Yojanas and
Science (theory +
internet for mains), Science (postponed till last
current)
minute but then did mostly internet serach for latest
Environment (theory topics), Environment (net + some material I got from
+ current) shops), Geography (GC Leong, Majid hussain and
NCERTs), International affairs (internet, IDSA,
geography physical diplomat etc and mea etc), Filler stuff- internet.
Newspapers+ rstv+ EPW+ yojana+ kurukshetra +
geography India Year Book were also regularly followed but not with
a lot of discipline.
geography world

other
national/international
current affairs

Schemes, Policy &

Filler Stuff

Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS prelim 2014 paper?

Make good use of maps, apply logic wherever you get stuck because you can’t know all but it is do-able
with the kind of knowledge you would’ve got. Know your limitations and don’t take blind risks.
Q. in GS-Prelims 2014, there was unusual questions from environment and agriculture portion. If
you were to give the attempt again in 2015, what new strategy / books / sources would you focus
I’m sorry, will leave this blank. Don’t know actually.
Q. Now that Aptitude paper has become qualifying, obvious more attention needs to be paid on t
GS paper so apart from the books that you already have gone through, what else would you have
tried for CSE-2015 (if you were going to appear)?-
You have to focus big time on GS anyways. You cant avoid it in subsequent stages.

Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude

Topic strategy / booklist

Maths Didn’t prepare much for this. Revised formulae.

Comprehension, I believe, is taken care by papers
reasoning

Comprehension

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Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2014 paper.

Respect it..despite it being qualifying now.

Prelim accuracy
Q1. Did you attend any ‘mock tests’? do you think they’re necessary for success?
Good if you take some to get a feel of the environment. Please don’t take their results to be real indicato
your preparation.
Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in CSAT-2014

attempted Q. correct (approx)

GS 75 56

aptitude 80 60

Q3. Your score in prelim (when UPSC uploads it please mail me your score)
Paper I- 106
Paper II- 132.5

Mains: Compulsory language paper

Compulsory language paper Your preparation strategy / booklist?

English paper None

your regional language Hindi. None

Q2.other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory language
papers in CSE-2014
Its not hard if you were even average in these subjects during your school.
Don’t take this very lightly but you should be able to clear, if it isn’t a disaster.

Mains: Essay
Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?
My marks in essay would indicate that it didn’t go too well. To be honest I couldn’t practice at all. Just rel
on my knowledge. Wrote it for the first time in the mains only and the moment I finished it , I knew this w
pull me back.. Just read few tips from previous toppers before the exam but unfortunately I don’t have m
to share here
Q2. Which two essays did you write and What key points did you include in it?

With greater power comes greater responsibility

Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?

I don’t rem the points exactly but I can share my experience a bit. Write a generalist essay (I made mista
of quoting some thinkers and im sure the examiner could tell that I have socio optional). In essay 2- I
compared China’s and America’s sports model with that of India’s. Talked of privatization, decentralizatio
sports and overall was an optimistic pov and balanced it with highlighting the loopholes. Solutions are an
important part of such an essay. Im sure I scored better in 2ndessay than in the first one.

General Studies (Mains) paper 1

Topic How did you prepare?

culture Did spectrum, and a yellow book. Rest was Wiki-ed

Bipin Chandra and ncerts in depth (means 4-5

Indian history revisions atleast). Notes making is avery imp leg of
this prep.

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post-
Bipin Chandra and some topics from Ramachandra
independence
Guha
India

Socio covered that but did EPW magazine for this as

Indian society
well

role of women,
Nothing specific
poverty etc.

globalization on
Nothing specific
Indian society

communalism,
Socio covered this. Studied recent examples from
regionalism,
internet
secularism

world geo physical GC Leong & majid hussain+ NCERTS

resource
Yellow books and internet
distribution

factors for
Internet
industrial location

earthquake
Geog books stated above + recent examples
tsunami etc

impact on flora-
I don’t think I covered this.
fauna

General studies (Mains) paper 2

Topic How Did You Prepare?

Indian Constitution,
Laksmikant, Constitution, NCERT, year Book
devolution, dispute
etc
redressal etc.

comparing Constitution
Yellow book + internet
with world

parliament, state
Lakshmikant
Legislatures

executive-judiciary Lakshmikant

ministries departments Internet

pressure group, informal

Sociology + internet
asso.

Representation of Majorly stuff available online + some notes

people’s act from market

various bodies:
Constitutional, statutory..

NGO, SHG etc

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social sector, health, edu,
HRD

governance,
transparency,
accountability

e-governance

role of civil service

India & neighbors

bilateral/global grouping

effect of foreign country

Did this in detail from MEA’s website + IDSA
policies on Indian interest
and other websites like diplomat + general wiki
diaspora

international bodies-
structure mandate

General studies (Mains) Paper 3

Topic How Did You Prepare?

Indian
economy,
resource
mobilization

inclusive
growth

budgeting Had acumen for economics- but was mostly internet study/
bit of ramesh singh, yojanas (relevant issues including old
major crops,
ones available online), Economic Survey, Yellow book,
irrigation
land reforms from bipin Chandra (post independence) and
agro produce economics ncerts. This paper is very diverse and requires
– storage, internet to fill the gaps.
marketing

e-technology
for famers

farm
subsidies,
MSP

PDS, buffer,
food security

technology
mission

animal
rearing
economics

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processing

land reforms

liberalization

infra

investment
models

science-tech
day to day life

Indian
updated myself with latest happenings on current affairs
achievements
site (there are many) and did research of the topics which I
in sci-tech
found important. It was a leap of faith when it comes to sc
awareness in & tech.
IT, space,
biotech, nano,
IPR

environmental Did some research in market of popular notes and picked

impact up one. Rest was internet and newspaper to give good
assessment examples.

Studied all disasters in recent past in India and their

Disaster
causes and possible solutions (available online), Lot of
Management
govt. reports available too.

non state
actors,
internal
security

internal
security – role
of media,
social
networking
site

cyber security Yellow book, newspaper and relevant editorials, As I can

recall, idsa website was also helpful.
money
Agencies were googled.
laundering

border
Management

organized
crime,
terrorism

security
agencies-
structure
mandate

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Topic How Did You Prepare?

ethics and
interface, family,
society and all
the hathodaatopics

attitude, moral
influence etc.

civil service:
integrity,
impartiality,
tolerance to weak
etc

emotional
intelligence, its use This I hardly prepared. N my marks reflect that.. I did
in governance some book from the market (to know exact definitions
of things like attitude, morals etc). Didn’t help much.
moral thinkers of Wrote balanced answers by imagining myself in
India and world hypothetical situations. Relied on my knowledge from
other subjects/biographies that I had read in the past
ethics in pub.ad, to write thinkers specific answers. Did some quotes
accountability, online. Saw last year paper and prepared role model
laws, rules etc. answer a bit. Basically, it wasn’t prepared very well
and on top of it I couldn’t answer two ques worth 30
corporate marks for paucity of time.
governance

probity in
governance, work
culture

citizen charter,
ethics code, work
culture etc.

challenges of
corruption

case studies on
above topics

GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2014

Q. in GS4 ethics papers, please give a sketchy overview of your case study answers:

Case your approach/ keypoints

case1: your friend preparing UPSC Sorry, don’t recall much. But they
were centered around following
case2: Rameshwar the uptight UPSC rules and being upright.
topper.

case3: no bribe no contract.

case4: corrupt subordinates file

bogus rape complaint against you.

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questions (e.g. why ethics important,
why probity difficult etc).

Mains answer-writing?
Please tell us how many marks worth attempt did you give? along with comments if any, in the following
cells:

Best Average namesake Total

Paper
attempted quality answer attempt

GS1 230

GS2 Sorry don’t rem this part. 220

GS3 240

GS4 220

Opt-
250
P1

Opt-
250
P2

Q. What was your approach in the exam (I wrote all, I only focused on the questions where I coul
answer perfectly, I just not to high quality points to reach the word limit etc.) Because the UPSC
aspirant Community is dividedover what counts as a ‘good’ paper. Some experts claim you shou
attempt all- even if it involves “making up” an answer with filler lines, some claim attempt only
those questions you know perfectly. Where do you stand on this? [Based on your experience an
your seniors/buddies]
Word limit wasn’t a problem. I don’t think you can and should try to attempt all. Just do your best. You
wouldn’t know all 10 points, but you would certainly know/can extract from your mental database atleast
few. That’s good enough and rest depends on how you structure and remain relevant to what is being
asked. Exemplify and substantiate wherever possible.
Q. How was your experience with the ‘fixed space’ answer sheet?
It was good though it varied from being able to easily restrict myself in GS 1-4 within the space to finding
difficult to fill it up in essay J
Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs? Some players (who cleared mains an
got interview call letter) were claiming that they wrote entire paper in bullet points, so it doesn’t
matter….whether examiner is asking ‘examine, comment, discuss or xyz’….simply write in bullet
and points.
Intro and concl cant and shouldn’t be in points. Body – it depends on you. I wrote the body in points but
small subheadings for each point and ensured that I stayed on the question throughout.
Q. Did you follow the “introduction-body-conclusion” format? because some mains-qualified
candidates claim they simply wrote the points they could recall within the time, instead of bother
with proper introduction and conclusion.
I did.
Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers?
No.
Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography)
No.
Q7. If yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen?
NA
Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just make it by hand?
I didnt
Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen?
blue
(Mrunal – since readers keep mailing such queries, therefore I’m asking the topper to clear all the air ha

Mains Optional Subject

Q. What’s your optional subject and why did you chose it and not something else?
Sociology. I had narrowed my options to just 3 subjects- economics, management and sociology..but too
sociology for calculated reasons. N yea I admit, I did love the subject gradually. I was introduced to the
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hadn’t concretized.
For Sociology,I believed there would not be any question that would sound a complete stranger unlike ot
subjects where despite studying a lot, there might be a possibility where I might not know how to write a
particular answer on account of technicality. So it was also a strategic call. If I had to choose a second
optional, it would definitely have been management.
Having said that, no subject has distinct advantage/disadvantage over the other.
Q. If a new player wants to pick this subject, would you advice for it or against it? (e.g. every sen
player in Public Administration seems to be advising against pub.ad)
You can. Wont advice for or against a particular subject. I don’t think any subject has a distinct
(dis)advantage over the other. Just do justice to it knowing your strengths and time frame.
Q. First the essential book/resource list. (Also mention which one is the “Base book” for coverin
the theory? + Whatever comments you’ve for a particular book e.g. “my seniors said read xyz bo
but I found that ABC book was better”. “xyz topic not given properly in this book, so prepare fro
xyz website or book…” OR and so on.)
I can tell you my reference books as I did not study any book end to end. I focused on note compilations
from different sources instead of learning immediately. Learning began quite late when I was sure of my
content being of rich quality. Used Haralambas and Holborn + TB Bottomore as primary ref, did IGNOU
both BA & MA (read through all ..I believe 476 chapters), Referred to ritzer and giddens as well. Had do
original works of marx and Raymond aaron previously. Referred to previous toppers + mahapatra sir’s +
upendra’s notes. Followed newspaper for any sociological news and EPW was very helpful , esp in pape
Q. How much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for this optional? OR can one sim
rely on the books and be done with this subject?
No no you cant rely on books alone. You have to contemporarize your answers. So try building a
sociological perspective on current affairs than doing only factual stuff.
Q. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
About 4 months. (once)
Q. How many days/ weeks before the exam, you started answer writing practice?
Though I highly recommend it, I just couldn’t find time for this.
Q. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? In which format- electronic or paper?
Yes. Narrowing down of your notes is very imp. It is a repetitive process. One day before the exam I had
just 30 pages which needed revision.
Q. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2014 mains vs previous papers. And what
precautions / rectifications are necessary in the future strategy for given optional subject?
Please substantiate your answer wherever possible with relevant current examples. Be original in your
thoughts, yet sound grounded in researches of learned scholars.

Before the interview

Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? – for college grad, hobbies, place of origin, current
affairs at national and international level?
Made a list of possible questions so as not to miss out on anything (still you always do miss a lot but don
bother after a certain point). Put them down in excel, categorized them under diff heads. They were abo
700 ques initially. Asked 2 of my friends to come over everyday for about 2 weeks and help me researc
current based answers. They did a great job :). We compiled 2 volumes- one for DAF, other for current
affairs. With more research the list of ques just kept adding. It wasn’t any smaller effort than mains. Coz
even when I knew it was a personality assessment test, you had to be good at quality content. That give
real confidence.
Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes? How were they similar / different t
official interview? Do you believe it is necessary to attend such mock interviews?
I did attend 3 mocks at Chandigarh. Were very different from the real one. Mocks are supposed to give y
confidence and helpful feedback but I don’t think they always do. Infact they may , at times, pull you dow
Coz their feedback tends to be shallow and tells you what to improve instead of how. Mocks are not
necessary, but you should practice your answers with someone with experience in this field and someon
that you trust. I had fortune of knowing somebody since my mba times who helped me with some gruelin
sessions.
Q3. Describe the formal-dress worn by you in interview.
White shirt, Black trousers, maroon tie
Q4. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friend’s home …) and what books/material did
bring for the ‘revision before interview’?
My cousin’s place.

During the interview

Q1. Who was the chairman of you interview board?
Mr. Chhatar Singh
Q2. How long was the interview?
35-40 mins
Q3. Why do you want to join civil service? Why don’t you continue in your graduation field? Soci
service can be done from private sector too. [Since I don’t know whether they ask you this ques
or not But if they had asked- what will be your reply?]
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Sir, the ambition for Indian Foreign Services was born out an informal discussion with my director at IIFT
account of my profound interest in academics and all round performance. But having worked in the
corporate sector, I realized that you need a higher meaning and purpose in life which is more impactful,
challenging and does justice to your abilities. Sir, I’ve had education in foreign trade with a study trimeste
Hanken School of Economics in Finland which opened me to different cultures and nationalities and give
that background, I find IFS in particular very exciting. Moreover, the mere idea of representing my count
at a bigger stage is inspiring enough and made me just go for it.
Q4. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply and
other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview. (Earlier some toppers only tel
me their question but not their answer. I would appreciate if you give both Question + your origin
answers)
Was the first candidate to be interviewed that day.
Bell- Was asked to enter- 5 panelists in an odd seating plan which was almost circular.. so had no clue h
to wish them .. just nodded my head to anybody who looked up and then was asked to sit down by the
chairman.
Chairman

1. C- Is this you?– (showing me my pp photo to me)

Me- (very excited)- yes sir

2. (busy looking through my DAF and whispering.. achha ye kiya hai.. achha ye bhi.. achha .. n after ev
sentence a big gap- so I didn’t know if I was expected to say something.. because the sentences
weren’t followed by question marks or any sound suggesting punctuations! It had been a while since
had spoken anything after the super excited Yes sir and that too after seeing my own picture, which
odd- then another sentence—u were earning so much…(followed by a question mark, I presumed
then I dropped in to say few lines- sir money cannot be the only driver for a person like me. It was in
IIFT that I got an idea for civil services and while in corporate sector I realized that we need somethin
that is more impactful and challenging. (both looked unconvinced)
3. C- What kind of guitar do you play?

Me- sir acoustic when I’m practicing at home and semi-electric when on stage (it was a good selling
opportunity)

4. C- What do you think are the subsidies that are being given to farmers?

I gave a few examples like fertilizers, water, power, interest subvention on capital goods etc and was abo
to get into the why part but was cut short- those are just input subsidies, tell me other subsidies– I t
MSP and then there are subsidies on food at consumer end for poor sections under PDS and future NF

5. C-What should we do? You think that subsidy model is sustainable?-

Me- Sir, it is needed as farmers are vulnerable to so many vagaries- both natural and manmade, but it
needs to better targeted and the bill needs to be rationalized. There are bigger farmers as well who get t
undue advantage of the subsidies. Sustaining subsidies forever is always going to be problem coz one,
hits your bills and two, it makes them difficult to pull out. Rationalizing and better targeting is the key in s
term and infrastructure development and alternative employability in non-farm activities in the long term.

6. C- Do you know if fertilizer subsidy reaches them at all? Do you know who is responsible to
make subsidy reach to farmers?-

Me- (Didn’t have much idea but tried) Sir, I had a word with my maternal uncle, who is an agriculturist
regarding this and he told me that it does but with a considerable lag. I don’t know which organization is
responsible for delivery.

7. C- I think it doesn’t reach farmers. It is given to middlemen who don’t pass it on entirely. Why
you think that is the case?–

Me-Sir, I think, because the financial infrastructure Is not completely in place. We can give them the dire
benefit transfer, but many being from less accessible pockets of India, financial reach is an issue.

8. C- I think it is about will to bring it under DBT. I have that view–

Me– True, sir. But we are seeing many payments coming under DBT and this also doesn’t look very far f
being practical.

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9. C- How is our relation with WTO? Do you think regional agreements are the way forward or yo
believe WTO can work out better?

Me- gave some background to WTO- told how india has gained in terms of trade volumes- but balanced
with the negative side- failures of past etc & bali agreement. So benefitted from WTO but regional
agreements are a reality. Gave few examples like RCEP etc.
C- What is India’s stand on TFA?- answered.
C- What are amber box subsidies (infact I had used that term somewhere, so was asked)- explained

Member-1
1. M1- Your portfolio looks already strong- you’ve done so many different activities, what i
that you would like to add more in that in say, next 5 years-
Me- Thankyou sir. I would like to learn a few more languages because when I was, under the student
exchange program I saw almost everybody learnt multiple languages of different nationalities, which was
inspiring. Secondly, having already put an exhibition of my paintings, I would like to dabble with a few mo
in next 5 years. That’s my short term plan (should’ve talked more about civil services here I feel, but was
busy selling my candidature harder )
2. How do you define modern art? If you have to give a lecture to students on modern art-
how would you explain it to them?–
Defined it as ‘anything different from traditional’. Explained some bit of traditional art forms like miniature
rajputana paintings etc. Then talked of diff forms of modern paintings- surreals, minimalism, futurism,
cubism etc.
3. What is Music piracy? How would you control it? Is internet the culprit?: Music has come
long way etc etc: Gave a balanced view. Talked about copyright act a bit..Didn’t criticize internet but
explained how loopholes like torrents have forced private players like Yash Raj films and T-series to recr
their own anti-piracy armies. Gave an optimistic outlook of future by giving examples on how many new
launches now happen first on the internet.
Member 2
1. M-2 Lengthiest question ever which essentially asked.. how would you balance use
organic farming and fertilizer use in India?-
Me- Answered around how Organic farming should be promoted in northern states which are relatively
better off because of Green revolution but eastern states should see a green revolution (i.e. fertilizers)
before moving to organic farming .. subsidize organic farming but with production targets- etc etc and ho
production needs to be balanced with eco-friendliness and cost with return.
Member 3
1. M3- See you are from finance background- please tell me how is capital budgeting
important?
Me- Blanked out. Knew IRR and CAPM but simply couldn’t recall. Tried evading initially through some
assets and liabilities stuff – but eventually surrendered with a ‘not able to recall sir’
2. M3–What is watered capitalisation?
Me: Don’t know sir
C– What is your question?
M3– Watered capitalization (pointing owards glass of water). Would you like to guess?
Me– No sir.
3. M3: Why are stock exchanges so fluctuating? What are the External and internal factors
Me- Started off with- ‘when federal reserve sneezes, emerging markets catch cold’ dialogue.
M3- that is external. What about internal?
Me- Inflation expectations, monsoonal prospects, corporate performance ,a majority govt at centre etc e
M3– Won’t fiscal policy have an impact on sensex?
Me– explained how using GST example.
4. M3– What is Bullockless agriculture?
Me- (hadn’t heard about the term so asked permission to rephrase it as mechanized agriculture.. he let m
So continued as how it is good but since 85% farmers <1 hectare, so not very economically viable. Cont
and cooperative farming can be the way forward.
M3- But that has failed in the past..
Me- That was because it was initiated from the top. Farmer participation was lacking too. We can correc
these things now.
Member 4
1. What was Pablo Picasso famous for?- answered cubism and how it worked
2. He said to make form you’ve to break form. Why?- Didn’t know why. But tried.. Maám, since
invented a form of art where things that he saw around were projected in geometric manner.. he may ha
referred to that….
3. In what categories can his paintings be divided across his life?- Shouldve known but didn
so, maám Don’t know
4. What impact did his paintings have on Spanish Civil War?- Shouldn’t have known and Did
so, ma’am know
5. Know about Ajanta? Does it have paintings?- yes explained with some examples of Buddhi
art… Talked a bit about painting called mahaparnirvana where Budhha, I believed was in padmasana.. b
she corrected me immediately that he was in lying position.. me: I stand corrected maam (with a stupid g
6. Ellora ? has Just caves or paintings too?- Said only caves (im not sure till date)
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from?- Rocks and flowers.
8. What do you understand by gender bias? Is it female specific?- answered in a gender neu
way
9. What role does culture play in gender bias?- gave examples of rituals like fasting and khaps
10. Difference between sex and gender?- sex is biological and gender is social
11. Is gender equality happening for real?- answered on lines of.. placards have come out but re
is far from ideal.. ended with an optimistic outlook towards future.
Chairman- You may leave.. wished them all a nice day and left.
Q5. Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or did they ask you totall
unexpected questions? Was it a stress interview, did they ask any uncomfortable questions? If y
how did you handle it?
Yes on expected lines. Was asked on agriculture (prob because Im from Punjab), art (hobby) and sociol
(optional).. Didn’t expect so many ques on Picasso though. Shouldve handled finance questions better.
Q6. Any side details about technicalities like “make sure you bring xyz document or do xyz thing
you’ll face problem”?
Umm. Can’t think of anything.
Q7. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup?
Expect it to last entire day. So don’t book your return ticket for the same day, if you are from outside Delh

CSE-2014 Marksheet
Q1. Please attach both prelim and final marksheet. (when it comes)
Prelims:
Paper 1- 106
Paper 2- 132.5
Mains:
Essay- 99
GS-1- 107
GS-2- 88
GS-3 – 94
GS 4- 98
Socio-1 146
Socio 2- 136
Written Total: 768
Interview- 193
Final Total – 961
Q2. After looking at the marksheet, suppose you had to prepare again next time, what changes w
you make in your studies?
Practise essay but thankfully I wont have to.

Career Backup
Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
Get back to corporate.
Q2. When were you going to “execute” that backup plan? (e.g. after __ failed attempts/ after I cro
__ age/after dad retires/ after girlfriend dumps me etc.)
Had promised myself one full fledged attempt and would’ve gone back immediately if Id failed.

Views on UPSC reforms

Q. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present stalemate is helping no-one, exc
coaching-owners, book publishers.
Yes
Q. Your views on the decision to make CSAT paper 33% qualifying?
Should’ve stayed. But I know many who love UPSC for this J
Q. Despite what UPSC has done in recent years, it has failed to curb the nuisance of Delhi’s
coaching factories. In fact it’s increased under the new syllabus in 2014. Let’s face it, most
candidates who gave Mains-2014 have relied on (authentic OR Xeroxed) coaching notes because
there was hardly any time left to prepare so many topics in such short time. This system work
against an individual preparing from far-away area, without any financial resources, high-speed
internet or contacts in Delhi.
Silence.. second thought.. will is important.. I met a guy on my interview day.. who didn’t have formal sho
(wore sports shoes).. wore borrowed trousers (could tell from two folds) and was still there, smiling and
confident.. I don’t agree that coaching notes help. Use internet, research the market well but you can sit
anywhere and crack this.

Q. Half-merger of IFoS with CSE is a bad move because it has raised the cutoffs for players who’
solely dedicated to IFoS only (and not to IAS/IPS). Adding salt to the wounds, many who had app
for both jobs, cleared the prelims- they did not even bother to appear in all the papers of Mains-
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Sorry, don’t know much about this
Q. UPSC should disclose official prelim answerkey and cutoffs, immediately after prelim is over,
instead of postponing it till interview phase is over.
Absolutely.
Q. UPSC should be conducted online like IBPS and CAT exam to shorten the duration of exam.
Yes, would make result compilation quicker, but that’s only for prelim. Students would need some breath
space between pre result and mains.
Q. If you are made the UPSC chairman, what other reforms would you initiate for the civil service
exam?
Umm.. I would love to say.. shorten the duration of exam, reduce no. of attempts, reduce upper age limit
remove quota system, allow just one more attempt to those already in services, allow home cadre as far
possible, declare cadre wise vacancies in advance, have pre and mains together etc etc. but I would tak
everybody’s opinions into account and see what is best and practicable.

Insecurity about profile

Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about ‘profile insecurity’. I’m
not from a big college, I’m not from English medium, and I don’t have work-experience. What if th
ask some stressful questions in the interview about this? Did you suffer from such insecurities?
What is your message to these candidates?
None.
Message: Believe. First step towards convincing anybody to believe in you is to first, sincerely believe in
youself.

Wisdom
Q. Through this struggle and success, what have your learned? What is the wisdom of life and
competition? What is your message to the new aspirants?

For exam:
Exam per se isn’t hard (by which I mean those 5 days and 9 exams), and it maybe easy for me t
say this in retrospect, but it is the everyday discipline for a year that is harder.
Know your battle well. Know the syllabus by heart, define your sources, know your limitations, kn
what you are up against thoroughly. Only then can you fight this thing better.
There are many low moments during prep. It isn’t important if you fall, happens to all of us.. what
more imp is how quickly you bounce back.
Treat pre diff from mains diff from interview and give them all equal respect. Your safest bet is to
focus on mains.
Have some good individual hobbies. Will help you sail better.
Respect is imp.-respect your books, your dreams, your parents money, your opportunity cost los
your examination, your interview panelists and after you become something.. everybody.
For life:
This isn’t everything. Do your BEST.. I repeat your best.
It takes a lot of character and grit to make it. I am sure you all have it, just don’t tell yourself otherwis
Want this ..for the right reasons.
Good luck J

Credit: Friends/family
Q. Behind every topper are many people who stood by during those uncertain times when he/she
was merely an ‘aspirant’. Would you like to tell the world, who were those people in your case? A
specific incidence that you would like to share with the readers?

Family- Couldn’t have done without their support. Their faith in me is more than what I had in myself
father was literally doing topic wise research and reading yojanas and highlighting matter in order to
save my time. I may not have mustered the courage to quit my lucrative job to take this without them
coz of them.
Friends- Who.. though were not preparing for upsc.. helped me with the research selflessly.
My ex company bosses- who assured me of me backup at all times, which gave a sense of security.
IIFT, Director- who guided me in initial months
Sethi sir (Chd)- for the interview guidance
My cousin in Delhi- for the stay and right environment.
There are many more like newspaper wale bhiya, chai wale bhiya and many more..

BOGUS Marketing Propaganda

Q. You are well aware of the sacred rule – the last question must be about self-marketing. So, Did
you use Mrunal.org for your preparation and if yes, how did it help you? And you can even reply
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