UPSC Previous Year Interview Questions (Set 1)
1. Name : G.Sreedhar
Chairman of the Board: Mrs.Shashi uban tripathi
Questions:
Chairman:
1)What kind of hobby(bike riding) is yours?
Ans: Mam, I usually travel with my friends during the weekend… I predominantly take up the ECR in Chennai.
2)What is ur opinion on illegal race and rash driving by youngsters in the metros in nights?
Ans: Mam, Its very risky and also put the others on risk. Such people should be immediately detained and their licenses should also be detained.
Member 1:
1)According to u whom do u think as the most eventful railway minister in the near past(he indirectly asked me to compare Lalu Prasad and Mamata Banerjee)
Ans: Sir, I feel lalu prasad was more eventful in nature mainly because of his vocal nature and some of his people friendly initiatives like janatameals etc…
2)Who is better in terms of profitability to railways?
Ans: Sir , I think both of them have did a good amount of work but I am not exactly aware of the figures of profitability
3)Who was the railway minister of India immediately after independence?
Ans: Sorry sir, I couldn’t recollect
4)How many railway zones are there in India and what are they?
Ans: Sir , there are 16 railway zones and recently I think konkan railway was also included as a zone( after that I listed the railway zones…I said 9 railway zones with their headquarters after that he stopped me)
5)What is biodiversity and how will u preserve it?
Ans: Sir, biodiversity is the existence of diverse species of plant and animal life in a particular region. To preserve them various initiatives like biosphere reserves,national parks,projects like project tiger etc should be followed.
Member 2:
1)What are the steps u will follow if u have been appointed as the chairperson of the CWG committee to conduct the games?
Ans: Sir, Ill first design a framework of the event to be conducted, then ill allocate resources, then ill communicate the schedule to the important persons,then ill decide upon the security needed for the games to be conducted safely and then ill finally implement the entire plan
2)What is liberation point in space science?
Ans: Sorry sir, I don’t know
Member 3:
1) What will be the nature of a drug addict?
Ans: Sir, such a person will be totally dependent on others both physically and mentally…he becomes a unpredictable person and his activities are out of his control and his entire life is in ruins
2) At the administration level, what can u do to prevent drug trafficking?
Ans: Sir, conducting regular campaigns on the ill effects of drugs .. including the ill effects of drug and the knowledge of drug trafficking at the school curriculum to educate the children…regular monitoring of school and college campuses to prevent drug trafficking
Member 4:
1) What is the perception of people on police?
Ans: Sir , people generally think policemen are very corrupt and also they have a aversion towards police….for example even if a constable comes to a home for passport verification…immediately their neighbours comes and ask whats the problem….
2) If u become a police officer what will u do to remove such perception of the people
Ans: Sir, first ill regulate the people under my control and encourage them not to be corrupt…like ill provide them good feedbacks on their work and also will provide good feedbacks about them to the higher officials in order to promote them soon….ill conduct regular psychological sessions with them and will explain them the ill effects of corruption
2.Name: Dr. V.SasiMohan
Board: P.K.Mishra
Optionals: Geography, Political science
Chairman :
My hobby is writing essays, he asked questions regarding topics on which I had won prizes. Topic ‘India of my dreams’ – I explained my essay.
Definition of Power
What is soft power, hard power, smart Power
Power politics in international relations
Problems of Tribals in India
Government steps to solve their problems
Provisions of forest rights act
Bamboo as minor forest produces
Member 1 :
What is market forces
What I support – market economy or socialist state
Do I support oil subsidy
Member 2 :
What will be the status of Lokpal with PM and CII
Ethics regarding Non-vegetarian
Protien supplement through meat or pulses – which is good
Member 3 :
Attributes of state
What is failed state
Examples of failed state
Is India a failed state (Naxalism and paralled govt in North- east)
Why cannot we call India a failed state – compare with Pakistan
Member 4 :
Contribution of Tamilnadu to Indias music
Names of Ilayaraja’s symphony
Problems I faced as a veterinary assistant surgeon in extending service to the people
Extending service to the people
What innovative way I will introduce, if I become secretary of Animal Husbandry Department
Chairman
Asked me whether I take drinks – I said No
What will I do when my friends forced me to consume alcohol in a party. Will I accept it or reject it
If you reject your friends request. You will lose your friends?
3.Name: S.P.Amrith
Board: Mr. P.K.Mishra
What do you mean by UDRS. Glitches in the system?
Bureaucracy is a low risk, high return job – do you accept
Qualities of a beaureaucrat
When you plant for a year, plant paddy; when you want to plant for 10 years, plant mango tree; when you want to plant for 100 years plant men. What do you think about it?
How to reduce the comption since comeption has been accepted. How can we try to cultivate the thinking about comeption in younger mind?
Break the Silence – What comes into your mind when you think about the statement?
Prevalence of aids in India – Description.
Pyschology:
Emotional intelligence – Define.
Types of Intelligence.
The IQ tests conducted now has problems & the tests are manipulated. What do you think about ir.
How to control your emotions.
4.Name : K.A. Devaraj
Roll No : 175055
Board Chairman : I.M.G Khan
Chairman : What were you doing for the past 8 years only preparing for civil service? Yes sir but was selected for CPF have you ever travelled outside tamilnadu? What was the most strikly feature when you travelled to other states Unity in diversity
M1 : 1 To control terrisom is a law like POTA necessary?
Every if people object that it is against human rights? Yes POTA is necessary but it should not be moseyed can we change cricket instead of hockey as our national game yes we can charge because it unites india from Kashmir to kanyakumari
M2: What is your favorite novels? What is the core theme of ponniyir salvan Explained
What were the important news in todays news papers? Saibabas denies P.M function on panchayat raj etection
M3: What is the use of reading History ? How can the society benefit from reading history? Itsnt sati a right for the individual when she volatility thus her into fire? What is mean by History repeats ifself? Don’t Know sir
M4: It employing Robert in industries necessary when there is unemployeyment aleady What is reservation policy of TN & India name a social reforms in T.N ? yes reservation is needed as long as down bodden people erum
Chairman : tell about Rajaji who is the first president of India who is first governer general of india? Why rajaji left congress (Then explain history repeats it self to me thanking you your interview is over)
5. Name: SHOBA G
Board: K K Paul
OPTIONS: HISTORY & TAMIL LIT
DEGREE: B Sc (MATHS), M A (HISTORY)
Do you know about community development. explain
what is rural development
which is the last book you read? (chetan bhagat)
tell the movie name which was inspired by his novel
did you see that film? what is the main theme of the film?
I worked as ASO in secretariat. So they asked me about Secretariat
Office Manual and DOM? and the difference between the two
they asked me about my home town (kancheepuram) and about sankara mut
they asked about kalki's ponniyin selvan and its background
Tell me about nuclear safety?
what is the issue in Jaitapur?
what action will be taken by you if you are posted as collector in that area
how can you create awareness among the people?
what action will be taken by you for promoting education among
different sect people?
what are the measures to be taken up for eradication of child labour?
what are the major social problem in kancheepuram dist?
6.Name : D. Sankar Ganesh
Interview Date
Board: Mr. I.M.G Khan Chairman
1. How is the Delhi Climate?
Delhi is too hot comparatively (Chennai) because lack of humisity and connental location
2. Compare delhi and Chennai corporation?
Delhi is haphazard growth very tall building Floating problems
3. What is the problem of all building
1. Water shortage
2. Handling prolem in the Airport
4. Which adv do u like? And why
Zero zoo adv of Vodafone …. Because is creative and humorous
5. Do u think thumsup adv id good?
No … sir because it is not naturalistic same time it is vulnerable for children if should be banned
6. Why did U quit private job?
Because it want to make concentration in my civil service coasting centre. It gave face accommodation and food so I quit the job sirs
7. Then why did is join the govt job ?
My father was deceased in 2008 so I want to lead my family ineed job job so I was journey the job
8. Tell me, national player of football?
Bauchrny Bhuita Sunil Chettri
9. Tell me judicial activism and its adv?
Juduary is active in legislative and exeutive
Adv : Delhi CNG implementation
10 Tell me pds controversy?
11.Tell me college election?
12. Tell me Gujarat +ve -Ve
+ve transparency and accountability in the admn
2. progressure state interims of growth
13. Diff b/w growth and Development ?
Growth is a Economic induator of economy
Development is both economic and societal redevelopment
14. Now do u measure social development std of living literacy and PPP
15. Who will measure societal devt?
UNDP – HDI
16. Famous Kural?
கற்க கசடற
17. Nature of job in Ur pvt sector
Manage the resource
18.E- Governance in ur Dt . treasury
19. How will mechanical engg is useful for administrative purpose
Mechanical engg is useful for manufacturing where planning production and marketing is there samething will apply in every pgm admn
20. How will u planning?
Planning through committee
7. Name: J. Prince Isarel
Board : IMG Khan
Option :1. Sociology
2. Political Science
Qualification: BA (Religion, Philosophy, Sociology)
Chairman: So, you are working in LIC?
Me: Yes Sir
Chairman: LIC’s market share is declining? What do you want to say about that?
Me: Yes. LIC has around 60% of market share today. But people’s faith did not decline we still enjoy popularity & trust.
Chairman: Yes, my experience with LIC is much better than private insurer
Me: Thank you sir
Chairman: Many banks are opening insurance companies. Do you think we need to put a cap on number of companies
Me: No sir, since there more potential in insurance sector, more companies are coming in. There is no need for any cap more companies lead to more competition so it brings more choice for the people.
Member 1: Book reading is your hobby right. What books you read.
Me: Few biographies sir. Recently kiran Bedi’s ‘I dare’.
Member 1: What you like in that
Me: Sir, she is my role model. I think her humane approach to policing is very impressive
Member 1: Is your first choice IPS?
Chairman: No it is IAS
Member 1: What reforms should we bring in police?
Me: Politician and police Nexus should be curbed. Investigation and law order should be separated.
Member 1: Centre’s role in law and order
Me: Not very big role. CBI like organisation come into investigation of certain officers.
Member 1: Centre helps in finding, training, etc. Don’t you think it has big role to play?
Me: It is only in higher level police posts. Lower level police force is trained and managed by state itself.
Member 2: What is crop insurance? Which company provides it?
Me: NAIC for monsoon failure
Member 2: Is it NAIC? Some other insurance company?
Me: Sorry, I don’t know.
Member 2: As District Administrator can you think of any innovative scheme to help more people.
Me: Sir we have polices of all kinds. All we need to do is to make people aware of that.
Member 3: What is Judicial Activism?
Give +ve & -ve aspect of Judicial Activism
Explain culture & civilization in one word.
Member 4: What is statistical value of life?
How human value is calculated?
8.Name : M. Sivaguru
Board : IMG Khan
Option: 1. Tamil Literature
2. Public Admin
Qualification : MBBS
Chairman:
1) After completion of your graduation what were you doing for the past 4yrs (2005- 2009)?
2) How long you have been working in the PHC?
3) How many persons are working there? Who are they?
4) Commonest ailment from that area?
5) What is the reason/causes for that?
6) How are you treating them?
7) Health advice to them
Member 1:
1) Tell me 3 most important news from today’s news paper and discuss one of Them
2) Tell me about RT education. What is the importance of that?
Member 2:
1) What is ..
2) Where is it?
3) Where is Thames?
4) D you know Hindi?
5) How are you going to manage if you posted outside TN?
Member 3:
1) Objectives of NRHM – one or two
2) Situation in Coimbatore district (working area)
3) What needs to be alone?
4) If you are the D.M of CBE – How to improve community parties in NRHM?
5) Hobby – Watching Documentaries
a. What kind of documentaries
b. Name one documentary
c. Documentaries - not only
Truth providing informative but professional too
Member 4:
1) What is e - governance?
2) Need of e – governance
3) Situation at present in India
Tamil Literature
1. Thirukural - Admin related à Tell in Tamil, translate explain in brief
Thirukural which you like
Why? you like, explain.
2. Thirumular vs pathajali explain
Chairman: 1. Tell me about kautalya’s Arthashastra
2. Kaultalya vs Machivelli
9. Name : Mrs. Supriya Rao. O.N.
Qualification : MBBS
Option : 1. Pub. Admin.2. Geography
Service : IRS (IT)
How will you medical degree help you in IRS?
Do you think that the recent SC judgment on Kushboo case, will affect the society (Premarital society)
What are Tax havens? What steps government can take to bring back the money from Swiss?
If you became an administrator, what steps will u take to improve the health sector/scenario of the district?
What are you + points and – points, which you think will affect or have an impact, when you become an administrator?
What is Euthanasia? Do you support it or not?
10.Name : R. Venkatesh Kumar
Board : Prof. Purushotham Agarwal
Qualification : BE (EEE)
Option : 1. Geography
2. Tamil Lit.
You are already a Deputy collector, how many services preference you are given?
You want only IAS no other services? Why?
If you were to be posted outside TN, tell me a state where you want to go?
My answer: Karnataka or AP
Don’t you thing by saying so, you will defeat the purpose of all services?
Tell me a democratic thing which is an example of national integration since independence?
His answer: cinema
Why in Tamilnadu cine persons are successful in politics?
Why NTR rose to prominence? When?
Tell me a very popular scheme implemented by a cine person turned politician in TN?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cine persons entering into politics?
What training you attended as a Deputy collector?
Are the people matured now? Will they vote for cinema heroes?
There are lots of complaints about police. Can we change the system with likes of home gaurds?
What is the need for maintaining large forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF.. are we wasting huge money?
Tell me one thing, whether a civil servant needs to be a good leader or manager?
Do you know the cattle and buffalo population of India and their status?
Why they are not maintained in a good manner?
11.Name : Mr. P. Ramesh
Qualification : BE (ECE)
Board : Smt. Shasi Uban Tripathi
Option : 1. Public Admin
2. Tamil Lit.
I was fourth one to be interviewed. I entered the room at 12:50 pm and wished the board members.
Chairman:
What is your nature of work?
What is meant by Audit?
Define Accounts?
Is Audit is necessary
Are you played in Ball Badminton in district level?
Member 1:
Why are you following procedural audit
Questions related to post-audit, pre-audit
Suppose if your Boss, force you to give favourable audit to someone, did you give?
Member 2:
What is meant by spectrum?
3G?
Spectrum scam?
Where did you get additional spectrum?
Why additional spectrum is necessary?
Is Engineers are using spectrum in lavish manner?
Member 1:
Why mobile is popular than landline?
Mobile site radiation problem? Sparrows are vanishing due to radiation?
Member 3:
Under which agreement Srilankan refugees are settled in Tamil nadu?
Where they settled?
Is Costal Guard encouraging the refugees to settle down in India?
Chairman: Madam interrupted…
How many Srilankan in Tamilnadu? (Not only in camps)
Why Tamilnadu politicians demanding citizenship
12. Name : Miss. R. Lalitha
Qualification : BE Civil Engg.
Board : SHRI. K.K PAUL
Option : 1. History
2. Public Admin
CHAIRMAN: What is your name and roll number?
Me: I answered.
CHAIRMAN: So, you were working for 2 years with Airports Authority of India. What was your job profile and duties?
Me: I was Junior Executive (Engg.- Civil). I was posted as officer on special duty to General Manager (Southern Region) and was responsible for preparing the weekly progress report to be sent to Central Head Quarter, Delhi. I was also responsible for the monitoring and compilation of expenditures in southern region.
CHAIRMAN: What is your opinion on the allegation that PSU’s are a burden on the exchequer? How far do you support the privatisation of PSU’s?
Me: Sir, I am not in favour of irrational privatisation. First, we have to look at the reason why any organisation is not performing. Then only we can decide what steps have to be taken. PSU’s have been the backbone of development in past. In the era of liberalisation they have been instrumental in avoiding cartel formation by private companies and ensuring aim of social welfare.
CHAIRMAN: What is the difference between ‘Tender’ and ‘Quotation’?
Me: Tenders are openly published where any company fulfilling the basic qualification can compete whereas in quotation the oragnisation selects a few companies based on various criterias and asks the rates of the work.
CHAIRMAN: Your hobby is reading books. What types of books do you read and what is the last book you read?
Me: I read fiction novels. The last book i read was Anita Desai’s “In Custody” which focused on the story of perusal of an young professor to interview his favourite old Urdu poet.
CHAIRMAN: What is the relation between Kiran Desai and Anita Desai?
Me: Kiran Desai is Anita Desai’s daughter.
CHAIRMAN: So daughter has accomplished more than mother?
Me: Kiran Desai has won Booker prize but Anita Desai has also accomplished a lot. Though she has not won booker prize but she was shortlisted 3 times. In addition she has won Sahitya academy award and various other awards. Moreover, i found her books to be too much rooted in Indian scenarios especially women issues and their pathetic condition which make her my favourite.
MEMBER 1: Where all you have done your schooling?
Me: Sir, I have done my schooling all over India. I’ve studied in J&K, Assam, Nagaland, Delhi, Pune and Trichy.
MEMBER 1: It seems you have travelled a lot! What is the difference between the present problem in Nagaland and Kashmir?
Me: The problem in Nagaland is basically ethenic where the tribes don’t like being rules by others ands that’s why they demand a greater Nagaland. Whereas in Kashmir the problem is largely on religious lines and fostered entirely by foreign forces.
MEMBER 3 (Lady): What is your favourite area in public administration and why?
Me: My favourite area is welfare administration where we study the effective implementation of any scheme. It shows the change in the mindsets of govt. which has changed from direct disbursement of needs to make the people skilled to fulfill their needs.
MEMBER 3 (Lady): You are giving a heavily loaded statement! Can you justify?
Me: Madam, for example if we take the problem of unemployment and poverty earlier we used to simply supply money to unemployed and food. Now in addition to traditional steps we mainly concentrate on skill development through centres like DIC, encourage them to form SHG’s and make entrepreneurs’.
MEMBER 3 (Lady): You seem to be too much interested in solving the problem from grass root level.. that’s good! For further knowledge on North East you can read the Vision document 2020.
MEMBER 4: What are Ecologically Sustainable buildings?
Me: Ecologically Sustainable buildings are the buildings which use less material, consume less water, use energy efficiently, produce less waste and provide a healthy environment for its occupants. In such buildings recycled materials are used for construction, energy is minimised by techniques like increasing the window area, using grey water for gardens and indoor air quality is improved by using green plants etc.
MEMBER 4: Are such buildings capable of withstanding emergencies such as earthquake or tsunami?
Me: Sir, these buildings are not constructed differently but only natural aspects are encorporated more. These building are structurally strong and special provisions of earthquake resistance can be ensured by structural design or methods like base isolation. These buildings are strong but in addition are also healthy and sustainable.
MEMBER 4: How is a Runway different from Highway?
Me: Runway is a high class runway. An aircraft can land even on a mud road but a smooth ride requires a smooth landing strip and that’s what a runway provides. A runway is a highway with high strength and standards.
MEMBER 4: How is the corruption scenario in AAI and what mechanisms are there to control it?
Me: Sir, corruption level in AAI is very low. The organisation has a sound vigilance mechanism in place. The department has a strong vigilance department in addition to regular internal and external audits and in extreme cases CVC do step in.
Observations:
Most of the questions are asked from bio-data or leads to the questions are taken from the bio-data. Members generally have the summary sheet and chairman has the full application form. Boards are very cordial and try to make the candidate speak and express himself/herself. Attending mock interviews is essential to gain confidence.
13. Name : Mrs. D. Jaya Priya
Qualification : B.P.T
Board : Nibhay Sharma
Option : 1. Sociology
2. Psychology
Chairman: You are D. Jayapriya right?
Me: Yes sir
Chairman: What is your date of birth?
Me: I told
Chairman: What did you do till your degree completion?
Me: Sir, I got married immediately after my degree completion and for 10 months I worked as physiotherapist in a private clinic. After that I had a child and I left the job to take care of her. Now she is 5years and now from past 11/2 years I am preparing for civil services.
Chairman: Are you still working?
Me: Not as a full time job; but I am attending camps and some house visits.
Chairman: (On seeing my summary sheet) Bharathanatyam?
Me: Yes sir
Chairman: How effective the Acupressure, Magneto therapy, Hydrotherapy? Is it therapies?
Me: Sir, I am not sure about the theoretical part of those therapies and its promise about curing many diseases. But practically the prognosis of the patients are good when it got combined with physiotherapy. Me too have tried some Acupressure in pain relief. It is good.
Then Chairman directed Member 1 to ask questions.
Member 1: Do you know the percentage of female labourers in agriculture?
Me: Sir, It is more than male labourers.
(Member 1 said to the other member “You know exactly it is true”)
Member 1: (He asked about) working condition of female and their male counterparts in all primary sectors.
Me: (I told about)
1. The less wage compared to men
2. Unstable job guarantee, child birth and taking care of them.
3. Sexual harassments
Member 1: What do you think about gender sensitivity and mainstreaming of women.
Me: (I started with) patriarchal society and its atrocities on women.
1. (In favour of) women reservation as a compensation to suppression of women from ancient times.
2. Equal wages and equal opportunity in health, education and work.
3. I highlighted some provisions in DPSP and fundamental duties in Indian constitution.
4. Some recent examples of women achievement in the name of SHG, Excelling in education..
I conclude that it is responsibility of all the members of society to make recognize and reorganize the social structure to bring mainstreaming of women by positive discrimination by giving them social, political, Economic empowerment from base and not “pseudo freedom” (I told about) good change in society and men recognizing female as equal counter parts and changing as a good sign of progression of society.
Member 1: How you felt while attending medical camps?
Me: Sir, I usually attend the free medical camps organized by district hospitals. (I told about some pleasant positive attitude towards physio among people) I feel much satisfied while giving service to poor.
Member 1: Global recession and inflation
Me: I talked about
1. Subprime crisis and its effects on European countries
2. India affected indirectly because of manufacturing sectors exports reduction
3. Inflation and stimulus package
4. Agricultural output reduction.
Member 1: Money appreciation and effect on exports and imports? And How?
Me: (I explained) the comparative cost between China and India as example) so lose of orders
Member 2: What is Praveen uttarardh in Hindi which you specified?
Me: Sir, it is equallent to M.A in Hindi given by Dakshim Bharath Hindi Prachar Sabha.
Member 2: Any poets in Hindi?
Me: Kabir, Rachim…
Member 2: Who wrote Ram Charitmanas
Me: Thulasidass
Member 2: You know the difference between Ram Charitmanas and Ramayana in its theme and form?
Me: Sorry sir I haven’t read Ram Charitmanas.
Member 2: It is ok. Bhagavathgita you told it and where it is from?
Me: Sir, (I answered in Hindi) Updesh given to Arjuna by Srikrishna and it is part of Mahabaratha.
Member 2: What is clinical psychology
Me: I give definition and some examples (Neurosis, Psychosis)
Member 2: What Neurological conditions as a physio you deal with?
Me: Children:- Cerebral palasy Mental retardation
Adult:- CVA Neurological pain
Member 3: You are from Kanchipuram and it is famous for silk sarees what threats are now faced by silk weavers.
Me: I talked about
1. Power looms competes with hand looms.
2. Increase in gold price (because of Jari of silk sarees made of silver and Gold)
3. Child Labour
(She also added that women have shifted to various dresses this has reduced demand right?
I said : “Yes madam”.
Member 3: Why child labour is used in Silk weaving
Me: I explained the procedure of making Labour to make borders of different colours.
Member 3: Government action to protect them?
Me: I told about raid and punishment and fine for employing child labour and community support scheme to the recovered children
Member 3: You had a former lady C.M? whether she did anything for female?
Me: Yes mam.
I told about ‘Cradle Baby scheme’ especially to prevent female infanticide. Self help groups.
Member 3: Is it prevalence (female infanticide) all over your state.
Me: No mam, It is specific to some places like Usilampatti.
Member 3: Why it is practiced and why government not take right action.
Me: I told about Dowry problem and male child preference and unin formed cases because of community support.
Member 4: Naxalism why it is expanding instead of action from government.
Me: (I talked about)
Member 4: Indo China relations
Me: (I told about)
Panchsheel
Indo-China war
Economic bond
Member 4: Indo Pakistan relations
Me: Terrorism
Recent talks
Samjoutha express as good will gesture
Indus water treaty.
Chairman: The year of USSR split
Me: 1991
Chairman: Why?
Me: I explained it on base of communist nation capitalism.
Member 4: What are the schemes or opportunities by government in the development of Physio career opportunities.
Me: Indian Association of physiotherapy (IAP)
14.Name : R. Shanmuga Priya
Qualification : B.Tech Pharmaceutical Technology
Board : Mr. Vijay Singh IAS
Option : 1. Botany
2. Tamil Lit.
Five candidates were present for this board. Four were from Tamilnadu. Except the second candidate, and myself others were already into civil service posts viz. IPS, IRS and Indian Railway Protection Force. I was the only female candidate.
My name was called by at around 3.15 p.m. (third candidate)
Chairman (Ch): So, you have just completed your degree in Pharmaceutical Technology. What did you study in that degree?
Me: Sir, we studied the basics of drug formulation, tablet and capsule manufacture and how to design the medicine according to the disease.
Ch: Is it a very technical specialized course?
Me: Yes, Sir, it is a specialized course because it was previously available for study only after an under graduation in biotechnology. Ours was the first batch to come out with such a degree in Anna University.
Ch: Have you ever considered pharmaceuticals for a career?
Me: I was considering that option also previously, Sir. I had the opportunity of being in NCC for three years. During that time, I came to know about civil service and the various national services. And even from my school days, my parents used to encourage me to become a collector.
Ch: So, you thought it was not a bad option to become an IAS, is it? (All start to laugh) OK, tell me what you learnt from NCC
Me: Sir, in NCC, I came to know about the power of working wonders with cooperation. We learnt the concept of unity and discipline there only. The importance of teamwork and organised work was realised.
Ch: Did you get any kind of weapon training in that? What else did you learn?
Me: Yes sir, we did get basic weapon introduction and training in SLRs. We were also taught how to dismantle and reassemble parts of the rifle. We had to write theory exam also for passing B and C certificates.
Ch: What thing that you learnt from NCC do you think will help you in civil service career?
Me: After NCC training, I can cooperate well with my colleagues. I can also able to manage my subordinates with ease. I have been a Corporal (my NCC rank) in NCC, Sir.
Ch: what is the one reason you would say for joining civil services?
Me: Sir, IAS, and for that matter all civil services, they demand the learning process throughout the period. The educative process is continuous. I can develop myself and in the process be of use to the nation also. It combines personal betterment with contribution to nation.
Ch: OK. You hail from Tamilnadu. Is there any social problem in your state. Definitely I accept that tamilnadu is performing very well in many indicators. But is there any problem you would like to mention? What is your view?
Me: (I forgot to note that he asked me “social problems”, so I started describing the more general river water problem) Sir, the delta regions are dependent on rivers for irrigation. Tamilnadu being a lower riparian state, the agriculture is affected when neighbouring states restrict river water supply to us. That is one of the problems.
Ch: Yes, that’s true. But, do you feel any sort of social problem that is prevalent in tamilnadu?
Me: Sir, I would not say that there are no social problems in tamilnadu. There have been some occurrences of suppression of lower caste people. (I was reminded of keezhavenmani and uthapuram incidents, he became interested when I said this)
Ch: So, are there areas where these seclusions are still there? What can be the role of administrators in dealing with this problem?
Me: There are some pockets in TN where these are still happening. (I believed that instead of saying there are no occurrences now and getting caught when he quotes some incidents, it was better to accept that such infirmities existed in the society). There were reports on existence of walls between the ‘Dalit’ nagar and the upper caste nagar. They had no access to public areas, water tanks, etc. But recently the wall was destroyed and now all have access to common areas. With regard to the role of administrators in the eradication of this problem, I would like to say that in this case, the initiative to demolish the wall was from a collector of that district. The administration has a great role in preventing such discrimination and it has been doing it well too.
Ch: OK. What else are your interests apart from your degree?
Me: I like to solve mathematical puzzles and riddles sir.
Ch: What is this Hindi Praveen that is mentioned in your biodata?
Me: It is the Hindi Prachar Sabha exams in TN sir.
Ch: So, you can speak in Hindi well, is it?
Me: I completed those exams some 10 years back sir, so I lost touch in speaking. But I can read and write Hindi sir. I was not able to find anyone to talk to in Hindi sir.
Ch: In your state, they would not appreciate people learning Hindi isn’t it?
Me: No, sir, that attitude is gradually coming down. People are taking Hindi exams with interest.
Ch: oh, that’s very good right?(he asks other members, they accept it) it helps you to get adapted to any state you are posted in India. Good..
Chairman asked member 1 to ask questions
M1: Since you are from pharmaceutical background, I wanted to ask you about one particular disease – malaria. There is a particular drug called Artemisinin. Have you heard about it ? (I said yes) There are two variants of this drug in the market (he told two names). Can you say what is the difference? I said I didn’t know and that we dealt with only generic drug names in our course. He asked me to guess. I said that the variation could have been due to different side chains attached to the chemical. There were more discussions on that between the members and chairman. They forgot my presence for about a minute. (This is a special kind of medicine from China, and it cannot be synthesised in the lab, must only be obtained from plants, chairman became very interested in this topic and asked M1 if it is available in the market, what its cost was and whether it is affordable). Finally he asked me what the importance of the drug was. I shook my head with a ‘No’. Then he said that it was the only drug that was available to deal with multiple-drug-resistant malaria. He comforted me by saying that no problem and it is just a discussion from where we all learn from each other. I thanked him.
M2: (lady member) What do you think about the patent process? Is it beneficial? Why patents are given?
Me: The product patent is more beneficial to the inventor. Process patent is more beneficial to the general public because it gives a cheaper medicine. Patents were given to encourage the inventor to do more research and to regain the money he spent to invent.
M2: what is the difference between product and process patent? Which is followed in India?
Me: the final product is patented in Product patent. In process patent, the process through which the product is arrived at is patented. We follow the process patent.
M2: What about amendments to the Patent act of India?
Me: We have suggested changes to convert to a product patent regime under the TRIPs. The process is going on. (M1 intervened to say that it has already been in force, I thanked him for the information)
(chairman rises to get some water to drink and then comes back)
M2: is India ready for the new change in patent system? What will be its implications?
Me: In the short term, there will be rise in drug prices, but in the long term it will vanish with the development of more drugs by R&D boost.
M2: is there any exception to the patent regime? Is it universal?
Me: No mam, it is not universal. Under the TRIPs itself provisions are there for excluding life-saving drugs, particularly AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria (I glanced at M1 for support, he agreed by a nod) and other epidemics from patent protection.
M2: Why product patent should be given?
Me: To encourage more new products invention. We opposed it because our drug companies only reverse-engineer established products of drugs abroad like U.S. very few new drugs come up
M2: But don’t you think this way helps our drug firms to invent cheaper process to produce a costly product?
Me: Mam, suppose a pest or microbe develops resistance to the drug, then producing the drug cheaply will be of no use. New drugs must be developed.
Ch: So, finally, do you think patents should be given or not?
Me: I think patents must be restricted to creative things only, and must not cover life-saving drugs and things that directly affect the general public (all were satisfied with the reply and gave convincing head-shakes and smiles. Chairman asks M3 to ask questions)
M3: Well, if you are posted in north India like Punjab, rajasthan, haryana. There are these so-called khap panchayats which regulate their own business and give inhuman judgements. So what will be your role in such cases? How can you control them along with your district S.P.? (This is the first and last question asked by M3. he was very much an observer and not much involved in the board)
Me: I will take the cooperation of S.P. to take legal action against them if they give brutal judgements to the people
Ch: What if the S.P. doesn’t cooperate with you, if he refuses to comply?
Me: (I waited for two seconds, looked between two members to collect my senses) sir, at this stage I do not know how the relationship between a collector and S.P. will work. May be after joining the service and knowing the intricacies I would be better able to answer this question. (chairman was all smiles and taken aback for a moment, he said ‘I think this is a very nice way to answer this question’ and laughed out. All joined. Me too. Then he asked M4 to start)
M4: (This member looked like an anglo-indian and I had to listen intently to understand his accent) you were saying something about rivers in tamilnadu. There are rivers which have different names in different areas of its flow. Do you know some rivers like that? Tell me the names of brahmaputra in different areas.
Me: it is called as the Dihang sir.
M4: (I could not understand his expression whether my answer is right or wrong but he continued) it is called as the Tsangpo in Tibet as the Chinese would like to call it. Do you know the European river which has two capital cities situated on it?
Me: (I was in deep thought, felt it was something to do with France.)
M4: It has been famously talked about in literature. Can you guess?
Me: is it thames, Sir?
M4: No. it is not
Ch: Thames runs in an island nation, so it cannot have two capitals located in it. Try some more
Me: sir, is it anywhere near France?
M4: No, it is the famous Danube, can you say the names of capitals atleast? (then seeing my blank expression, he himself said the answer as Budapest and one more city. Well someday you need to come out of tamilnadu and India, so you have to know these things, that is why I asked this. OK. We have this male dominated society. They don’t care for women, they do not respect women. When you are posted in such an area and if men are behaving like this, how do you think you can cope with it?
Me: I can definitely command the respect I ought to receive, sir. I am a civil servant and a representative of the government. And it does not matter whether I am a male or female in this regard.
Ch: How will you get respect from the people of your district?
Me: Sir, I strongly believe that if I do my duties properly and sincerely, I can get accolades from my seniors and people (all satisfied with reply. Shook their heads as if they expected this reply only)
M4: being a graduate from pharmaceutical sciences, what would you like to say about this drug- Nimesulide? What effect does it have on children?
Me: Nimesulide causes liver damage sir (he accepted it with a yes) though all countries have banned it, it is still available in the open market in India.
M4: what do you think can be done to prevent such occurrences?
Me: (happy to receive the same question I discussed with a fellow-candidate a few minutes back) Sir, I think the intervention should not be made in the drug sales period. This must have been more carefully monitored in the drug licensing stage itself. (all supported with headshakes) even today there was a case of ethical violation in a vaccination trial. (M1 shook his head heavily signifying that he had read that article)
M1: Can you elaborate on that issue?
Me: sir, should I tell about the nimesulide issue or this vaccination trials sir?
M1: tell in general. (Then he changed) OK. tell about today’s vaccination issue. I think four girls have died due to it.
Me: Yes Sir, why I wanted to make it clear is because both cases are different. Nimesulide case is a curative medicine. But vaccines are preventive medicines. In case of curatives, there are several phases in which the drug has to be tested. First it has to be used on normal healthy volunteers, not on sick people directly. The sick must be included in the study only after checking the safety in Phase I. Then comes the issue of effectiveness of the drug.
But in the case of preventive medicines like vaccines, the trials are first done in labs, then in animals, and then in the targeted population. In animals, they are first vaccinated and then cancer is induced using certain chemicals to check how well the vaccine prevent the occurrence. But it is unethical to do the same in humans. Even if the vaccines are meant for children, they must be given first to adults only in the trial stage. So there must be stricter practices to protect ethics.
M4: so do you think the ethical committee has failed in this case?
Me: sir, the ethical committee is a body that has to decide on the number of people in the trial, the duration of the trial and about the protocols. I cannot understand how they permitted such a trial without proper considerations. So this I would say is a clear-cut failure on the part of the ethics committee. (I was emboldened by the cordial board and took a bold stand)
Ch: what are your service preferences? Have you opted only for IAS?
Me: I have given IAS, IFS, IAAS, IRS, Information service, postal service Sir.
Ch: So if you get IFS will you consider going abroad or go only into IAS and serve the nation?
Me: I will be very happy to serve in either case Sir. I would definitely join IFS and go abroad to serve.
Ch: Why?
Me: Sir, I have always liked to represent my country and so I will be proud of joining IFS.
Ch: what is the order in which you have given cadre preference? Will you like to serve in Tamilnadu only, or any other state also?
Me: I will be ready to serve any state in India sir.
M4: I have been observing many candidates in these interviews. I like to note their body language and how they use their hands, head, eye and all. Because even I was noted of my body language when I was interviewed by many people. (Laughs) particularly girls from Tamilnadu, the way you shake your head, it is very nice to look at (he shakes his head in an attempt to imitate me) (all join laughter club) How do you do it? How does it come to you?
Me: (I was smiling and even while listening to the above question did not change my mannerism and shook head in the same way as before) Sir, it is just a sign of acceptance. And it is a symbol of involvement in the conversation. (All members supported the view, though I was looking at the chairman only)
M4: Oh, and it shows that you are not stiff-headed also! (he poses a stiff-head and all start to laugh again) very good..
Chairman looked at all members for agreement to end the interview and thanked me for spending time with them. I reciprocated, got up from the chair and strode towards the door confidently and shut the door behind me silently. I was very happy to have completed the interview and had a certain level of confidence.
15. Name : Mrs. M. Rani Kanchana
Qualification : MSc Micro-biology
Board : Mr. P.K. Mishra
Option : 1. Geography
2. Tamil Lit.
What is the diff between elocution and debate.
Do you agree Indian democracy is of the people for the people and by the people.
What is the diff between applied microbiology and medical microbiology? What do you do in both.
What is the diff between disease and illness?
Causes and carrier of malaria.
Malarial map of India.
Pathoganacity of AIDS virus.
What is organic farming. how do you practice it in your field.
How to prepare vermicompost.
Last read book.
What is Coimbatore famous for.
Education in Coimbatore.
What is cancer? Its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
IT industry in Coimbatore.
Diff bet illiteracy, education and expertise.
What steps will you take to improve your district administration.
Three electoral reforms.
What is ISHA yoga in Coimbatore famous for.
Causes, pathogen city and cure of leprosy.
Causes of common cold.