Name: Jersey_no_18

Date: 16/02/26, Forenoon 3rd to go.

Daf keywords- Watching Cricket, basketball, agricultural engineering, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
Optional- PSIR

Board- Dinesh Dasa sir.

Chairman-
Congratulations for sitting on this chair and welcome to the conversation.
1. So you are player of basketball then why watching cricket hobby?
2. Why Basketball not became popular like cricket?
3. Rank 4 captains- Kapil Dev, Saurav Ganguly, Dhoni, Kohli.
4. Sachin and kambli...same potential..why Sachin became successful and Kambli struggled?
5. If you were appointed on Bharatratna committee whom would you have given it...Sachin or Kapil Dev
6. Labour shortage in mango harvesting? As a agri engineer what can be done? Can we use robots? Is it currently being implemented anywhere in India?
7. As a social thinker what 3 social evils would you like to remove from Maharashtra
M1
1. 2 problems Ahmednagar is facing and as a DM 2 solutions?
2. Why Lavani not popular like Bharatnatyam
3. If Kapil Dev is goat of cricket, who is goat of basketball
4. Few more questions

M2:
1. Opinion about name change?
2. What is presidential fleet review?
3. Aatmanirbhr bharat and problems in indigenous mfg of defense
4. Why hockey not doing good even after being good in initial years?
5. Shivaji Maharaj navy leader and Maritime contribution?

M3:
1. Would you promote organic farming in India? even after local politician is opposing it?..how ?..some schemes like NPOP etc
2. Que related to livestock farming
3. What is biofortification ...advise to agri scientists about research in biofortification
4. Some more questions..

M4:
1. How to address rural to urban migration?
2. Even after setting agrobased industries suppose labour is not coming? What implements will you use?
3. implements for small land holdings?
4. How cooperatives will address issue of land fragmentation
5. Are there custom hiring centres used in your area?
6. Role of agri engineers in Onion exports?

Mocks- Samkalp, Vajirao, Vajiram, vision, MH sadan, Hamdard, Sriram.

O2O- Khan sir KSG(BEST), Mahesh Bhagwat sir, Shubham Aggarwal sir.

transcript

Sujata maam :
reading daf

Why Kota industry decline?
Your personal experience 
Compare IIT Kanpur n Kota experience whixh was tougher
What challenges student faces at Kota?
Delimitation Commusion
Legal mechanism
Why stop
Whixh articles
What to do
I said like finance commission weightage
But that will dilute one person one vore
I said strengthen Rajya Sabha and increase seats
Rajya Sabha challenges

M1:
Someone said political are figure head real power with behind do you agree
I said no though they influence policy funding
Electoral bond why scrap
How hedge fund works
M2:
Saarc va global south whixh is more important
Tell way to revitalise SAARC
Now 3 ways use technology as tool to strengthen saarc

M3:
Kanpur pollution
Leather tanneries what steps taken progress
Kanpur vs Delhi pollution
Delhi pollution reasons
How farmers
I said minor reasons
Why suryanamaskar what special

M4:
Monroe doctrine features why
Learning for countries aspire to be regional power?
Any modifications to it
done
Donroe doctrine features
Will it benefit USA

Fashion definition
Is it trend
Fashion sustainability
Fast fashion is it sustainable?
Is it sustainable ?


Thanks to Mahesh Bhagwat sir , bhaavna ma’am, Samkalp bhawan, Shubham sir

Name - Ser Davos
17th, feb 2026
Forenoon, 4th to go. Time - around 30-35 minutes ( 11:35 - 12:10)
Board - Dasa Sir. (All male board)
DAF Keywords- History, Nagaur, Rajasthan, Poetry, Rajasthani folk songs, Cricket
Nothing asked from DAF.


I greeted them. Chairman sir asked me to sit.

Chairman Sir-
1. Ser Davos, how are you?
2. You completed your education in 2021, what have you been doing since then?
3. Are you preparing for this exam full time?
4. It is said that Japan was never colonized, China was partially colonized, and India was completely colonized. Why was that so?
5. What would have happened if India was never colonized?
6. What do you think about the political boundaries of India? (Asked in the context of previous question)
7. Name any three schems/initiatives by govt of India since independence that have transformed the lives of ordinary citizen.
8. What about Keshawanand Bharati Case? (Asked in the context of previous question)
9. Do you think KB case has saved Democracy in India?
10. What about LPG reforms? (Context- Ques 7) , as i did not mention LPG reforms in my answer.
11. Compare LPG reforms and NREGA. Which one has transformed the lives of common masses more.
12. Where are you staying at present?
13. Situation based question-
Suppose you are travelling from Delhi to Jaipur in Vande Bharat. You have a spared seat beside you and there are four people - Nirmala Sitharaman, Shahrukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and one more i cant recall. Whom will you offer this seat?
I answered Nirmala Sitharaman.
Now you are travelling with NS, you have to ask her three question.
Now you are NS, answer these questions.

MEMBER 1

1. Do you any idea about interest rates in Japan? And how does that impact global economy? (Took from my answers to ques 1 and 2 of Dasa Sir)
2. You asked questions to Finance Minister and then answered them by yourself. When you already knew the answer why did you ask those question?
3. My opinion is that, Studying history is a waste of time. Counter my opinion.
4. Is indian bureaucracy inaccessible?

MEMBER 2 (this gentleman was constantly staring)

1. Gave a long monologue on UGC and recent controversy and then relevance of subjects like history and political science in the age of AI. Also talked about various commissions on education reforms like - kothari. Then asked- What is the point of studying subjects like history for three years? And what is the rationale behind having a 3 year graduation programme for such subjects?
2. Suppose you are posted as Secretary of Dept of Water Resources in the Govt of Rajasthan, what steps will you take to make water accessible for all?
3. One more question i cannot recall.

MEMBER 3

1. What was Kakori Conspiracy case? Who were the people associated with them and what happened to them?
2. What were the names of Nuclear bombs dropped on Japan?
3. Monologue on Russia-Ukraine conflict. Why dont Russia use nuclear weapon and finish the war once for all.
Before i started to answer this,  he interrupted and asked another question - Suppose you are Putin, will you use nuclear weapon against Ukraine?
4. There was a ruler from Ajmer who faught against the invaders and finally succumed to them. Who was the ruler, against whom he faught, what were the names of battles and what do we learn from this entire chain of episodes?

MEMBER 4 ( This gentleman was roaming around the room and balcony when i was answering Member 2 and 3)

1. I will ask you just one question - Do you know apart from India, one more country has caste system type institution. Which is that country and how their system is different from ours?
(The number of times Japan has come in the entire conversation, i was thinking to asnwer it Japan, but i said- sorry sir i have not heard of this.)

Chairman Sir- Ser Davos, you may leave now.

Name: Jersey_no_18

Date: 16/02/26, Forenoon 3rd to go.

Daf keywords- Watching Cricket, basketball, agricultural engineering, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
Optional- PSIR

Board- Dinesh Dasa sir.

Chairman-
Congratulations for sitting on this chair and welcome to the conversation.
1. So you are player of basketball then why watching cricket hobby?
2. Why Basketball not became popular like cricket?
3. Rank 4 captains- Kapil Dev, Saurav Ganguly, Dhoni, Kohli.
4. Sachin and kambli...same potential..why Sachin became successful and Kambli struggled?
5. If you were appointed on Bharatratna committee whom would you have given it...Sachin or Kapil Dev
6. Labour shortage in mango harvesting? As a agri engineer what can be done? Can we use robots? Is it currently being implemented anywhere in India?
7. As a social thinker what 3 social evils would you like to remove from Maharashtra
M1
1. 2 problems Ahmednagar is facing and as a DM 2 solutions?
2. Why Lavani not popular like Bharatnatyam
3. If Kapil Dev is goat of cricket, who is goat of basketball
4. Few more questions

M2:
1. Opinion about name change?
2. What is presidential fleet review?
3. Aatmanirbhr bharat and problems in indigenous mfg of defense
4. Why hockey not doing good even after being good in initial years?
5. Shivaji Maharaj navy leader and Maritime contribution?

M3:
1. Would you promote organic farming in India? even after local politician is opposing it?..how ?..some schemes like NPOP etc
2. Que related to livestock farming
3. What is biofortification ...advise to agri scientists about research in biofortification
4. Some more questions..

M4:
1. How to address rural to urban migration?
2. Even after setting agrobased industries suppose labour is not coming? What implements will you use?
3. implements for small land holdings?
4. How cooperatives will address issue of land fragmentation
5. Are there custom hiring centres used in your area?
6. Role of agri engineers in Onion exports?

Mocks- Samkalp, Vajirao, Vajiram, vision, MH sadan, Hamdard, Sriram.

O2O- Khan sir KSG(BEST), Mahesh Bhagwat sir, Shubham Aggarwal sir.

Date- 13 Feb
Sujata Maam Board

Mbbs, Aiims, Watching medical drama(rest nothing asked from daf)

Chairperson-(Read the daf)
1. Why u have this name?
2. ⁠What is tomorrow’s date n which festival is being celebrated?
3. ⁠What does valentines day signify. Tell me your understanding of it?
4. What is done on this day.
5. Are parents okay with their children celebrating it.
6. Where do kids get ₹ from.
7. Will someone gift traditional sweets or a box of chocolates on valentines.
8. What is FOMO.
9. Is celebrating Valentines have any effect on economy.
10. India - already - a land of traditional festivals - we already have so many festivals, why do we then need - valentines day, mothers day, etc.


M-1
1. What comes to your mind - when I say 'Munnabhai MBBS'
2. Now tell me the negative side of the movie?
3. What is the reason - 'Munnabhai like doctors' are created?
4. Should we prescribe some specific percentage - like 70% atleast - to become a doctor?
5. Give me three innovative solutions to ensure that Quality of doctors is top notch.
6. Allopathy and Ayush medicine - are we moving towards a future of Integrated Medicine?
7. Give me one slogan as a DM - you will use to make health - a core priority?


M-2
1. As a DM in RJ - what will be your 1st three steps.
2. As a DM who is also a doctor - three steps to mainstream Health Infrastructure.
3. Why is gov doing banks merger?
4. What you will do as a DM - to solve malnutrition issue.


M-3
1. When was AIIMS New Delhi established
2. Which country helped India establish AIIMS Delhi
3. Should we have more AIIMS like Institutes
4. What kind of Health infra do we need at district level
5. As a DM - give me three innovative measures to tackle the issue of stray dogs.
6. what if - an oldage couple are attacked by stray dog while going for a morning walk


M-4
1. What is monetisation
2. How is it different from Privatisation.
3. Is gov branding privatisation as monetisation, as privatisation in India is seen with skepticism
4. Should Indian Railways be privatised.
5. As a DM, what will be your policy for preventing NCD.
6. How to utilise private sector hospitals in NCD

Mocks- Samkalp, Quantel , Vision Ias
One on One- Shinas sir(Most helpful, multiple one on one sessions).
- Puneet Sir from Somp (Discussion sessions were immensely helpful)
- ⁠Anupam Sir
- ⁠Shubham Sir Vidhyapeeth ias
- Ravi Kapoor Sir

Name - Photon
Date - 16feb,2026
Board - sheelvardhan sir

DAF- mbbs , mandana art , bhagwad gita, self reflective writing , ( rest not asked )
Chairman -
-. What is epic? Give definition
- Bhagwat Gita is part of which epic
-. What is older name of "Mahabharata"
- what is AI , What is ML ,what is difference between AI and ML ,
- automatic gate open examples and technology of sensors and remotes

M1
- who is s.wangchuk
- what are his reaserch projects
- movie on him, what was core lesson of movie
- why he is in jail ,demands of protest
- what is 6th schedule , states in which it is present
- when J&K and ladakh separated and why

M2 -
- should we talk to Pakistan
- why we should not talk to pak , and why we should
- what options are available to india
- what can be done in long run
- how soft power is painful for india , how it can be strength
- what bhagwat gita says about this situation

M3
-what is SRW , how it is different from diary writing
-how you do it , example
- what is mandana folk art , how it is performed , why ?
- mandana vs madala , how diff from rangoli
- do u read novel or poem, name any poet
- your mother tells you one thing , u do it wrong , she told u 10 times and still u do it wrong , what she should do ?
- What is happening in Delhi,
- Ai will impact doctors and lawyers very badly, what do u say
- why dr to cse , how your SRW affected you
- if we look from your perspective then only Dr should be there in admst , no technocrat and others ? What u say ?


M4 -
- in what manner you do SRW
- you always got good marks school to cllg , how you do that, how you work on yourself
( Rest not able to recall)

Ch-
- Do you cry on movie
- Will you upload your SRW on social media
- What is your personal social media policy.

Okay thankyou,
Thanked everyone and left.

Panel mock - quantel, Pwonlyias-2 samkalp-2,next ias , unacademy , upwise team , IDI group mocks

One to one - Sajal sir , Peeyush sir , satyender garg sir ( on bhagwat gita ),B singh sir next ias , Nitin sir fortune ias , JICE vivek sir , quantel team based , upwise team based
Peer discussions helped a lot.
Thankyou everyone .

Name: humblemodi
Date: 16th Feb, Afternoon (2nd to go)
Board: Suman Sharma ma'am
Keywords: manufacturing engineering, Jharkhand, fake news app, advertising technology, Sociology (more keywords but no questions asked from them).

Time: 28-30 mins


Chair:

So, you worked in advertising. What is surrogate advertising? Can you give an example? It's a famous one.

Why do you think private investors are not very keen to invest in Jharkhand?

Suppose you're the DM of Jamtara. How would you tackle the problem of youngsters being involved in financial crimes? Tell me quick steps. (And then a follow up).

India has a young demography, but then we're also ageing. What do you think, we'll become rich first or old first?


Member 1:

You built a fake news app. What is your opinion - is it difficult to tackle fake news etc today? Also, what steps would you suggest to tackle the problem of fake news in the country?

Can you explain what is blue economy? (Absolutely no connection with my DAF)

What steps is govt of India taking to boost blue economy?

Any specific organisations which are focused on cooperation specifically in the maritime domain?

How do organisations like IONS help India?

You discussed about boosting exports. Every country wants to ramp up domestic manufacturing and export things. How do we tackle this? How do we ensure that our exports remain competitive in such situation?

Should we share our technology with countries in this IOR region? Won't it work against us?


Member 2:

Difference between chutnification of culture and creolization of languages?

India is called a melting pot. In sociology, tell me the difference between melting pot and salad bowl.

What is the relation between social role and social authority?

(There were 1-2 more questions. Unable to recall them at the moment.)


Member 3:

So, you worked at adpushup. How would you advertise Jharkhand as an investment opportunity for tourism and manufacturing? Create a branding pitch.

You talked about tribal tourism. Aren't you objectifying and dehumanising them by promoting such kind of tourism?

What all do you talk about when you explain tribal culture to someone?

How is Dokra art related to your manufacturing engineering branch?

If you are so aware about triba art, why didn't you pursue something in this domain, promoting or preserving the triba heritage? Why did you join KPMG?


Member 4:

Why is Jharkhand so backward despite having so many resources?

Did Jharkhand benefit from the separation from Bihar?

Tell me major steps that you will take to fix the issues of Jharkhand.

(There was a question here related to Ranchi. Can't recall it at the moment.)

What is the status of logistics sector with regards to Ranchi? How can it help in tapping the potential of mineral resources in Ranchi and nearby areas?

How can PM GATI SHAKTI help jharkhand in this regard?

(There were two more questions here. Unable to recall at the moment.)




Panel Mocks: GSScore, ALS IAS, Quantel (three mocks - use then just to correct your behavioral elements, not for their feedback or quality of questions; although some questions were good), PW Onlyias, NEXT IAS, VAJIRAO, SAMKALP (two), Sriram.

One to one sessions: Shubham Sir from Vidyapeeth (helps in boosting confidence), Understand UPSC, Vivekananda sir (Dheerath), PW Onlyias, Sarrthi, Next IAS, CivilsDaily.

My experience: The board remained cordial. Now, they appeared fine, which either means that I was doing fine or that they are very good people (I am bullish on the latter). Suman ma'am kept smiling right from the start, and that's what's scaring me more. 70-75% questions were predicted beforehand. Most questions were from daf keywords (barring exceptions like Blue Economy related questions). No questions from hobbies or achievements section. Overall, it was a decent experience. I felt I could do much better. But that feeling will always remain and you won't be able to do everything that you contemplated because of the pressure of the situation.

Name: Jijnasu (A Seeker)
Date & Session: 13/02/2026 Forenoon
Slot and Approximate Time: First to enter, lasted around 25-30 minutes
Board: Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla
Keywords: Mandya, Karnataka, MBBS, ICU Medical Officer, Clinical Intelligence Specialist, Literacy Secretary, Chief Minister at School Assembly, Interested in AI in Healthcare

Questions
Chairperson:
1. (Long monologue) Mustafa Suleyman says AI will replace doctors in the future. Even trust could be replaced by superhuman intelligence, and so on. What is your view on this?
2. Who is more precise: a robot or a doctor? (Follow- up to my previous question)
3. If I want to have a laser cataract surgery, whom should I trust? Why is a doctor necessary?

Member 1 (Lady Member):
1. What did you learn as an ICU Medical Officer?
2. How did you handle critical care and breaking bad news?
3. What are two sectors you want to improve as a health authority?
4. What initiatives did you take as Literacy Secretary in medical colleges?

Member 2:
1. As an administrator of Mandya, which social aspects would you focus on?
2. (Follow- up question) How would you implement the PCPNDT Act?
3. Why are doctors writing multiple tests and unnecessary medications?
4. Recently, robotic surgery was performed in Antarctica using sensors. How do you see this happening in rural areas?

Member 3:
1. Are you a descendant of Kempegowda? (since my surname is Gowda)
2. Who is he? (A long monologue about Kempegowda watchtowers)
3. Medical bills tend to increase by one- third when patients have insurance. How can this be addressed?
4. Many hospitals now have dedicated welfare or relationship teams. Is this mandatory by law?
5. What are your thoughts on meritocracy and donations in medical colleges?

Member 4:
1. Good gut bacteria- what challenges exist in protecting them? How do you ensure their safety for the rural population?
2. Pharmacokinetics seems to be less emphasised in modern medicine. Why is that?
3. Do you prefer an informed patient or a patient with no awareness?
4. (Follow- up question) How do you treat a patient who knows nothing?
5. As a chief minister, what two areas would you prioritise besides health?

Chairman: Your interview is over. All the best.

Mocks attended:
Panel offline(Bengaluru): Jice and Rajkumar academy, Samutkarsh, Shankar IAS, India4IAS, Primus academy
Panel offline(Delhi): Samkalp(2), Vajirao & Reddy, PW Only IAS, Sriram IAS, Forum IAS, Vision IAS, Vajiram & Ravi, Next IAS
Panel online: Unacademy, Vision faculty mock
O2O mocks: Vinay sir-Insights IAS, Mohan sir-IAS Baba

Name: Gagan

Date:19th Feb,2026 Forenoon session
First one to go.

Last attempt.

Key DAF Details: MBBS, Medical Officer, Sleep patterns, Malnutrition, Reflective Diary writing.
(Most questions were out of DAF)

Board: Honourable Suman Sharma ma’am

Half round table like format.

Two members were sitting just besides
me

Questions asked:

Chairperson:
Honourable Suman sharma ma'am

Greeted me with smile. Are you from this district? Said yes ma’am.

🫳French PM’s visit to India.
What was related to health?
Will France benefit from Indian AI?

👉 Is there any other hub of pharma apart from Gujarat?

👉Why is Gujarat hub of Pharma?

👉Why is not India good in APIs production? We are good at Generic medicines.

👉Why the global trade has been disrupted?

👉What is the contribution of MSMEs?

M1 : (lady member)
Serious look

Manufacturing sector contribution in India?

What are the problems of MSMEs?

👉How can you promote MSMEs as health secretary?

👉Which kind of trade you would like to promote of India?

She was closely observing how I was speaking.

M3:

Just left side of me
After sitting he deliberately observed my style of sitting and any foot movement.
After asking tricky questions they all looked at each other..Dekho kaise fasta hai ab! Like..

Tried to trap me by asking tricky questions.

👉What are the health challenges in Gujarat region wise?

👉So, Government is not aware of inequality?

👉Should gujarat remove liquor prohibition?

👉As a Advisor to CM what would you suggest?

👉Liquor is available everywhere in Gujarat.
So do you think that there is corruption in the Government?

M4: very old age. Supported my answers.


👉Problems in Geriatric Care in India? Do you think we should promote?

👉Do you think India should follow Insurance based model from Western countries?

👉Robot vs cybort? Said don't know sir

👉Tiger reserves promotion? What are current status?

👉Do you think UN reforms necessary? How ?

👉Do you think India should follow two party system as it is successful in USA?


M4:

👉What is start up bridge?

👉Why is there sleep disturbances in people?

👉So, should India commercialise Sleep clinics?

👉What are the role of Incubation centre?Name any one

👉Is health sector is about business?

👉How do you visualise India at the Global stage?

Approx: 20 minutes

Chair person ma'am was writing countinously in diary.

Other members were writing something in DAF or diary by pencil.

Tricky questions against government. Tried to know balance of judgement.


Mocks/O20 (If any):
13 mocks given online.
PW only IAS gave the opportunity to have maximum mocks with them.
Vision ias -,Best.. Only one wished my best of luck.

Unacademy - taught me to speak with humility.

Jice Academy - too much aggressive marketing.

Upwise arranged two online mocks.

Offline - gave 3
Samkalp, Vision, Pw only ias.

PS: Interview was totally different from mocks. Just one question was repeated in actual interview. So, be prepare for random questions.

The interview was a really cordial one. All members, except M4, were smiling or had happy faces throughout. Chairman especially had a happy/enthusiastic face and helped me relax with his smiles and engagement even as I was answering other members. I could smile naturally unlike my mock interviews because the Board was able to make me feel comfortable.

All members listened attentively and never interrupted me, allowing me to give long, descriptive answers for many of the questions. They appeared to be genuinely interested in all my answers, even when I stretched a few by adding dimensions not asked in the question. M3 especially was nodding in a subtle but enthusiastic manner to all my answers to him and M4. Overall, a good experience. God is good.

Mock interviews (Five in total): Vajirao & Reddy, Vision IAS, Vajiram & Ravi, OnlyIAS, and Samkalp. Samkalp mock interview was the closest to the actual day in my experience – in terms of the room layout, Board members, types of questions asked. Mock interviews were like actual interviews, and were tougher and more technical than the actual interview, which proceeds more like a cordial conversation. UPSC calls it a ‘Personality Test’ and not interview for a reason.

One-to-one session: UPSCPrep, Samkalp.

Board: Lt.Gen. Raj Shukla sir
Date- 19/02/2026 FN
DAF Keywords: TN, Cooperative, HRCE, Literature, NIT.

Chairman:
1. What is your opinion about Galgotia controversy?
2. Long monologue about lack of intellectual integrity then asked is this single event or there are other examples ?
3. What are the reasons for this kind of behaviour from Universities? A Little discussion followed about the topic.
3. Name some tamil authors.
4. What is your opinion about banning AI use in schools?
5. How many countries are involved in Semiconductor value chain?
6. Is it possible for India to achieve atman nirbhar bharat in semiconductor industry?

Member 1:
1. What is the issue between TN and Karnataka? River water sharing
2. Why it is not solved? Do you believe it will be solved in our lifetime?
3.TN is using water for water intensive activities. should it reduce it's unwanted demand?
4. What is the issue about Sterlite copper tuticorin ?
5. Sterlite was moved to silvasa but they don't have any problem. If it is pollution the reason for closure, why the other state not agitated but TN agitated?

Member 2:
1. What was the prominent issue in TN during 1960s? I said Anti hindi agitation. He also hinted.
2. What is the social change the agitation brought (anti brahmin sentiment) ?
3. What are the reasons for the anti brahmin sentiment in TN? He himself hinted over representation in govt. Jobs.
4. Is the goal( representation of non brahmins in govt jobs) of the anti brahmin movement achieved?
5. What are the negative consequences of the above movements?

Member 3
1. Tell me the famous persons in your name.
2. Why LTTE was defeated although they were very powerful in the past?
3. Why the delivery of Tejas aircrafts delayed by HAL?
4. Tell me some indian Army tank names?
5. Why NITs are not developed like IITs?

Member 4
1. Should government control Hindu temples ? Further discussion on this topic.
2. Can we use assets(gold,silver) of temple for the national development? A Little discussion follows.
3. Do you know the XXX author name?
4. Monologue on government control over cooperative societies. Should the government relax it's control over cooperative societies?

Chairman : Thankyou, you can leave.

Name: Gudakesh

Date: February 13, 2026 (AN, 3rd to go)

Key DAF Details: Darbhanga, Bihar, Kota, Anthropology, IIT Roorkee, Hatha Yoga, Hindi Poetry (Rest not relevant)

Board: Sanjay Verma

Questions asked:
The table was being cleaned when I was asked to enter. All the members are standing around the table. I ask for permission, enter, and greet the panel.

M1 remarks that we are standing for your welcome. I smile.
Chairperson asks do you have any issues if we continue the interview standing?
M1 remarks that the candidate practises hatha yoga.
Chairman says if you perform a headstand for the whole duration of the interview, I'd award you 20 marks extra.
M3 asks which kind of yoga do you do in hatha yoga. He further asks which asanas do you do?
M3 and M1 engage in a discussion over what does the term 'hatha' mean. I was listening to them.

The chairperson then signalled us all to sit.
Chairperson:
1. Tell us what 'Hatha' mean in hatha yoga. (Question continued from previous conversation between M1 and M3)
2. Yoga started as a quest for moksha, but now it has been reduced to physical activity only. Why?
3. Where would you go for your honeymoon?
4. You have stayed at multiple places, it suggests that you are a risk taker.
5. Out of all the places you have stayed, at which place did the water taste the best?
6. Aside all the serious stuff you have written in your DAF, what is it you are truly passionate about?
7. Tell me the difference in the poetry of Gulzar Sahab and Swanand Kirkire? (remarked later that Gulzar sahab has a monopoly on the Moon since long before NASA even thought of venturing out in space)

M1:
1. What is Darbhanga famous for?
2. Monologue on stray dog issue in Delhi, how would you tackle as Muicipal commisisoner? (2 follow ups regarding SC decision, and capacity constraints)
3. Discussion on ghettoization of students due to coaching industry in places like Kota. I responded with adaptive testing suggested by IIT Council, and how normalisation of scores could help reduce the pressure. M1 remarked that the same could be suggested for UPSC Interview. All laughed. M2 suggested that interview is easier. Chairperson remarked that Prelims is the toughest these days. I was smiling.


M2:
1. Situational question - you decided something but upon discussion with your subordinates, who presented an alternative view, you changed your decision. This happens thrice in a row. What would you do? What would you think of yourself? Would it not be a question on your competency? What about seeking a transfer?
2. What is Happiness Index?
3. Which country is at the top? (I remembered Bhutan as tha happiest, so said I think Bhutan)
4. What about Scandinavian countries?
5. Where is India ranked approximately?
6. What is one panacea which can ensure happiness for everyone? (Suggested that fulfilment in work based on capabilities and opportunities can be one thing which could ensure happiness of all)

M3:
1. Which place are we sitting right now? Are you here for the first time?
2. Which building is right next to it? Said sir not sure about the directions - said one which is on left while coming to Dholpur house. I responded that I am not aware Sir. He answered that you have studied at the place on which it is named. I said sir Kota house. He remarked that no extra marks for this answer as I had hinted xD
3. Is there a Darbhanga House in Delhi?
4. Why are there Darbhanga houses in many places across the country? (M1 jokingly remarked that they must be rich)
5. If offered Moksha right now, would you accept?
6. Where is Bihar school of yoga located?
7. What is their unique contribution?
8. What is Yoga nidra?
9. Why do people do it?
10. Have you heard of Kundalini?
11. What is the physical manifestation of Kundalini awakening?

M4:
1. What percentage of genetic material is common between Homo Sapiens and Banana?
2. Monologue on how we have evolved since prehistoric times from Primates to monkeys to apes to humans. How should we further evolve?
3. Give me specifics of brain evolution, as to whether size or complexity should increase as our brains are already most compact?
4. What specific evolution would solve the issue of painful birthing process in human females?
5. Our society focuses much on rote memorisation, which hampers the development of thinking. What do you think about the same?

Chairperson stops M4 from further questioning. Looking at the wallclock, he says that your interview is over. I said thank you sirs and ma'am, and left.

Experience: It felt cordial. Towards the end, pressure was increased. I hope I kept my composure. Hoping for the best.

Mocks - Samkalp (2) (Most realistic), NextIAS, Forum, Vajirao Reddy, StudyIQ
O2O - Bassi Sir, Anil Swarup Sir, Avinash Dharmadhikari (Chanakya Mandal Parivar)

date : 19 feb, afternoon, 3rd to go
Honourable sheelvardhan sir
asanga
Cordial board. Listening attentively
DAF keywords - meditation, podcasts, IIT BHU, Civil engg, sociology


Sheelvardhan sir
1. Why is smita prakash podcast so popular among aspirants?
2. Which podcasts do you hear?
3. Suggest me a podcast to hear which I can enjoy?
4. If you had to host a podcast, what would you choose? Topic, guests
5. Stoicism vs epicurianism
6. What is joy?
7. What is your philosophy of life? That you actually live, not what you want to?

M2 lady
1. Do you know about holocaust?
2. Who did it?
3. What about the conflicts that happened since the world war?
4. The question of Jewish statehood
3. Discussion on the palestinian issue..she tilted towards palestinian side

M3
1. Suppose you are made an advisor to the BRO, what would you do for border construction?
2. Projects in border areas in The recent years.
2. How do they construct tunnels in Mts.
3. How does TBM (tunnel boring machine ) work?

M4
1. Why btech in civil engineering?
2. Joy vs pleasure vs happiness - not satisfied with my answer
3. In the past few decades, the level of happiness declined ..do you agree?
4. Children - do they experience joy or happiness or pleasure?
5. Marvels of civil engineering in india and in the world

M5
Time was already short..
Long discussion on delimitation. Two schools of thought..what is your opinion on the solution?

Chairman sir - gave me his understanding of happiness, joy and pleasure
I said thank you sirs and thank you mam..left..

Overall good experience.
No grilling
25-30 minutes

Thank you note.
My friends, family, girlfriend and teachers
Special thanks to Dr Bidhan  from Vajiram
Anil Swarup sir for his discussions - because of him, i was able to bring some light moments during the actual PT
Peer group arranged by Study IQ was -  thanks to Neha, Mukesh, Varsith - peers i discussed with
Mahesh Bhagwat sir for discussion and content on his WhatsApp channel
Quantal for arranging so many mocks
Took mocks from almost 10 institutes - samkalp - 2 mocks, vajirao, ensure ias, pw ias, unacademy, next ias, discussed with sjal sir - sarrthi ias,  testbook, spm ias, dronacharya ias
All helped in some way or another


Some questions - I can't remember

Name: Gudakesh

Date: February 13, 2026 (AN, 3rd to go)

Key DAF Details: Darbhanga, Bihar, Kota, Anthropology, IIT Roorkee, Hatha Yoga, Hindi Poetry (Rest not relevant)

Board: Sanjay Verma

Questions asked:
The table was being cleaned when I was asked to enter. All the members are standing around the table. I ask for permission, enter, and greet the panel.

M1 remarks that we are standing for your welcome. I smile.
Chairperson asks do you have any issues if we continue the interview standing?
M1 remarks that the candidate practises hatha yoga.
Chairman says if you perform a headstand for the whole duration of the interview, I'd award you 20 marks extra.
M3 asks which kind of yoga do you do in hatha yoga. He further asks which asanas do you do?
M3 and M1 engage in a discussion over what does the term 'hatha' mean. I was listening to them.

The chairperson then signalled us all to sit.
Chairperson:
1. Tell us what 'Hatha' mean in hatha yoga. (Question continued from previous conversation between M1 and M3)
2. Yoga started as a quest for moksha, but now it has been reduced to physical activity only. Why?
3. Where would you go for your honeymoon?
4. You have stayed at multiple places, it suggests that you are a risk taker.
5. Out of all the places you have stayed, at which place did the water taste the best?
6. Aside all the serious stuff you have written in your DAF, what is it you are truly passionate about?
7. Tell me the difference in the poetry of Gulzar Sahab and Swanand Kirkire? (remarked later that Gulzar sahab has a monopoly on the Moon since long before NASA even thought of venturing out in space)

M1:
1. What is Darbhanga famous for?
2. Monologue on stray dog issue in Delhi, how would you tackle as Muicipal commisisoner? (2 follow ups regarding SC decision, and capacity constraints)
3. Discussion on ghettoization of students due to coaching industry in places like Kota. I responded with adaptive testing suggested by IIT Council, and how normalisation of scores could help reduce the pressure. M1 remarked that the same could be suggested for UPSC Interview. All laughed. M2 suggested that interview is easier. Chairperson remarked that Prelims is the toughest these days. I was smiling.


M2:
1. Situational question - you decided something but upon discussion with your subordinates, who presented an alternative view, you changed your decision. This happens thrice in a row. What would you do? What would you think of yourself? Would it not be a question on your competency? What about seeking a transfer?
2. What is Happiness Index?
3. Which country is at the top? (I remembered Bhutan as tha happiest, so said I think Bhutan)
4. What about Scandinavian countries?
5. Where is India ranked approximately?
6. What is one panacea which can ensure happiness for everyone? (Suggested that fulfilment in work based on capabilities and opportunities can be one thing which could ensure happiness of all)

M3:
1. Which place are we sitting right now? Are you here for the first time?
2. Which building is right next to it? Said sir not sure about the directions - said one which is on left while coming to Dholpur house. I responded that I am not aware Sir. He answered that you have studied at the place on which it is named. I said sir Kota house. He remarked that no extra marks for this answer as I had hinted xD
3. Is there a Darbhanga House in Delhi?
4. Why are there Darbhanga houses in many places across the country? (M1 jokingly remarked that they must be rich)
5. If offered Moksha right now, would you accept?
6. Where is Bihar school of yoga located?
7. What is their unique contribution?
8. What is Yoga nidra?
9. Why do people do it?
10. Have you heard of Kundalini?
11. What is the physical manifestation of Kundalini awakening?

M4:
1. What percentage of genetic material is common between Homo Sapiens and Banana?
2. Monologue on how we have evolved since prehistoric times from Primates to monkeys to apes to humans. How should we further evolve?
3. Give me specifics of brain evolution, as to whether size or complexity should increase as our brains are already most compact?
4. What specific evolution would solve the issue of painful birthing process in human females?
5. Our society focuses much on rote memorisation, which hampers the development of thinking. What do you think about the same?

Chairperson stops M4 from further questioning. Looking at the wallclock, he says that your interview is over. I said thank you sirs and ma'am, and left.

Experience: It felt cordial. Towards the end, pressure was increased. I hope I kept my composure. Hoping for the best.

Mocks - Samkalp (2) (Most realistic), NextIAS, Forum, Vajirao Reddy, StudyIQ
O2O - Bassi Sir, Anil Swarup Sir, Avinash Dharmadhikari (Chanakya Mandal Parivar)

Interview Experience
Name = Kisame Hoshigaki
Date:15/01/2026
Afternoon Chariman - Sujata mam
DAF - Chess, Sociology, Banking situation based, Social Media, Defence corridor UP, SIR
Chair - Read aloud my DAF
So what events in Chess are happening this year.
Any significant event that India hosted ?
Any event that was hosted by India rhyming with the Olympics ?
Frequency of that event ?
What is happening right now around us ?
So what is SIR ?
Why is it necessary ?
Why parties are opposing it ?
Body responsible for elections in India ?
Why state elections are not conducted by any state body ?

M1
Tell me about atma nirbharta in defence ?
Initiatives like a list made for mandatory defence procurement ?
Defence initiatives in UP - defence industrial corridor ?

M2
Should Social media should be banned or not ?
1 more question, I don’t remember

M3
Tell me something that you did at your job, which will make me happy ?
What if there is a riot-like situation, and your team is not there, what will you do ?
Assume you did all the hardwork and you were not appreciated by your boss in front of super boss, how will you deal with that situation ?

M4
Anuloma aur pratiloma marriage ?
Reduced marriages in western society and its impact ?
Class of Indians, who are not taxed by its government and offshore companies ?


Board was very cordial. Whichever way I performed, Ma’am has a very pleasant personality.

Mocks : PW, CMP, Vajirao and reddy, Next IAS,Samkalp
One on One : Samkalp (Taneja Sir - very good), PW only IAS

date : 19 feb, afternoon, 3rd to go
Honourable sheelvardhan sir
asanga
Cordial board. Listening attentively
DAF keywords - meditation, podcasts, IIT BHU, Civil engg, sociology


Sheelvardhan sir
1. Why is smita prakash podcast so popular among aspirants?
2. Which podcasts do you hear?
3. Suggest me a podcast to hear which I can enjoy?
4. If you had to host a podcast, what would you choose? Topic, guests
5. Stoicism vs epicurianism
6. What is joy?
7. What is your philosophy of life? That you actually live, not what you want to?

M2 lady
1. Do you know about holocaust?
2. Who did it?
3. What about the conflicts that happened since the world war?
4. The question of Jewish statehood
3. Discussion on the palestinian issue..she tilted towards palestinian side

M3
1. Suppose you are made an advisor to the BRO, what would you do for border construction?
2. Projects in border areas in The recent years.
2. How do they construct tunnels in Mts.
3. How does TBM (tunnel boring machine ) work?

M4
1. Why btech in civil engineering?
2. Joy vs pleasure vs happiness - not satisfied with my answer
3. In the past few decades, the level of happiness declined ..do you agree?
4. Children - do they experience joy or happiness or pleasure?
5. Marvels of civil engineering in india and in the world

M5
Time was already short..
Long discussion on delimitation. Two schools of thought..what is your opinion on the solution?

Chairman sir - gave me his understanding of happiness, joy and pleasure
I said thank you sirs and thank you mam..left..

Overall good experience.
No grilling
25-30 minutes

Thank you note.
My friends, family, girlfriend and teachers
Special thanks to Dr Bidhan  from Vajiram
Anil Swarup sir for his discussions - because of him, i was able to bring some light moments during the actual PT
Peer group arranged by Study IQ was -  thanks to Neha, Mukesh, Varsith - peers i discussed with
Mahesh Bhagwat sir for discussion and content on his WhatsApp channel
Quantal for arranging so many mocks
Took mocks from almost 10 institutes - samkalp - 2 mocks, vajirao, ensure ias, pw ias, unacademy, next ias, discussed with sjal sir - sarrthi ias,  testbook, spm ias, dronacharya ias
All helped in some way or another


Some questions - I can't remember

Name: Unshaken
Board: Hon Raj Shukla sir board
Daf keywords: TN, Mandala colouring, Information technology - others not asked
Date: 18.02.2026 Aftn - 3rd to go

Chairman sir
So you are an IT graduate? What did IT teach you?
AI is writing codes? So as stated by a famous CEO, his entire technical knowledge is overrode by AI. What do you think of it?
Do you know about self- recursive learning in AI?
Can AI orchestrate a cyberattack in the future? If so what can be do about it?
If US and China fight over tech supremacy, how can we bring consensus in AI regulation?
So IT is the most dangerous degree ever designed? You have designed a system which destroys your work? What's your say on it?
What is tik tok- social media platform or any other application? A monologue on its impact in US? Is it banned yet in India?

Member 1
I have visited Tamilnadu a few times? Why there is anti-Hindi sentiment widespread in the state?
Your native belongs to Tanjore? Tell me about its speciality?
I have said it as granary of South india? So why it became that?
Why south indian powers especially cholas weren't able to sustain their culture in Southeast asia?
I have they said. But why not compared to Jaffna in Srilanka?

Member 2
Scenario based qn - You are appointed as district collector where a creek separates district into halves? One half has good medical facilities while the others not. So what would you do to bridge the gap- coming to the other side takes around 20-30kms or else construct a new dam which is not feasible economically?
And follow-ups on that
What is mandala colouring- it looks interesting?
Where are its origin traced to?

Member 3
Your name resonates a famous political personality of Bangladesh- former PM Sheikh Hasina? Why we provide asylum despite the fact that it strained our indo-ban relationship ?
Can we shift her to another country like UK instead of directly providing safe asylum?
And some followups on that
What is scheduled language and how many are they? How many classical languages are there and is tamil one among them?

Member 4
Followup on anti Hindi issue. So politicisation is major issue behind anti Hindi stance of TN?
Do you prefer learning multiple languages espcially Hindi?
Followup on Sheikh Hasina- Can the context of providing asylum be interpreted in the design of long term picture ie taking into context that she could come back to power?
So if you are a district collector of southern district of TN, how could you solve the water issue?

A few qns I could not remember. Overall the board was cordial and the experience was good.

Mocks: Aram IAS academy (Chennai), Manidhaneyam IAS academy (Chennai), Only IAS

O2O: Utkarsh Shukla Sir(MentorAid) whose guidance was very helpful in structuring answers logically and analytically
Tamizhvendan Sir(IRS) whose guidance was immensely helpful

Name: Guts.
Date: 18th Feb, forenoon (2nd to go)

Board: Shri Sanjay Verma Sir

DAF Keywords: Agriculture , AI, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Cooperatives, Football, Mountain Hike, Mental Health , Terrarium, Horticulture

Chairperson:

Smiled and asked how your friends call you. Do you have any nickname? (The name seems unique for him.)

1. (Monologue) You're posted as an administrator in a drought region. How will you enhance agricultural productivity over there?

2. Don't you think the terrarium resembles a colonial footprint?

3. If I want to invest in agriculture, which crops will give me more profit, and which crops will make me lose money?

4. What are the books that are available for agriculture other than academic ones?

Member 1:

1. What is MSP? Why are farmers having concern over it?

2. What's the fund that is available for startups in India?

3. As you're working in cooperatives, what's the difference between a cooperative society and a private company?

4. What are the different types of cooperatives functioning in Tamil Nadu?

Member 2:

1. What's the current position of Indian football? Why is football in India not as popularised as cricket?

2. As an administrator, how will you promote sports in your district?.

3. You do mountain hiking, so what's the difference between mountain hiking and trekking?

4. Can you recall a religious person from Coimbatore? What are the allegations against him? Is that proven?

5. In a scenario of you facing work pressure and immense stress, what activities do you do to overcome this?

Member 3:(Ma'am)

1.How will AI impact agriculture?

2. What are the repetitive jobs in agriculture, and how will they be replaced?

3. Do you think same-sex marriages should be legalised in India?

4. What are the consequences they will face?

Member 4:

1. Farmer suicides are happening. Why so?

2. In an ageing population , how to accommodate old people?

3. In the silver economy, what role does the ageing population play?

4. How to beat loneliness among people?

Again Chairperson :

1.  So farmer suicide is only due to income uncertainty or any other reasons?

2. Can you recall any current agriculture personalities in India?

3. Are farmers protesting against the India-US deal? Why should we implement it?

(The chairperson said, "Thank you," and your interview was over.)

Panel Mocks: Manidhaneyam IAS, Naan Mudhalvan, Samkalp, PWonlyias,Upwise,

One to one sessions: Kamaraj IAS , Officer IAS, Mr Sudhakaran sir (mentor), JICE IAS (Mr Vivek sir)

My experience: The board remained cordial. They are very eager to listen. Never interpret in between. More situation and analytical based questions, overall good experience. ( Some mocks were very grilling, overdone, and had more factual and outdated questions, samkalp mock quite good)

Name
Date -03/02/2026
Board - Sanjay Verma Sir

Key words- Political Science, JNU, Hindu college, Kerala, English fiction, light-hearted movies, Election quiz, Flood relief

*Chair*

1. You have humanities background ,tell me a topic that first interested you in political science. (I said Federalism)
2. What is federalism? How it has evolved as a concept?
3. one contemporary Indian author who writes on Federalism.
4. You read fiction, tell me two political fiction that you have read. (Few questions on that)
5. last fiction you have read (few comments and questions on that)

*M2*
1. In a flood, a poor person lost his home and he started building a house by cutting wood from a forest. What would you do?
2. How to rebrand Kerala's tourism brand away from just ayurevda and backwaters?
(Cannot recall the rest)

*M3*
1. Imagine you are NHAI director. List down the points for your defence for expanding a road by cutting down forest. What would be the counger arguments?
2. How would you react to the opposition? (Mentioned compensatory afforestation)
3. How many trees have to be planted for every tree that is cut?
4. What is the Rohingya issue?
5. why are they being persecuted?
6. How is India affected by it? What should India do?
7. Does India have to accept the refugees?
8. what was the large scale disruption that Delhi saw in the last few years? (I said farmers protest?
9. Why were they protesting?
10. What were the farm Bills about?

*M4*

1. Did you hear about the 16 month old kid recognizing flags of many countries? What do you think about?
2. Is it the parents that are pushing it on young children?
3. what are the prons and cons of a female administrator?
4. If you are inspecting a school as a DM, what would be the things that you look for to analyse?
5. You like light-hearted movies, which languages do you prefer?
6. last one you watched (monologue on how movies are filled with crime and violence now)
*M5*
1. Why Kerala is called God's own country?
2. Which state is known as Devabhumi and why?
3. You read fiction and non-fiction, do you know Amitav Ghosh?
4. why is India is being called 'mother of democracy '?
5. which other country is known as the birthplace of democracy?
6. you did your schooling from kerala, why moved to Delhi for UG?
7. Then why move to JNU from DU?

*Chair*
Thank you. Your interview is over.

The Board was overall cordial.

Offline mocks: Fortune, Amrita, Sankalp, Xylem

One-on-one:
Nitin sir(Fortune)
Shinas Sir(Fortune)

Online mocks- Vajirao, Sankar IAS, another coordinated by Upwise

Peer mocks helped a lot