Thursday, March 14, 2013

Upsc Interview experience upsc 2013 .......cse 2012....

Grad History Hons.
Subjects; History Sociology lasted for 30- 35 min,

David sirs board ·

Chairman-How do I pronounce your name and then he reads the DAF...Ohk so you are a graduate in History then you have Sociology as your second optional birdwatching,Calligraphy that’s interesting for a student of History INMUN,Sukhdeo Memorial , Savitri Memorial prize were all these in college?Questions on birdwatching and calligraphy...general why birdwatching,where did you go, then calligraphy why is it seeing a declining trendSo what all subjects you had in your Hons.Course 

M1 - (Lady) give a general overview of the Economic scenario I asked her can I give it sector wise she asked me to keep it brief... what is inflation, current rate of inflation. GST...then she asked if I could site an example I told her Canada (harmonious tax structure india can follow) then St Stephens, why is it so famous she asked me for its historical relevance for DU (answered)when did it go coed (I dint kne) Academically bright people like you join the service but then they leave it too fast, what’s the reason for this.(though it is an individual decision it has a lot to do with job satisfaction one joins civil services with a certain frame of mind and then things dont fall in line with it so she said you mean politicization of services is one of the reasons for it..I agreed with her and said its still in the end your stand to keep yourself away from it you cant be forced into it and about other things I said a person should be solution oriented...what we imagine or construct are ideal situations but the ground reality is very different ...so within limited resources we should try to find a way) she dint ask me more on this. -

you know what did he do ? Armstrong Lane 100km road in NE ·

historical personality who died on 5th of March ?Joseph StalinThen he asked me about Stalin (so I started from power struggle to his contribution to Russia) What’s the ATLANTIC charter What was the agreement between Churchill and

Chairman –can you name the very famous Congressman who was a birdwatcher?AO Hume·

development? (inclusive)How will you empower rural women? (kudumbshree,SHG) Child labour legislation,RTE its link...shioould there be a blanket ban....(I agreed with this sited UN convention to which India is a party and the reason why we are not able to curb this is because there are leakages in the system in addition to the fact that it requires rehabilitation because child labour is essentially connected to poverty...so we should have a comprehensive framework for a child who was working till the age of 14 is illiterate and all of a sudden you ask him to go to school it will be difficult for him to adjust and therefore dropout so his rehabilitation should be structured for him in addition to this the problem is poverty the life chances it reproduces which are self reinforcing)

1

What is historiography?
The way history has been studied colonial nationalist subaltern ... reflect change over period of time, critical evaluation of sourcesdo we learn from history?Yes... historicism is not about cause effect relationship nor should we reduce it to one,at best history offers you perspectives ..vantage point to think(looked satisfied... I dont kne)

Chairman-Name a famous sociologist and his work ... No no Indian I said MN Srinivas then asked me on sanskritization, dominant class, Tell me a sociologist who’s alive? Andre beteille then any of his recent work

M4- Couldnt understand what he was sayingIs history about leaders? I said no not completely ...because I see it as a process (there was something more I said but I cant recall now) What is the subaltern school?(answered) Can law bring social change? Only to a extent article 17 prohibits it, as a practice its over but it still remains in cognitive sphere.

one more question and that ll be quick and he was looking at the watch again and again Colonial legacy for India Administratio

me to leave

Upsc interview experience 2013 cse 2012 .....

My interview : Background-Aerospace engineering B.Tech & M.Tech and optionals were phy and maths the questions asked were:
Akla sirohi:
1. What are u doing now ( Job related )
2. What is olympus ( DAF related ) Following were asked in the last----------------------------------------------------------------
3.Stealth Technology and ways to do achieve it ( Related to my Mtech thesis )
4. what is Von- Allen radiation
5. What is Phalcon radar ?
6. What is 360 degree appraisal system ?
7. What is optical illusion ? ( I don't know )
8. Okay , Tell me more about standing commitees..any other than PAC ( 2 more propped up from no where...ethics comm and comm on estimates:) ) Last question . Have u heard about committee on public undertaking ? ( As soon as i heard it , i said yes ma'm ..and explained it..as soon as she heard abt its purpose from my mouth , she gave a look at M1 and they both looked happy )

M1: 1. Is aeronautics different from aerospace ?
2. Explain the dreamliner issue and underlying problem ?
3. Will India be affected by dremliner's grounding ?
4. What is governance ?
5. What is accountability ?
6. Is there any mechanism through which union activities of the executives can be checked ? ( through various standing and selected adhoc committes like jpc )
7.Tell me about PAC and how does it ensures accountability over exec
8. Tell me the current chair of pac, its selection process , composition .
9. why the head of pac is not from the ruling govt ?
10. what are the other committes ? ( I said that there are about 22 comms but unfortunately could not recall none due to pressure ) 11. is there any mechanics through which transparency can be ensured ( My ans was NGOs and Civil society...forgot to add RTI ..he himself added it :)

M2:

1. what do u mean by a model code of conduct ? have u heard of it ? in which context ? any recent incident which violated it ? 2. why do we have a model code of conduct ?
3. Recently many districts were merged in UP and many new formed. what were the consequences of it on citizens who will be included under the administration of area under new name ?
4. As a DM what will u do to tackle such a situation?

M3:

1. you have a good degree then why IAS ?
2. What do you do in " Tracking advancements in aviation " ? ( Hobby related : I used many jargons here to steer the interview my way...luckily almost every question Alka ma'm asked from it only like stealth :) )

M4:

1. Why India has very less number of great scientists and engineers in comparison to USA and Europe ? ( sala itna dheere bol raha tha ki samajh hi nahin aa raha tha :( alka ma'm helped me in expalining the question )
2. difference between science and technology ? and which came first ? ( I gave wrong answer to it and later he expaline that Tech should have come first then sci ) :(

The whole interview lasted for abt 30 mins and i fumbled on few ocassions . .

UPSC Interview experience 2013 ....cse 2012 date of interview 12 marçh 2013

Sathish MC - 10:10 AM My Interview.... My Interview Questions:

B.E Civil Engineering. Working in SAIL Optionals: Political Science & International Relations and History. Board: Purushottam Agrawal Sir. Date: 12th March Afternoon.

1. About my job in SAIL. Why IAS after Civil Engg.
2. Why Pol Sci & History for IAS? Why not Technical subjects?
3. India China foreign policy since independence.
4. Whn & Why did Dalai lama come to India
5. Explain Bangladesh Shahbag protests - Opposition party protests - Death toll & about International tribunals
6. Who are Razakkars - Operation polo
7. Who is Mohammad Yunus and his achievements
8. Why India is obsessive about Pakistan?
9. Why South Asian region is not so developed. Does India's foreign policy has to do something with it?
10. About Marxism & Theory of Surplus Value
11. Telugu Ganga project - Its river, Dam, Benefits for Chennai & AP - current status.
12. Silapadigaram and Kannagi
13. Tell one Tirukkural
14. Trace the historical reasons for so many clashes in India's neighbourhood
15. USA interference in other countries - why?
16. Discuss USA's problems with its southern neighbours - Mexico and S. America
17. Reasons for India's Integration

Overall, the board was cordial but they were grilling on Intl rlns esp the Bangladesh, Pakistan and China related questions. The Interview lasted for 20-25 mins.

Regards, SATHISH KUMAR MC

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

UPSC interview experience ...cse 2012......ias 2013

My Interview (Profile- Electrical Engineer in Powergrid India from UP)

1.What are the Challenges Powergrid is facing?
2.Land acquisition issues in Transmission sector.
3.Why Civil services if Powergrid giving such a great platform to work?
4..What is Smart Grid?
5.What are smart materials? Polymers?
6.Ill effects of polythene and How to enforce Polythene ban in Delhi?
7 .Powergrid's optical fibre business related query..
8.Why Delhi Metro model is a success?
9.What is PPP? 
10.Franchise Model in distribution.
11.How to bring in gender equality?
12.What do you do for gender equality?
13.What is the future of thermal generation in India?
14.Should we allow Women in combat roles?
15.What is the energy required in India today?
16.What are the major regulatory issues facing CERC?
17.What should be the use of Nirbhaya Fund?

Friday, March 8, 2013

UPSC Interview Board member courtesy target ias


1. Professor D. P. AGRAWAL (Chairman)

Professor D.P. Agrawal is a Member, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi. Before joining this prestigious position Professor D P Agrawal was founder Director of ABV Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management (IIITM), Gwalior. IIITM was set up by Ministry of Human Resource Development in 1998 and declared by Government of India, in 2001 as a Deemed University. IIITM is a unique apex institution for producing leadership manpower in information technology and management and offers PhD, MBA, M Tech courses. The institute has already created a niche for itself in industries in India and abroad. The institute has been offering a  large number of MDPs for executives from industry, government and the corporate sector.  The institute also offers consultancy to a number of industries.

Under his leadership IIITM, has entered into MOUs with Institutions/Universities in the USA and Spain for joint collaboration in the areas of research,  exchange programmes for faculty and students, and consultancy to companies in India and abroad. Many initiatives started by him at IIITM, Gwalior have been replicated in the country.

Professor Agrawal has been an eminent teacher, educational administrator and institution builder. He was Professor and Dean at IIT- Delhi from where, in 1994, he took over as Joint Educational Adviser (T) in the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. He has planned and developed a number of initiatives at national level in technical education, particularly in the areas of information technology and computer education. He has made substantial contribution for the development of vocational education through advice and guidance.

Professor Agrawal was National Project Director of  the World Bank assisted project for strengthening technician education in India. This project covered 19 States and 590 polytechnics. He has contributed to the development of Centres for Excellence in higher technical and in polytechnic education. He was instrumental in conceptualizing a number of new institutions.

Professor Agrawal was Managing Director of Educational Consultants India Ltd. (Ed.CIL), a PSU of Government of India. He brought about major changes in work culture of this organisation, including decentralized decision making and transferring functional responsibilities to lower executives. At IIT Delhi, Professor Agrawal held many key administrative positions including Dean of students. He was very active in academics and research too and supervised nearly 100 thesis at PhD, Masters and Undergraduate levels. He has been  a consultant to a number of companies. 

He has been a member of Editorial Boards of National and International journals. He attracted research funds to IIT, Delhi for his projects from Defence, DST and CSIR. His research papers have received awards from Institutes of Engineers. In addition to being  a member of a number of governing  bodies of institutions, Professor Agrawal is a member of a number of professional institutions and societies. Professor Agrawal has contributed significantly to the growth of quality technical education in the country through his close interaction with AICTE. He has  been Chairman of Central Regional Committee of AICTE. Currently he is the Chairman of PG Board of AICTE.

Professor Agrawal was born on 2nd October, 1949. After graduating in Engineering in 1970 from AMU Aligarh, he obtained his Ph.D from IIT, Delhi. He has been a visiting faculty at Imperial College, London and Cranfield University in UK. He has lectured in Germany and Czechoslovakia. He has led a number of delegations of the Government of India to the USA, Australia, Germany, New Zealand and Canada.

Prof. Agrawal was christened as ‘Engineer of the Year 2006’ by the Institution of Engineers. Hon. Fellowship Award was conferred by Indian Society for Technical Education on 14th December, 2006.

2. Dr. VENKATARAMI REDDY Y
The former Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission Y. Venkatrami Reddy, has been appointed as a New Member of Union Public Service Commission.

Prof. Reddy, who served as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission between 2005 to 2011. He  was Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh hails from Kamalapuram village in Garladinne mandal of Anantapur district. He is Engineer by profession obtained his BE electrical engineering from the Government of College of Engineering, Anantapur, and M.E. degree from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.

He did his Ph.D from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and joined as a lecturer at the JNTU College of Engineering in 1975.He was the youngest Vice-Chancellor to be appointed in JNTU's history in 1999 and continued in the position for six and half years till 2004.

Prof. Reddy was also the Chairman of Engineering, Agricultural and Medical Common Entrance Test, AP (EAMCET) for a record six years from 1999 to 2004. The JNTU expanded enormously in terms of size, staff and academics during his tenure.
  
3. Prof. PURUSHOTTAM AGRAWAL
(b. 1955 at Gwalior, India), Graduation (1974 - Maharani Laxmi Bai College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh), MA (Political Science, 1977 - Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh), MA (Hindi Literature, 1979 - Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi), Ph.D (Hindi Literature, 1985, ‘The Social Meaning of Kabir’s Bhakti’; Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi).

Formerly Chairperson, Center of Indian Languages, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; Chief Advisor, Hindi Textbooks (classes VI-XII), NCERT, New Delhi (2005-07), Prof. Agrawal taught at Ramjas  College, University of Delhi (1982-90), edited and published “Jigyasa”, an inter-disciplinary academic journal (1983-84),  served as Associate Professor, Center of Indian Languages, JNU (1990-2003). Professor of Hindi Literature, Center of Indian Languages, School of Languages, Literature and Culture Studies (SLLCS), JNU (2003-07).

He served as British Academy Visiting Professor at Faculty of Oriental Studies, Cambridge University and as Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge  University, United Kingdom in 2002. Conducted two seminars on the “Identity discourses in the current Indian politics” at the Center of South Asian Studies, UPSC Cambridge University. Also served as Visiting Professor at El Colegio de Mexico (National College of Mexico, Mexico City) during May-July 2002. Conducted  four seminars on the themes of culture and history of Indian people. In Nov.-Dec.2004, during an  academic tour of the United States of America, Prof. Agrawal lectured at the Columbia University, New York; Emory University, Atlanta; Rice University, Houston. The Halle Institute of the Emory University organized a luncheon meeting in his honor, where he spoke on the post-election political scene in India.

Prof. Agrawal won Devi Shankar Awasthy Samman for “Teesra Rukh”, 1996, and Mukutdhar Pandey Samman for “Sanskriti: Varchswa aur Pratiroadh”, 1997. Some of the books written by Prof. Agrawal are Kabir:Sakhi aur Sabad (A collection  of Kabir’s poetry with an analytical introduction), Shivdan Singh Chauhan (A monograph in “Makers of Indian Literature” series published by Sahitya Akademi, Delhi), Majbooti Ka Naam Mahtma Gandhi (published version of annual Gandhi Lecture, organized by Gandhi Peace Foundation, Delhi), Nij Brahma Vichhar:Dharma Samaj aur Dharmetar Adhyatma (Essays on religion, spirituality and philosophy), Vichaar ka Ananta (a collection of theoretical and cultural essays), Teesra Rukh (A collection of literary and cultural essays), Sanskriti: Varchswa aur Pratiroadh (a collection of cultural and political essays) Hindi Nai chaal mein Dhali( edited  proceedings of the international symposium organized in Patna, India on the evolution of modern Hindi)

Prof. Agrawal contributes regularly to academic journals and popular magazines on wide-ranging issues of culture, literature and current affairs. Numerous articles both in Hindi and English have been published in academic journals, popular magazines and newspapers over the last twenty-five years. He has reviewed several books in English and Hindi for Seminar, Studies in History, The Book Review, Biblio, Alochana, Hans, Kathadesh, Vasudha etc.

Prof. Agrawal served as Member in several Board of Studies; Academic, Research and Governing Council of important Universities of the Country. In many international conferences and academic events, he delivered various keynote address, presented papers, delivered lectures, spoke on important themes besides organizing an international conference on ‘Evolution of Hindi’. An active social activist and consultant, Prof. Agrawal served as Chief Advisor (2003-06) of the ‘Peaceful co-existence in South Asia’ project of the Aman Trust, Delhi. As a consultant to Oxfam, India (1998-2002), he had organized inter-faces of scholars, creative artists and social activists as part of the Violence Amelioration and Mitigation Project (VMAP). Of particular value have been  the interfaces between Kabir-panthis and the scholars of  Kabir, and conferences on the question of social identities and a dialogue on Spirituality without Religion. His writings have been included in a course ‘Public intellectuals  of India’ offered by the College of Mexico, Mexico City. Member, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi since July 2, 2007.

4.  Shri I M G Khan 
Shri I.M.G Khan former Secretary (Posts), Department of Posts, is an officer of the Indian Postal Service belonging to the 1970 batch, Shri I.M.G Khan held  several important positions in his career, which includes, Member (Operations & Marketing) and Member (Development) in the Department of Posts, Additional Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training and Additional Secretary and Controller or Examinations in the UPSC.

He also served as Member Secretary, Civil Services Examination Reforms Committee headed by Professor Y.K. Alagh in UPSC. Shri Khan was also a Member of UPSC delegation that visited Australia and Singapore to study their Public Service Commissions.

 5. Shri Prashanta Kumar Mishra
Prashanta Kumar Mishra, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, is a  1972 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) Officer of UP Cadre. In his career spanning over 36 years has held several important assignments both in the state of UP and in the centre. His assignments at the Centre included Director General of Nehra Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Special Secretary and Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Parliamentary Affairs Secretary.

6. Shri Vijay Singh 
Former Defence Secretary Vijay Singh is an Indian Administrative Service Officer of the Madhya Pradesh Cadre (1970), Singh held several important assignments both in Madhya Pradesh and at the Centre during his 37 year career.

His assignments at the Centre included Director in the Department of Cultural Affairs, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Finance. He became Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh in October, 2004 and served there till January 2006. Thereafter, he served as Secretary to Government of India in the Department of AYUSH and later in the Department of Road Transport and Highways, till becoming Defence Secretary in August, 2007. (ANI)

7. Ms Rajni Razdan:
Ms Rajni Razdan, former Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Government of India, took the oath of office and secrecy as Member, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Haryana Cadre (1973 batch), Ms Razdan has held several important assignments both in Haryana and at the Centre.

Her assignments at the Centre included Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Food and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. In her home cadre, her assignments included Secretary, Cooperation and Public Health, Principal Secretary, Housing and Chairman, Haryana Housing Board.

Author of a number of publication, she became Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Pension & Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances in February 2007.
  
8. Smt. Alka Sirohi
Smt. Sirohi is a post graduate in history and is well versed both in English and French. Beginning her career as an assistant collector of Gwalior way back in 1975, she later became collector in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh. As a deputy secretary in the ministry of defence, she had her first stint in Central deputation between 1983 and 1986, and later became principal advisor in the Planning Commission and secretary in department of food and public distribution under ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution.

In her state cadre, Sirohi held important assignments in the departments of agriculture cooperation, women and child development and health and family welfare. In 1988, she obtained a management degree from UK.She is a third generation IAS and her younger sister too is an IAS of UP cadre whereas her brother is a railway officer.

An IAS officer of 1974 batch of Madhya Pradesh Cadre, she served as Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, M/o Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Secretary. A post graduate in Western History, Smt. Sirohi is trained in management and issues related to sustainable development.

9. David Reid Syiemlieh
David Reid Syiemlieh is as Indian academician. He was born on 22 January 1953 in Mutrapore, Sibsagar, Assam. He studied in Dr Graham's Homes, Kalimpong (1959–1970) and graduated with history honours from St.Edmund's College, Shillong. This was followed with a Masters degree in History (1976), MPhil(1980) and PhD (1985) from the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. He taught undergraduates in St. Edmund's College (1977–1979) before joining the Department of History, NEHU, in 1979. He rose in the profession to become Professor in the Department of History. He held numerous positions in the University, including Dean of Students' Welfare; Head Department of History; Controller of Examinations; Registrar and Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
Author of several books and articles on the history of North East India, he is credited with discovering the date of death of Tirot Sing and locating the grave of Thomas Jones, the Welsh missionary who first arrived in the Khasi Hills. David R Syiemlieh was Honorary Director of the Indian Council for Social Science Research, North Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong ;Member of the Indian Council for Historical Research,New Delhi and Member, Indian Council for Social Science Research,New Delhi.The President of India in her capacity as Visitor, Rajiv Gandhi University,Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, appointed Prof. David R Syiemlieh as Vice-Chancellor of the University.[1] He took charge on 5 October 2011.
He is recipient of the Charles Wallace Grant for research in the UK; India France Cultural Exchange for research in Paris, and the Senior Fulbright Fellowship for research in the US. He was affiliated to Notre Dame University.
Prof.Syiemlieh was President of the North East India History Association (2010–2011).As Sectional President- Modern India Section of the Indian History Congress , he delivered his address at the 78th session held in Mumbai, 2012.
Prof. David R Syiemlieh was appointed by the President of India as Member, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi
10. Shri Manbir Singh
Shri Manbir Singh, Former Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, An officer of Indian Foreign Service of 1976 batch, Shri Manbir Singh has held several important positions which incudes Counselor (Commerce & Economics) in former USSR and later the Russian Republic, Minister at the Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates, Chief of Protocol at Headquarters, New Delhi, Ambassador of India in the countries of Hungry, Iran and Netherlands. 

Shri Singh has also served as India’s representative to ‘Convention on Prevention of Chemical Weapons’ and the ‘International Court of Justice’

11. Shri Amar Pratap Singh
An officer of Indian Police Service of 1974 batch, Shri Amar Pratap Singh held several important positions earlier which include Inspector General (Special Branch & CID), Meghalaya State, Chief Vigilance Officer, Indian Airlines, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Additional Director General (Hqrs), Border Security Force, Special Director, CBI. 

Shri Singh served as Superintendent of Police of Katihar, Bhagalpur & Jamshedpur. He served as IGP Special Branch & CID in Meghalaya while on North-East deputation. He also served as Chief Vigilance Officer in Indian Airlines.  He was specially selected by the Chief Minister of Jharkhand as Officer on Special Duty to function as Advisor to Chief Minister in his secretariat. He served as Additional Director General in the Border Security Force.

Shri Singh, a Post Graduate of Delhi University, has been decorated with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

Chakresh Sir's interview cs2012......on 4th march 2013

My IAS interview as it happened on 4th march 2013
As it happens, I was fortunate enough to appear for IAS interview 3rd
time. I shared my 1st two experiences with you earlier.

CSE-2010 interview (165 marks)

CSE-2011 interview (171 marks)

Although I got selected both times, but interview marks were average
both times. I was not sure how I will perform this time, as my interview
was on 1st day and I was able to prepare only basic things. I was the
last candidate to be interviewed by IMG Khan board. I am not satisfied
with my interview this year. Let’s hope that Khan saheb thinks otherwise.
You can read the detailed transcript below.

Me: May I come in sir?
CP: Yes, Chakresh, please come in, take your seat.

Me: Good afternoon sirs, madam.
Cp: Good afternoon.

Me: Thank you sir.
Cp: So Chakresh, you have done B.Tech from IIT Kanpur and post
graduation from IIT Delhi?

Me: Yes sir.
Cp: very good, and you are working somewhere I think?

Me: yes sir, I am in IRTS.
Cp: IRTS?

Me: Indian Railway Traffic Service.
Cp: Oh yes, based on last year’s exam?
Me: yes sir.

Cp: So, what are the major problems that railways is facing these days?
Me: Sir, there is lack of modernization, organizational bloat. And sir, most
important problem that railways is facing is the lack of funds, which is
cause of current grim situation.

Cp: So lack of fund is the biggest problem?
Me: yes sir.

Cp: What is the second biggest problem?
Me: Sir, human resource mismanagement, We have crunch of staff at
some places and …. (interrupts)

Cp: ok, ok, tell me, if funds remain same, organization remains same, can
we still improve the condition of railways somehow?
Me: yes sir, we can improve it by adopting some innovative measures. 5
years back railways was a turn around story, and we were in profit. All
that was achieved by increasing axle load and increasing length of freight
trains.

Cp: yes yes, good. Chakresh, when I was a little boy, train ran at the max
speed of 80 miles per hour, they still run at same speed, isn’t that so?
Me: yes sir, it is so. We need extra funds for the modernization. In
railway vision 2020 we have provision for separating passenger and
freight traffic. That will give us opportunity to increase the maximum
speed of trains.

Cp: IRTS is a generalist service in a largely technical organization. Do
you agree?
Me: yes sir.

Cp: and given your engineering background, do you think that railway is
doing a good job?

Me: Sir, there are positives and negatives of every coin. Railway is
providing transport facility in a big nation like India. Railway is also
working under the dual assumption of being a public – social
organization and being a business entity.

Cp: That mean that there are political constrains involved?
Me: Ofcourse sir, railways is a government department so it serves
nation in many ways that are not economically sound, but only due to
political and social considerations.

Cp: So, what do you think future is. Do you think that it will be better if
we privatize the railways, like we are doing with so many other things?
Me: (a small pause) Sir, I think that railways is a core and essential
department of the nation so we should not privatize it but in my opinion,
in future, railways is moving towards a condition where we will have
many small corporations, looking after one aspect of the railway, like
DFCC, IRCTC, DMRC etc and they will interact with each other on user
fee basis.

Cp: You mentioned delhi metro, what is the reason that same railway
engineers built such a nice infra and well functioning metro and they are
not able to do so with indian railways?
Me: Sir, there are two issues involved. If we look at the engineering
achievements then railways has also done many wonders. There are so
many long lasting bridges, many lines which pass through almost
inaccessible areas like konkan railways. Other thing about smooth
functioning is that railways has to cater for a diverse type of passenger
traffic. In the same train we have to provide for general coaches and first
AC coaches also. Sir, recently there was an incident when a lady said to
railway minister that she is ready to pay 2000 Rs more for Delhi-Mumbai
service, if we can provide better service. On the other hand some people
don’t even like to buy 5 Rs platform ticket. So sir, in my opinion, given
the the socio-economic environment railway organization is doing a
pretty good job.

Cp: (a big smile) you can pat yourself on your back all you want, but
railways is in a big mess right now. Why China has improved its rail
network when we have not?

Me: yes sir, there is always a scope for improvement. China’s advantage
lies in largely undemocratic practices. They do not have problem of land
aquisition & lack of government investment. Also sir, chinese economy
opened up 20 years before Indian, so there is a lag that way also.

Cp: When did you join IRTS? How much time have you spent in railways?
Me: Sir, I joined on 17th December 2012, so almost 3 months.
Cp: okay okay, what is the basic job of an IRTS officer?

Me: Sir, IRTS officers are mostly in 3 departments of railways,
operations, commercial, safety. They also go on deputation to other
ministries.
Cp: okay, that’s it from me.
M1: You have written that you worked as an intern in Italy. How did you
get that intern?
Me: sir, it was a R&D company. They had positions of interns so I
applied there and they accepted.
M1: no no, I mean, you were in your 3rd year of graduation, did they
came to your campus for recruitment or what?
Me: Sir, actually, one of my professor gave the reference. He worked on
some paper with an executive of that company. He recommended me
and I got that opportunity.
M1: hmmm, you have given very unusual service preferences.
Me: Sir, at the time of filling this form I was not aware of the real nature
of IRTS. So I kept my options open. But now when I have worked as an
IRTS officer, I like this job. My real preference list contains only IAS now.
M1: you have also not given first preference to your home cadre, why?
Me: Sir, there are two reasons. First I am very much familiar with almost
all north Indian states so all of them are like home to me. Second in my
home state, I have many relatives, so I don’t want to be an IAS officer
there.
Cp: (jumps from his seat): what, please elaborate on this point. This
relatives point.
Me: Sir, If I am working as an IAS officer in a state where my relatives
live, then they are bound to come to me for small or big favors. Now sir,
whether I do their work or not, whether they get it by rules or not,
whether I do something legitimate or not, people are going to question
my integrity. And sir, I don’t want my integrity and honesty to be
questioned by anyone, on any issue.
Cp: wow, that is a very refreshing take, very good. Please continue.
(points to M1)
M1: can you list your first 5 cadre preferences?
Me: Yes sir, they are (I listed them)
M1: okay fine.
M2: Chakresh, you have opted for arts subjects when you are an
engineer. Why did you choose these two subjects?
Me: Sir, while choosing pubad I thought that it is going to be useful for
me in my job as a civil servant, so I took it. The other one sir, because
during my BTech, I have to study 4 humanities courses and I studied
sociology in all those courses and I liked it. So I chose sociology.
M2: ok, what can you tell me about India’s demography?
Me: sir, in general or should I tell some specific aspect.
M2: in general.
Me: Sir according to 2011 census India has a large population of 1.2
billion. The growth rate is decreasing but it is still very high. We have a
low sex ratio. Literacy is around 74% and it is constantly improving and I
am hopeful that in 20 years we will have almost universal literacy.
M2: What else?
Me: Sir, India is going through a demographic transition phase. We have
a very young population. Around 50% of Indians are below 25 years.
M2: so, what do you suggest, we should do to put this young population
at productive work.
Me: Sir, 1 or 2 years before, I am not able to recall the correct year, there
was a new national youth policy. It bracketed youth in 3 categories.
18-24 need quality education, 24-30 need skill development and increase
in employability and 30-35 need self employment opportunities.
M2: So basically focus should be on skill development?
Me: yes sir.
M2: okay good. (passes to M3)
M3: You have written that you worked as senior editor in some media
company.
Me: Actually ma’am, I and one of my friend from IIT founded this
company. We started 4-5 blogs. I used to write on social issues and he
used to write on technical issues. Later when revenue start to come we
opened an office also, where we had around 10 people working for us. I
left that position and closed my blog after 2011 exam result. That
company is still running in very good condition.
M3: So, you must be having good knowledge of media.
Me: yes ma’am.
M3: Do you think that today’s media is working very well.
Me: Do you mean mainstream media or others also, ma’am?
M3: No, I mean mainstream TV and print media.
Me: ma’am, in a democracy, media is essential part of public life. It acts
as watchdog. Indian media has played that role very well. But there are
some problems also, like paid media, yellow journalism etc.
M3: What was the role of media in recent nirbhaya case?
Me: ma’am media highlighted the issue very well. Then people came out
en-mass on streets. There were many debates and discussions on TV
channels.
M3: Was there any problem with the coverage?
Me: yes ma’am, I think that even after having so many screen-hours
devoted to that issue, there were no concrete solutions given by media.
Our media tend to use issues for increasing their TRP. They hop on and
hop off from news to news, giving too many breaking news, without
much serious fruitful discussion.
M3: ok, that’s about media. Why do you think that so many people came
on the street on rape issue?
Me: ma’am, this issue concerned all of us. Firstly India is a young nation
and youngsters connected with this issue very much. Secondly media did
proper publicity of this incident. As it was in Delhi, so it was always on
media radar. If same incident took place somewhere in MP or UP, media
might not have given that much importance to it. Thirdly as a sociology
student I can say that India is going through tough economic times when
protest is a very frequent way of displaying anger.
M3: okay good. (points to M4)
M4: You must have heard recent terrorist incidents?
Me: Yes sir, In Hyderabad …
M4: Let me finish the question.
Me: Sorry sir.
M4: What is the subtle difference among terrorism, militancy,
fundamentalism, insurgency?
Me: Sir, terrorism is the use of any method, violent or verbal or symbolic
to create terror in the mind of general population. Militancy is use of
violent method for achieving some political purpose. Insurgency is violent
protest against the state or any authority. And in the last,
fundamentalism is the adherence to an ideology on the exclusion of other
ideologies. It may be based on religion, region, caste, ethnicity or any
other thought.
M4: Very good. Can you tell me, in which part of India insurgency in
going on?
Me: Sir, we have insurgents in J&K, North east states and maoist
affected areas.
M4: Tell us about AFSPA?
Me: sir, it is a provision to be used in disturbed areas. Military is entitled
to search, arrest or even shoot if anybody violates the provisions of this
act…
M4: No, we all know about AFSPA. I meant to ask, what is your opinion
about it. Do you think it should be removed?
Me: Sir, it is a complex issue. In my opinion there should be a case to
case specific study. And then if ground realities permit we should remove
it. Jeevan Reddy committee has recommended its removal from north
east.
M4: But army is against removing it.
Me: Sir, I think that we should not be rigid about it. Ultimate aim should
be its removal when conditions improve. A recent committee
recommended that in JK we should remove it from civilian areas but
keep it for areas falling under 20Km from LOC. I think that can be a good
suggestion.
Cp: But what can we do about people falling in between terrorists and
security forces. Do you think collateral damage should be allowed?
Me: Sir, in my personal opinion even at the risk of letting 5 terrorist go,
we should not kill 1 innocent person. Security forces should act only if
they are 100% sure about identity of terrorist.
Cp: No, but that never works in real life. Recently a kashmiri student was
arrested in Banglore and he remained in jail for 3 months, later he was
found innocent. What you can do in such situation.
Me: Sir, I don’t know the details about this particular incident. I can not
question what lead police had to arrest that person. But what we can do
in long term is to give better training to police for human rights issues.
Cp: But what does it say about our nation that even after 60 years of
independence, we are still facing so many insurgents.
Me: Sir it is due to diversity of our country and historical reasons that
differences arise, but many foreign powers are involved in fueling those
small differences.
Cp: So, you are saying that diversity is a bad thing. I think that it is one
of our greatest assets.
Me: Sir, I am not saying that diversity is bad. It is basis on our unity. But
we should not let others misuse it against us.
Cp: But now Bangladesh, Myanmar have stopped doing so, don’t you
think so?
Me: yes sir, that is why we have north east terrorism almost under
control. But one foreign power is still not relenting.
Cp: (laugh) They are not going to stop so easily. okay, okay, so tell me
what we can do to make Kashmiris feel that they are as Indian as you
and me?
Me: Sir first thing we should focus on economic and educational
development of J&K. We should provide enough employment
opportunities. This in long term can achieve such goal.
Cp: yeah that’s all good, we already pour in too much money there. What
can we do here, in Delhi, amongst general Indians, so that Kashmiris
don’t feel alienated?
Me: Sir, we should increase people to people interaction. We should
sensitize our citizen about this issue by media.

Cp: (laughs) ohho, we are back from where we started. Media
sensitization and role of media, that is ever questionable. So, in the end,
let me ask you, do you think media is playing good enough role in this
case.
Me: Sir, it is not living upto its full potential.
Cp: No, no, tell me yes or no. Is it doing what it should do ideally?
Me: No sir.
Cp: Okay, thank you, you can go now.
Me: Thank you sir.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

UPSC interview experience ...cse 2012......date 4.03.2013

Profile :: B.Tech (CE from IITK)..
.M-Tech (Structures-IITD)..
.Optionals (Physics, Civil Engg.)
Board :: P.K.Mishra sir.

Questions :: Mostly Bio-data related.... *
Why did you not accept MS offers...
* Why do IIT graduates run to foreign univ. for post grad.
* what can be done for the state of higher education in India.
. * why did you leave your job....
why civil services..
hobbies related questions--
* describe your last trek.
* safety measures required ...
* whistle-blower protection act. .... (I had mentioned trekking and whistling as my hobbies)
. Situational Questions * If you are posted as IAS in a drought prone district...what short term and long term steps will you take..
* What steps can you take in case of a riot
* Suggest some solutions for the insurgency problem in North-East. Optionals Related Ques
* Indian Noble prize winners in physics and their work.
* IS Codes and efficient construction practices.
. there were also some current affairs based factual questions ..most of which I could not answer
.. (.. Interview lasted for about 30 minutes....I was the first one to go in my group.... Overall the board was very coordial and PK Mishra sir was very helpful through-out... Hope this helps.... :)