Sanjay Verma Sir’s Board
Date: 2nd Feb 2026, Afternoon
Keywords: J&K, state services , geography, zentangle art, jogging, colouring, computer science engg.
Chairperson:
How many colours are there in the world
Names of different colours
Where you jog, time , changes you saw in social and infrastructure aspect and further cross questions.
Central city of India from the coastline and some more cross questions.
M1:
Why geography optional and discussion why geography and not computer science and cross questions on it.
Discussion on current service
Surrogacy act
Romeo Juliet clause , Need and issue
Misuse of some laws by women, solution for the same
Darbar move and discussion
Your inspiration and cross question
M2:
UCC act, pros and cons
Barrier to J&K development and solutions
Issues of handicrafts and solutions
How to increase tourism in Jammu
M3:
Some discussion related to service
Cross questions about field visits
5 Sectors where you want to work, challenges and solutions
M4:
What is zentangle art
Operation sindoor , experience of locals
Bridges on Chenab and their differences and further discussion
Tourism guide for outsider
Further discussion on cuisines and places



Thankful to Mahesh Bagwat sir for detailed DAF discussion
One to one Mock with Shubham Aggarwal sir(Vidyapeeth IAS)
Both were very helpful and enriching.
Attended online discussion sessions organised by Samkalp, Mahesh sir and Shubham Sir.

No panel mock this time.

Name: VK_Paglu
Date: 6th Feb A/N
Board: Suman ma'am

DAF keywords: IIT Bomaby, CISF, Chemical Engg, Rural Areas, Dhule (Rest not asked)
Optional: PSIR

Ma'am welcomed and read out DAF.
Should we go for military alliances?
If I insist on choosing country, which one would you choose? Why? (Said USA is most pragmatic choice in current Geopolitical flux)
But trump? (Said structural and consequential nature of USA will prevail)
Saudi Pak deal discussion
Workerd in rural. Tell me how to make rural India sustainable, green?

Does fossil fuel had future?
Have we reached oil peak?
Tell something about ethanol blending? Targets?
Calorific value? Should we give customers lesser Calorific value in same money?

Dhule and Onion, grapes.. why farmers throw their product on road?
What should be done then?
Anjaneri? (Said not fully aware)
Elephants caves, have you visited? Water conservation techniques their? (Said will read)
Chemical warfare? Which chemicals used?

Culture of corruption in india? Why people do corruption?
How to arrest trend? 78 years have passed still no result? (Said historical deprivation, on right path with substantiation)
Education focus on job centric and not creative and innovative, you opinion? What to do?
Passing students till 8th? Is it good?

What is our per capita gdp? China, Vietnam, SL? Why ours is still low?what needs to be done?
Sir added some views, Said still why are not getting results?

Ma'am said Thank you.

Overall experience: It was more of discussion completely different from mocks. Panel was interested in knowing my views. Many lively expression and not many poker faces.

O2O: Vishal Sir(Prayaas) - Best person. Helped me with full analysis of DAF
Kolambe sir(confidence booster), Mahesh Bhagwat sir(followed his wp group throughout), Shubham Agrawal sir(Confidence enhancer), Bhikan Sir

Mocks: Vajirao (similar to actual), Samkalp, SIAC, Manobal, CMP, VisionIAS(good), UPSCwise(PSIR oriented), PW(worst and won't recommend to anyone), HSC (again is there super-superlative of worst? Give them that)

One on one with peers was most helpful. Better than everything above

Special Thanks: Vidya prabodhini Kolhapur

Board : Anuradha Prasad ma’am
Date: 04/02/2026
Daf: indore, graduation ballb, optional sociology, Kishore kumar songs, fitness enthusiast, half marathon, essay competition

Afternoon last to go

Chairman:
1. You won essay on law as an instrument of social change. Can it be opposite also sometimes - I said ma’am there are some negative social change in society for which law act as deterrence like PCPNDT, Env laws
2. ⁠okay let me reframe the question again can law lead to negative also- I took time to think then said sorry ma’am
3. ⁠she gave me a hint that recently something happened related to pocso in SC- I said ma’am related to misuse of pi pocso
4. ⁠she said yes okay let’s talk about misuse - what is the misuse of pocso
5. ⁠- is it really misuse, because under the law police has to file FIR. Can police refuse to file FIR- I said certainly not ma’am. Police has to file FIR. Then judiciary decides on case to case basis
6. ⁠anything specific mentioned by SC - I said Romio Juliet
7. ⁠what is this ?
8. ⁠are you sure 4 years gap between couples was said by SC- I said closed in group- she corrected me closed in age- I said thank you for correcting me ma’am

Member 1 :
1. He asked something which I couldn’t understand. I again asked but I don’t know what he was asking. So I said sorry sir I am not getting the question properly
2. ⁠women in India have been given equal inheritance rights. What is your opinion on this ?
3. ⁠what is coparcenary ? (I mentioned this in my previous answer)
4. ⁠if the property is self bought then can daughter get the equal rights ?
5. ⁠unique things about Kishore kumar - i said versatile and yodeling
6. ⁠who used yodelling first time in India? I said sorry sir
7. Which country used yodeling first in the world- I said it was started in western countries but not aware about specific country name
8. ⁠which director brought jazz music in Bollywood- i said sorry sir
9. ⁠MPLADS- is it against SoP
10. ⁠ if MP role is advisiory then can DM refuse to act

Member 2:
1. What is your view on equality among equals in India
2. ⁠is it also followed among private industries
3. ⁠can private party be called as govt under state in constitution- I asked sir under article 12 ? He said yes. I said if taking grants then yes
4. ⁠but if companies taking loans from govt then also they become benificiary then will they be under state or not ? I said sorry sir not aware
5. ⁠what is inclusive growth
6. ⁠is equality among equals related to inclusive growth


Member 3: lady member
1. You play cricket, fitness enthusiast, gave a Long monologue that Indians not performing well in olympics. Then asked pros and cons of India hosting 2036 olympics
2. ⁠can a host country really suggest indigenous sport - I mentioned in my previous ans that India looking to suggest yoga as medal sport
3. ⁠what is chicken’s neck
4. ⁠what is it’s importance
5. ⁠why it was in news

Member 4:
1. Ageing population- what are the challenges for society and old age people- i said working age population, cost for welfare schemes, isolation and digital arrest
2. ⁠what should we do? Is govt doing something? I said social engagement- old age clubs where old age people guide youth, help line 1930, kill switch
3. ⁠what is bitcoin?
4. ⁠is it legal in India or regulated
5. ⁠what are the challenges

Chairman - thank you

Mocks:
1. Mentor Aid by Utkarsh Shukla sir- from prelims to mains, multiple 1:1, group sessions
2. ⁠Farees Rehman sir - mains and for interview multiple 1:1, daily calls, group sessions
3. ⁠Khan Sir (KSG)- multiple 1:1
4. ⁠Samkalp
5. ⁠peer group
6. ⁠small group who took my mock daily
7. ⁠quantel

Date : 05/01/2026 Afternoonv 2nd to go

Name: Gold

Board: Sanjay Varma sir
Keywords:NCC C certificate, Veterinary optional,Madurai,Mess secretary,Vet doctor,Fitness

Chairman:
1.What is the Largest animal you treated and smallest animal you treated?
2.Do Animal have Soul?
3.Do you believe in Evolution theory? It is scientific or it is divine thing(beginning of life)
4.How will convey the message of pet dog died in hospital to pet parents?
5.Similarity and difference between Veterinary and Mbbs?
6.From NCC Why civil services not Defence services?

Member 1:
1.What you learn from NCC?
2.You want to scaleup your opportunity and power to work in public service from as Vet..then what will you do you don't get IAS?
3.If Human person have life threatening health issue..No MBBS doctor available?...what will you do? Will you treat bcs it is matter of life?

Member 2:
1.What is the Purpose of life?
2.You As a Fitness enthusiastic...I am 55yrs old..give Fitness tips to follow.
3.As a Mess secretary in hostel what problems you faced(Funny Discussion..all members interacted)

4.Memeber 3:
1.What is Durand line and
Related issues?
Others didn't remember

5.Member 4:

1.As Veterinary Surgeon how will you use your Experiences in Civil services
2.What is your View on Stray dog issue..as a DM
How will you deal with it?
3.Supreme court orders on Great indian bustard?
4.Is Current Veterinary Academic syllabus enough?What changes you recommend?
5.As DM Whats your plan for Madurai?

Chairman: Ok your interview is over.All the best.

Board is very Cordial and
Conversation building

Name - local hai
Sanjay Verma Sir’s Board
Date: 4rth Feb 2026, Afternoon
Keywords: J&K, PSIR, NCC, ECE, IOT, CRICKET, QAUMI EKTA ABHIYAN,

Chairperson:
Started with natural disasters faced by india and asked to tell safest 3 states.
3 biggest reforms under modern india . Some cross-questions and inputs given.
On NCC, asked why cadets are not joining defence forces.
Then asked about the most memorable day at office. Reasons and cross questions .
On QAUMI EKTA , asked where political class and buraucracy coverge and diverge.


M1:
On ncc , should we focus more on scouts and guide instead of ncc.
Asked what could be reasons for aircraft failures. cross questions on technical details of malfunctioning.
Why only very few airlines are profitable in india. Reasons for same.

M2:
Asked about job role in havells IOT division
Difference between govt n pvt company
Why govt company  dont evolve like private.
How will you use your knowledge in administration?
How would you implement LPG cylinders delivery like e-commerce companies do?


M3:
What is chinaman . Gave context cricket.
On MUN on russia- ukraine issue, asked to present 5 points from the Ukrainian side.
Asked to link iraq , iran , venezuella and libya with petro-dollar policy .
Who staterted this policy in usa?

M4:

So it was your birthday yesterday , what resolution you took yesterday?
What is one health approach?
So, what do you learn from a crow? A fun conversation.
New update on tourism in jk?
She asked a question on shallow economy ( said some thing which actors endorse ). So whom they target?

Transcript

Name: Anonymous
Date: 3/2/26 — Afternoon (1st to go)
Board: Suman Sharma Ma’am
Keywords: ICT, MA in Public Administration, Research project, Surat, Gujarat
(Nothing else from DAF)

Chairperson
• Surat is a diamond hub. Now LGDs are coming into the market. What type of challenges are they creating?
• Let’s talk about DISCOMs. Private DISCOMs are much more efficient than government DISCOMs — why is that so?
• India–Maldives relations are going through ups and downs. What went wrong?
• Recent AI developments — she mentioned two chatbots talking to each other about humans. What do you think about the future of AI?
• Will it surpass humans? Go way ahead?

Member 1
• Sardar Sarovar Yojana is the lifeline of Gujarat. It got delayed for many decades — what happened at that time?
• What is more important: development or rehabilitation?
• Dholera SIR — what is the status now?
• Vantara project — what is the controversy regarding it? (I said I can’t recall.)

Member 2
• Research project — how is research carried out? (Can’t remember the exact question.)
• Panchayati Raj Institutions in India — why are PRIs important for the State?
• Under NEP 2020, a Master’s (PG) degree in India can be completed in different durations. Do you know about this? (I didn’t know.)
• GER in higher education has a target of 50%. Do you think it is desirable when youth unemployment is already high? What’s your opinion?

Member 3
• Online radicalisation is happening through digital platforms. How can the State act on it?
• How can freedom of speech be managed simultaneously?
• Administrative reforms in the last decade — what is still missing?
• What more can the government do regarding effectiveness of reforms?

Member 4
• Long monologue on the Gujarat Model of Development — what is so distinct about it that makes it unique?
• What is the role of GIDC? (Because I mentioned GIDC earlier.)
• Is this model inclusive too?

Chairperson: Your interview is over. You may go.
I said: Thank you.

Ma’am was actively listening during the entire conversation.
One member was asking questions in pure Hindi, which was difficult to interpret.

Mocks:
Samkalp, PWOnlyIAS, Unacademy, StudyIQ, NextIAS, VisionIAS, ExamShala, TathastuIAS
One-to-one:
Vivek Sir (SymbiosisIAS), KK Jalan Sir, Sajal Sir (SarrthiIAS), Shubham Aggarwal (Vidyapeeth)

Date : 05/01/2026 Afternoonv 2nd to go

Name: Gold

Board: Sanjay Varma sir
Keywords:NCC C certificate, Veterinary optional,Madurai,Mess secretary,Vet doctor,Fitness

Chairman:
1.What is the Largest animal you treated and smallest animal you treated?
2.Do Animal have Soul?
3.Do you believe in Evolution theory? It is scientific or it is divine thing(beginning of life)
4.How will convey the message of pet dog died in hospital to pet parents?
5.Similarity and difference between Veterinary and Mbbs?
6.From NCC Why civil services not Defence services?

Member 1:
1.What you learn from NCC?
2.You want to scaleup your opportunity and power to work in public service from as Vet..then what will you do you don't get IAS?
3.If Human person have life threatening health issue..No MBBS doctor available?...what will you do? Will you treat bcs it is matter of life?

Member 2:
1.What is the Purpose of life?
2.You As a Fitness enthusiastic...I am 55yrs old..give Fitness tips to follow.
3.As a Mess secretary in hostel what problems you faced(Funny Discussion..all members interacted)

4.Memeber 3:
1.What is Durand line and
Related issues?
Others didn't remember

5.Member 4:

1.As Veterinary Surgeon how will you use your Experiences in Civil services
2.What is your View on Stray dog issue..as a DM
How will you deal with it?
3.Supreme court orders on Great indian bustard?
4.Is Current Veterinary Academic syllabus enough?What changes you recommend?
5.As DM Whats your plan for Madurai?

Chairman: Ok your interview is over.All the best.

Board is very Cordial and
Conversation building

Forenoon- Sujata Chaturvedi mam
Salem, Krishnagiri, Doctor, Bharatanatyam, Shri Ramakrishna mission.

1) Why civil services?
2) 3 Qualities of a leader
3) How being trustworthy and integrity different?
4) Does saying Ratnagiri ring any bell?
5) Classical dances of India and how are they different?
6) Specifics of kathak and kathakali
7) What Krishnagiri is known for?
8) How many varities of mangoes are there?
9) Changes you suggest in Health policy
10) Renewable energy percentage
11) Goals of India for renwable energy
12) Issues with renewable energy
13) Was COVID 19 a game changer?
14) Did you read newspaper today?
15) What is happening with India-EU deal?
16) Other organisations like EU
17) Which is the largest union?
18) Can we reduce the patent years so that life saving medicine can be made ?
19) Major trade players today globally
20) Literary festival happened in TN
21) What is there in NEP2020?
22) What does Ramakrishna say about holistic development?
23) How do you convey emotions in Bharatanatyam?
24) Rare disease outbreak in MP
25) Chabahar port status now
26) API status in which particular medicine is less?

O2O- Sudhagaran sir, Jawahar sir, Sivasailam sir, DP Agarwal sir, Vinay sir, Mohan sir, Khan sir, Satyam Jain sir, Shubham Agarwal sir, Naveen sir.

Panel- Manidhaneyam Ias, AICSCC MPT, Aram Ias, Samkalp Ias, Onlyias, GS Score, Vision Ias.

Name : 1 ÷ 0

Date - 04/02/26

State : Kerala

Key Words :  Art festival, Climate Change, Swimming, Law awareness

Optional: Philosophy

Graduation: Physics

Board: B B Swainji

1. Right now there is an art festival happening in Kochi. What is it?
2. What is Kochi Biennale and how it influenced art in general?

Member 1:
1. Labour unions in Kerala - context of Nokku kooli. Are they hurting Kerala's economy?
2. Migrant labourers in Kerala- recent death of a migrant labourer. Is Kerala migrant friendly?
3. Gandhiji - Why Nobel prize was not awarded? Give reasons.

Member 2:
1. Industrialization in Kerala- tell me about it.
2. Communism and development.
3. Mains crops of Kerala.
4. Kerala's dependence on food imports
5. Kerala - Karnataka recent issue related to language bill.

Member 3:
1. Wayanad- issues in agriculture.(man animal conflict)
2. Difference between Indian and Western Philosophy.
3. Which Philosophy do u like and why?
4. Vedanta?
5. Western Philosopher that u like?
6. Philosopher that Einstein liked?
7. Connection between Sankara and Spinoza.

Member 4:
1. Rubber board and its significance.
2. How do MSMEs finance themselves?
3. Export in India and Msme.

Name: SHM

Date: 21/1/26. Forenoon. 1st to Go. 26 minutes.

Key DAF details ask: Gender responsive governance, Global conflict and security, geopolitics and Karnataka PSIR.

Board: Suman Sharma Mam.

Chairman: after the greetings
1. First ask about whether AI is positive or negative for gender governance.
2. Islamic Nato will feature world order be religious order.
3. Economic impacts of work from home, social impact-positive and negative, sectors where work from home is prevalent.
2nd Member:
1. Article 23 and 24 geographical over view of child trafficking, Legal provisions of anti-trafficking act (Not related to DAF).
2. What is POCSO and how POCSO is different from other sexual harassment act (looking for some legal angle).
3. What is Khelo India (Not related to Daf).
3rd Member.
1. National security (Mentioned economic, defence, energy security etc), traditional and not traditional threads as I had mentioned in my previous response, government policies to tackle these threads.
2. What is HDI, should GDP be only criteria for development (I talked about integrating GDP and HDI for a measure of development). What is India’s rank in HDI
4th member
1. Why US want green land, National security reason US is talking about.
2. What are internal security threads in Pakistan.
Last member
1. What is the issue between Karnataka and Maharashtra (Belagavi issue).
2. Why India’s GDP is at 8.2% despite geopolitical issues.
3. Why logistic cost in India 13% of GDP where as it should be around 8%.
Actual experience: Board was cordial it was more like discussion, encouraging (Specially Suman Sharma Mam), overall, it went well.

Mocks: Vajirao & Reddy, Sankalp, PW, Vision IAS, Chanakya Mandal.

O2O: Shubham Agarwal sir, Vidyapeeth IAS (was really helpful), Mahesh Bhagwat sir IPS.

O2O with friends help me a lot.

Transcript

Name: Anonymous
Date: 3/2/26 — Afternoon (1st to go)
Board: Suman Sharma Ma’am
Keywords: ICT, MA in Public Administration, Research project, Surat, Gujarat
(Nothing else from DAF)

Chairperson
• Surat is a diamond hub. Now LGDs are coming into the market. What type of challenges are they creating?
• Let’s talk about DISCOMs. Private DISCOMs are much more efficient than government DISCOMs — why is that so?
• India–Maldives relations are going through ups and downs. What went wrong?
• Recent AI developments — she mentioned two chatbots talking to each other about humans. What do you think about the future of AI?
• Will it surpass humans? Go way ahead?

Member 1
• Sardar Sarovar Yojana is the lifeline of Gujarat. It got delayed for many decades — what happened at that time?
• What is more important: development or rehabilitation?
• Dholera SIR — what is the status now?
• Vantara project — what is the controversy regarding it? (I said I can’t recall.)

Member 2
• Research project — how is research carried out? (Can’t remember the exact question.)
• Panchayati Raj Institutions in India — why are PRIs important for the State?
• Under NEP 2020, a Master’s (PG) degree in India can be completed in different durations. Do you know about this? (I didn’t know.)
• GER in higher education has a target of 50%. Do you think it is desirable when youth unemployment is already high? What’s your opinion?

Member 3
• Online radicalisation is happening through digital platforms. How can the State act on it?
• How can freedom of speech be managed simultaneously?
• Administrative reforms in the last decade — what is still missing?
• What more can the government do regarding effectiveness of reforms?

Member 4
• Long monologue on the Gujarat Model of Development — what is so distinct about it that makes it unique?
• What is the role of GIDC? (Because I mentioned GIDC earlier.)
• Is this model inclusive too?

Chairperson: Your interview is over. You may go.
I said: Thank you.

Ma’am was actively listening during the entire conversation.
One member was asking questions in pure Hindi, which was difficult to interpret.

Mocks:
Samkalp, PWOnlyIAS, Unacademy, StudyIQ, NextIAS, VisionIAS, ExamShala, TathastuIAS
One-to-one:
Vivek Sir (SymbiosisIAS), KK Jalan Sir, Sajal Sir (SarrthiIAS), Shubham Aggarwal (Vidyapeeth)

PT MARKS -184

Name- Mastermind
Date- 05/02/26, Afternoon 2nd to go

Board- Sanjay Verma Sir
Key words- Anthropology, biotechnology, genetics, genomics, Bhopal, Doing Stand up Comedy, watching movies, online gaming, editor of magazine 'Genomica', Jainism (rest nothing asked)

Greeted the board and was asked to sit.

Chairman sir-
1. You are from Bhopal, we were discussing about the Bhopal gas tragedy, what is happening at the site right now?
2. How are you doing your masters in Delhi from Bhopal? (IGNOU)
3. What's the last movie you watched, which had anthropological significance?
4. How long was the movie?
5. How does anthropology help in stand up comedy?
6. Have you been to Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal?

M1-
1. There are two very famous archeological sites near Bhopal? (Said Bhimbethka and Sanchi)
2. What is the significance of these site?
3. Who excavated Bhimbethka?
4. What does these cave tell us about the past?
5. Have you been to Bhojpur temple? What is special about it?
6. Was it different from what was planned earlier?

Chairman sir again-
1. What is genomica? Does this word mean anything?
2. Is this patented or copied?
3. When was your college established?

M2-
1. What is genome?
2. How is different from genetics?
3. What are the benefits for studying genomics and DNA sequencing?
4. What is Genome India project?
5. How can biotechnology help today to solve our challenge?
6. How is mobile gaming being regulated and what was the recent law?

Chairman sir read my service preference (IPS first and smiled at me)

M3- lady member
1. Why do people burn waste at roadside or at their neighborhood
2. What principle of Jainism can help in managing waste management? (Said- Aparigraha)
3. Give two examples from your life where you have reused or recycled anything. (Mentioned Father's Kirana Shop?
4. Why do you use single use plastic and not cloth bag?
5. Do you promote your friends to reuse?
6. Tell me the Qualities of an Elephant?
7. What is your priority while editing a magazine?
8. What would you keep in mind while editing a magazine for adolescents?

Chairman sir again-
1. But if everyone practice aparigrah, the companies will fail?
2. Do you believe conscious consumption can work?

M4-
1. What are industrial regions around Bhopal?
2. What industries does Mandideep has? (said- FMCGs, Pharma, electronics)
3. What are FMCGs? How do they influence market behavior?
4. Why does biotechnology as an industry is not growing very fast?
5. How we increase the R&D spending?

Chairman sir again-
1. But in India we dont do research of our own and copy everything, tell me one thing that's our own innovation from a Public sector enterprise?
2. You don't seem very kadak IPS to me? What can we do about it? (I said, today we need empathy and compassion rather than kadakness but if my duty calls i can be very kadak alsa)
3. Have you ever beaten anyone or drawn blood from someone?
( i said sir the only person i have beaten is my younger brother, everyone laughed on this)

Chairman sir said okay, your interview is over.

The experience- It was totally DAF based and board was cordial, Chairman sir was smiling and listening to everything very carefully, he asked questions in between members also.
Time around 35-38 minutes

O2O- IPS Mahesh Bhagwat sir, MPOA Officers.

Mocks- Samkalp, Next Ias, Vision IAS, P.W, Chanakya Mandal, Study IQ

Name - Harivansh rai bachhan
Date- 06/02/26 afternoon, 3rd to go

Daf - SAGAR, COOKING SATTVIK FOOD ( rest not asked)

Background- commerce, sociology.

Chairmen ( Sujata ma'am)
- Why sagar is named sagar
- I'll give you two options, u choose one and then I'll ask from that option only- nagaland Or girl child. ( I chose the obvious)
- Starting from the point of conceiving a girl child, and growing further i.e. birth, growing up, education, higher education, employment, marriage. Tell me what govt schemes are available for each of the stages (this was a very engaging conversation)

Member 1
- What is happening in Balochistan?
- Why they are protesting?
- Pak accusing two countries for it, name them
- Why Afghanistan and not Iran supporting baloch ppl
- Monologue on partition- suppose you're the governor General at that time, how will you ensure transfer of population across border without any violence.

Member 2
- Politics is a novel profession- do u agree?
- Will u join politics after being a civil servant
- Should india set up military base in Diego garcia?
- Which country has its base there?
- Have you heard something called naked officials in China?

Member 3
- You've studied commerce and sociology so tell me difference between accounting standard and Indian accounting standards
- What is NFRA
- Monologue on risk- how do ppl in finance estimate risk in a business
- Dedollarization- what, why?
- Which other currencies are strong other than dollar
- Position of rupee in this context

Member 4
- Difference between sattvik cooking and vegetarian cooking
- But heat is necessary for the body? Don't u thing you're undermining other types of diet?
- Economics leads to friendship between rivals- can we apply this in context of China?
- How india can cooperate with China
- Does India's prosperit leads to Chinese prosperity?
- Buddhist peacee march in usa.
Ma'am stopped him here and said thank you you can go now.

Mocks given- Samkalp, Vajirao, ALS IAS, Sriram IAS, PW.

Special thanks to Mahesh Bhagwat sir and Shubham Agrawal sir for their help and guidance.

Name- Hope

Board-B B Swain Sir

Date- 05/02/2026(First in AN)

DAF- Azamgarh, Varanasi,Hindi Literature,Watching movies( relevant for interview)

Chairman

1)How are you?
2)Hope,you're a movie person, so which is last one you watched ?
3)Okay, give a review for this movie (homebound)
-He laughed as I completed the review in one long sentence (as he said review in one point) and then discussed it with the lady member)


M1(Lady)
1) Hope,You lived in Varanasi, So what development has been done there?
2) Didn't this hampering the heritage and creating suffering to local people?
3) How will you manage the trilemma of development,tourism economy and heritage preservation?

(Some questions I am able to retrieve )


M2
1) What is being done in Uttar Pradesh; Don't you think the status is entrenched in religious matter more than the development?


2) Situational awareness -If DM ask for no use of force to control the mob and you find that without use of force it can't be controlled. What will you do as SP ?

3)Will you defy the DM for law and order, really?( 02-03 follow ups)

(Some questions I am able to retrieve )


M3

1)What are the three areas where you don't agree to the Union budget?

2)Don't you think that you are becoming more defensive to budget?

3) Isn't increase in STT a bad idea which forced the market to crash?

4) I don't think that development will lead to higher tourism in Varanasi; shouldn't we go with the heritage preservation than high investment in infrastructure?

5)What is the status of industry in Varanasi?


M4

1) Why you chose Hindi as your optional subject when you are a Geography( hons) from India's top most University?

2) Okay, So tell me why your district Azamgarh is famous and infamous?( Gave 05 Points for famous and 02 for infamous part)

3) So,What is ODOP of your district? IS it  being exported and where?

4) What is GI tag of Varanasi?

5) Some provisions in budget for Varanasi?

6)Did there was something related to municipal governance too?

7)Hope,You are a Hindi Literature student then let's discuss about it-He recited four lines and asked for its writer, context and meaning?

8) As I answered first poem correctly so then he recited one more poem and asked for the same?( I was again  right then he also explained the meaning)

(He asked 03-04 more questions but I am able to collect them)
Chairman

1) Do you want to tell something else?
2) He told that it was good when I get the right answers for the two poems)

Okay,Hope,Interview is over

I thanked to all and left


Mocks/O2O-20+(All were helpful for me)

Acknowledgement-  To All I have

Name- Mastermind
Date- 05/02/26, Afternoon 2nd to go

Board- Sanjay Verma Sir
Key words- Anthropology, biotechnology, genetics, genomics, Bhopal, Doing Stand up Comedy, watching movies, online gaming, editor of magazine 'Genomica', Jainism (rest nothing asked)

Greeted the board and was asked to sit.

Chairman sir-
1. You are from Bhopal, we were discussing about the Bhopal gas tragedy, what is happening at the site right now?
2. How are you doing your masters in Delhi from Bhopal? (IGNOU)
3. What's the last movie you watched, which had anthropological significance?
4. How long was the movie?
5. How does anthropology help in stand up comedy?
6. Have you been to Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal?

M1-
1. There are two very famous archeological sites near Bhopal? (Said Bhimbethka and Sanchi)
2. What is the significance of these site?
3. Who excavated Bhimbethka?
4. What does these cave tell us about the past?
5. Have you been to Bhojpur temple? What is special about it?
6. Was it different from what was planned earlier?

Chairman sir again-
1. What is genomica? Does this word mean anything?
2. Is this patented or copied?
3. When was your college established?

M2-
1. What is genome?
2. How is different from genetics?
3. What are the benefits for studying genomics and DNA sequencing?
4. What is Genome India project?
5. How can biotechnology help today to solve our challenge?
6. How is mobile gaming being regulated and what was the recent law?

Chairman sir read my service preference (IPS first and smiled at me)

M3- lady member
1. Why do people burn waste at roadside or at their neighborhood
2. What principle of Jainism can help in managing waste management? (Said- Aparigraha)
3. Give two examples from your life where you have reused or recycled anything. (Mentioned Father's Kirana Shop?
4. Why do you use single use plastic and not cloth bag?
5. Do you promote your friends to reuse?
6. Tell me the Qualities of an Elephant?
7. What is your priority while editing a magazine?
8. What would you keep in mind while editing a magazine for adolescents?

Chairman sir again-
1. But if everyone practice aparigrah, the companies will fail?
2. Do you believe conscious consumption can work?

M4-
1. What are industrial regions around Bhopal?
2. What industries does Mandideep has? (said- FMCGs, Pharma, electronics)
3. What are FMCGs? How do they influence market behavior?
4. Why does biotechnology as an industry is not growing very fast?
5. How we increase the R&D spending?

Chairman sir again-
1. But in India we dont do research of our own and copy everything, tell me one thing that's our own innovation from a Public sector enterprise?
2. You don't seem very kadak IPS to me? What can we do about it? (I said, today we need empathy and compassion rather than kadakness but if my duty calls i can be very kadak alsa)
3. Have you ever beaten anyone or drawn blood from someone?
( i said sir the only person i have beaten is my younger brother, everyone laughed on this)

Chairman sir said okay, your interview is over.

The experience- It was totally DAF based and board was cordial, Chairman sir was smiling and listening to everything very carefully, he asked questions in between members also.
Time around 35-38 minutes

O2O- IPS Mahesh Bhagwat sir, MPOA Officers.

Mocks- Samkalp, Next Ias, Vision IAS, P.W, Chanakya Mandal, Study IQ

Name: coronation

Date: 04/02/2026 || Afternoon session

Key DAF Details: Civil Engineering, Environmental engineering and management, IIT Kharagpur, Ola electric, Startup, Bhagwad Gita, Nagaur, Rajasthan, Self awareness, Artificial intelligence, volleyball, Mental health, Sociology, NSS

Board: BB Swain sir

Questions asked:
Chairperson:
1. Everything else is understood, explain me about this 'X' Project. (X was about improving self awareness using AI)
Gave a holistic answer, no cross questions and asked other member to ask questions

Member 1
1. Why do you have to read Bhagwad Gita again and again? Reading it once should suffice, right?
2. Did you use your learnings from Bhagwad Gita during job switch and how?
3. What was your role at Ola and what is the issue in service of scooters and why?
4. Do you know about governance change at ola after IPO
5. Do you think our economy will sustain the growth?
6. How budget will help in sustaining growth, give few examples.
7. Who is your role model and why?

Member 2
1. It is said that "everything that happened, happened for good, everything what is happening, is happening for good, everything what will happen, will happen for good", do you think everything is good now?
(Not so, took the answer towards acceptance and reworking)

2. You have cleared JEE and now you are here, so you have a neck of competitive examinations. Suppose one of your friend, graduated from not so good college and is also giving interview. On the day of final result, he gets selected and you don't. So will you think it is all because of Karma and how do you react?

3. We are doing so many Global summits on environment, is this only for optics or we are really doing something. how we are progressing towards environmental goals at global level?

4. Is india doing Good in environmental role, rate it on scale of 1 to 100.

5. Why did you take sociology as optional?

6. Will you pursue sociology in future? (I said "yes, maybe I will do Masters alongside whatever job I will be doing")

7. Why did you do masters in environmental engineering then? (He got confused, mine was a dual degree program, I explained about it. Chairman also intervened and explained)

Member 3
1. In today's time many young people, talented people are leaving their jobs and joining cults to pursue ascetic life. what is the reason for this and do you think they will regret it later?

2. Do you think GenZ dont want to shoulder any responsibility and are afraid of commitment?

3. With issues with American visas etc, students who used to go to America to do UG, whose parents could afford will also come to coaching centres and maybe fight for JEE etc. so this competition will increase, also students are under pressure during preparation what do you think about it?

4. You stayed in Bangalore and it is said that there is an engineering college in every corner of Bangalore.  but now a days employability is not good for engineers also, what do you think?

Member 4:
1. You are from Nagaur and Mirabai was from Merta in nagaur, what do you know about her? How will you apply her ideas in administration
2. What is pax silica?
3. Why is Netherlands in there?
4. Should india join? What would be your call?

Chairman: Thank you.

The interview was very conversational. They listen very attentively. Most questions were contextual, probing and based on deeper enquiry.

020: Shrikant baldi sir, Utkarsh Sir(Mentor Aid), Shubham Aggarwal sir(Vidhyapeeth IAS), Gurukul IAS, Ravi Kapoor sir, Dharmadhikari sir(CMP),

DAF discussion: Mahesh Bhagwat sir, Vikash sir (VK IAS), Bassi sir, B singh sir, Satyendra Garg sir(samkalp),

Mocks: Samkalp(2), NextIAS, Vajirao and reddy, Vajiram and ravi, few online with upwise.

I am grateful and indebted to a lot of more people for giving me their valuable time and helping me understand things! People are way too kind, from bureaucrats to friends! 🙌🙌

Keywords :Agriculture ,Cooking, warli art ,Public administration(optional),Tamil nadu ,Tiruppur.Others not asked
Board : Sanjay Verma sir
Date 06.02.26(AN) 3rd to go

Chairman
Welcomed me twice.Sir said ,welcome ! I said thank you sir .Again sir smiled and said welcome .

1.Tell me the name of three private players that we need to bring into the government
Then sir asked why did you choose them?
Then follow ups on it
2 .Asked about diff between indo us deal and indo eu deal
3 what is the idea of india . later sir clarified it
4 let me know about the link between human evolution and cooking
Members
1 .long monologue on private sector qualities like
Risk taking ability and government risk averse which leads to delayed decision making
2.three challenges faced by farmers in tamilnadu .I said irrigation
3 tell me about kaveri issue
4.what is land port (insisted me to take guess three times)
5.what are challenges of landlocked country
6.any examples
7.what is island arc
8.give examples and explain me the formation indonesian archipelago
9.tell me the quality of private sector that government wants
10. Sanction vs tariff vs quota
11. Prioritise the following for a good production
Seed ,fertiliser,mechanisation
12. Where will you switch a suite (rank it)
Tailor ,showroom,e commerce
13.wont the cost from tailor shop will not be higher (follow up from the previous question)
14.tell me about warli art
15.tell me three section that will you suggest the art form
16.will you cook pasta
17. Long discussion on cooking rice (lady member said why your face blooms by hearing rice )
18. When can add salt to the dish and 3 follow ups on it
19. Do you know pm kusum scheme
20. Have you seen any solar powered pumps in your Village
21. What Tiruppur exports for Russia
22. And what is the mode of payments between India and Russia
Sir said your interview is over
You may leave now...

Name : Shankaracharya
Date- 2th Feb 2026. Forenoon. 5th to go(last). Around 25-30 min.

Chairperson - Honourable Sanjay Verma Sir.

DAF keywords - Advaita and pratical vedanta, Social issues based movies, Rajasthan, Bikaner, Anthropology, B.Sc, changed board from CBSE (10th) to RBSE(12th).

Said Good afternoon to chairman first and then all members. Chairman sir asked to have a seat.

Chairman Sir
1. Ok shankaracharya, Are you working anywhere?
2. Do you have any Work-ex?  Have you ever been employed?
3. Just a B.Sc, you never thought of doing any masters, even from an open university. ( Here explained Situation during Covid and for job security i prepared for SSC- CGL, then cleared also, but didn't join as wanted to give a try for cse).
4. Chairman sir - Ok Ok, then it's fine. So you are a reader of Advaita and pratical vedanta, don't you think it is inapplicable in our present reality. They say that this world is unreal, how you will tell this to an aggrieved person as an administrator. Don't you think you have to segregate your personal view in professional life?  Explained it's not like that, rather very pratical. Unreality or mithya is from transcendental pov not from vyhavaric. Then answered the aggrieved qxn, told sir that this is exactly what pratical vedanta of swami Vivekanand is. At last he was convinced that it covers everything.
5. Ok, watching socially relevant movies. Don't you think it's making zero impact in the society. Films like dhurandhar attracts a large audience whereas only a bunch of people go to watch social issues based movies. It's like already progressive people watching progressive movies. What's your take on it. Told while commercial element is missing and they attract a fewer audience but they do make an impact by increasing awareness ( gave example of menstrual hygiene thru padman), removing prejudices and age old biases( Article 15 and Jai bhim), making new normal( sitaare zameen par)
6. Ok, I'll you 100 cr, on which social issue you wud like to make movie on. Told 100 cr is a big amount wud like to divide it into various fronts as these movies are low budget and commercial element is low. Started saying disability, tribal issues. Chairman interrupted and said these are already been made. Give your original perspective or an issue which you have seen. Took a pause for 2-3 second and very confidently told 'Men's right' as people are misusing stringent laws and making false cases against them. ( Had a look towards lady member here, she was a little surprised, i thought I did a blunder here). Chairman sir jokingly said then give me my money back, whole room started laughing. He then asked me you wud make movie on an exception ( out of 100, only 1 case will be of misuse). I told sir increasing awareness about that one is also necessary. He looked satisfied but I don't know. This answer can land anyside.

Member- 1.

7. So you are from Bikaner, do you think Rajasthan in general and bikaner in particular have 'Colonial mindset'. I started answering and got little diverted, then chairman sir interrupted and said you didn't hear the qxn properly.
8. Then we talk about royalty mindset in bikaner rather than colonial mindset. Chairman sir said it's very feudal mindset. I said definitely It is but nowadays it is changing, MLA, MP are rising from ground and at the same time royal leaders did good development( mention of Gang canal by Maharaja Ganga singh which inspired formation of Indira Gandhi canal).
9. Can you explain why did you change your board from CBSE to RBSE as CBSE is considered superior?

Member- 2( Woman)

10. What are recent changes in climate of Rajasthan due to Climate change and global warming. ( Mentioned desertification and rising frequency of extreme climate events like heat waves, erratic rainfall etc)

11. Few days ago I went to Jaipur and in one of premium school more than 95% students were boys. What's your take on it. ( I told we cannot generalise this to whole of Rajasthan, it might be because of specific issue of that school as female education overall is rising in Rajasthan).
12. Then some conversation regarding increasing dropout rates of women. What are the reasons etc.
13. How advertisements in india are changing? I answered then she asked what is some major ads which has a profound impact on your life. I paused for few seconds but still couldn't recall. Then she said they haven't impacted you much then. I seconded her.

Member- 3

14. You talked about Indira Gandhi canal, what's your opinion regarding River interlinking? I told postives and negatives and told there cannot be one size fits all approach rather issue to issue analysis and based on that decision should be taken.
15. What are major projects which we are undergoing. ( Answered ken Betwa and ram jal setu project in Rajasthan).
16. Certain specific qxn on ken Betwa and issues regarding it ( mentioned panna tiger reserve).
17. Certain discussion regarding water scarcity.

Member- 4

18. You mentioned about tiger reserve. What approach you would take as an administrator - maintaining water security or preserving biodiversity? Said Sir both are interlinked and as an administrator I wud wish to preserve both by doing proper EIA and at the same time ensuring drinking water availability.
19. So you are a student of anthropology, which is largest tribe in india and what are their Major issues? Mentioned it's either Bhil or Gond and gave 4 challenges faced by them.
20. Who was Birsa Munda. Major contribution of him.( Mentioned Ulughan revolt, Birasait sect and social upliftment and women empowerment works).

Chairman sir again.
21. Is it wise to use 'Bhagwan' on a mortal being. Don't you think we are politicising Bhagwan birsa munda for our use. And using bhagwan shows low IQ of tribals. ( Mentioned concept of ancestor worship here and told it is bottom up reverence due to his mentioned contribution rather than top down politicisation). Chairman sir said that is a very good line of thought. Have you read it or thinked just now. I told from my limited understanding of tribal cultures and I have come to this conclusion.
22. He then asked can you name other tribal leaders who are worshiped like this. I could only name Alluri Sitarama raju and said there are a few but currently I'm unable to recall).
Ok shankaracharya, your interview is over. You can go now. Said Thank you to everyone.

Experience- Board was very cordial. All members are keenly listening each and every line and kept nodding. There were good 2-3 moments in which they seem impressed at the same time there were a few moments which raised their eyebrows. All they want is a good conversation I guess.

Mocks given.
One to one- Utkarsh Shukla Sir ( I was enrolled in his mentorship course. A must I would say for interview prep. Helped me a lot for overall personality development). Mahesh Bhagwat Sir IPS( Sir helped with complete DAF dissection, immensely helpful for preparing DAF related questionnaire). Shubham Aggarwal Sir, Vidyapeeth IAS( Sir's WhatsApp group helped me in building various perspectives on controversial questions. One on one was very helpful for structuring answers). Asif sir( For DAF dissection). Retd IAS Srikanth Baldi Sir( Very helpful for questions on each DAF keyword).

Panel mock- Vajirao(2, very good), Chankaya mandal( Good quality of questions asked), LevelUp IAS( unnecessary grilling), Upwise and Quantel helped for both offline and online mocks. Samkalp(2, very similar to main interview experience). Next IAS helped with giving content of various daf keywords

In the end I want to thank all my friends and family for helping in this entire journey.

Name: xyz

Date : 03.02.2026

DAF details : Teaching underprivileged children, Philosophy, Sociology, Jammu n kashmir, pikleball

Board name: B.B.Swain sir

Questions asked:

Interview transcript

Chairperson
1. U teach underprivileged children. Elaborate how since we have limited info in DAF.
2. ⁠what can be done on an institutional level
3. ⁠what more needs to be more.
( some more follow up questions)

Panel member 2 :
1. Why is the difference in development in west and east of india.
2. ⁠ pikleball amalgamation of which sports
3. ⁠why pikleball? Its relatively new.

Panel member 3
1. India used to account for a huge % of goods exports in ancient times now its reduced to such a less %. Why do u think that is. What philosophy should india follow. Why do u think this is happening and what do u think shohld be the attitude of india towards the west.
(Sir gave a huge monologue) and ended the question with who is ur favourite philosopher

Panel member 4
1. What is the situation in Jammu n kashmir now
2. ⁠what is the status of kashmiri pandits
3. ⁠have they been able to come back.
(Long conversation and rather v grilling on how they havent been able to come back, its all talk, parties in j&k creating create vitriolic environment how will things improve, why no people to people engagement has been there.

Panel member 5
1. Which 2 commands are there in Jammu.
2. ⁠if u were DM of doda district how would u apply chanakyaneeti there
(I took a long pause)
- Chairman intervened n said why only doda ask her what philosophy would she apply as an admin in entire Jammu

Your interview is over.
Thank you.

Name : Shankaracharya
Date- 2th Feb 2026. Forenoon. 5th to go(last). Around 25-30 min.

Chairperson - Honourable Sanjay Verma Sir.

DAF keywords - Advaita and pratical vedanta, Social issues based movies, Rajasthan, Bikaner, Anthropology, B.Sc, changed board from CBSE (10th) to RBSE(12th).

Said Good afternoon to chairman first and then all members. Chairman sir asked to have a seat.

Chairman Sir
1. Ok shankaracharya, Are you working anywhere?
2. Do you have any Work-ex?  Have you ever been employed?
3. Just a B.Sc, you never thought of doing any masters, even from an open university. ( Here explained Situation during Covid and for job security i prepared for SSC- CGL, then cleared also, but didn't join as wanted to give a try for cse).
4. Chairman sir - Ok Ok, then it's fine. So you are a reader of Advaita and pratical vedanta, don't you think it is inapplicable in our present reality. They say that this world is unreal, how you will tell this to an aggrieved person as an administrator. Don't you think you have to segregate your personal view in professional life?  Explained it's not like that, rather very pratical. Unreality or mithya is from transcendental pov not from vyhavaric. Then answered the aggrieved qxn, told sir that this is exactly what pratical vedanta of swami Vivekanand is. At last he was convinced that it covers everything.
5. Ok, watching socially relevant movies. Don't you think it's making zero impact in the society. Films like dhurandhar attracts a large audience whereas only a bunch of people go to watch social issues based movies. It's like already progressive people watching progressive movies. What's your take on it. Told while commercial element is missing and they attract a fewer audience but they do make an impact by increasing awareness ( gave example of menstrual hygiene thru padman), removing prejudices and age old biases( Article 15 and Jai bhim), making new normal( sitaare zameen par)
6. Ok, I'll you 100 cr, on which social issue you wud like to make movie on. Told 100 cr is a big amount wud like to divide it into various fronts as these movies are low budget and commercial element is low. Started saying disability, tribal issues. Chairman interrupted and said these are already been made. Give your original perspective or an issue which you have seen. Took a pause for 2-3 second and very confidently told 'Men's right' as people are misusing stringent laws and making false cases against them. ( Had a look towards lady member here, she was a little surprised, i thought I did a blunder here). Chairman sir jokingly said then give me my money back, whole room started laughing. He then asked me you wud make movie on an exception ( out of 100, only 1 case will be of misuse). I told sir increasing awareness about that one is also necessary. He looked satisfied but I don't know. This answer can land anyside.

Member- 1.

7. So you are from Bikaner, do you think Rajasthan in general and bikaner in particular have 'Colonial mindset'. I started answering and got little diverted, then chairman sir interrupted and said you didn't hear the qxn properly.
8. Then we talk about royalty mindset in bikaner rather than colonial mindset. Chairman sir said it's very feudal mindset. I said definitely It is but nowadays it is changing, MLA, MP are rising from ground and at the same time royal leaders did good development( mention of Gang canal by Maharaja Ganga singh which inspired formation of Indira Gandhi canal).
9. Can you explain why did you change your board from CBSE to RBSE as CBSE is considered superior?

Member- 2( Woman)

10. What are recent changes in climate of Rajasthan due to Climate change and global warming. ( Mentioned desertification and rising frequency of extreme climate events like heat waves, erratic rainfall etc)