Interview questionnaire - Jatin Verma

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Interview questionnaire

General Questions 1. Please tell us something about yourself, your family? When and why did you enter in

UPSC competitive exams?

My name is Kajal Jawla. I have secured AIR 28 in CSE 2018. I am a Technical Risk Senior Consultant at EY. I completed my B.Tech in 2010 and have been working ever since – for the past 9 years. I am from Meerut and have been married for more than 3 years.

My father used to impress upon me and my two siblings the importance of studies and having a good job. He wanted one of his children to be an IAS officer and used to constantly motivate me to take the exam. Some of my college batchmates were preparing for CSE and eventually got through. This invoked my interest - I began my preparation in 2012 and gave the first attempt that very year.

2. How much did you rely on online sources/videos while preparing for this exam?

Quite a lot. I had the soft copy versions of most of the books I referred to including NCERTs. Besides reading The Hindu e-paper, I referred to Insights Daily Current Affairs, online quizzes on forums like Insights, Civil Services Daily, GK Today, etc. I read IASbaba’s compilations for budget and economic survey. I also watched daily news analysis on days I could not read the newspaper completely. For preparation of my optional subject, I read a substantial amount from online sources.

3. So, did you use www.jatinverma.org/ his facebook group/ telegram group for your preparation and if yes, how did it help you?

I used to watch Daily News Analysis by Jatin Verma about 15 days a month. I hadn’t joined the Telegram group or the Facebook page.

4. How did you find Jatin Verma’s videos for your preparation?

Very helpful. I could dedicate very less time to studies on weekdays and I felt that the Daily News Analysis was one of the easiest ways to get the gist of the daily news.

5. How did you make notes?

During Prelims preparation, I made notes in MS Word for current affairs – most of those were from Insights Daily Current affairs. I supplemented them with whatever important news I had read from that day’s newspaper. I did not make any notes for static content. During preparation for Mains, I made handwritten notes for current issues in bullet format to enable quicker revision.

6. Prelim 2017’s and 2018’s GS papers were very tough. What are your views? If you were to prepare for the Prelims-2019, what changes would you make in the strategy?

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I found Prelims 2017 difficult and fared very badly at it. Prelims 2018 was not on expected lines and very difficult but I was better prepared as compared to 2017. If I were to prepare for Prelims 2019, I’d focus more on compressing my current affairs notes and more timely revisions of static content.

7. Kindly tell us how to complete GS paper-II (Prelims) in time?

I personally feel that comprehension and logic reasoning questions take lesser time than purely mathematical questions. Attempting them in the beginning and then solving mathematics questions towards the second half can save time. Also, by then one will be surer of getting a comfortable score and there would be lesser inclination towards being stuck in a tricky question at the risk of other easier ones.

8. Kindly tell us about your approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers you got in Prelims-2018.

GS Paper 1 – 75 attempted; ~ 57 correct

GS Paper 2 – 64 attempted; ~54 correct

9. Compulsory language paper: Your preparation strategy / booklist?

I did not prepare much for Indian language paper (Hindi in my case). I usually read Hindi novels. I referred to a Hindi grammar book borrowed from a friend for synonyms, idioms, and antonyms. For English, I did absolutely nothing. All the reading that an English medium aspirant does for the exam should be enough to get him/her through the compulsory English paper.

10. How did you prepare for the essay paper?

I wrote an essay and got it peer reviewed. Based on the comments I received and after referring to mock essays written by previous years’ toppers, I re-wrote that essay. I read around 20 essays by toppers and then wrote a few more for practice.

11. Which two essays did you write and what key points did you include in it?

From Section A, I wrote on ‘Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task’. In this essay, I wrote about India’s border disputes with Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh. I included Sir Creek, IB, LoC, PoK, CoK, Arunachal sector, Berubari Union, exchange of estates with Bangladesh, etc. I added solutions/ suggestions like 2+2 dialogue format, Special Representatives, non-traditional diplomacy like Wuhan summit, border areas being cultural ecotones, cross border trade and LOC mandis, etc.

From Section B, I wrote on ‘Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life’. I began this essay with the story of Alan Turing - a man of incredible genius and a WW2 hero. I wrote about how the Victorian concept of morality let to a tragic end to the life of a young genius who could give back so much to the world in general and scientific community in particular. I discussed about LGBTQ, adultery, traditional women roles, taboo around mensuration, temple entry, etc.

For Mains

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General Studies (Mains) Paper 1

Topic How did you prepare? / Referred books

Culture Skipped this topic – only referred to NCERT fine arts

Indian history NCERT History new books 6 -12; Tamil Nadu History 11 & 12; R.S. Sharma for Ancient; Spectrum (Old edition) for Modern History

world history One reading of NCERT History new book Class 9 & 10; sample answers for 1 test from Forum IAS test series

post-independence India

NCERT Polity new book Class 12 (Politics in India since Independence)

Indian society One reading NCERT Sociology Class 11 & 12 – Nothing else

role of women, poverty etc.

No specific source – from newspaper reading

globalization on Indian society


communalism, regionalism, secularism


world geo physical NCERT Geography Class 11 for basics

resource distribution


factors for industrial location


earthquake tsunami etc


impact on flora-fauna


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General studies (Mains) paper 2

Topic How Did You Prepare?/ Referred books

Indian Constitution, devolution, dispute redressal etc.

Laxmikant Indian Polity

comparing Constitution with world Laxmikant Indian Polity

parliament, state Legislatures Laxmikant Indian Polity

executive-judiciary Laxmikant Indian Polity

ministries departments Laxmikant Indian Polity

pressure group, informal associations Laxmikant Indian Polity

Representation of people’s act Laxmikant Indian Polity

various bodies: Constitutional, statutory

Laxmikant Indian Polity

NGO, SHG etc Laxmikant Indian Polity

welfare schemes, bodies Laxmikant Indian Polity

social sector, health, education, HRD No specific source – from newspaper reading

governance, transparency, accountability


e-governance No specific source – from newspaper reading

role of civil service No specific source – from newspaper reading

India & neighbors No specific source – from newspaper reading

bilateral/global grouping No specific source – from newspaper reading

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General studies (Mains) Paper 3

Topic How Did You Prepare? / Referred books

Indian economy, resource mobilization NCERT Economy Class 9-12, Newspaper

inclusive growth No specific source – from newspaper reading

Budgeting IASbaba; Newspaper

major crops, irrigation No specific source – from previous years’ papers solutions

agro produce – storage, marketing No specific source – from newspaper reading

e-technology for farmers No specific source – from newspaper reading

farm subsidies, MSP No specific source – from newspaper reading

PDS, buffer, food security No specific source – from newspaper reading

technology mission No specific source – from newspaper reading

animal rearing economics No specific source – from newspaper reading

food processing No specific source – from newspaper reading

land reforms No specific source – from newspaper reading and previous years’ papers solutions

Liberalization No specific source – from previous years’ papers solutions

Infra No specific source – from newspaper reading

investment models No specific source – from newspaper reading

science-tech day to day life No specific source – from newspaper reading

Indian achievements in sci-tech No specific source – from newspaper reading

awareness in IT, space, biotech, nano, IPR No specific source – from newspaper reading

environmental impact assessment No specific source – from newspaper reading

Disaster Management No specific source – from newspaper reading

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non state actors, internal security No specific source – from newspaper reading

internal security – role of media, social networking site No specific source – from newspaper reading

cyber security No specific source – from newspaper reading

money laundering No specific source – from newspaper reading

border Management No specific source – from newspaper reading

organized crime, terrorism No specific source – from newspaper reading

security agencies- structure mandate No specific source – from newspaper reading

General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude

Topic How Did You Prepare?/ Referred books

ethics and interface, family, society Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

attitude, moral influence etc. Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

civil service: integrity, impartiality, tolerance to weak etc Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

emotional intelligence, its use in governance Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

moral thinkers of India and world Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

ethics in pub.ad, accountability, laws, rules etc. Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

corporate governance Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

probity in governance, work culture Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

citizen charter, ethics code, work culture etc. Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

challenges of corruption Lexicon; Abhishek Surana’s anecdotes

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case studies on above topics Lexicon

1. In ethics, what are your observations and tips for future aspirants regarding preparation?

Depth and variety in thinking is needed. Analyze each case study from various dimensions and from the perspective of various stakeholders and write the answer accordingly. A focused preparation for ethics is an absolute requirement to score well in the exam.

2. Some experts claim you should attempt all questions in Mains, some say attempt only those questions you know perfectly. What is your thought?

I attempted almost all questions in GS 1-4 barring 2. I believe that one must maximize the number of questions attempted (around 18-19 at least). There are very bleak chances that one will know all 20 answers. Not attempting questions means a lost opportunity and can cost one dearly. In case of very tricky questions, at least a couple diagrams/ maps or some pointers that are relevant from the question’s perspective can be written.

3. How was your experience with the ‘fixed space’ answer sheet?

Seemed like a blessing to me. It helps keep the answer limited to the word limit.

4. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs?

Bullets mostly.

5. Did you follow the “introduction-body-conclusion” format?

Yes. Factual introduction, key points arranged under sub-headers and a balanced 1-2 sentence long conclusion.

6. What’s your optional subject and why did you choose it?

Zoology. I chose this as I had aptitude in and liking for the subject – I had prepared for one year for Pre-medical entrance after Intermediate. Being a science subject and a less conventional choice, I expected to get better returns as compared to conventional optional subjects.

7. Please provide the essential book/resource list.

I am not an expert in the subject but here are resources I followed.

NCERT Biology Class 11 & 12. Veer Bala Rastogi’s books for many units – these are small and written in easy to understand

language. Trumann for 12th. Guyton & Hall for physiology David Hames & Nigel Hooper for Biochemistry P.K. Gupta for Genetics

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Online sources – IASZoology.com and studyandscore.com

8. Much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for this optional?

I had to struggle a lot for some topics – difficult to find content online. I don’t think an extensive current affairs-oriented study is necessary for Zoology preparation.

9. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?

Did not count. I was preparing these on and off during the period between Prelims and Mains.

10. How many days/ weeks before the exam, you started answer writing practice?

Only after the Prelims results were out – so approximately 10 weeks before the exam.

11. Do you maintain notes for revision of optional? In which format- electronic or paper?

Some handwritten, some electronic.

12. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2018 mains vs previous papers.

This was my first Mains – Optional Paper 1 was easier; Optional Paper 2 was trickier and difficult.

13. And what precautions are necessary in the future strategy for given optional subject?

More diagram practice; better revision strategy. Not leaving out any unit completely as the chances of ruling out the questions from that unit through choice are very bleak – the question paper had a fair mix of questions from ALL units.

Before the interview

1. How did you prepare for the interview?

Analyzed my DAF meticulously. Compiled a list of all keywords and all potential questions on those – I took help of my husband and a colleague in this exercise so as to get an outsider’s perspective. Prepared extensively on these keywords; revised my optional; kept reading the newspaper and tried to articulate my opinion on current topics in 2-4 sentences.

2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes?

3 at ForumIAS and 2 at Vajiram.

3. How were they similar / different than official interview?

The mocks had lesser panelists than there are in the actual interview panel. The quality of questions asked in some mocks was good and the feedback quite relevant.

4. What books/material did you bring for the ‘revision before interview’?

None – I read that day’s newspaper on phone.

5. Describe the formal-dress worn by you in interview.

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I wore a beige khadi silk saree. I wore a mustard colored cardigan - it was cold that day as it had rained.

During the interview

1. How long was the interview?

35 minutes approximately.

2. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview.

My interview was on 20th February 2019. The interview panel was M. Sathyavathy Madam’s panel. I was first quizzed on blockchain as reading about blockchain is one of my hobbies – the technical details, uses, if blockchain can be used to make Aadhar more secure, etc. I responded with the technical nuances. Then I was asked why I like cooking. This was followed by ‘Why IAS’ with some cross questioning. Then I was asked of my opinion on EWS reservation, military training and skill development. I was asked about some national parks of Uttarakhand, reasons for declining population of house sparrows and vultures, textile sector in Bangladesh, Brexit. Most of the remaining questions were women oriented – Me too movement, declining labour force participation, sexual harassment, need for self-defense training, women education, etc.

3. Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or did they ask you totally unexpected questions? Was it a stress interview, did they ask any uncomfortable questions? If yes, how did you handle it?

Some of the questions were expected like the ones on Namami Gange, blockchain, and women issues. However, I hadn’t expected or faced most of the questions asked of me in any of the mocks before. It wasn’t a stress interview – it was like a normal conversation. I felt a little stressed when I was repeatedly asked by the chairperson as to why I wanted to become an IAS despite doing a high paying and respectable job. I maintained my calm and kept a faint smile. I was honest to the maximum extent and this kept me composed and confident.

4. Any side details about technicalities like “make sure you bring xyz document or do xyz thing, or you’ll face problem”?

One must carry photo ID proof – preferably the one that you mention in the application form. Carry all documents that have been requested and make sure that you are carrying the degree or provisional certificate of qualifying exam.

5. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup?

The process takes an entire day – be mentally prepared. Carry all required documents and photographs, and some food and juice. Make sure you go with an empty stomach for blood sugar tests. Preferable is to maintain an active life before the interview.

Career Backup

1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?

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I am already employed. I would have continued with my job as a risk consultant.

2. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear like ‘I am not from a big college. What if they ask such questions in the interview?

In my opinion, being from a big/ highly reputed college or not doesn’t make any difference. But if you are from a very prestigious college, the panel will definitely expect more from you and may ask more questions related to your college/ education.

3. What is your message to these candidates?

I believe starting preparation for the UPSC CSE is a big leap of faith that anyone takes given the amount of uncertainty and competition involved. Given the fact that you have taken that leap and are preparing sincerely, you stand as good a chance as anybody else. If you have made it to the interview round, you are truly deserving. Just believe in yourself and everything else will fall into place.

4. If you’re a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with job?

You must have a very smart strategy and must keep and follow a tight schedule with full discipline. Plan the topics and subjects that you will focus on and decide well in advance which topics you can potentially leave out without hurting your chances. Keep reading the newspaper every day. Minimize social contact on weekends as it is only the weekends that you can fully dedicate to studies. Never lose sight of your ultimate goal – do not get swayed by the unimportant and the trivial that may be happening at workplace. Don’t let job security dampen your momentum.

Interview questionnaire - Jatin Verma

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