Q.

Tell us something about yourself, your family, when and why did you enter in this
field of competitive exams?
Hello everyone! I belong to Lalitpur district in Bundelkhand region of UP. I did my schooling
up to class 8th from Saraswati Shishu Mandir and class 9-10 from Govt school of Lalitpur and
class 11-12 from Chanderi MP all in Hindi medium up to standard 12th. I was an average
student all through my school days. After qualifying IIT-JEE, I did my B.TECH in civil
engineering from IIT-BHU Varanasi (The city of Ghats). My family background is
agricultural.
During the last year of graduation I was gravitating towards civil services. The underlying
reason for this inclination was the kind of job satisfaction the services offer. The amount of
stress, workload for my workaholic personality and the diversity of job in addition to the
social recognition all went in favour of giving a try for civil services.
I was placed in JSPL as an assistant manager during final year of engineering and I wanted to
prepare along with the job so as not to put further burden on the shoulders of my farmer
father.
But I was wrong; a farmers shoulders in India are no less strong than the soldiers. All the
credit for him to stand like a rock behind me and giving me strength to leave the lucrative job
in JSPL, he also gave me a free-way in preparation for all the available attempts.

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. What is your style of preparation (e.g.
I continue making notes no matter what Im reading, I just read multiple times but
dont maintain notes, I make mindmaps on computer or xyz style)
I have used the mix of physical and digital world. At times I too felt getting bogged down by
digital information overload. But then I decided to follow few selected websites and to stick
to them only.
I did not have a proper plan of study. I was and I am a much unorganized person. I never had
a uniform man-hour study circle. Given a day I did study as max as 12 hrs or as min as zero
hrs. So I dont just think but it is my conviction that these things do not matter at all!!!
Regarding style of preparation- I relied on reading same book multiple times for general
studies. Though I did underline whatever I read. I tried making daily notes from newspaper
but I was never successful for more than 10-15 days. So I relied on notes from newspaper
made by some of my friends. For the vast optional like civil engineering I did prepare small
notes having conceptual crux and all formulas. Also I tried to make notes of whatever
material I read online and through PDFs.

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?
This is the cruelest question that I kept on fighting during my whole preparation years. I was
much inconsistent and unorganized in preparation.
Mood swings and distractions are natural phenomenon but the cause varies from person to
person. If I wasted few hours in distractions then I multiplied it and wasted few more hours.
But the day when I studied few good hours then I did study for entire day. It was/is the

scenario for me.

I never had any option to lose momentum for more than few days. For motivation I kept on
thinking about the effort of my father and my burning desire to serve the nation.

Prelims (CSAT) General studies

Topic

strategy/booklist/comment

History Ancient

Vajiram class notes only

History Medieval

Left

History Modern (Freedom Struggle)

OLD NCERT AND INDIAS STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

Culture and society

Selective reading of CCRT notes, Nitin singhania complete, Archite

Polity (theory + current)

Vajiram class notes + Laxmikant. PRS for current bills

Economy (theory + current)

Vajiram class notes, Macroeconomy NCERT, The hindu updates

Science (theory + current)

Revised basics of general science from class 9th-10th NCERT. I woul

waste of time for me

Environment (theory + current)

The hindu survey of environment of 2012, Google search, shankar I

geography physical

G C leong and NCERT + vaji notes

geography India

Vajiram notes and NCERT

geography world

Oxford Atlas

other national/international current

affairs

PRSMrunal.did not focus much on current affair for prelims

Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff

Government websites

Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS prelim 2014 paper?

I was busy in ESE 2014. I could not prepare exhaustively for GS. But there was a sailor in
those times known as CSATL.
Q. in GS-Prelims 2014, there was unusual questions from environment and agriculture
portion. If you were to give the attempt again in 2015, what new strategy / books /
sources would you focus?
For environment it is very uncertain. Still I would have gone for multiple sources like
mrunal.org current articles on environment, search for news items related to ecology, revising
Shankar IAS one more time and also reading class 12th bio NCERT selectively for
environment (last 4 chapters).
No idea for such questions like Neem tree and vegetative propagation in agriculture.
Q. Now that Aptitude paper has become qualifying, obvious more attention needs to be
paid on the GS paper so apart from the books that you already have gone through, what
else would you have tried for CSE-2015 (if you were going to appear)?
Prepare current affair exhaustively as lots of schemes n all came since last year.
I would not have skipped ancient history NCERT by R S Sharma; revised Shankar IAS
environment selectively few more times.

Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude

Topic

strategy / booklist

Maths

Practice 2-3 papers

Reasoning

Practice 2-3 papers

comprehension

Read editorials in general

Decision Making

Practice previous year questions

Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2014 paper.

I think most of the students suffer in comprehensions because mathematics and reasoning
portions are quite easy. For comprehensions reading different writers and developing connect
with different writing styles are very important.

Prelim accuracy
Q1. Did you attend any mock tests? do you think theyre necessary for success?
NO.Not at all..
Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in CSAT-2014

attempted Q.

correct (Expec

GS

81

54

aptitude

66

57

Q3. Your score in prelim (when UPSC uploads it please mail me your score)
UPSC has uploaded it.
GS-83
CSAT- 133
TOTAL 216

Mains: Compulsory language paper

Compulsory language paper

Your preparation strategy / booklist?

English paper

Nothing

your regional language

Hindi. I was a Hindi medium student till class 12th and I write vyangya
Still we should attempt the entire paper.

Q2.other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory

language papers in CSE-2014
Try to write Hindi or regional language fluently whenever you get leisure time.
For Hindi students listening PRIME TIME on NDTV with Ravish Kumar can be useful as he
covers current issues while speaking good Hindi.

Mains: Essay
Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?
For essay we can read some good books having idea oriented content. I went through the
world is flat and Imagining India. I also regularly read articles and editorials from mint;
frontline and firstpost.com and noted down any important idea, concept and good expression.
I also wrote 4-5 essays before mains examination and got them evaluated by seniors and
friends.
Q2. Which two essays did you write and what key points did you include in it?
I wrote on Tourism and Competition.
In tourism- started with PMs 5 T concepts then outlined different kind of tourism like
environmental tourism, cultural tourism and their relevancy for resource crunched county like
ours in development. Then talked about various challenges like law n order, infrastructure
and ended with a conclusion which highlighted ways n means to overcome such challenges

and how to harness full and still unexploited potential of tourism sector.
In competition- I did not write a good essay in this. I wrote mostly socially harmful aspects of
competition on youth. I regret I could have given wider perspective in this essay.

General Studies (Mains) paper 1

Topic

How did you prepare?

Culture

Spectrum for Architecture, complete Nitin singhania photocopy on art and c

I did not do class 11th NCERT on art. I regret after seeing it. I recommend c

Indian history

Bipan Chandra- Indias struggle for freedom.

Spectrum for revising the same. And NCERT 12th modern history. First 6-7
class notes

world history

Last 2 chapter of Class 9th NCERT on world history, class 10th NCERT. Als
internet for industrial revolution and few other topics randomly.

post-independence India

Ram Chandra Guhas India After Gandhi. Bipan chandras India since indep
Used Wikipedia for all important wars and famous events.
I read India After Gandhi out of curiosity. It can be avoided but I think the s
independence India is helpful for essay and elsewhere.

Indian society

Articles from newspaper on contemporary social issues.

role of women, poverty etc.

Just search on Google the syllabus points with dot pdf. Read those few pdf

globalization on Indian
society

Just search on Google the syllabus points with dot pdf. Read those few pdf

communalism, regionalism,
secularism

Just search on Google the syllabus points with dot pdf. Read those few pdf

world geo physical

G C Leong, And old physical NCERT.

resource distribution

Old NCERT of resource distribution

factors for industrial location

Google for this.

earthquake tsunami etc

Vajiram and ravi class notes. And G C LEONG

impact on flora-fauna

Google

General studies (Mains) paper 2

Topic

How Did You Prepare?

Indian Constitution, devolution,

dispute redressal etc.

Laxmikant for Indian polity. The Hindu and Indian express editorials re

comparing Constitution with

world

ALS photocopy for this via a friend.

parliament, state Legislatures

Laxmikant and editorials.

executive-judiciary

LAXMIKANT

ministries departments

pressure group, informal asso.

All this is current affair related which can be covered in newspaper edi
Vajirams volume 2 or 3 for mains and that was a big mistake.

Representation of peoples act

Google.

various bodies: Constitutional,

statutory..

Laxmikant and editorials

NGO, SHG etc

Current affair related, The Hindu

welfare schemes, bodies

Schemes can be covered through Govt. websites and PIB and their ana

social sector, health, edu, HRD

The Hindu or Indian express. Google

governance, transparency,
accountability

The Hindu or Indian express. Vajiram material part 2 or 3 and it was ag

e-governance

The Hindu or Indian express. Google

role of civil service

The Hindu or Indian express

India & neighbors

Vajiram class notes. Vajirams IR material that comes just before mains
INDICA by Shashi Tharoor. And I give it 5 stars. It is just an awesome

bilateral/global grouping

The Hindu or Indian express. Pax Indica and vajiram IR printed materi

effect of foreign country policies

on Indian interest

The Hindu or Indian express. Pax Indica and vajiram IR printed materi

Diaspora

international bodies- structure

mandate

The Hindu or Indian express. Pax Indica and vajiram IR printed materi

General studies (Mains) Paper 3

Topic

How Did You Prepare?

Indian economy, resource mobilization

Uma kapila for Indian economy. Vajiram class notes. The Hind
One of my friends has been making notes from business standa
month to prepare current issues relating to economy part.

inclusive growth

Current affair + vision IAS print out on inclusive growth.

Budgeting

Vision IAS material + Google

major crops, irrigation

Vajiram class notes.

agro produce storage, marketing

Vajiram class notes+ few pdf are there on google

e-technology for famers

Vajiram class notes+ few pdf are there on google+ Newspaper

farm subsidies, MSP

Uma kapila covers this topic + notes from the hindu and busine

PDS, buffer, food security

Uma kapila covers this topic + notes from the hindu and busine

technology mission

Vajiram class notes+ few pdf are there on google+

animal rearing economics

food processing

notes from the hindu and business standard + vision IAS mater

land reforms

Bipan chandras india since independence few chapters on land

Liberalization

Pdf from internet + economic survey + Uma kapila

Infra

Pdf from internet + economic survey + Uma kapila

investment models

science-tech day to day life

Could not cover this topic. I did not like reading the Hindus sc
tech material.

Indian achievements in sci-tech

Could not cover this topic. I did not like reading the Hindus sc
tech material.

awareness in IT, space, biotech, nano, IPR

Could not cover this topic. I did not like reading the Hindus sc
tech material.

environmental impact assessment

Core of civil engg. I thoroughly covered it in my optional prep

Disaster Management

ARC report on disaster management.

non state actors, internal security

Book on internal security by Ashok Kumar. Vajirams printed m

internal security role of media, social

networking site

Book on internal security by Ashok Kumar. Vajirams printed m

cyber security

Book on internal security by Ashok Kumar. Vajirams printed m

money laundering

Book on internal security by Ashok Kumar. Vajirams printed m

border Management

Book on internal security by Ashok Kumar. Vajirams printed m

organized crime, terrorism

Book on internal security by Ashok Kumar. Vajirams printed m

security agencies- structure mandate

Book on internal security by Ashok Kumar. Vajirams printed m

General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude

Topic

How Did You Prepare?

ethics and interface, family, society and all

thehathodaa topics

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

attitude, moral influence etc.

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

civil service: integrity, impartiality, tolerance to weak etc

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

emotional intelligence, its use in governance

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

moral thinkers of India and world

Total 10-12 thinkers of both India and world

ethics in pub.ad, accountability, laws, rules etc.

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

corporate governance

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

probity in governance, work culture

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

citizen charter, ethics code, work culture etc.

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

challenges of corruption

Ethics class notes of Mohanti sir available in D

Subba Rao.

case studies on above topics

Extensive discussion with my friends on vario

GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2014

Q. in GS4 ethics papers, please give a sketchy overview of your case study answers:
Case

your approac

case1: your friend preparing UPSC

It is difficult
exam!!!

case2: Rameshwar the uptight UPSC topper.

case3: no bribe no contract.

case4: corrupt subordinates file bogus rape complaint against you.

in the remaining bol-bachchan type questions (e.g. why ethics important, why probity
difficult etc).

Mains answer-writing?
Please tell us how many marks worth attempt did you give? along with comments if any, in
the following cells:
Paper

Best attempted

Average quality

namesake answ

GS1

120

100

30

GS2

100

100

50

GS3

140

70

40

GS4

150

70

10

Opt-P1

160

50

Opt-P2

140

40

20

Q. 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.) Because the UPSC aspirant Community is divided over what counts as a good
paper. Some experts claim you should attempt all- even if it involves making up an
answer with filler lines, some claim attempt only those questions you know perfectly.
Where do you stand on this? [Based on your experience and of your seniors/buddies]
In my last attempt of CSE 2013 I could not attempt even more than half of the
paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So this time I decided to attempt nearly the whole paper with a view
to write half of the answers as best quality ones and rest with whatever knowledge, idea,
related concepts that I had. Though I do not agree with the filler lines concept but I would say
general observations and analytical points can be written even if one has a little idea about the

asked theme.
I also did not give due importance to the word limit prescribed in the paper. I utterly
breached it in some questions and did not even reach 75% of the limit in some other
questions.
Q. How was your experience with the fixed space answer sheet?
It will never be a constraint even if you breach the word limit.
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.
I wrote in bullet points for technically oriented part such as geography, science & tech while
for history, society related questions I went with paragraph format.
Q. Did you follow the introduction-body-conclusion format? because some mainsqualified candidates claim they simply wrote the points they could recall within the
time, instead of bothering with proper introduction and conclusion.
I did not have time to muster over any format. I just wrote whatever was coming to my mind
though due to little practice of answer writing not many random or scattered thoughts were
coming to my mind. Answer writing practice is very important to this. Answer writing not
only improves speed but also improves the quality of relevant material we can recall or
analysis that our mind can do in those few 6-7 mins.
Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers?
I tried to do so but just couldnt do in all the papers. If you do it well and good!!
Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography)
No.
Q7. If yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen?
Not Applicable
Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just make it by hand?
Not Applicable
Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen?
Blue Pen. (Racer Gel and writo meter)
(Mrunal since readers keep mailing such queries, therefore Im asking the topper to clear
all the air haha.)

Mains Optional Subject

Q. Whats your optional subject and why did you chose it and not something else?
This is a point where I did a mistake earlier and realized later. In CSE 2013 I had
mathematics as my optional subject. I took it based on the thought that I had a very good
score and command on mathematics during IIT-JEE preparation. But the syllabus, approach
and concepts for mathematics optional was quite different for CSE. In my opinion, it is more
inclined towards abstract form of concepts which I was not comfortable with. And also I
didnt give sufficient time and attention for mathematics in my first attempt. I could not
revise and practice whatever I read and I literally broke down a night before the optional
paper. I got 160 marks in mathematics in CSE 2013.
Realizing my mistake and to give my career a safe road I took civil engineering after CSE
2013 result came out.
So I would suggest all to choose optional subject based only and only on their interest.

As, in my view, through optional UPSC looks your depth of knowledge in your chosen field
and to have such a depth you must have a great level of interest in your subject.
Concepts like scoring and scaling seems to be too abstract with respect to UPSC. No one
really knows what and how they do it. Though you may not find many recommended
candidates with optional like civil engineering but I can assure you that many candidates have
scored very good marks in civil engineering. It is scoring but the problem is the width of the
syllabus. To be honest the way UPSC has defined the syllabus it is equivalent to all the four
GS paper on one side and civil engineering on the other. As very few good scorers are there
so I would like to share their marks with you. In 2013 Ashish Vasishtha (AIR 15) got around
297 marks in civil engineering optional. Earlier my respected senior Trilok Bansal sir had
scored 374 and 360 out of 600 in CSE 2007-2008. I, myself, have actually benefitted a lot
from Trilok sirs guidance and due to him only I got 291 marks in optional subject. In a
nutshell I am trying to break the myth which has developed regarding getting a good score in
civil engineering optional subject.
Q. If a new player wants to pick this subject, would you advice for it or against it? (e.g.
every senior player in Public Administration seems to be advising against pub.ad)
I would never advise against the Civil Engg as the optional subject. But you must have to
bear in your mind the implications of vast syllabus of civil engg on your GS and essay
preparation. In my point of view considerable time line of your preparation would be taken
up by civil engg so be ready for it!!!!!!!
One major problem is there regarding non availability of any book or material having solved
questions asked previously in civil services. Because questions asked in civil services are
quite different from ESE or forest, so during preparation one tends to get frustrate as he is
having no support and authenticated answers. I am trying to consolidate and write
solutions of all solved questions asked in CSE in last 10-15 years in a structured book
format which would be useful for candidates opting civil engineering.
Another thing is that many aspirants take this optional the same way as their preparation for
ESE (Engg services). The syllabus, content, important topics, approach all are drastically
different for Engg services, forest services and civil services. So before picking it up go
through the syllabus, previously asked questions and then only take the final call!!!!!!
Q. First the essential book/resource list. (Also mention which one is the Base book for
covering the theory? + Whatever comments youve for a particular book e.g. my
seniors said read xyz book but I found that ABC book was better. xyz topic not given
properly in this book, so prepare from xyz website or book OR and so on.)
Strategy to cover civil engg optional subject for civil services:
General Tips:
1: Syllabus is too wide. There are some niche areas from where questions are being asked.
Try to find those grey areas.
2: Fringe elements- I have observed that UPSC asks questions from the fringes of such a vast
ocean. Suppose you are reading arches chapter in structural analysis. Till you reach the effect
of settlement of support on the stresses within the structure you would have lost all of your
energy. They ask questions from these fringes. So be ready for it!!!!!
3- You need not cover all the topics. We cant actually cover whole of all the topics. We cant
also just leave any topic entirely.
4- So I divided all the topics in three classes Class A- To cover few topics completely!!!
Mean it literally completely!!! I must have good conceptual command as well as fingertips
formulae and intensive practice for these topics.
5- Class B- In these topics I would not go for intensive practice rather I will just try to make
sure that No easy question, concept, topic, formulae should be left untouched. I will leave and

do not touch those chapters which I am not comfortable with. For example In Soil Mechanics
I never ever understood the shear stress chapter so I left it at all!!!
6- Class C- In these topics, my strategy were to solve previously asked questions only and do
not cover topics reading whole book. In some topics you would be having a fair idea that not
much new questions can be generated so even if we solve previous questions it is well and
good. For example I was not that good in RCC so I just make sure that all the kinds of
questions asked in RCC from beam and retaining wall are being handled and also I tried to
cover code-based basic questions in RCC.
7- Element of unpredictability is there even in the way of setting the paper. So never make
yourself rigid that I wouldnt attempt question of this or that topic. Given a situation you need
to befriend any topic.
8- Selecting 5 out of 8 questions in the exam is also a great art. Dont choose all objective or
all theoretical ones. A judicious mix of both works better.
9- Formulae fear- The number and the complexity of formulae are also a big headache. For
this, a month before the exam, I tried to recall and write on paper different formulae of
different topics on daily basis for continuously 30 days.
10- Short handy revision notes- We must have our own hand made short notes of formulae
and important concepts to revise in last 10 days. The amount of stress during last 15 days is
very much. There is all probability of buckling under that pressure as the syllabus is really
hugehuge!!!!
11- Syllabus should also be on your fingertips. Keep in mind whatever topic they are
touching it is mentioned in the syllabus. So make sure no such topic is left out of your
visibility!!!
12- Make a repository of previously asked questions and categorize them topic wise- chapter
wise- even sub heading or sub topic wise. It is really important. I have my repository that I
will soon share with you all. But the thing is even before starting a chapter, go through all of
the questions asked it will smoothen your approach and will be less time consuming.
13- Do not; do not run for number of books for any topic. Even if you do make sure you are
reading one topic from a single book only.
14- Practice not only numerical from the previously asked questions but also theoretical
questions. For chapters like building construction and material they really have asked some of
the good theoretical ones. Try to answer them in limited words and directly.
15- This is a subjective paper. Bear in your mind that your optional paper evaluation is
relative. So be better than others.
16- Use figures, elaborate as optimally as you can. Try to have applicative approach in
general.
17- Some favourite topics of UPSC are to be found out. For example UPSC loves to ask from
Retaining wall, secant formulae, and septic tank. Do practice them exhaustively.
18- One last yet very important point always remember while studying that you are
utilizing your scarce time resource. So make sure that the topic which you are preparing you
would be able to attempt it in given time during the exam time. Even if a hint is there that
how so much you study it is difficult or not prudent to attempt this topic in the exam, just DO
NOT READ THAT TOPIC. LEAVE IT FOR GOD SAKE.
Book and resource list:
Paper 1- This paper will take less of your time and efforts and will give you good output
provided you are very strong with your concepts. And you have covered many lesser known
formulas or concepts (For ex: This year they asked Immediate Settlement of footings using
influence factor)

Engineering Mechanics- If you are opting for civil engineering you must have no
problem in this part. No need for referring to any book. Just solve all 10-15 years asked
questions and discuss with your friends. Still for refreshing old concepts refer selected
chapters of Irvin Shames engineering mechanics.

Strength of Materials- This topic is really very scoring. Timoshenko for conceptual part
and Ramamurtham to practice. Focus on fringe topics of bending and shear stress.

Structural Analysis- C. K. Wang intermediate structural analysis for concepts and

Ramamurtham to practice.

Structural Steel Design: UPSC is making fun of us by asking both limit state (new code)
and working stress (old code) method. Thats why this topic has become one of the
lengthiest. Books are N. Subramanian, Duggal and IS Code.

Design of concrete and masonry structures: I left masonry design. Covered RCC from S
N Sinha and Prestress concrete from N. Raju.

Fluid Mechanics: It can be covered from Modi And Seth. It is just an awesome book.
Remember to cover derivations of eulers, navier-strokes etc. As this is relatively easy so
fringe topics becomes important. Boundary layer and Turbulent flows are also dear to
UPSC.

Open Channel: It is one of the easiest and scoring one. K. Subramanya is a good book to
cover this topic.

Hydraulic Machines and Hydropower: I found it to be a class B type. Modi and Seth
covers the topic. But still many times UPSC asks questions way tough than what have
been given in modi and seth. So those who want to complete it try to study it through
mechanical engineer friends of yours. Remember to cover water power it is relatively
easy!!

Geotechnical Engineering : Shear strength, foundation, and Earth pressure are frequently
asked. Gopal Ranjan should be referred for tough topics for conceptual purposes and S K
GARG for practicing UPSC type questions!!!

PAPER 2- This paper is relatively easy to understand but difficult to cover. It is also very
scoring. Devote considerable time and energy it will give you more than expected outcome.
2.1- Construction Technology, Equipment, Planning and management: For general
materials refer Rangwala building material. For materials like ferro cement and specific use
materials use internet and make your own notes.
For Building construction parts refer Sushil Kumar. For machinery and equipment portion
refer U K Shrivastavas book on construction planning and management.
For construction planning and management and CPM/PERT also I found U K Shirvastava to
be a best one!!!

2.2- Surveying and Transportation engineering: Surveying was class C topic for me.
Photogrammetric surveying is frequently asked area which is also easy to cover. Refer B C
Punmias all three volumes for rest of the topics.
For Railway Engineering also I read only previously asked questions. It is time consuming to
go through entire book as the range of questions are limited so just read previous questions
and answers.
For Highway Engineering Khanna and Justo should be done completely. Special attention is
required for Traffic studies and Design formulae.
2.3- Hydrology, Water resources and engineering: Refer K Subramanyas book on hydrology.
UPSC loves ground water flow and ask diverse question form this topic. For ground and
surface water resources, Reservoir engineering and Irrigation Engineering refer B C
PUNMIAs book on irrigation and water power engineering. Do cover all the theoretical
questions of irrigation though some of them may require little search on internet. Do it. It is
easy and scoring. Do not fall for questions like design of Sharda fall etc. They are questions
which are not to be attempted.
2.4- Environmental Engineering: S K GARGs both volumes on environment engineering are
best of all. In this the component of civil services is there like focus on quality parameter of
drinking water, disease related items, intake of water structures etc. Focus on solid waste
management is required. EIA and waste disposal also gets due attention.

Q. How much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for this optional? OR

can one simply rely on the books and be done with this subject
It is bizarre that internet-research is required even for civil engg optional. Because the way
they have defined syllabus and non-availability of books targeting syllabus specifically to
civil services make it important to do internet research.
Q. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
YES. IT IS TIME CONSUMING. It may eat up your time meant for GS and essay. If you
have not done ESE syllabus then 6-8 months are required to cover it from zero. And if you
have already qualified engineering services than 4 months are enough!!
Q. How many days/ weeks before the exam, you started answer writing practice?
You have to be in answer writing or solving the question right from the first day!!
Q. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? In which format- electronic or
paper?
Self-Notes
Q. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2014 mains vs previous papers. And
what precautions / rectifications are necessary in the future strategy for given optional
subject?
Both 2013 and 2014 civil engineering papers were unique. They were different from the trend
in their structure. So caution is structure will keep on changing but the core will be the same
forever!!!!

Before the interview

Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? for college grad, hobbies, place of origin,
current affairs at national and international level?
I had a study group. All of them were either my college mates or seniors.
We all prepared together for interview. We INTERVIEWED each other. Asking questions and
forming opinions.
For me college graduation was important as I have not been working anywhere since
graduation. But I had my engineering background as my optional subject so no problem at
all. But I would advice all to prepare graduation background as it carries considerable weight
and image.
Being related to farmer background from bundelkhand I had to prepare this exhaustively. As
farmer suicide issue was in news at that time. I met the DM of my district, understood
agricultural profile and reasons of distress particularly in Lalitpur and other Bundelkhand
areas.
Regarding hobbies, I interacted with seniors and friends and tried to answer their questions.
Then search it on internet. Try to get as many as possible questions relating to your hobbies.
Newspapers were best to cover current affairs. I would recommend reading 3-4 newspapers
on the D-Day.
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?
I also attended few mock interviews in institutes like samkalp, vajiram and chanakya.
Not necessary but they are shock absorber. Also it is not wise to give too many mocks. Only
2-3 are required to overcome fear factor.
Q3. Describe the formal-dress worn by you in interview.
Shirt, trouser and black shoes.
Q4. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friends home ) and what
books/material did you bring for the revision before interview?
Friends Room.

During the interview

Q1. Who was the chairman of you interview board?
Alka Sirohi maam
Q2. How long was the interview?
20-25 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?]
No they did not ask me this question.
Q4. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you
reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview. (Earlier
some toppers only tell me their question but not their answer. I would appreciate if you
give both Question + your original answers)
It was my first interview for civil services.
My interview experience as it went on 8th June 2015 from 2:05 pm to 2:30 pm.

I reached UPSC just at 1:00 pm. Got entry and document verification completed till 1:45pm.
I was just relaxing there suddenly the clerk came with the list and my name was on top. I was
getting more and more nervous as he also did not tell me the name of the panel.
He called me at 2 pm and got me seated near the alka sirohis room.
For next 5 minutes to overcome nervousness I was murmuring my favourite Aarambh hai
prachand and Aashaayen from IQBAL movie song to get some confidence. Till now I
have lost myself since I have heard a lot about alka maam and her marking pattern. Two of
my close friends have also got the same board. So dreams started shattering.
Then he opened the door and called me.
I wished Alka maam first and then all other members.
Me: good afternoon maam. Good afternoon sirs.
CP: Good afternoon Vinay. Please take your seat.
CP: So you practice yoga and meditation. Tell me what is meditation?
Me: (despite preparing and knowing it well. I could not answer in a structured manner coz of
nervousness) yes maam. Meditation is about concentrating our energy and freeing mind from
multiple scattered thoughts to one.
CP: How it helps you?
Me: yes maam. It makes my mind calm, focused and free from unnecessary thoughts.
It also helps to synergize body and mind.
CP: what is transcendental meditation?
Me: yes maam. The transcendental meditation involves use of mantras. For example
meditating with the om sound.
CP: Which yoga or aasanas you practice?
Me: yes maam. I practice surya namaskar.
CP: How many aasanas are there in surya namaskar?
Me: 12.
CP: Can you name them?
Me : yes maam. It starts from pranamasan which is a prayer pose.
Then there is hastauttanasana i.e. the raised arm pose.
Then hastapadasana, ashwasanchalasana, dandasana, ashtanga namaskar.
CP interrupted..okay..
CP: Tell me what you have been doing since your graduation?
Me : yes maam. I graduated in 2012 and I have been preparing for services since then and
also teaching students to manage expenditure.
CP: okay, and directed towards member 1.
M1: you said through yoga you control your body and mind both. How you do it?
Me: (though I have said something he has interpreted something else) yes sir. Then I dont
remember exactly what I answered but said something like it increases both mental stamina
and physical stamina etc
(He was not satisfied at all)
M1: Are you comfortable for a talk on international trade?
Me: (no option) I have to reply in affirmative.
M1: Tell me the kind of shift that you can observe in the pattern of international trade over a
decade or two?
Me: (there started the disaster) yes sir. Since last 2 decades the international trade has shifted
towards asia-pacific region and has challenged the western domination of trade
M1 interrupted no noits not that
Me: sorry sir, there is also a problem. Not all trade partners have equal say on international
platform like WTO ..he again interruptedNo no..you are wrong.

(Having answered wrong two times. I was just lost. Recollected myself and tried again)
Me: ohh sorry sir, its not that. Countries have equal say in WTO and thats what stalling
global trade, for example the stalemate in Doha round regarding AOA. So to avoid this all
now the new pattern in trade can be seen like signing of agreements like ITA, TTIP, RCEP
and TPP.
M1: Yes.now you are on the track.
M1: so what would you call it?
Me: sir its kind of regional arrangement for trade. It is not possible to take all countries on
board to have multilateral trade.
M1: In which one India is interested and why?
Me: yes sir, India is interested in RCEP and currently is part of ongoing negotiations with
countries onboard RCEP. Sir India looks at RCEP to boost its service exports and to facilitate
investment from ASEAN countries. India can also avail RCEP as a platform to improve its
economic and strategic status in Asia-Pacific.
M1: what is the issue with TPP?
Me: Sir, it is US led arrangement. India, not on par with the developed countries on the issues
of environmental, Labour and IPR aspects, do not find itself in a position to match the
regulatory standards of TPP.
M1: Why has china been interested in joining these trading arrangements?
Me: Sir in recent times chinas growth has slowed down. It is looking at these arrangements
to boost its economy. It also wants to increase its weight in international geopolitics.
M1: What about silk route?
Me: Yes sir. Silk route both land and maritime are also chinas effort to promote its export
and investment in the region by developing infrastructure and connectivity.
M1 wanted to ask further but CP directed towards M2.
M2: how did you come from your home to Delhi?
Me: By train sir.
M2: which train?
Me: (I was surprised, I couldnt understand what he is exactly asking) 22181, JBP-NZM sir.
M2: What did you see in your journey?
Me: Sir, I was thinking about my interview and nervous about it. So I slept early and woke up
at destination.
M2: No.No.you must have observed something about railways?
Me: Yes sir. There was no water in the taps at the platforms in my district. Safety was also not
up to the mark. Narrated the recent incident of loot in the same train. And then the speed
issue, to cover a distance of 480 km it took 9 hrs for a superfast train.
(I recalled that I did not give even a single positive point about railways.L. so now moderated
my answers accordingly to imbibe positive points)
M2: So you want high speed trains?
Me: Yes sir, though there are trains like bpl-ndls shatabdi which runs at good speed. Still we
require speed improvements via existing track improvements on many routes.
M2: what is the speed of Shatabdi?
Me: sir its highest speed is 160km/hr though the average speed is around 90km/hr.
M2: what are the speeds of high speed bullet trains?
Me: sir, they run at around 350km/hr.
M2: In which countries it is?
Me: sir, it is there in Japan Maglev Trains, in China, in France..he interrupted
M2: Have you heard about dedicated corridors?
Me: Yes sir. Presently there are two dedicated corridors, eastern and western, to be used as
freight corridor. Their aim is to segregate freight traffic from passenger and to facilitate faster

movements of goods.
M2: Suppose you have two options either to improve speed for freight trains or for passenger
trains which one you do first if the resources are limited?
Me: Yes sir, firstly I would prefer improving speed on freight traffic using limited resources.
The faster movement of goods will then result into faster economic growth. Increased
resources can then be used for improving speed on passenger routes.
M2 nodded towards CP and CP directed to M3
M3 asked 2 questions back to back. I requested him to repeat it but even after repetition could
not even understand the question let alone answering it!!!!
This was the most nervous scene of the story. I was feeling like coming out of a crushing
mill. All of them were staring at me. I unconsciously asked CP maam may I take some
water
CP: yes.yes. you take it. Its very hot outside.
M3: Ok. Are you alright?
Me: yes sir.
M3: what are the issues in primary education?
Me: sir, though we have achieved a higher level of enrollment but the learning outcomes are
very poor. Infrastructure is also not adequate. We need functional infrastructure. In many
schools there are toilets but not water!!
M3: can you quote any report regarding learning outcomes?
Me: yes sir. ASER report is there.
M3: what about inclusive studies in primary schools?
Me: yes sir. This is also serious issue. If the teacher is caste or gender biased with respect to
students then it is difficult to enhance learning levels of students belonging to marginalized
sections like SC/ST, OBC, Women, and Minority etc.
CP directed to M4
M4: Discussed a long case study regarding expenditure incurred in wedding, celebrations etc.
Long cross questioning followed.
Me: In crux I replied
Maam if the expenditure incurred stimulates economic activity in the economy then in my
point of view it is ethical. For example expenditure in a wedding if done prudently can create
employment for others. But the irrational wastage of money is not only unethical but can also
be inflationary!!
CP: How much of civil engineering do you remember? I will ask basics.
Me: yes maam.
CP: Have you ever been to Kolkata?
Me: no maam.
CP: Howrah Bridge is which kind of bridge?
Me: maam it is truss suspended Cantilever bridge.
CP: okay. And the Vidyasagar Setu?
Me: Maam it is cable stayed bridge with use of steel pylons.
CP: what is setting of cement and its initial setting time?
Me: 30 mins.
CP: and final setting time?
ME: 10 hrs maam.
CP: When we should use raft foundation?
Me: to avoid differential settlement we use raft foundation.
CP: any other reason?
Me: When the spacing between isolated footings is too less then mat foundation proves to be
economical.

CP: Your interview is over.

Me: Thank you maam. Thank you sirs.
Q5. 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?
Interview was quite predictable like questions from hobbies and graduation subject. Stress is
natural in UPSC interview. They did not ask any uncomfortable questions.
Q6. Any side details about technicalities like make sure you bring xyz document or do
xyz thing, or youll face problem?
Just carry 10th certificate and educational qualification certificate along with your photos.
Q7. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup?
Do not mess up with the health personnel in government hospitals.

CSE-2014 Marksheet
Q1. Please attach both prelim and final marksheet. (when it comes)
Prelims GS 83 CSAT 133 TOTAL= 216
Mains
Subjects

Essay (Paper-I)

General Studies -I (Paper-Ii)

General Studies -Ii (Paper-Iii)

General Studies -Iii (Paper-Iv)

General Studies -Iv (Paper-V)

Optional-I (Civil Engg.) (Paper-Vi)

Optional-II (Civil Engg.) (Paper-Vii)

Written Total

Personality Test

Final Total
Q2. After looking at the marksheet, suppose you had to prepare again next time, what
changes will you make in your studies?
I would have worked to improve my score particularly in Essay and GS 2 AND 3.

Career Backup
Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
I have attempted engineering services examination (UPSC) 2014. It was only to give my
career a safe road.

Views on UPSC reforms

Insecurity about profile
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?
Did you suffer from such insecurities? What is your message to these candidates?
These things do not matter at all. Yes at psychological level it really matters. Break these
bondages. Many people from diverse background such as Hindi Medium, Low Profile
College and with zero work experiences have already established their feat!!!!
I have also studied in Hindi Medium in government school till class 12th and had zero work
experience. UPSC is really the sacrosanct institution.

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?
I have learnt the 3 S formulas.
Sangharsh, Soch aur Sakaratmakta.
(Struggle, Vision and Positivity). Out of these positivity is utmost important wisdom for
competition.
For new aspirants, 1- develop right perspective, 2- Be confident, 3- This exam in my view is
more about your reflection, analysis and thoughts. Keep developing these.
Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of CSE-2014. Theyre
feeling cynical, hopeless and depressed- what is your message to them?
Dont be so. It is just an exam. Success and failure in it doesnt say anything about you, your
personality or capabilities. The journey is more interesting and enriching than the destination.
Enjoy the phase, enjoy the study, then you will feel lighter during preparation. Stress study
should be avoided. I have written two lines to keep myself motivated.

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 was those
people in your case? Any specific incidence that you would like to share with the
readers?
I thank my father (Papa) for giving me best opportunity of education. He has been the
bedrock support. Thank you maa, bhaiya, didi for having faith in my efforts. Thank you all
the friends, teachers, seniors, juniors, IITBHU mates who have helped me a lot in the
preparation.

BOGUS Marketing Propaganda

Q. You are well aware of the sacred rule the last question must be about selfmarketing. 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.
I referred mrunal.org for few selected articles of current affairs. I always wanted to cover
current affairs from mrunal.org but due to inconsistency I couldnt.
Tags: Topper-CSE-2014

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So far 86 Comments posted

1.

REPLY

N.D.Patil
Sir waiting for your previous years solved questions book of civil engineering.It
would help us to check our answers while practicing.
Thank you sir.
1.

REPLY

omkar s
@ Patil nikhil
tumcha email id dya..
my id
omkarshendure@gmail.com
1.

REPLY

N.D.Patil
ndcp007@redifmail.com
2.

REPLY

Nihar
Please can I get previous years questions paper and solution of civil
engineering
Niharmars1234@gmail.com
3.

REPLY

Sudeep