Date: 17th
April, 2014
Session: Afternoon
Time: 2:35 PM – 2:55 PM
Duration: 20 minutes
Chairman of the
Interview Board: Vice Admiral D.K.Dewan
Questions:
I am ushered into the interview room, so I don’t have to knock. I excuse myself
inside and when I am near the chair, the Chairman asks me to sit down. I was
conscious about looking each member in the eye, wishing them “Good Afternoon”
and sat comfortably, keeping my arms on the arm-rest of the chair and
interlocking my fingers of both my hands in front of me, visible to the board.
·
Chairman
1.
What is your
name, roll number?
Sir – **********
2.
So what are
you doing/where do you work now?
Sir, I am working in a company called ******* based out of Chennai.
3.
What does
your company do?
Sir we deal in data analytics. We look at customer data
and advise the company on how to improve their earnings/profits, after
analysing the data.
4.
What is your
responsibility in your company?
Sir, I am a Senior Analyst in the company. I have a
semi-technical, semi-managerial role. On the managerial front, I mentor 2
entry-level analysts and help them do their daily tasks. On the technical
front, I look at the sales data of companies and give them recommendations
about how to improve their business.
5.
Ok, what is
the meaning of “Avadi”? (From the profile since I had interned at DRDO in
Avadi, Chennai. The Chairman pronounced the word as “Avaadi” and was corrected
by the Tamilian-looking board member who, I think, told him that this was the
name of the place, but the Chairman ignored it)
Sir, I interned in DRDO at Avadi, which is the name of
the place. I am not aware of the meaning.
6.
You have a
Post-Graduate degree in Computer Science and have travelled all over the world,
why do you want to join the Civil Services?
Sir, can I answer this from the perspective of foreign
services, since IFS is my first option?
Chairman (and 1-2 other board members too, if I am not wrong): Yes yes, please
do.
Me: Sir, ever since I landed in the US,
I felt like I was a representative of India. I felt a sense of pride and
carried myself off as a representative of India. While doing my Master’s, I
got the opportunity to interact with students from different countries &
cultures and I really enjoyed these interactions. When in the US, I started following international
affairs more closely. I believe these are some of the essential qualities of a
diplomat. Moreover, I started following the development happening in India
and wanted to be part of it. This is why I want to join the Services.
Follow
Up Question 1: So is it
because of the development in America
that you want to join the Services in India?
Yes sir. The US
was quite developed when I went there and India had just started on its
growth story. I thought there was great potential for it to grow and hence, I
myself wanted to be part of the India Development Story.
Follow
Up Question 2: You can
contribute to the “India Development Story” even by being a Software Engineer,
why do you want to become a Civil Servant for that?
Yes sir, I agree that I can contribute to the India
Growth Story even being a Software Engineer, however, the contribution I will
be able to make to India’s growth will be much more immense if I am a civil servant.
7.
How many
countries does India
have diplomatic missions in?
Sir, if I am not wrong, we have missions in about 180
countries.
Chairman, in
a surprised tone: Are you sure? Do you
know how many countries are there?
Sir, I am sorry, I was mistaken. We have about 180 overseas missions
overall, not in all the countries.
Follow
up Question 2: What do you
think are the functions of a diplomatic mission abroad?
Sir, our diplomatic mission in any country is our
government’s official representative in that country. Any dealings between the
2 countries are handled through the missions. It is also the duty of our
diplomats posted in these countries to closely analyze developments happening
in the host country and report back to our government on a regular basis. Our
diplomatic offices also play a part in trade relations between the 2 countries.
Follow
up Question 3: In this age
of Internet & Google, we can have information about events happening in one
place anywhere else in the world. Still, why do we need to have diplomatic
missions abroad?
Sir, I agree that the internet has made it possible to
access information anywhere; however, ground reality is often different. And
our diplomatic offices keep an ear on the ground to report the actual ground
scenario in the host countries.
·
Board Member
1 (Sardarji)
1.
You were
born in Vizag. Can you tell me about the causes for the creation of Telengana?
Sir, Telengana was initially
never a part of what is now Andhra Pradesh. It became a part only around 1960.
The people of Telengana have highly regionalistic feelings about Telengana and
identity themselves more with T than Andhra. Besides, apart from Hyderabad, there has not
been much development in the Telengana region. Owing to all this, Telengana was
created.
Follow up
Question 1: What is your opinion about this?
Me: Sir, would you like to know about my opinion on the Telengana split
or state splits in general?
Member 1: Please answer about smaller states in
general.
Me: Ok sir. In general, there is a perception that smaller states are
better administered . . .
Member 1 interrupts: No no, tell me *your* opinion.
Me: Ok sir. It is easier to administer smaller states in general.
However, this cannot be the only rationale to go about splitting bigger states.
We need to consider other factors like development level of the state,
sentiments of the local people, demands, etc. before we decide to split states.
Hence, we need to deal with the issue of smaller states on a case-by-case
basis.
2.
What is the
reason of the dispute between North Korea
and South Korea?
[Momentarily flustered since this wasn’t something I knew much about nor
expected]
Sir, North & South Korea
have been historically antagonistic towards each other. North Korea has
an autocratic government that has been led for many years by a single family.
Sorry, I’m not able to recall the name of the current ruler. South Korea, on
the other hand, is a democracy.
Board Member: That is fine, but what is the root cause
of their problem?
Me: [I kind of repeat the above answer, but cannot proceed further. Realize this and
tell him that I am not sure of the actual historical reason for this]
·
Board Member
2 (possibly Tamilian)
1.
What is the Sahara scam all about? What is the issue with the SC?
Sir, the issue with Sahara
is that they have so far not refunded about Rs.24,000 crores of money to the
investors, as per SC directives. The case itself is that the supposed investors
are fictitious and don’t exist at all. However, till date, Sahara
has not refunded the money.
Follow up
Question 1: Can you explain SEBI’s role
in the scam?
Sir, the SEBI is involved because of OFCD’s – Optionally Fully Convertible
Debentures. I am not sure beyond this sir.
2.
What was the
recent controversy about the Lok Pal appointment?
Sir, I faintly remember a retired Justice was part of
this controversy.
Member: Yes yes you are right. It is Justice K.T.Thomas.
Me: Sir, Justice K.T.Thomas was offered the post of Lok Pal but refused.
Member: Is it? Are you sure? I thought it had to do
with the selection committee.
Me: I am sorry sir, I am not sure of this.
3.
Can you
explain about the Green Tribunal?
Sir, the Green Tribunal is a Govt-organization, sorry
Govt-body . . .
Member: Are you sure?
Me: Yes sir, the Green Tribunal is a govt-organization that looks into
projects and their environmental compliance. It checks to see what kind of
impact projects have on the environment.
Member: But the name “tribunal” suggests that it has
some judicial functions to do as well, right? Like adjudicating on issues
between 2 parties?
Me (smiling): Sir, yes sir. I think that is also one of their
responsibilities.
Member: So what else do they do?
Me: Sir, I’m not aware beyond this.
·
Chairman
1.
Recently,
there is a high-profile court case going on in South Africa about an athlete. What
is it about?
Sir, the name of the athlete is Oscar Pistorius and he
is a double-amputee. He is an athletics champion and runs on prosthetic legs.
The case relates to the murder of his girlfriend, Reena (I don’t know the last
name sir) whom he shot in the bathroom. His contention is that he shot her
mistaking her for an intruder, but the case that has been made out is that he
shot her after an argument between them.
Follow up
Question 1: So is the case over?
Sir, no sir, it is still going on.
·
Board Member
3
1.
You have
mentioned about “Empowerment” in your profile. What is the difference between
Emancipation and Empowerment?
Sir, “Emancipation” refers to us improving the lives of
a set of people and uplifting their condition. “Empowerment” refers to helping
people help themselves and taking care of their own lives.
Follow
Up Question 1: Which is
better?
Sir, in my opinion, Empowerment is better since it
makes them independent and self-reliant.
Follow
Up Question 2: Isn’t
emancipation a part of empowerment?
Yes sir, emancipation is part of empowerment. However,
viewing the 2 separately, I would
say empowerment is better because it makes people independent.
2.
In the past
6 years, you have been working in so many jobs and have not been in one job for
more than 1 year. What is the reason for this?
Sir, ever since my return to India, I have been
seriously preparing for the Civil services. My first job since I came to India
– I had to satisfy my parents’ concerns for my future and so wanted to
establish a credible backup. So I joined a start-up. I started as a Software
Engineer and became a Project Lead in 2 years. Then I wanted to prepare
full-time for the Services and so joined a public-sector bank as a Probationary
Officer.
Member: Yes yes, I can see you worked in ***** Bank .
. .
Me: Yes sir, I joined ****** Bank as a PO so I could prepare better for
the services and also wanted good rural exposure. I stayed here for about 10
months after which I thought I had prepared enough and then joined my current
company which will be my backup in case civil services don’t work out. I did
not quit any company out of boredom or lack of interest sir, and all my changes
were to enable me to prepare for the services only.
Follow
Up Question 1: So you have
used these companies as a springboard. If you get selected into the services
tomorrow, will you use it as a springboard to achieve something else?
Me (smiling): Sir, Civil Services is my lifetime ambition and I will not leave
this if I get into it.
·
Board Member
4 (Lady)
1.
With regard
to Indo-Pak relations, do you think diplomats have failed? Why has diplomacy
not been able to take the relationship forward?
Mam, diplomacy can play a part only up to a certain
point. Beyond this, it is up to the concerned governments to take it forward.
In the case of Indo-Pak relations, I would say it is the Pakistan government
which is to be blamed for not cooperating with us and helping take forward the
relationship.
Follow
up Question 1: What do you
think is the ideal way to deal with Pakistan?
(Momentarily flustered since this was a very
broad-based question)
Mam, I think we need to deal with Pakistan using a carrot-and-stick strategy.
On the one hand, we need to increase our engagements with them. But on the
other, in case any adverse events like November 26 happen again, we need to
deal with them with an iron hand, strictly.
Follow
Up Question 2: What about
Kashmir is that an issue?
Yes mam, Kashmir is a core issue.
Follow
up Question 3: Do you think
Kashmir should be given away? Should the plebiscite be held?
No mam, Kashmir should not be given away at all. The
Kashmiri people, in spite of any grievances they may have against India, have
enjoyed democratic privileges all this while. Tomorrow, if Kashmir goes to
Pakistan or becomes independent, we can never be sure that they will continue
to enjoy their democratic rights and privileges. Moreover, from a
security-perspective, we will be in more danger if Kashmir is given away than
what is there now. Hence, I don’t think Kashmir should be given away.
2.
You have
written in your profile that you advise students wishing to pursue higher
studies in the US. Why is that so? Do you want to encourage students to leave
India and go to US?
Mam, I advise students who have already decided that
they want to go to the US to pursue their higher education. I don’t advise
students to go to the US. My advice to the students is purely because I have
been there and my knowledge about life there, so I just want to make their
journey to the US easier. I do not particularly encourage them to go to the US.
3.
What is
Silicon Valley?
Silicon Valley is a region in California which is
considered to be the global home of the Information Technology industry
worldwide.
(I thought of explaining further, but stop short, thinking it would be best to
answer only if she asked further)
Lady
Member to Chairman: I am done.
Chairman
looks up at me as if to ask me a question, then says “Thank you”. I am unsure
for a moment, but the Chairman I think said “your interview is over”. I thank
all of them and leave.
My take on the Interview
I think I handled the
first few questions fairly okay – about my company, what I do, etc. Maybe a
little bit more finesse and practice would’ve helped in the answers, but
reasonably okay.
- Avadi – after my friend
told me, I realized I’d read somewhere that it is actually an acronym for “Armoured
Vehicles & Ammunition Depot of India”, but Wiki says the name precedes the
acronym. Anyhow, this was okay I guess.
- Despite the
missions-in-180-countries error, I think I handled the rest of the Chairman’s
questions well, particularly the “Why Civil services” question.
- Oh and lest I forget - totally missed one of the most important functions of
our missions abroad - handling Indian expats in that country. Not sure how big
a blunder, but a major miss nevertheless.
- Telengana – reasonably
done.
- North Vs South Korea – 1st
major hiccup. As an IFS-aspirant, should’ve known this. I think he was
expecting “Capitalism Vs Communism” in the answer – a simple point I missed
out.
- Sahara scam – Started
well, but lost out at SEBI. I knew where SEBI came in and what OFCD’s are
about, but I guess I panicked there. Didn’t want to be seen beating around the
bush so thought better off to stop with whatever I’d said.
- Lok Pal appointment –
Controversy was that K.T.Thomas rejected the post of Lok Pal Appointment
Committee member because he thought their decisions were not binding. One more
hiccup.
- Green Tribunal – Biggest
hiccup so far. I described a quasi-judicial body as a government organization.
Again came across as unsure.
- Oscar Pistorius –
Full-toss dispatched for six IMO. Only issue might be the possibility that I
over-answered, i.e. spoken more than was expected but given the Chair followed
up with a question on this, guess I did well.
- Empowerment Vs
Emancipation – Should’ve included “sustainable” as one of the reasons for
empowerment. Maybe greater clarity in saying emancipation part of empowerment,
but again, overall okay I guess.
- Job-switching –
well-handled IMO. Basically it was the plain truth. Hopefully, honesty works.
- Indo-Pak Diplomacy –
Can’t think of how I could’ve answered something better for an interview.
- Kashmir – I particularly
thought the “democracy” bit was a great point. Hopefully the board will concur.
- Higher Studies/Silicon
Valley – reasonably okay.
But for the 3-4 factual
questions about Lok Pal, Green Tribunal, etc. I think the rest of the interview
was quite smooth. There wasn’t a single question to which I had *no* idea
about. On the other hand, the board could think I had superficial knowledge –
considering I couldn’t go deep on those 4 questions.
Over and above, I was
brutally honest all through the interview. I spoke with conviction and (I’d
like to think) calmness. I sincerely hope my conviction and honesty gets me
across the board.
About the Board: The
board was cordial – neither friendly nor rude. Except the Chairman, nobody
smiled. Even the Chairman’s smile – I am not sure if it was this warmth-giving
smile or one of those condescending smiles, specifically because I think he
smiled when asking me about my post-graduate degree and joining the services.
The lady member could very well be a psychologist, given she kept looking away
when I was answering her. I smiled from time to time during the interview, and
halfway through the interview, I realized I was using my hands. Tried reigning
them in.
Prediction: Assuming I
never miscommunicated any arrogance or over-confidence during the interview (I
can never be sure of this), I don’t think I’ll go below 160. My sir and some of
my friends have said 190-200 and I’d be thrilled at anything in the region of
200, but will just close my eyes and pray for it to happen.
POSTSCRIPT
As it turns out, my interview was a washout going by the marks. I got
151/275 in the Interview which effectively killed my hopes of a sub-150
rank. A lot of people I know have got in the region of 170-200. Had I got even 40 more in the interview, I would've most likely ended up in the top 100/top 150. Anyway, no regrets. Let's see what the future holds. :-)
