(Topper's Interview) Neha Jain (IAS-2013 - Rank-12) - 4 Years in IT Sector, 400 Marks in GS Mains, First Attempt, Sociology Optional, Kanpur - Mrunal

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[Toppers Interview] Neha Jain (IAS-2013/Rank-12): 4 years in IT sector,

400 marks in GS Mains, First Attempt, Sociology optional, Kanpur
motivation (http://mrunal.org/category/motivation) / 1 year Ago /

139 Comments (http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-neha-jain-ias-2013rank-12-4-years-sector-400-marks-gs-mains-first-attempt-
(http://www.flipkart.com/india-2015-english/p/itme3yz8rvpuhgky?
pid=9788123019789&affid=mrunalrugm)
India Yearbook 2015
(http://www.flipkart.com/india-2015english/p/itme3yz8rvpuhgky?

(http://www.flipkart.com/bharat2015/p/itme3yz8wsgqgsyn?
1.
Candidate Profile
2.
Education
3.
Introduction
4.
Electronic Vs Paper material
5.
Tempo and style
6.
Working professional
7.
Prelims (CSAT) General studies
8.
Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude
9.
Prelim accuracy
10.
Mains: Compulsory language paper
11.
Mains: Essay
12.
General Studies (Mains) paper 1
13.
General studies (Mains) paper 2
14.
General studies (Mains) Paper 3
15.
General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude
16.
GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013
17.
Mains answer-writing?
18.
Mains Optional Subject SOCIOLOGY
19.
Before the interview
20.
During the interview
21.
Civil service Exam-2013 Marksheet
22.
Career Backup
23.
Views on UPSC reforms
24.
Insecurity about profile
25.
Wisdom
26.
Credit: Friends/family
27.
BOGUS Marketing Propaganda
Candidate Prole
Name
NEHA JAIN
Rank in CSE-2013
12
Roll No.
100046
Age
26
Total attempts in CSE
Optional Subject
SOCIOLOGY
Medium chosen for Mains answers
English
Schooling medium
English
College medium
English
Home town/city
Kanpur
Work-experience if any
IBM Software Labs, Bangalore. 3 years 11

months
Details of other competitive exams, including success/failures
NONE
Details of coaching, mock tests, postal material for any competitive exam (if
used)
Byju classes for Prelims in Bangalore

Chronicle IAS for GS in Delhi
Vajiram and Ravi for Sociology
service preference #1, 2 and 3
IAS, IFS,IPS
state cadre preference (top3)
UP, AGMUT,Rajasthan
Education
% in class 10
92.8 (best 5)
% in class 12
90.0 (best 4)
Schooling (Medium)
English
Graduation course and %
B.Tech Computer Science & Engineering82.5%
Name of college, city, passing out year
Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, Kanpur, 2005-2009
Post-graduation
NA
Any other professional courses
Hobbies & Extra curricular
Sun Certified Java Professional

IBM Certified SOA Associate
Sketching and Painting
Pursuing Buddhist Philosophy
Introduction
Q. Tell us something about yourself, your family, when and why did you enter in this field of competitive exams?
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/97816112@N02/14515897313)
I was born and brought up in Kanpur. I was very fortunate that my parents provided for my education in reputed schools in the city
which has added to my skills and personality. I am a software engineer by profession and a silver medalist in my college. I have served
IBM India Pvt. Ltd. in this capacity for 3 years and 11 months. The technical nature of the job which required solemn and profound
thinking did not quite match my skills as an outgoing extrovert always keen to interact with new people. I had a knack for
administration and my friends would suggest me to go for an MBA degree. Personally I did not believe in an MBA and while I was
contemplating on how to take my career ahead I delved into the finer aspects of life. I thought that the one life which we possess
should be dedicated to the benefit of maximum people and not in selfish pursuit of money. I viewed money as a means to a greater
end. With this sense of mission and wanting to pursue a path in which I could utilize my abilities to the maximum I chose to give Civil
Services Examination a try. Fortunately, I was able to crack it in my first attempt. I take it as a sign that I am on the right path of my
mission.
Electronic Vs Paper material

Q. In recent times, there is spur in electronic material- blogs, sites, pdfs, RSS-feeds. Many aspirants feel bogged down by this
information overload. So, how much do you rely on electronic material and how much on the paper material (Books,
newspapers)? If possible narrate a typical day in your studylife.
Yes, of course there is an explosion of knowledge, but it has to be balanced by an explosion of wisdom. It is not humanly possible
to devour all the information available. One should believe that whatever he/she is able to study is the best resource for him/her.
Striking a balance between paper material and electronic information is crucial. Newspaper editorials are well thought of and
cover multiple dimensions. For me, YouTube videos on topics like World History and Science and Tech have been of immense
help.
A typical day in my life would consist of two classes. 9:30am to 1:00pm for General studies and 2:00pm to 5:00pm for Sociology.
Tired by the end of it I would sleep till 7:30pm and by the time my newspaper finished it was already 10pm. I tried to squeeze in
every little chunk of time I had, to revise previous days class notes or even research for information which I was unsure of. I liked
to cross check what the teacher taught in the class (just to be sure ;)). Also I used my smartphone to best help me in my studies. Be
it planning, Wikipedia, blogs or random Quiz apps. From 10pm to 2am, I tried to put in more value in each hour I studied. So, if you
see the number of hours, they were hardly 5-6 hours a day. But to feel good I took my class time also as hours of study and would
make sure I sat there with 100% concentration and not loiter around as a back bencher.
On days when there were no classes, I aligned my target to the test series dates and made it a point to excel in them. In this way,
(a)I would be prepared for that segment and (b) good marks would also boost my confidence. To achieve a big goal we have to
break it down to smaller and more concrete action plans.
Tempo and style

Q. People know what books and syllabus points are to be prepared. But most of them lack consistency in their preparation.
So, how do you keep study momentum going on? How do you fight against the mood swings and distractions?
First and foremost would be the sense of mission. When you sincerely believe that all these efforts and toiling is not for your own
self but for a larger cause, then the strength to deal with mood swings automatically wells forth.
Also for me a few role models really worked. 2012 Rank 18 Tanu Priya whose interview Mrunal also published
(http://mrunal.org/2013/05/toppers-interview-tanu-priya-air-18-cse-2012-first-attempt-no-coaching-political-sciencesociology.html) was a source of inspiration for me. She cracked it in her first attempt and something inside me told me that I could
do it too.
Being sad and dejected and doubting oneself is absolutely normal. One technique is called journaling whereby you write down all
your fears on a piece of paper and tear that paper afterwards. I would start with my fears and end with reminding myself of the
mission which lies ahead of me. (more and more writing can also help in your answer writing
). Also, you discover yourself in
the process of this exam.

When it has to be studied, why not do it joyfully than to crib about it and put yourself through immense pain.
Working professional
If youre a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with job
I took my prelims exam along with my job. I took my teammates and manager into confidence and told them about my plans. I
also took weekend classes which would virtually go on for the entire day. On weekdays I would try to study atleast 1 hour in the
morning before office. I involved in discussions with my colleagues on topics of general awareness.
The tea time gossips were replaced by GS questions and this way I combined office fun with my studies. Very soon, I resigned and
my major preparation came during my notice period. Study along with job is not impossible as earlier thought to be. Besides,
earning also gives a sense of self worth.

When you are absolutely sure of yourself and can live off your own money, then leaving a job can be worthwhile. At all times think
to yourself what a great sacrifice you have made, study so hard so as to surprise yourself and make sure to use each hour wisely.
Prelims (CSAT) General studies

Topic
strategy/booklist/comment
Byju class lectures by Mr Tariq Mohd.
Chronological events /Kingdoms/Culture in each period
History Ancient
Wikipedia for in-depth understanding

Atlas (yes, atlas). The last few pages have historical maps of India. It helps visualize the extent of
various kingdoms.
History Medieval
Byju class lectures by Mr Tariq Mohd.

Tripartite struggle/ Rajputs/ Delhi Sulatnate/ Sufi /Vijaynagar and Bahamani Kingdom/Mughal Dynasty
Byju class lecture by Mr Tariq Mohd.
History Modern
(Freedom Struggle)
Spectrum publications brief history of modern India (http://www.flipkart.com/brief-history-modernindia/p/itmdg229y7jccdgy?pid=9788179304747&affid=mrunalrugm)

Bipan Chandra notes of a friend (did not have time to read the entire book). Read it now after exams
and it is worthwhile to read if you have time.
Going chronologically what is the unique aspect of each kingdom
Culture society
e.g. Pottery type/ coins/ Guild system if any/ Sculptures/ Paintings

Suggest to read about Dances of India (question on Tribhanga)
And also about the various schools of philosophy (Meemansa, samkhya etc.)
Indian Polity by M. Lakshmikant (http://www.flipkart.com/indian-polity-4th/p/itmdmmsnbhqfwj3a?
Polity (theory +
current)
pid=9781259064128&affid=mrunalrugm) in and out 3 iterations with all back questions and previous
years questions
Current newspaper Polity events is helpful to link theory to the real world.
Economy (theory +
current)
Byju class lectures by Zulfiqar Sir

Current Hindu Business Page
Mrunal Blogs on Economy (http://www.Mrunal.org/economy) concepts + Current Events
Space | Defence | Nuclear | Nanotechnology | Biotechnology and class 10th Biology also YouTube
Science (theory +
current)
Videos for many topics, ISRO Website

(Didnt read Physics and Chemistry separately but relied on my long term memory from school)
The Hindu S&T page is becoming so redundant these days that I am skeptical to suggest it.
Nevertheless, you CANNOT rely solely on The Hindu for S&T (Mrunal comment: sahi hai madam!)
Erach Barucha for getting an idea of Ecosystems
Environment (theory
+ current)
Class 10th ICSE books only a few chapters

Environment Summits etc. from Mrunal.org
GKToday.in (http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/current-affairs/environment) Notes for Environment,
Biodiversity and other topics like Vulnerable/IUCN Red List species
NCERT
geography physical
YouTube Videos to clarify many concepts specially of volcanism, plate tectonics, wind systems, eclipses,
phases of moon, equinoxes etc.
geography India
NCERT
geography world
Skipped this part! (People do read G C Leong)
other
national/international
current affairs
Newspaper- make notes and revise them on and off
Schemes, Policy &

Filler Stuff
Sorry I could not read India Year Book,

For policies etc. relied on GKToday.in Compendium, but fortunately not many questions from this area
in Prelims 2013
Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS prelim 2013 paper?

Many times I see people trying to be 100% accurate, so they attempt only those questions of which they are sure of. This way they
end up attempting 50-60 questions out of 100 in Paper 1(GS) and lose out.
A teacher once said and I took that to heart, no matter how sure you are of your answers minimum 20 will be wrong in GS and
minimum 10 will be wrong in CSAT. I strategized accordingly and attempted 85/100 in GS and 78/80 in CSAT. Taking educated guesses
might be worthwhile, but practice this strategy in your mocks before attempting in the final exam.
Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude

Topic
strategy / booklist
Maths
Byju
Previous years questions (http://www.flipkart.com/csat-19-years-general-studies/p/itmdhhccqt4sr3hz?
pid=9789382961789&affid=mrunalrugm) (even before 2011 there was a segment on Aptitude)
reasoning
Decision
Making
Byju
Previous years questions
Byju
comprehension
Few chapters of Norman Lewis book How to Read Faster and Better (http://www.flipkart.com/read-betterfaster-4e-4th/p/itmdutgfjw8kwdbu?pid=9788183070768&affid=mrunalrugm)
Q.Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2013 paper.

Practice, Practice and Practice. Its about accuracy and SPEED. The questions are easy but it is easy for all. Do not become complacent
that just because you are an engineer you can do it without any practice.
Prelim accuracy
Q1. Did you attend any mock tests? do you think theyre necessary for success?
Yes I did attend Byjus test series. The questions were of a higher level of complexity but gave me the confidence to be able to solve
the actual questions in the exam. One should practice CSAT paper even if you do so from the question papers sold in market. I did
Career Launcher test series in this way. I practiced 2-4pm every day for the last 15 days so that I am in the momentum on the D-day
and also to condition my mind to operate in the afternoon because normally it was a sleeping time for me.
CSAT prelim
official score
General studies
96
Aptitude
160
total
256
Mains: Compulsory language paper

Compulsory
language paper
Your preparation strategy / booklist?
English paper
Previous years questions (http://mrunal.org/2013/12/download-compulsory-english-2013-question-paper-ofupsc-civil-service-mains-exam-last-17-years-as-bonus1997-2013.html)

(HINDI)
Previous years questions
Essays on a few topics
your regional
language
Words used in the constitution preamble (should know equivalent word in regional language)
Poems/Idioms in daily use to enrich the essay
Prcis practice should be done as it becomes very tough in the actual exam
Muhavre in Hindi questions directly repeated from previous years. Make sure you do your homework on
the same.
Q2.other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory language papers in CSE-2013
For non-English speakers, English papers with its 2 essays and 2 precis and comprehension and grammar can be a bit lengthy. If
you are not very comfortable, then try practicing once a week. (Solve 1 model paper a week).
For regional paper, Hindi I found it to be the toughest exam and definitely very lengthy. Writing in regional language gets very
tough and we find our speed reduced.(especially if one is from English medium). Practice is the key word. Try to communicate
purely in the regional language without using English words. It gets really challenging because we do not even realize how much
we are used to speaking in Hinglish nowadays.
Mains: Essay
Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?
For Essay, I regularly wrote on a few broad topics and got them evaluated from professors/academicians/coaching teachers/friends. I
was good in creative writing as I also have a habit of writing a daily diary. However, during the civil service exam essay preparation I
realised the importance of forming a structure before jumping into the actual content. Many a times we think of writing impromptu.
But in an essay of 1500 to 2500 words this strategy is almost bound to fail. Lack of structure in an essay results in a writeup which is a
haphazard mashup of random thoughts rather than a clear and mature organic idea. Also, initially words would not flow from my pen
and I would find myself at loss for appropriate vocabulary. Two key points for essay are to enhance ones knowledge base of ideas
and also translate those to ideas to the actual essay by consistent practice.
Q2. Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in it?
1. Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)
2. Is the Colonial mentality hindering Indias Success?
3. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of
a country
4. Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.
I wrote on (1), Be the change you want to see in others. I knew it was a risky topic to write on as there can be multiple dimensions and
thought processes around this idea. But I believed so much in this thought that I was bound to write on it. I practice Buddhism
whereby we talk of the concept of Human Revolution which essentially means how a great revolution in the life of a single individual
can bring about a change in the destiny of entire humankind. I would ponder on the lives of great leaders and think that at times of
crisis how individuals have changed the course of history. Individuals have taken masses alongwith them. This very idea also
prompted me to take up the civil service exam.
I tackled the essay on three levels- how change in an individual can better his/her own life; how this change can lead to better
relations between members of a family which is an integral part of a society; and how better families can lead to more progressive
nations altogether.
I wrote a lot of quotations appropriate to the thought I was conveying.
But I was a bit disappointed by my essay marks. I scored 106 out of 250. As I said, this type of essay is a risk, but I could not write on
any other. On an afterthought, may be I could have enriched my content a bit more and could have added more dimensions. Anyway,
alls well that ends well
General Studies (Mains) paper 1

Topic
How did you prepare?

Nitin Singhania AIR -51 class notes (available as a pink photocopy booklet in Rajinder Nagar shops)
Byju class notes
Art and Culture New NCERT (for class 11th)
Culture
NO SPECTRUM (http://www.flipkart.com/facets-indian-culture-2014/p/itm9788179305188?
pid=9788179305188&affid=mrunalrugm) (its way too exhaustive for me)
Wikipedia for all the form of art I found interesting dances/pottery/sculpture/literature

1757 1857 Bipin Chandra /Old NCERT first 4 chapters
Indian history
1857 onwards -Same as for prelims

Spectrum for Indian History (http://www.flipkart.com/brief-history-modern-india/p/itmdg229y7jccdgy?
Arjun Dev NCERT (9th and 10th)
YouTube Videos for all topics
Khan Academy videos (Vietnam war/ French Revolution)
world history
After watching a 10-12 minutes video, I would jot down important points on an A4 paper(folded midway).
This would contain pointers to elaborate on and would serve handy on the day before exam. click me for
playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6hdwA4l6UNkNFldcKlNGOXbecXOhnxyz)
this YouTube channel is excellent for world history videos: Click me
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcOKFsOrftOvgskE8tjioaA)
Before exam I read :
Integration of Princely states, Emergency from Bipan Chandra India since independence
(http://www.flipkart.com/india-since-independence/p/itmczyrqkf5sysbs?
postindependence
India
Political Science NCERT Politics in Indian after Independence
But after my mains, I read some more and would suggest you to read if you find time:
Ramachandra Guha India After Gandhi (http://www.flipkart.com/india-after-gandhi-history-world-apos-slargest-democracy/p/itmdxcxg4uyjn3eh?pid=9780330505543&affid=mrunalrugm)
ABP News Series Pradhnanmantri
1. Indian society
2. role of
women,
poverty etc.
3. globalization
on Indian
Didnt read this section separately as I was a sociology student
society
4. communalism,
regionalism,
secularism
world geo
physical
Climate Zones of the world (the chapters in Goh Cheng Leong (http://www.flipkart.com/certificate-physicalhuman-geography-1st/p/itmczyt7kuqrvjyg?pid=9780195628166&affid=mrunalrugm))
resource
distribution
factors for
Mrunal.org/geography (http://mrunal.org/geography) combined with Atlas reading
industrial
location
earthquake
tsunami etc
impact on florafauna
YouTube videos click me for playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?

list=PL6hdwA4l6UNmurWXzOsCb9V5jKZ5sc5AA)
NCERT 11th and 12th.
(Thought I would answer this part by common sense), did not read specifically
General studies (Mains) paper 2

Topic
How Did You Prepare?
Indian Constitution,
devolution, dispute
redressal etc.
History of constitution Laxmikant (http://www.flipkart.com/indian-polity-4th/p/itmdmmsnbhqfwj3a?

pid=9781259064128&affid=mrunalrugm) chapter 1; in addition read history more intently
comparing
Constitution with
world
Chronicle class notes Focused on US, UK, Switzerland.
parliament, state
Legislatures
Laxmikant (http://www.flipkart.com/indian-polity-4th/p/itmdmmsnbhqfwj3a?
executive-judiciary
Laxmikant (http://www.flipkart.com/indian-polity-4th/p/itmdmmsnbhqfwj3a?
pid=9781259064128&affid=mrunalrugm) + M. Puri class notes
ministries
departments
-skipped-
pressure group,
informal asso.
Sociology Class notes
Representation of
peoples act
The Bare Act and its important articles(Taught in class by S.K. Mishra sir)
various bodies:
Constitutional,
statutory..
Vision IAS handout
NGO, SHG etc
Mohanty class notes for SHG
welfare schemes,
bodies
Relied on newspaper reports / pib.nic.in
social sector, health,

edu, HRD
Relied on newspaper reports / pib.nic.in
governance,
transparency,
accountability
Common topic in Ethics paper 4
e-governance
2nd ARC Report on e-gov
role of civil service
Vision IAS handout
India& neighbors
Idsa.in articles. Focus on various dimensions of relationship between any two countriestrade/strategic/power balance/energy security/people to people/cultural links/history and then assessment
of peculiar aspects with respect to both land and maritime neighbours
bilateral/global
grouping
Use Wikipedia and also the Groups own website for IBSA/SCO/BRICS/ASEAN/SAARC/G4/G8/G33 etc.
effect of foreign
country policies on
Indian interest
Suggest to read Shashi Tharoors book Pax Indica (http://www.flipkart.com/pax-indica-india-world-21stcentury/p/itmdxdgfsygkhata?pid=9780143420187&affid=mrunalrugm) for an objective analysis of
relationship of India with other countries.
Diaspora
Chronicle class notes/ Vision IAS handout/ name of diaspora schemes from IndiaYearBook
international
bodies- structure
mandate
Read Pratiyogita darpan special edition simply for the lack of time. If you have more time, suggest you to
read on WTO/IMF etc.
General studies (Mains) Paper 3
Topic
Indian economy
resource mobilization
Byju class notes by Zulfiqar sir for Economy and its various aspects
inclusive growth
Budgeting
Asked a friend from Public Administration optional to teach me this topic.
major crops, irrigation
GKtoday Notes, Focus more on cropping pattern- like combination of crops grown
together rather than what we read in geography.
agro produce storage, marketing
Vision IAS handout
e-technology for famers
GKToday Notes
farm subsidies, MSP, PDS, buffer, food

security, technology mission
Vision IAS handout

Annual report of Department of Dairying, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
animal rearing economics
http://dahd.nic.in/dahd/default.aspx (http://dahd.nic.in/dahd/default.aspx)
(Ministry of Agriculture)
Mrunals [food processing] article series under /economy
(http://mrunal.org/economy)
food processing
GKtoday Notes
http://www.mofpi.nic.in/ (http://www.mofpi.nic.in/) (Ministry of Food Processing
Industries)
12th Five year plan concept of land banks, new titling policy etc.
land reforms,Liberalization, Infra,
investment models
Salient features of Land Acquistion Bill from prsindia.org

Historical aspect of land reforms since Independence
science-tech day to day life
GK Today compilation
Indian achievements in sci-tech
GK Today compilation
YouTube videos click me for playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?
awareness in IT, space, biotech, nano, IPR
list=PL6hdwA4l6UNkBa3M2lErzLCy1W1SK30CK)
chronicle class notes
environmental impact assessment

Disaster Management
Disaster Management chapter from 2nd ARC report (http://arc.gov.in/)
non state actors, internal security
S.K. Mishra sirs class notes
internal security role of media, social

networking site

GKtoday Notes
cyber security
-do-
money laundering
-do-
border Management
-do-
organized crime, terrorism
-do-
security agencies- structure mandate
-do-
General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude
Topic
ethics and interface, family,

society and all the
hathodaa topics
attitude, moral influence

etc.
civil service: integrity,

impartiality, tolerance to
weak etc
emotional intelligence, its

use in governance

How many thinkers did you prepare?
moral thinkers of India and

world
I focused on the qualities of these thinkers rather than learning about each of them. Sociology
class also helped to prepare quite a few thinkers.
Chronicle had provided a handout which was essentially a summary of IGNOU notes of the same
topic. I read those a couple of times.
ethics in pub.ad,
accountability, laws, rules
etc.
S.K. Mishra sirs class notesEthics in Public Life ARC
corporate governance
probity in governance,
work culture

S.K. Mishra sirs class notesCitizen centric Administration ARCSevottam Model
citizen charter, ethics code,

work culture etc.
(http://mrunal.org/2013/10/gs2-department-of-administrative-reforms-public-grievances-darpgsevottam-framework-e-office.html#sevottam)
challenges of corruption
case studies on above

topics
S.K. Mishra sirs class
Any other comments, word of wisdom after going through the mains-2013.
GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013

Q. Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such crisis of conscience and how you resolved the same.
Crisis of conscience: I wrote about a real life incident I faced. In the PG I lived while working I saw that my landlords had employed a
14 year old girl for domestic help. Though legally she is allowed to work, I felt sad at a lost opportunity. I asked her if she was
interested in studies but she refused. She spoke kannada and it was tough to interact. So I took the help of my landlords 5 year old
daughter. She would do the translation. While there was a crisis of conscience on the part of the landlord, her small daughter was
the opposite. I told her to take care of the girl while I left for Delhi. I wish I could do more for her.
Case
your approach/keypoints
1: RTI: To hide or not to hide

2: Engineer: Bogus flyover vs deadline
3: Child Labourers in Sivakasi
4: Nepotism in Job recruitment
I think in ethics I wrote my theory answers better than my case studies. I

have already filed RTI for my answersheets. If I luckily get them I will
share them with you for sure.
5: Leaking information
6: Narrate one incident in your life when you were
faced with such crisis of conscience and how you
resolved the same.
Mrunal comments: Youve 117 marks in Ethics paper. itll be awesome

to see your answercopy. Thanks in advance
Mains answer-writing?
Q. How was your experience with the fixed space answer sheet?
The space provided was enough for me to fit in all my answers. In many cases I found that I left and entire page blank as my answer
was smaller than the space provided. Let this not panic you if you have small handwriting. On the other hand I would suggest writing
in a bigger font considering the age of the people who are going to evaluate your answersheets.
Also the time restriction and the number of questions do not allow to elaborate on a single question for a considerable length as it
would be at the cost of other equal mark questions.
Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs? Some players (who cleared mains and got interview call letter)
were claiming that they wrote entire paper in bullet points, so it doesnt matter.whether examiner is asking examine,
comment, discuss or xyz.simply write in bullets and points.
Frankly speaking, being a first attempt candidate I did not have a plethora of information to be able to write my entire answer in
point format. But my belief is that a good paper is one in which the examiner takes least amount of time to correct (afterall he/she
is getting a fixed amount for each paper). Your paragraphs should be concise and crisp stating a single idea. Paragraphs should be
well spaced and the answer sheet should look neat enough for the examiner to want to read it.
Also during the course of my preparation someone told me that paragraphs represents maturity of thought. I pondered on how
all good literature was in prose format and thus chose this style of writing.
I also believe that simply stating facts do not give any value addition to the answer. While it is important to mention the facts, it is
equally important to handle various dimensions of your answer and write something different which makes your answer unique.
Think of yourself as an evaluator and drowned in a heap of answersheets, what is the type of answersheet which would seem like
a whiff of fresh air. Make sure your answersheet is one such.
Q. Did you follow the introduction-body-conclusion format? because some mains-qualified candidates claim they simply
wrote the points they could recall within the time, instead of bothering with proper introduction and conclusion.
In a way , I did follow this format, though unconsciously. I made sure that my first line was interesting enough for the evaluator to
want to read further. And after I had his/her attention, I would narrate my points (whatever came to my head in those 7-8
minutes).
I planned my paper in a way such that I finished each paper 10 min early. (30 min early in case of ethics). From the very first
answer I would write with a thought that what if my paper did not finish on time. I planned 10 questions for the first hour, 8 for
the second and 7 for the third hour.
In this way, I found spare time which I used to beautify my answers by adding an appropriate conclusion which beautifully
summed up the requirements of the question.
Q. In GS papers, Since UPSC came with those 100 and 200 words questions. What was your approach in the exam (I wrote all, I
only focused on the questions where I could answer perfectly, I just not to high quality points to reach the word limit etc.)
As for me, I attempted all the questions though I did commit a couple of blunders. But my belief was that even if my answer is
super bad, I might end up getting 1 or 2 marks for that.
I know of people who left 7-8 questions saying that UPSC wanted us to choose, but I also saw those candidates not getting
selected. Skipping 1-2 questions where you are absolutely not sure of your answers is the maximum I can suggest.
Mrunal comments: In General studies paper, youve higher marks in than Top-3 rankers. So, this strategy (along with your sincere
preparation) indeed worked.
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/97816112@N02/14494721204)
CSE Mains 2013 scores
Topper
GS1
GS2
GS3
GS4
Total GSOut of 1000
Rank1 Gaurav
85
63
88
102
338
Rank2 Munish
89
66
85
111
351
Rank3 Rachit
78
71
103
142
394
Rank12 Neha
95
73
115
117
400
Q. How many marks worth questions did you skip/couldnt finish in the GS papers?
GS (Mains paper)
Couldnt finish __ mark
GS1
Tashkent agreement blunder
GS2
Attempted Full Paper
GS3
GS4
Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers?

I am a person who loves to use colours in answers. But with UPSC I thought I would not take a risk. I used a pen and a pencil for
underlining key points.
Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography)
Yes, I did draw a couple of diagrams for Geography e.g. the question on heat island and that of rainfall on the eastern coast of
continents.
Q7. If yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen?
I used a pencil to draw diagrams.

Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just make it by hand?
Free hand. No time to use a ruler. Time is everything in the exam.
Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen?
Blue pen in all exams except Sociology Paper 2 as my ink finished for that paper
Also those of you who like to write with ink/fountain pens, please resist this temptation in the exam. You never know if your
answers get washed out in the long transit of the exam paper or may be the ink fades with time.
If however, you should write with a fountain pen, I suggest you use a permanent black ink and check that on your mock papers.
My research has suggested that Noodlers black ink is fairly good. It is expensive, but if you can afford an expensive ink pen, you
can surely afford an expensive ink.
(Mrunal since readers keep mailing such queries, therefore Im asking the topper to clear all the air haha.)
Mains Optional Subject SOCIOLOGY

Q1. First the essential book/resource list and strategy
1. The conventional book suggested is Horlombos (http://www.flipkart.com/sociology-themes-perspectives-1st/p/itmczyt6a3zqzzk8?
pid=9780195613797&affid=mrunalrugm) (there is confusions regarding the big book or the orange book abound). I purchased the
small orange book but could not read more than 1 chapter (Lack of time).
2. I also used Sociology by Anthony Giddens (6th edition). This is an interesting book and I would flip across its pages when I would
not feel like reading anything else.
3. But more than all these books, I relied on Vajiram Mahapatra sirs class notes. I made my own notes based on what sir taught in
the class and took these notes to be my Bible.
4. P.S. : If you have time, please read either of these books. These are wonderfully written and expand your understanding of the
subject.
Q2. How much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for sociology optional? OR can one simply rely on the books
and be done with this subject?
1. Relying solely on books can be dangerous. The optional subject is not meant to check ones academic knowledge of the same but
the application of that subject in daily life. At the same time it is essential to also write about relevant content/thinkers/scholars on
a particular topic. Your answer should strike that balance between theory and practical real life examples.
2. I would check Wikipedia of all the new thinkers which sir introduced to us in class. (even the insignificant ones not mentioned in
the syllabus), I would take a mental note of their prominent works and then use it appropriately as per the demands of the
question. For example Thurstum Veblen gave the concept of Veblen goods( to be used in study of inequality). C Wright Mills spoke
of Elite Theory in context of US and he also spoke of bureaucracy.
3. In Paper 2 of sociology which deals with Indian aspects, it is essential to enrich ones answers with real life examples. I used to
read newspaper stories with an alertness to be able to map it to my sociology syllabus. Earlier Hindu published the Periscope
(Delhi edition), I found it very interesting from a sociology viewpoint.
Q3. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
I started my Sociology classes only after my prelims exam (in June). So I followed the class schedule to finish my syllabus. Would
revise my class notes daily and also discuss the lecture with friends(in the free time before class) to be able to retain it better.
It tooks around 4 months to finish the syllabus from scratch. The rest of the two months were devoted to revising and re-revising
my notes, making shorter notes of the same and writing answers for the test series.
Q4. How many days/ weeks before the exam, you started answer writing practice?
Answer writing practice for me was limited to the 4 tests which were a part of the Vajiram test series. I made it a point to attend
the test discussions and see what value addition could be done to my answers.
But, as I have told earlier, my academic background lends me good writing skills and in case you are not so fortunate, I suggest
you practice writing a lot before the actual exam.
Q5. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? In which format- electronic or paper?
Definitely. I truly rely only on my short term memory. Last day cramming is paramount for me. During the last few months of my
preparation, the only thought in my head was how I would revise the entire thing in a day. I made crisp notes of every lecture such
that by the end of the syllabus, I had 25-30 pages for each paper which I could quickly revise before my exam.
I used paper to make my notes. In fact I bought a 5 subject notebook. 4 sections for GS and 1 for optional and labelled it as Path
to Success.(importance of positive motivation)
Q6. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2013 mains vs previous papers. And what precautions / rectifications are
necessary in the future strategy for given optional subject?
The questions of sociology were easy as most of the previous years. The choices were the same as previous years papers. But paper 2
had a lot of questions whereby one could yield to the temptation of writing GS-style answers. Its important to keep a sociological
viewpoint while writing these answers.
Q7.How much did you skip OR couldnt answer properly, in the optional paper?
optional paper
Couldnt finish __ mark. + comments on any weird questions
Paper I
paper II
Before the interview

Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? Particularly college graduation subjects related questions?
Preparation of all aspects of DAF (Detailed Application Form) is of paramount importance. These include your home city, state,
school, college, graduation subjects, job details of any. DAF is the only predictable document that one can prepare for the
interview.
I used to believe that since interview is a personality test, no preparation for the same should be done as personality should be
ones natural self. But realised that without sufficient information to equip oneself the answers sound superficial and preparation
for interview is crucial.
Also newspapers should be read from a different perspective and political news which we normally skip for mains can be asked in
some way or the other.
Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes? How were they similar / different than official interview? Do
you believe it is necessary to attend such mock interviews?
Yes, since it was my first attempt I did not want to take any chances. Hence I enrolled for a couple of mock interviews and also spoke
to a few retired/serving bureaucrats. I enrolled for Samkalp Interview Guidance and attended a couple of Byju mock interviews. My
ethics teacher Mr. S.K. Mishra (Retd. IAS) was a constant source of motivation.
Q3. What did you wear?
I wore a cream cotton sari.
For guys, I would suggest that coat is optional and considering the sweltering heat I found very few candidates in a suit. Although, a
necktie was a must.
Q4. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friends home ) and what books/material did you bring for the revision
before interview?
I stayed in my hostel where I have stayed during the course of my preparation in Delhi.
No revision before interview, just flipped through the morning newspaper.
During the interview

Q1. Who was the chairman of you interview board?
Smt. Alka Sirohi
Q2. How long was the interview?
Approximately 25 minutes.
Q3. Why do you want to join civil service? Why dont you continue in your graduation field? Social service can be done from
private sector too.[Since I dont know whether they ask you this question or not. But if they had asked- what will be your
reply?]
I gave my all to my technical job. I even worked as a part of the Corporate Service projects of my company. But nothing could match
the satisfaction one receives in directly serving the people.
My personal belief is that each individual should be in a place where they serve their best. So if you are an excellent programmer or
doctor, I would suggest you to stick to your profession. But if you believe you have a knack for administration and an eye for the
bigger picture more than the details, then you should try your forte at this exam.
Interview transcript 9th april 2014

Me: Good Morning Maam, May I come in?
CM: Please come in. Take your seat
Me: Thank you maam.
CM: So you paint. What medium do u use?
Me: Maam, I use water colours.
CM: So what is unique about water colours?
Me: Maam, The finality of the strokes, there is no scope of a re-do, we actually paint with the coloured water. The excellence of the
brush strokes is what I like the most.
CM: What is that one thing about water colors?I used to draw but I have never been able to do watercolours.
Me: Maam I am only able to think of the finality of the brush stroke
CM: Its the patience required to let the paint dry.
Me: Thankyou maam.

(Didnt really agree with her because oil paints require much more patience, and frankly the water colours are a lot quicker. But I
avoided any arguments at this stage).

CM: Do you follow Tour de France?
Me: No maam not much. (I knew about the Lance Armstrong story but not any further so I preferred to keep silent on this topic).
(CM points to M1 to take over)

M1: India and Pakistan have a very troubled relationship. What are the reasons you think for this?
Me: The first would be the tussle for Kashmir which is very much in news these days
(A Hurriyat leader had written an open letter to the People of India for a Political solution for Kashmir)
And the second would be the ceasefire violations in the past year along the Line of Control.
M1: So what is the whole issue about Jammu and Kashmir? Can you elaborate?
Me: Sir, The story goes back to the time of independence and the integration of princely states with India. Maharaja Hari Singh of
Jammu and Kashmir wanted J&K to be autonomous whereas the Indian leaders wanted to integrate it within the territory of India.
Also, our first Prime Minister being a Kashmiri himself had an affinity towards Kashmir. Due to Pakistani attacks on J&K, Hari Singh
had to take help of the Indian forces and thus an Instrument of Accession was signed and since then we share a special relation with
J&K under Article 370
M1: And what could be Pakistans interest in J&K?

Me: Sir, I am not sure, but I can take a guess. Its related to the predominant Muslim population in
Kashmir.
M1: Neha, you have opted for Sociology. Tell me what do we study in the discipline as such?
Me: Sir, The discipline of sociology speaks about 3 main things. 1. The interaction and influence of institutions with each other. e.g.
how the institution of religion affects the institution of politics.
2. The interaction of individuals with each other and
3. The interactions of institutions with each other.
M1: Very good. Can you think of any prominent Indian sociologists?
Me: Sir M.N. Srinivas, G.S. Ghurye and Andre Beteille.
M1: Can you think of some predominant theory of M.N.Srinivas?
Me: Sir, the most prominent theory of Srinivas would be the theory of Sanskritization and Westernization.
M1: Can you explain.
Me: Sir, there are 2 hierarchies- The ritual hierarchy and the secular hierarchy. When an individual belonging to a lower position in the
caste hierarchy achieves economic success, he moves up the ladder of secular hierarchy. But, in an effort to move up the ritual
hierarchy, he emulates the behaviour, rituals and customs of the higher caste.
M1: Do you think the concept of Sankritization holds much importance in the contemporary world
Me: No sir. I think in the current context people are content with climbing the secular hierarchy. And also with the concept of vote
bank politics and reservations, Sanskritization is not as relevant today.
(Member 2 now asks his questions after the CM passes over the baton to him)
M2: What is Buddhist view on God?
Me: Sir, Buddhism neither accepts nor rejects the existence of God. The main concern of Buddhism is alleviation of human sufferings.
Its perception of God can be called agnostic.
M2: So you are from Kanpur, it was once a very famous city but now it has its set of problems. What are your views on this?
Me: Sir, as you rightly mentioned Kanpur which was once called the Manchester of the East has now reached a level where some
scholars call it the graveyard of industries.
But I would want to draw your attention to the positives of Kanpur it is true that the large mills have been shut down but the
medium and small industries are flourishing in a big way, the education industry is booming, The Kanpur Metro project is upcoming
and IT companies including IBM are opening their offices in Kanpur. So there is a lot of scope for the city to revive.
M2: So if you are made the administrator of Kanpur, what will you do to revive the city?
Me: I would identify and take steps to revive the sick industries, would give impetus to the ones which are upcoming. I shall take steps
to create more jobs in the city to prevent out-migration so that the youth population stays and the city grows and matures along with
its youth.
M2: Neha, you have taken sociology and you have been a technical person otherwise. Mans life is increasingly becoming privatised,
what is the role of technology in it, the access to all sort of information etc.?
Me: Man is indeed becoming privatised but in the quest to communicate he gives out his information to facebook and the like. To the
extent that even when one opens a TV channel, the set top box is capable of transmitting information of what one is viewing. Some
sociologists have gone to an extent of saying that all this amounts to public sphere i.e. the states encroachment into the private
sphere domain.
M2: What I meant was the effect on children with access to information of all types?
Me: Yes sir, as you rightly pointed out that no parent would want their children to be exposed to the amount of information which is
available now. And a district collector being a parent of the entire district is certainly more concerned.
M2: So, how will you monitor that? Are there any laws around the same?
Me: Sir, I am not sure if there are any provisions under the IT Act.
CM: Any other laws?
Me: No maam, I cannot think of anything else.
(Board member M3 takes over. He had a very feeble voice so had to ask him to repeat the question sometime)
M3: So you do a lot of Trekking?

Me: Sir, I have done a very small trek to Lohgarh.
M3: What are the things required for a long distance trekking.
Me: (since I have not trekked as much I had not much idea about this.. )
Sir, may be a hand towel, a water bottle. I cannot think of anything much since I have done just one small trek.
M3: Continuing with India Pakistan, there is a constant tussle between the two and each other draws from the others strength. What
do you understand?
At this point I turn a little blank and M2 points out that conflict leads to cooperation..sociology etc.
(M4 takes over now)
M4: You have written pursuing Buddhist Philosophy, how do you pursue?
Me: Sir, I chant morning and evening.
M4: Have you visited Ladakh, may be that would be a nice trek.
Me: No sir, I have not been there J
M4 : So you mentioned about the education industry in Kanpur? Is it right to say that education is becoming like an industry? I mean
the coaching centres, is it a fair thing.
Me: Sir, I agree that commodification of education is not a right thing to do. But by industry I meant that the coachings do fetch us
revenue.
M4: Who is the us? And what type of revenue?
Me: Sir, I mean the administration. And they do fetch us service tax and property tax.
M4: So, do you support the coaching institutions?
Me: Sir, for a student who he is new to the exam ahead, coachings do act as a guide and assist in preparation. On the other hand they
do create a divide between those who can access these facilities and those who are deprived of this advantage. So, we need to
strengthen our basic education to create a level playing field.
M4: What would you do strengthen government education?
Me: Sir, I would have regular assessments and focus on the teacher quality.
M4: Are there any such assessments already happening?
Me: Sir, I am not sure.
M4: NGO Pratham..
Me: Yes sir. (i did not argue further though by assessments I meant class tests for student evaluation).
M4: You have heard of the poverty line, have you heard of something called the empowerment line?
Me: No sir, I have not heard of this.

M4: Lets say I were to create an imaginary empowerment line, what do you think would be its parameters?
Me: Sir, the criteria for poverty line is economic based on consumption pattern and calorific values. But, the empowerment line would
have parameters like access to health, education, labour foce participation, economic independence and political independence.
M4: If the number of people below poverty line is 200 million then how many do you think will be below empowerment line?
Me: Certainly much more. Because even if people are above the Poverty Line, they are dependent, not empowered.
M4: What do you think we need to empower people a universal health care or Right to Food?
Me: Sir, I think its not the question of or but its a matter of and. Looking at our current situation we need both.
(Chairman takes over)
CM: Neha, some people are born great, some people achieve greatness and some people have greatness thrust on them. What do
you understand by this?
Me: Maam, there are some people who are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, who do not have to do much to achieve
greatness, whereas others through their efforts and persistence acquire skills and expertise which make them great-these belong to
the second category. But, some people are so noble and so sincere that they dont have to make any effort to be great. Greatness
automatically comes to them.
CM: but doesnt thrust sound derogatory.
Me: Yes maam, it might sound that way but I take it in the positive sense.
CM: (looking at my email id)
What can born2win mean?
Me: Maam, it might sound a little arrogant, but for me winning is about not being defeated. Picking myself up each time I fall down. I
always say to myself.. Neha, you are born to win, how can you accept defeat, it is a sin !
CM: Your interview is over. You may leave.
Me: Thankyou maam. Thankyou sirs.
Interview Score: 179 out of 275
Q. 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?
Since my interview was on the first day itself most of the questions were from my DAF. There were a couple of questions where I was
caught unaware but I excused myself from those.
No, It was not a stress interview.
Q6. Any side details about technicalities like make sure you bring xyz document or do xyz thing, or youll face problem?
2 passport size photographs (recent)
Attestation Form mailed to you by UPSC

10th Marksheet original and 1 copy (for age proof)
Qualifying Exam original and 1 copy
Tickets for TA(travelling allowance)
Q7. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup?
Make sure to carry your eye power prescription if you wear spectacles. Any local opiticians card specifying your power also works
equally well.
Civil service Exam-2013 Marksheet

Essay
106
GS1
95
GS2
73
GS3
115
GS4
117
Sociology Paper 1
98
Sociology Paper 2
110
Written Total
714
Interview
179
Final total
893
Rank
12
Career Backup
Q. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
First of all I believed I would get selected. I honestly did not have a PLAN B. Infact even after my interview I was reluctant to study
again for the next attempt.
But as I believed I was on the path of my mission, I intended to get involved with a school or NGO or open one myself.
Views on UPSC reforms

What are your views on following issues?
Q. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present stalemate is helping no-one, except coaching-owners, book
publishers and the candidate whose optional subject gets favorable treatment under given years scaling formula.
Optional subjects do create an unlevel platform. Computer Science Graduates like me have to suffer as we pick up entirely new
subjects. Many a times humanities subjects like Sociology, Political Science or Public Administration. Although it is interesting to
study all this new stuff, the marks really disappoint.
If you look at the top 3 rankers this year, their subjects are Economy, Law and Zoology obviously chosen from their professional
field. Their marks in optionals are well above 260. Even on writing the best answer a Public Administration, sociology or political
science other candidates cannot dream of such marks. I myself have scored (98+110) in my optional. Thus easily creating a
minimum divide of 50 marks which naturally affects the rank.
Optional subjects, therefore, should be removed in favour of a fair competition.
Q. Despite what UPSC has done in recent years, it has failed to curb the nuisance of Delhis coaching factories. In fact its
increased under the new syllabus in 2013. Lets face it, most toppers have relied fully or partially on (authentic OR Xeroxed)
coaching notes because there was hardly any time left to prepare so many topics in such short time. This system work
against an individual preparing from far-away area, without any financial resources or contacts in Delhi.
Definitely, coaching centers are blooming. The new syllabus has led them to increase their fee amounting to more than a lakh per
student! For someone who cannot afford such a luxury, its a clear disadvantage. But more and more people like you (Mrunal) are
helping students to prepare on their own. I would want to congratulate you on your efforts and the great work you do.
Q. UPSC should disclose official prelim answerkeyand cutoffs, immediately after prelim is over, instead of postponing it till
interview phase is over.
They have a procedure and I respect it. Atleast they reveal the marks now. Earlier they would not do even this. Reforms are only
gradual unless you are calling forth a revolution.
Q. UPSC should be conducted online like IBPS and CAT exam to shorten the duration of exam.
The credibility of CAT exam after the online version was at stake and many aspirants are from a rural background. A level playing field
has to be created, all the complexities of an online exam have to be looked into before taking such a step.
Q. If you are made the UPSC chairman, what other reforms would you initiate for the civil service exam?
1. Too early to be able to consider myself worthwhile for such a responsible position. Many factors have to be accounted for
including opposition of candidates in form of protests and cajoling politicians.
2. I would suggest to reduce the number of attempts or else there is always a desire to take one more attempt and the cycle
continues. UPSC is more addictive than gambling. We are simply increasing the number of very talented but unemployed youth in
our country. Easy for government to put us under the category of voluntarily unemployed.
Insecurity about prole

Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about profile insecurity. Im not from a big college, Im
not from English medium, and I dont have work-experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview
about this? What is your message to these candidates?
If you believe in yourself then the world will believe in you. Simply give in your best and forget any external comparisons. I am from a
regional engineering college but never bothered about folks from IIT/IIMs. The exam has close to 1000 seats and there is place for
every deserving candidate.
Wisdom
Q. Through this struggle and success, what have your learned? What is the wisdom of life and competition? What is Your
message to the new aspirants?
1. If after much thinking you have chosen this path then stick to it and become a deaf frog. Hear no criticism; focus only on your
destination; believe in the infinite potential which resides in you which is as vast as the universe itself.
2. Never make this preparation an endless painful austerity. Enjoy each and every topic you are studying. Consider it adding to your
personality. Remember the greater the mission, the greater the personality required to achieve it. Do not crib and complain, do
not surround yourself with negative thoughts and negative people.
3. This exam is only a means to a greater end. For each one the means can be very different. Find that one thing in which you can
bring to play your abilities to the maximum and be the best in your chosen field of endeavor.
Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of CSE-2013. Theyre feeling dejected. What is your message
to them?
After putting in all possible efforts not seeing your name in the list can be an earth shattering experience. My message would be to
not lose hope. Decide whether you want to take another attempt or you would want to pursue some other field. But after you have
decided, be firm and be committed towards your ambition (mission).
Deeply introspect on what went wrong, whether it is your writing skills or writing GS-style answers in your optional, or whether you
took essay for granted. Increase your knowledge base and also your soft skills like expressing your thoughts and communicating with
people. Promise yourself that you will overcome all your limitations not only for this exam but to make you prepared for your life
ahead. Lead a brilliant and victorious life and remain undefeated, no matter what.
Credit: Friends/family
Q. Behind every topper are many people who stood by during those uncertain times when he/she was merely an aspirant.
Would you like to tell the world, who were those people in your case? Any specific incidence that you would like to share
with the readers?
First of all I would want to thank my parents for making me what I am. Though not so educated themselves, they put me in the best of
schools and raised me up like a son. My father, I would say, stands for woman empowerment.
I would want to thank my friend who stood by my side every moment, being a constant mentor, pointing out my flaws and never
letting me slip into carelessness. Without his support and help I would have treated my first attempt as a trial attempt.
(I already feel like speaking for an award ceremony).
I would want to thank my counselor friend who always reminded me of my mission and the reason I had taken up this path. I would
want to thank my teacher (S.K. Mishra Sir) who placed his faith in me and assured me of a rank under 50 when I was so unsure of
myself.
I am sure there are many others who have been a part of this beautiful journey, I am bound to miss certain names. But I would want
to point out the importance of positive motivation during the course of this preparation. Its easier to believe in yourself when so
many people believe in you.
BOGUS Marketing Propaganda

Q. You are well aware of the sacred rule the last question must be about self-marketing. So, Did you use Mrunal.org for
your preparation and if yes, how did it help you? And you can even reply No. Ill still publish your answer without
tempering, unlike those competitive magazines.
Yes, especially during initial months of my preparation when all the economy concepts were so alien to me. Mrunal came to my
rescue.
I used to refer this site mostly for economics, environment, industrial location factors and food processing related articles. Last year,
your interview of Tanu Priya (http://mrunal.org/2013/05/toppers-interview-tanu-priya-air-18-cse-2012-first-attempt-no-coachingpolitical-science-sociology.html) was a morale booster for me.
But Articles like defence equipments (http://mrunal.org/2013/03/defense-current-affairs-compilation-2012-13-missiles-joint-exercisesoperations-organizations.html) (names of ships/aircrafts/missiles) etc. have always scared me. May be you can filter the long and
exhaustive list or may be point out to the relevant ones. Then again, we never know what UPSC considers important. Good work done
by you, Mrunal. All the very best.
Mrunal comments:
Yes, I had thought that Mains-2013 the GS 1, 2 and 3 would involve lot of 2, 5 and 6 markers like in the IFoS exam to give equal
coverage to so many syllabus topics in each paper. Hence published all those defense, health, space-tech compilations.
But in post-mortem, we can see that exercise was mostly fruitless gaddha majoori. Same goes for Hindu science tech compilation
(as you pointed out earlier under prelim preparation).
Therefore, since PIN-2014 (http://mrunal.org/2014/06/pin-2014-part-16-national-official-posts-commissions-telengana-stamps2014-defense.html#1), in the prologue itself, I have clearly began indicating which collections are important for non-UPSC exams
but not-so-useful for civil service exam. Unless DP Agrawal re-asks them in prelims-2014 as double bluff backbreaking moveTM
before his retirement hahaha
Anyways, great talking with you. Highly informative interview on how to prepare general studies and sociology optional. Thanks on
behalf of the readers, we wish you the best on cadre allocation. Keep in touch.
Tags: Optional-Sociology (http://mrunal.org/tag/optional-sociology), Topper-CSE-2013 (http://mrunal.org/tag/topper-cse2013)
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So far 139 Comments posted
REPLY (/2014/06/TOPPERS-INTERVIEW-NEHA-JAIN-IAS-2013RANK-12-4-YEARS-SECTOR-400-MARKS-GS-MAINS-FIRST-ATTEMPT-SOCIOLOGYOPTIONAL-KANPUR.HTML?REPLYTOCOM=214941#RESPOND)
puja
can please any one tell me what is meaning of -do- (as in this interview GS paper 3 in money laundeing
cyber security etc)
REPLY (/2014/06/TOPPERS-INTERVIEW-NEHA-JAIN-IAS-2013RANK-12-4-YEARS-SECTOR-400-MARKS-GS-MAINS-FIRST-ATTEMPTSOCIOLOGY-OPTIONAL-KANPUR.HTML?REPLYTOCOM=214970#RESPOND)
rahul
do means same as above.. learn these trivial nuances.. do. also the
abbreviation for ditto.
dr vivek gohiya
congrates mam may you guide me personally for the upsc exam i have less guidance and i want some
help
MAQSOOD ALAM (10-01-1985)

knowledge you share very helpful for me . thank you.
mohammad waseem
i will like to follow ur suggestion if ur connected me to ensuring my career.
geethanjali
Hearty Congratulations Neha
Thank you for sharing the valuable information. Would like to know, if there is any good CSAT 2014 test
series / coaching in bangalore.
If not in bangalore, please suggest any online test -series which is worth to apply.
Future IAS
Apart from all the relevant information i observed one very important thing what does she mean by
and not loiter around as a back bencher. ? I donot except a comment like this from a future IAS officer.
But i am gonna judge her but if she meant what i am thinking then trust me she is not the kind of
person who should become an IAS officer. Peace.
Priyanka
Neha mam mentioned in her interview that sociology & political science papers are not that scoring as
an optional subject as compared to other subjects. Is it true??? If yes what are the reason behind this???
chaitanya
please could u provide interview of any candidate with anthropology optional
siddhanth
hearty congratulations neha mam can you pls share your email id and gktoday material
siri
Congrats:) your GS Marks are truly inspiring. You are one hell of an inspiration for all of us.
thanks a
lot for the interview.
Im a little worried about my GS presentation/ style. Secured very less marks in GS where I thought I did
well ( even to questions which have content)
Apart from content and suggestions you made above ( like a beautiful introduction, completing paper 10
min in advance and beautiful writing) can you please think of any other reasons which made your paper
truly unique and awesome as reflected in those marks? And how many pages did you write for each
question of those 3?
Please reply if you have glanced at this comment. Our lives depend on guidance from people like you
Yogendra Chaudhary
shandaar interview
karan
@ mrunal sir,
is there any chance sir, we can get any gs test series copies of the toppers??
thnx
kritesh sharma
Congrts..
Rao
Really nice to read your blog SIr! But my question is, how to get Vision IAS handout
harsh
Hearty congratulations mam
You are a true inspiration for all aspirants.
Would you kindly share your sociology notes?
They would be of immense help.
Thanks
gitanjali patil
really it is very informative.Thank You
satyam
Today, u came to Mahapatra sirs Sociology class.
Unfortunately we couldnt hear u much as today its janmastmi and Sunday too.
Its the first tym, I am writing any comment, but honestly I wanna salute you
Really its an amazing ,worth reading interview and as I am having many similarities lyk u, I hav got faith
inside me today.
And from today onwards ,u are my ideal.
RV
Thanks Neha & Mrunal for valuable info and it would be so grateful if toppers like Neha provides their
preparation (short) notes. poor people cant afford coaching material. HOPE u understand in positive
way.
Raghu
Congratulations Neha,
I feel great after reading this honest interview and the one without any cynicism. its great to know
someone with whom you attended the class cleared the exam with top rank. ( yes.. I attended same
class as Neha for the prelims though did not clear mine :()
I remember you asking lots of questions to the faculties I used to think this girl asks lots of question as
if she is the only one who is writing IAS exam and doing show off etc..etc..
Maybe because I did not interact with you But to be sincere I felt that Nehas quality question used to
be superior
But I honestly feel after reading this interview and after watching your interview in YouTube is that you
were not show offAnd you had the thing in you and you really deserved it.. I hope it is just the first
step of your success story..and it follows many more success story as a bureaucrat..
I hope you do well as bureaucrat and enable the dreams of the people of our nation with the same
determination you fulfilled yours
I wish you all the very best in your life
Thank you
RAJ SAINI
@Mrunal
Sir, Can We Get Answer Sheets (GS 1 , 2, 3, 4) of toppers? It would be great to get inspired & improve
Answer Writing skills by toppers like
Neha Jain who got near 400 marks in GS papers. A big achievement, Congrats to her.
REPLY (/2014/06/TOPPERS-INTERVIEW-NEHA-JAIN-IAS-2013RANK-12-4-YEARS-SECTOR-400-MARKS-GS-MAINS-FIRST-ATTEMPTSOCIOLOGY-OPTIONAL-KANPUR.HTML?REPLYTOCOM=311515#RESPOND)
pankaj bais
nice neha mam u have very nicely face interview nice mark in all paper cngu. mam
Krishnmohan
i am i.a.s $ i.p.s $Er.Krishnmohan saroj mirazapur u.p dewapur post rajpur
Rajiv behl
Maam, please upload ur short notes of 25 pages it will be helpful to us
lemba
Great achievement sister Neha i m very thank to.
puja
hi mrunal
can u plz tell me that gk today notes which most are following are
1.regularly follow gk today
(or)
2.downloaded mains notes which gk today is selling
sonali sharan
heartly congratulations to Neha mam.really a big achievement.
i just wanted to ask that u were completely from the electronic field where no space for topics like social
awareness or general studies
discussionsso how did you manage to prepare for all those i mean did you really follow the general
awareness books and newspapers
regularly or started going through it when you decided for the administrative field???
Anubhav Das
Can anybody please enlighten me on the word limit for 20 and 10 mark questions in paper 1 especially,
and I am asking just from Sociology optional perspective..not for GS
Vandana kumari
cogratulation ! you are really inspired us i feel so energetic to read your interview but how you manages
all the subjects in properly manner without any tution or coaching ,self studies are important but there
is vast difference in the syllabus of 10th and 11th ,how this is possible without any coaching or tution
how i read to score best in the secondary board examination ?please give me some ideas to prove
myself in future
Nandini
congratulations neha mam
Abhishek kumar
I am Abhishek Kumar from meerut.now I am study in 11th class.
I want become in army (officer).
Govardhan ubale
I have only two years for the UPSC exam. Please suggest proper and exact study techniques for
preparation of the IAS exam.
RAJNEESH PATEL
This is the interview offering a feel of facing interview. Thanks mrunal for such initiatives.
This is not like the copy paste interviews of many monthly meghazinces like Pratiyogita Darpan.
K.M.THEJA
upto what extent will SOCIOLOGY optional will help in writting in essay paper and how time required to
complete the optional paper???
Avinash dubey
Thank you maam
madhuranjan kumar
Heartily congratulation! I am from Patna and this time I am studying in bsc2. I want to prepare for this
competition but since childhood my medium is Hindi. But I want to prepare in English Medium.so please
suggest me some ways which I can follow and find my dream.
ANNU GUPTA
congratulations on a marvelous success .I want to know the secrets of your studies ,how you prepared
and why you opted for sociology ,what should we keep in mind before selecting optional paper .
do you did graduation or b-tech or mbbs.
Pramod Lahamge
first congrats for your success, can it happen preparing without classes get success ,or i wanted to know
that what material are nessessory
ashw
Wan to enter into a Good Onnline test series for Prelims. Suggest some Bests Sir.
Sandeep kumar
Dear sir, I cuurently syudied in 6th semester b.trc and my xam of 6th sem is in april 2015 ,and after this
xam I goes to 7thsameater and its xam is in november 2015 ,and my 8th semster is in april2016 ,so sir
please suggest me that ,is I applicable for csat 2015 prlims in august and for mains in decemberplease
sir suuggest me?
ashutosh
congrats on your grand success in the exam,
shiv dudhe
congratulations mam..
REPLY (/2014/06/TOPPERS-INTERVIEW-NEHA-JAIN-IAS-2013RANK-12-4-YEARS-SECTOR-400-MARKS-GS-MAINS-FIRST-ATTEMPT-SOCIOLOGY-
OPTIONAL-KANPUR.HTML?REPLYTOCOM=330743#RESPOND)
VIRAT RUHELA
congratulation mam for your great achievement..
Rakesh talware
Hi I am in just 11th comp sci. I got 90.80.percent.. I would like to be a ias officer.. What can i do?
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(Topper's Interview) Neha Jain (IAS-2013 - Rank-12) - 4 Years in IT Sector, 400 Marks in GS Mains, First Attempt, Sociology Optional, Kanpur - Mrunal

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(Topper's Interview) Neha Jain (IAS-2013 - Rank-12) - 4 Years in IT Sector, 400 Marks in GS Mains, First Attempt, Sociology Optional, Kanpur - Mrunal

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[Toppers Interview] Neha Jain (IAS-2013/Rank-12): 4 years in IT sector,

motivation (http://mrunal.org/category/motivation) / 1 year Ago /

Electronic Vs Paper material

Tempo and style

Prelims (CSAT) General studies

Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude

Mains: Compulsory language paper

General Studies (Mains) paper 1

General studies (Mains) paper 2

General studies (Mains) Paper 3

General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude

GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013

Mains Optional Subject SOCIOLOGY

Before the interview

During the interview

Civil service Exam-2013 Marksheet

Views on UPSC reforms

Insecurity about profile

BOGUS Marketing Propaganda

Total attempts in CSE

Medium chosen for Mains answers

IBM Software Labs, Bangalore. 3 years 11

Details of other competitive exams, including success/failures

Byju classes for Prelims in Bangalore

service preference #1, 2 and 3

state cadre preference (top3)

Graduation course and %

B.Tech Computer Science & Engineering82.5%

Name of college, city, passing out year

Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, Kanpur, 2005-2009

Any other professional courses

Hobbies & Extra curricular

Sun Certified Java Professional

Electronic Vs Paper material

Tempo and style

). Also, you discover yourself in

the process of this exam.

Prelims (CSAT) General studies

Wikipedia for in-depth understanding

Byju class lectures by Mr Tariq Mohd.

Spectrum publications brief history of modern India (http://www.flipkart.com/brief-history-modernindia/p/itmdg229y7jccdgy?pid=9788179304747&affid=mrunalrugm)

e.g. Pottery type/ coins/ Guild system if any/ Sculptures/ Paintings

Byju class lectures by Zulfiqar Sir

Videos for many topics, ISRO Website

Class 10th ICSE books only a few chapters

Skipped this part! (People do read G C Leong)

Newspaper- make notes and revise them on and off

Schemes, Policy &

Sorry I could not read India Year Book,

Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS prelim 2013 paper?

Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude

Q.Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2013 paper.

Mains: Compulsory language paper

Your preparation strategy / booklist?

Previous years questions (http://mrunal.org/2013/12/download-compulsory-english-2013-question-paper-ofupsc-civil-service-mains-exam-last-17-years-as-bonus1997-2013.html)

General Studies (Mains) paper 1

How did you prepare?

Wikipedia for all the form of art I found interesting dances/pottery/sculpture/literature

1857 onwards -Same as for prelims

Didnt read this section separately as I was a sociology student

Mrunal.org/geography (http://mrunal.org/geography) combined with Atlas reading

YouTube videos click me for playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?