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

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)

Name - creative
Board - sheelvardhan sir
Date - 17/02/2026 ; 4th to go in forenoon session
DAF keywords - Budget travelling, mindfulness meditation, teaching, reflective journalling other things not asked

Chairman
1.which type of travelling you do ?
2. How is solo travelling different from group travelling?
3.what is the longest ever journey u have completed?
4.tell the positives and negatives of recent bangladesh election result on india
5.how should we approach towards bangladesh now ?
6.if under the influence of pakistan, bangladesh insist on extradition of shekh hasina as the exclusive condition for renewal of ties, should we extradite or not ?
7.wars are distorting the established world order especially as russia - ukraine war is going on ,
Where do u see this all heading towards ?
8. How should india respond to these changes ?


M1.
9. What are problems in education sector ?
10.how to bring that change in mindset ?
11. How will u solve the infrastructure related problem in education?
(Mentioned in my earlier answer )
12.what is mindfulness meditation?

M2:
13. What is Theme of AI IMPACT summit ?
14. What are the three core areas (I spoke people, planet and progress; he asked to elaborate them)
15.how to balance environment with development?
16.what are the recent events happening in Pakistan?
(I couldn't respond,beyond saying that some baloch groups attacking cities in Pakistan)
17. What are the problems with baloochs ( said sorry sir , not fully aware about the issue )

M3:
18. Why anthropology as optional?
19. What is anthropology?
20.name some tribes , which one is oldest among them ?
21. How tribes in andaman came at first from Africa ( I have mentioned about negritos and their origin of Africa in  the last  answer )
22.issue in education sector
23.how many teachers and students are there in the school where you teach ?
(Teaching was mentioned as a hobby as well as under employment criteria)


M4:
24. What will u do at first on receiving a complaint about mistake commited by your department?
25.how will resolve the public grievances as a collector ?

Overall board was very cordial .it was more of a normal conversation and no grilling.

O2O : sriram sir at sriram ias ( really good one ), maj. Abhinandan sir in pw  , Ayush sir at forum ias ( Nice one ), Ajay sir at vajiram (good one )

Mocks : pw , sriram ias , study iq, forum ias , vajirao and reddy , Aptiplus , quantel ,samkalp ias( very much similar to the actual interview)
P.s: few questions I forgot, so couldn't mention them .

Special thanks : to prabhat sir at forum ias for comprehensive DAF discussion and last minute tips
Best wishes guys❤️

Board : Sanjay Verma sir
Keywords - Songs, SBM, ECE ,History,Badminton
Explain musical slokas of the world
Recent trend in history writing
opinion on rewriting of history
Name plant and animal species unique in delhi
Thrend length of badminton racket
Technology used in drones
Drone to drone communication
Name historian below 30 years if age
What is spiritual tourism?
positives in spiritual tourism
Negatives associated with spiritual tourism?
What is swachh bharat mission, objectives
Role under sbm
How to bring civic sense among citizens?
Communication systems - 2G ,CDMA, GSM

O2O - Sudhagaran IRPS Sir, DP Agarwal sir , Karthikeyan Sir, Quantel ,Subham sir vidhyapeeth ,Mahesh Bhagawath IPS sir

Mocks - Nan Mudhalvan , Manidhaneyam , Officers IAS Academy ,Unique ias, chanakya ias ,Quantel shivin sir, Samkalp mock

Name: Anshul Singh

Date: 19 Feb 2026 Forenoon (2nd to go)

Key DAF Details: PSIR, Convergent Journalism (Masters), F1, Cricket, Model United Nations, Bihar Caste Survey, Interest in Contemporary Indian Politics, Sports Editor, Delhi (East Delhi-Dilshad Garden)

Board: Sanjay Verma Sir (30 mins)

Chairperson:
1. How many interviews have you given before (Not counting earlier UPSC interviews since this was my first interview and second attempt)?
2. What were the shortest and the longest interviews?
3. Views whether Indian journalism in converging into a black hole?
4. What are the reasons responsible for the same?
5. What are some of the alternative media platforms that are emerging?
6. Why should I follow contemporary Indian politics?
7. Shouldn't I just save myself from all the noise present in Indian politics today?
8. What do you mean by democratic backsliding?
9. What are the two semi-finals you are looking forward to in the ongoing T20 World Cup?
10. Shouldn't India avoid playing Pakistan in the semis or finals as we can lose against them?
11. What is the one change that you would make in the current Indian line up? (Said Kuldeep for Arshdeep)
12. What is his (Kuldeep's) batting strike rate? [Only question I couldn't answer]

M1

1. What would you prefer A good neighbourhood first policy or India's good ties with great powers like USA? [Picked the former and explained why]
2. Don't you think it would cost India's relationship with USA and Russia?
3. What is online trolling?
4. Why is it becoming a huge problem lately and steps to curb it?
5. Do you think dissent is important in a democracy and why?

M2

1. Why do you think East delhi has problems like high crime rate and more crimes against women?
2. What steps do you suggest to improve?
3. We see a wave of cricket nationalism in India. What do you think should be done to promote other sports in India?
4. Ho can private sector role be increased in promoting other sports? [I said from CSR and even the Govt could form a Fund of Funds with collaboration of private sector for the same and he said that is a great suggestion]
5. Gave me a situation where riots have taken place due to a social media post and asked for the short term and long term measures

M3

1. Do you think Delhi's East and North East region could be compared to East of India in general?
2. Do you we should go ahead and do a caste based census when such a thing happens no where in the world?
3. Do you think caste is relevant today?
4. Why do you think no educational qualifications were adopted in the Constitution for the post of MLA and MP?
5. Don't you think we should amend the Constituion and include educational qualifications for MPs and MLAs now in the present scenario?

M4 (lady member)

1. What do you mean by 'Spiral of Silence?'
2. Do you think in India, with emerging issues of majoritarianism, such a trend is being witnessed?
3. What is the utility of conducting MUNs (Model United Nation) in schools and colleges when the UN is losing relevance?
4. Do you watch K-dramas or are aware about them? [I said I don't watch but am aware about some of them]
5. Why do you think GenZ in India watch so many K-dramas even when their reality is so much different than ours?

Board was really cordial and it felt more like a conversation than an interview. Board members were acknowledging my responses and reacting positively on some of the answers.

Mocks: Vajirao, Sankalp, NextIAS, Vajiram, Quantel, Unacademy, Upwise
O2O- Mahesh Bhagwat Sir (Detailed DAF analysis with potential questions), Sunil Oberoi sir (Best one, helping in opinion making), Ayush Sinha Sir (helping to control tempo and pace), Vinay Sir

Board was really cordial and it felt more like a conversation than an interview or a personality test. Board members were acknowledging my responses and reacting positively on some of the answers. Overall a great experience. Now, prayers and hope....