Some common queries raised by aspirants
1) Stopwatch allowed or not? Some people find it easy to see time if it is shown digitally
Rules 9 says
9. Possession (even in switch off mode) / use of Mobile Phones and other Electronics / Communication devices are banned at the examination premises. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examinations under the rules of the examination.
Reading this, it all depends whether one considers stopwatch as electronic device or not- I think the stopwatch that we use is generally digital stopwatch and not electronic stopwatch. So, I think stopwatch can be allowed as there is no Bluetooth and no communication system and also not programmable.
Some invigilators don’t allow in that case showing them rules might help. For better security if you are carrying stopwatch then carry a analog watch as well. I have seen some people using stopwatch.
2) Is it necessary to carry 2 photographs?
Rule says -
10.Candidates who do not have clear photographs on the e-admit card will have to bring passport size photograph, one for each session, for appearing in the examination with an Undertaking.
(Not necessary but it is better to keep it. Don’t panic if you don’t have now)
3) Can we underline the terms in question section of answer sheet or only underline in that detachable question sheet?
Rule says -
12. Candidates must note that they should strictly answer all parts and sub-parts of a question in the Question Cum Answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided under each question / part in the QCA booklet. Read the Instructions for Candidates printed on the QCA booklet carefully. Any infringement of the instructions in the QCA booklet might entail penalty in the form of deduction of marks scored by the candidate and disciplinary action including cancellation & debarment from future examinations under the rules of the examination.
My interpretation: UPSC guidelines says not to mark anything which can reveal your identity (or may be used to give signal). I underlined on question paper of answer sheet in real exam. As I thought simply underlining won’t reveal my identity- I took that risk. No marks were detected in Mains 2019 and 2020
Some other important rules-
13. Candidates are advised to ensure that spaces / pages remaining blank are clearly crossed out before the QCA booklets are handed over to the Invigilator.
Also never write beyond the two lines which are there on sides of the page. It can lead to negative marking.
Best wishes for tomorrow !!
1) Stopwatch allowed or not? Some people find it easy to see time if it is shown digitally
Rules 9 says
9. Possession (even in switch off mode) / use of Mobile Phones and other Electronics / Communication devices are banned at the examination premises. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examinations under the rules of the examination.
Reading this, it all depends whether one considers stopwatch as electronic device or not- I think the stopwatch that we use is generally digital stopwatch and not electronic stopwatch. So, I think stopwatch can be allowed as there is no Bluetooth and no communication system and also not programmable.
Some invigilators don’t allow in that case showing them rules might help. For better security if you are carrying stopwatch then carry a analog watch as well. I have seen some people using stopwatch.
2) Is it necessary to carry 2 photographs?
Rule says -
10.Candidates who do not have clear photographs on the e-admit card will have to bring passport size photograph, one for each session, for appearing in the examination with an Undertaking.
(Not necessary but it is better to keep it. Don’t panic if you don’t have now)
3) Can we underline the terms in question section of answer sheet or only underline in that detachable question sheet?
Rule says -
12. Candidates must note that they should strictly answer all parts and sub-parts of a question in the Question Cum Answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided under each question / part in the QCA booklet. Read the Instructions for Candidates printed on the QCA booklet carefully. Any infringement of the instructions in the QCA booklet might entail penalty in the form of deduction of marks scored by the candidate and disciplinary action including cancellation & debarment from future examinations under the rules of the examination.
My interpretation: UPSC guidelines says not to mark anything which can reveal your identity (or may be used to give signal). I underlined on question paper of answer sheet in real exam. As I thought simply underlining won’t reveal my identity- I took that risk. No marks were detected in Mains 2019 and 2020
Some other important rules-
13. Candidates are advised to ensure that spaces / pages remaining blank are clearly crossed out before the QCA booklets are handed over to the Invigilator.
Also never write beyond the two lines which are there on sides of the page. It can lead to negative marking.
Best wishes for tomorrow !!
#mains
How to Attempt (GS1-3)
General Instructions:
While reading question paper (before start of examination, papers are distributed 2-5 minutes before)- try to link questions with your short notes of value addition. If you are able to remember committee name/articles/case studies- try to mark it on question paper itself.
It is better to start answering the questions as soon as exam starts (9am/2pm) and not to waste time in complete the reading of question paper
1) Writing Intro and conclusion are must (conclusion gives a sense of completion and it is here after which marks are given)
2) No need to complete sentences while in writing points- if it conveys the meaning
3) Use of Sub Headings from question itself.
4) Paper completion and good time management is highly rewarding
5) Value addition where ever possible with examples/facts/committees/Case studies/graphs/diagrams etc
6) Presentation- Underline and make Boxes. Use of diagrams (to fill space also) and flow charts (help in conveying more in less words)
Specific institutions:
GS1
1) History/World History/Art and Culture- enough scope to make maps, diagrams like Ashokan pillar, Stupa, Temples
2) Geography- make diagrams compulsorily. Small diagrams also
3) Society- important to define key terms (like poverty, caste), mention Policy, life cycle approach (eg women- child, adolescent, old age)
GS2
1) Analytical- use of small small paragraphs in some questions. Properly explaining the statements becomes important with examples and analysis
2) Show ethical dimension if possible in governance
3) International Relations- political diagram must, historical dimension, use of key words (like track 2 diplomacy)
4) Use of ARC2/Articles/SC Judgments/Budget, NCRWC, LCI, Commission (Sarkaria/Punchhi)
5) Linking Static with Current Affairs (for GS3 also)
GS3
1) Use of Graphs/pie charts(which I had prepared beforehand)
2) Disaster Management- Use of diagrams and maps, best practices
3)Security- use of bodies/Acts/Institutions
4a) Value addition- Budget/Economic Survey/NITI Aayog/ SDGs
4b) Env and Security: Summits and agreements
5) Time management is utmost important- generally you will be knowing all questions. At the same time you have to be accurate in answering and not beating around the bush as far possible
Best Wishes for tomorrow !!
P.S- No matter how well you have prepared and managed time, for maximum people including me there used to be few questions where I had to rush to finish it !!
PPS- The goal is to give your best and deliver your best performance in the exam. Many people face difficulty in replicating well in exam- so making short notes, last minute revision and reminding oneself on how to attempt the paper helps !!
—Views are personal, you can follow any strategy which suits you well
How to Attempt (GS1-3)
General Instructions:
While reading question paper (before start of examination, papers are distributed 2-5 minutes before)- try to link questions with your short notes of value addition. If you are able to remember committee name/articles/case studies- try to mark it on question paper itself.
It is better to start answering the questions as soon as exam starts (9am/2pm) and not to waste time in complete the reading of question paper
1) Writing Intro and conclusion are must (conclusion gives a sense of completion and it is here after which marks are given)
2) No need to complete sentences while in writing points- if it conveys the meaning
3) Use of Sub Headings from question itself.
4) Paper completion and good time management is highly rewarding
5) Value addition where ever possible with examples/facts/committees/Case studies/graphs/diagrams etc
6) Presentation- Underline and make Boxes. Use of diagrams (to fill space also) and flow charts (help in conveying more in less words)
Specific institutions:
GS1
1) History/World History/Art and Culture- enough scope to make maps, diagrams like Ashokan pillar, Stupa, Temples
2) Geography- make diagrams compulsorily. Small diagrams also
3) Society- important to define key terms (like poverty, caste), mention Policy, life cycle approach (eg women- child, adolescent, old age)
GS2
1) Analytical- use of small small paragraphs in some questions. Properly explaining the statements becomes important with examples and analysis
2) Show ethical dimension if possible in governance
3) International Relations- political diagram must, historical dimension, use of key words (like track 2 diplomacy)
4) Use of ARC2/Articles/SC Judgments/Budget, NCRWC, LCI, Commission (Sarkaria/Punchhi)
5) Linking Static with Current Affairs (for GS3 also)
GS3
1) Use of Graphs/pie charts(which I had prepared beforehand)
2) Disaster Management- Use of diagrams and maps, best practices
3)Security- use of bodies/Acts/Institutions
4a) Value addition- Budget/Economic Survey/NITI Aayog/ SDGs
4b) Env and Security: Summits and agreements
5) Time management is utmost important- generally you will be knowing all questions. At the same time you have to be accurate in answering and not beating around the bush as far possible
Best Wishes for tomorrow !!
P.S- No matter how well you have prepared and managed time, for maximum people including me there used to be few questions where I had to rush to finish it !!
PPS- The goal is to give your best and deliver your best performance in the exam. Many people face difficulty in replicating well in exam- so making short notes, last minute revision and reminding oneself on how to attempt the paper helps !!
—Views are personal, you can follow any strategy which suits you well
#mains
How to attempt
GS 4
Time division: 1 hr 40 minutes for case studies and 1:20 minutes for section A
Section A
1) Write 3-4 dimensions and give examples. Don’t forget to mention administrative dimension where ever possible. Write Ethical angle also as far as possible
2) Other important dimensions- global, environmental, historical, personality based, corporate, current affairs
3) Administrative dimension: Can frame examples- few best scenarios where many qualities are covered are riot control, disaster management, handling election (these departments directly come under DM)
4) Values mapping: Use words from syllabus like integrity, emotional intelligence etc
5) Link with GS 2 (governance): write Constitutional articles, DPSPs, FRs, Acts/Rules (Eg- Civil Services Conduct Rules), NITI, ARC2, Institutions
(true for case studies also)
6) Writing appropriate quotes in section A is rewarding
7) Make flow charts
Section B (Case studies)
1) Write good intro: come out of case study and give a broader perspective- (like the above case study pertains to classic debate between env vs development…)
2) Space management: give more focus on ‘what will you do/be your approach’ - (eg - in questions where it is asked what all options available and what you will do- write 2 extreme steps and then your own)
3) Write long and short term solutions- not in all but where ever possible- write some specific and concrete steps
4) Explain ethical dilemmas/issues well - with help of short short paragraphs (don’t only mention it rather explain it)
5) Try to address smaller problems apart from main problem: Underline and mark (1,2,3,4) the question paper (not answer booklet) and keep it in front of you while writing answers so that you don’t miss anything.
(Eg if question came related to drug trafficking in state which share boundary with other nation……- answer should reflect not only control at drug, but other solutions related to problem arising out of being border state)
All the Best for tomorrow !!
P.S- Views are personal
How to attempt
GS 4
Time division: 1 hr 40 minutes for case studies and 1:20 minutes for section A
Section A
1) Write 3-4 dimensions and give examples. Don’t forget to mention administrative dimension where ever possible. Write Ethical angle also as far as possible
2) Other important dimensions- global, environmental, historical, personality based, corporate, current affairs
3) Administrative dimension: Can frame examples- few best scenarios where many qualities are covered are riot control, disaster management, handling election (these departments directly come under DM)
4) Values mapping: Use words from syllabus like integrity, emotional intelligence etc
5) Link with GS 2 (governance): write Constitutional articles, DPSPs, FRs, Acts/Rules (Eg- Civil Services Conduct Rules), NITI, ARC2, Institutions
(true for case studies also)
6) Writing appropriate quotes in section A is rewarding
7) Make flow charts
Section B (Case studies)
1) Write good intro: come out of case study and give a broader perspective- (like the above case study pertains to classic debate between env vs development…)
2) Space management: give more focus on ‘what will you do/be your approach’ - (eg - in questions where it is asked what all options available and what you will do- write 2 extreme steps and then your own)
3) Write long and short term solutions- not in all but where ever possible- write some specific and concrete steps
4) Explain ethical dilemmas/issues well - with help of short short paragraphs (don’t only mention it rather explain it)
5) Try to address smaller problems apart from main problem: Underline and mark (1,2,3,4) the question paper (not answer booklet) and keep it in front of you while writing answers so that you don’t miss anything.
(Eg if question came related to drug trafficking in state which share boundary with other nation……- answer should reflect not only control at drug, but other solutions related to problem arising out of being border state)
All the Best for tomorrow !!
P.S- Views are personal
Forwarded from Interview Transcripts 2023 (Yo Yo Choti Singh)
Default Folder (4).pdf
8.4 MB
GS 4 CSM 22 Clean PDF
I hope that those who are writing this year’s mains are preparing well for their optional and language paper.
Going through papers I realised that GS 4 was extremely lengthy and overall the questions are becoming more and more analytical-
1) many questions were asked directly from syllabus
2) few from current affairs
3) some very rare topics from syllabus
4) some factual and random questions. (Only this part is not under your control)
You should realise that performance in Essay and GS is very relative. If the questions were tough or paper was lengthy then it was for everyone. So always your relative performance matters and not the absolute
In 2020 mains, after GS papers, I actually was not satisfied with my performance as I knew that I won’t be able to improve marks in GS + Essay combined as compared to 2019 attempt (and it did came true 2019 I had got 560 and in 2020 attempt 558)
After GS 4 exam I felt that this attempt has gone waste as I was not able to deliver better as compared to 2019 attempt
After some crying after GS 4 exam that evening I realised that if I’m able to score well in optional and interview combined then there is decent probability to get into top 70. (I almost improved 90 marks in this)
Some insights and suggestions
1) Forget about what has happened in GS and Essay. It will unnecessarily impact your performance in optional.
For GS, If you have prepared well, practiced answer writing and attempted almost all questions in real exam, you can get minimum 115+ in essay and 360+ in GS.
From here, If you are able to score 270+ in optional and 180+ in interview, there is enough probability that you will get into the list. So entire focus of yours should shift towards optional
2) Utilise these 5 days well. After a certain point, performance in optional defends upon how well you are able to reproduce facts/data/thinkers in exam. This depends upon how well you have revised and revision requires time (More on this later)
3) Language paper: don’t ignore it. Every year many people are not able to clear it. So go through PYQ papers if you haven’t till now, see model answers of last 2 years minimum, see the types of questions being asked, rote learn few things like opposite words, idioms, writing essays on common topics etc
Best wishes !!
Shubham Kumar
views are personal
Going through papers I realised that GS 4 was extremely lengthy and overall the questions are becoming more and more analytical-
1) many questions were asked directly from syllabus
2) few from current affairs
3) some very rare topics from syllabus
4) some factual and random questions. (Only this part is not under your control)
You should realise that performance in Essay and GS is very relative. If the questions were tough or paper was lengthy then it was for everyone. So always your relative performance matters and not the absolute
In 2020 mains, after GS papers, I actually was not satisfied with my performance as I knew that I won’t be able to improve marks in GS + Essay combined as compared to 2019 attempt (and it did came true 2019 I had got 560 and in 2020 attempt 558)
After GS 4 exam I felt that this attempt has gone waste as I was not able to deliver better as compared to 2019 attempt
After some crying after GS 4 exam that evening I realised that if I’m able to score well in optional and interview combined then there is decent probability to get into top 70. (I almost improved 90 marks in this)
Some insights and suggestions
1) Forget about what has happened in GS and Essay. It will unnecessarily impact your performance in optional.
For GS, If you have prepared well, practiced answer writing and attempted almost all questions in real exam, you can get minimum 115+ in essay and 360+ in GS.
From here, If you are able to score 270+ in optional and 180+ in interview, there is enough probability that you will get into the list. So entire focus of yours should shift towards optional
2) Utilise these 5 days well. After a certain point, performance in optional defends upon how well you are able to reproduce facts/data/thinkers in exam. This depends upon how well you have revised and revision requires time (More on this later)
3) Language paper: don’t ignore it. Every year many people are not able to clear it. So go through PYQ papers if you haven’t till now, see model answers of last 2 years minimum, see the types of questions being asked, rote learn few things like opposite words, idioms, writing essays on common topics etc
Best wishes !!
Shubham Kumar
views are personal
Optional Strategy
I’m sharing what I followed in these 5 days which one gets after GS papers
1) Studying for 10-12 hours: at this point more hard-work/revision is directly proportional to marks.
2) Revising Optional thrice - 1st revision in 3 days, 2nd revision next 2 days, 3rd revision after language paper
3) Writing 3 hours test: Write test (any paper- paper 1 or paper 2) on 2nd or 3rd day.
I wrote 2018 PYQ paper (during 2020 attempt) of Anthropology paper 1 on 3rd day. Till this time I was able to revise whole paper 1 and half paper 2 (1st revision). I would suggest you to write 2020 paper for 2022 mains.
It serves 2 purpose-
a) Generally we get out of touch with optional due to minimum 12-15 days of only GS studies. Writing tests boost confidence and prepare us well for real exam
b) Increases your efficiency of revision - generally we become complacent and revise optional in very relax way for first 2 days and then realise that crucial time could have been better utilised (I realised this during 2019 mains)
4) Don’t study anything new (topics that you had left or any new examples/thinkers)
Even if you study now, you won’t be able to write in exam. Instead focus on their topics where return is maximum.
[In 2019 mains, I devoted 1 entire day to read archeology, thinking that I will write something in real exam. In real exam I was not able to attempt any single question from archeology (I was lucky no compulsory questions were asked from this topic). I had basic knowledge to cover for some compulsory questions from this topic.]
Best wishes for remaining mains papers !!
Shubham Kumar
-Views are personal
I’m sharing what I followed in these 5 days which one gets after GS papers
1) Studying for 10-12 hours: at this point more hard-work/revision is directly proportional to marks.
2) Revising Optional thrice - 1st revision in 3 days, 2nd revision next 2 days, 3rd revision after language paper
3) Writing 3 hours test: Write test (any paper- paper 1 or paper 2) on 2nd or 3rd day.
I wrote 2018 PYQ paper (during 2020 attempt) of Anthropology paper 1 on 3rd day. Till this time I was able to revise whole paper 1 and half paper 2 (1st revision). I would suggest you to write 2020 paper for 2022 mains.
It serves 2 purpose-
a) Generally we get out of touch with optional due to minimum 12-15 days of only GS studies. Writing tests boost confidence and prepare us well for real exam
b) Increases your efficiency of revision - generally we become complacent and revise optional in very relax way for first 2 days and then realise that crucial time could have been better utilised (I realised this during 2019 mains)
4) Don’t study anything new (topics that you had left or any new examples/thinkers)
Even if you study now, you won’t be able to write in exam. Instead focus on their topics where return is maximum.
[In 2019 mains, I devoted 1 entire day to read archeology, thinking that I will write something in real exam. In real exam I was not able to attempt any single question from archeology (I was lucky no compulsory questions were asked from this topic). I had basic knowledge to cover for some compulsory questions from this topic.]
Best wishes for remaining mains papers !!
Shubham Kumar
-Views are personal
Forwarded from CSE 2024-25 Updates 😊 (The Robot 2.0)
CamScanner 09-25-2022 17.16.14.pdf
261.8 KB
Anthro paper2
Finally Mains 2022 is over.
Writing mains is like burning your own blood. It ages you. Each day of exam is a hurdle in itself.
It is always a relief and satisfying feeling after a long battle that mains aspirants has to go through after every Mains.
Those who have written Mains would realise how draining the exam is. Whatever the result may be, the experience of writing mains makes you more Mature and a better person- you learn to survive the pressure, fight your weakness, and also you learn to best utilise your limited knowledge !!
Take some break and have a positive mindset !! The journey of becoming a civil servant starts not after the result but from the preparation days itself !!
Few days ago, I requested everyone to share some pictures/videos to showcase the struggle faced by every aspirant. Team AAROH (Official band of LBSNAA) has come up with the music video titled ‘UMMEED’ - Dedicated to all aapirants !! Enjoy the song 😇
A big thank you to everyone for sharing photos/videos of your journey
https://youtu.be/l89mA98w77o
Description of the song:
"This song represents the struggle and sacrifice made by each Aspirant for her / his dream, a dream to Serve”
It's not always possible to succeed; however, it's important that we all TRIED, it's important that we all DREAMT and HOPED.
अच्छा एक इनसान बनने की उम्मीद..
कभी हार ना मानने की उम्मीद..
एक नए सुबह एक नए सूरज कि उम्मीद..
उम्मीदवारों की उम्मीद
Enjoy the Journey!!
Best wishes 😇
Writing mains is like burning your own blood. It ages you. Each day of exam is a hurdle in itself.
It is always a relief and satisfying feeling after a long battle that mains aspirants has to go through after every Mains.
Those who have written Mains would realise how draining the exam is. Whatever the result may be, the experience of writing mains makes you more Mature and a better person- you learn to survive the pressure, fight your weakness, and also you learn to best utilise your limited knowledge !!
Take some break and have a positive mindset !! The journey of becoming a civil servant starts not after the result but from the preparation days itself !!
Few days ago, I requested everyone to share some pictures/videos to showcase the struggle faced by every aspirant. Team AAROH (Official band of LBSNAA) has come up with the music video titled ‘UMMEED’ - Dedicated to all aapirants !! Enjoy the song 😇
A big thank you to everyone for sharing photos/videos of your journey
https://youtu.be/l89mA98w77o
Description of the song:
"This song represents the struggle and sacrifice made by each Aspirant for her / his dream, a dream to Serve”
It's not always possible to succeed; however, it's important that we all TRIED, it's important that we all DREAMT and HOPED.
अच्छा एक इनसान बनने की उम्मीद..
कभी हार ना मानने की उम्मीद..
एक नए सुबह एक नए सूरज कि उम्मीद..
उम्मीदवारों की उम्मीद
Enjoy the Journey!!
Best wishes 😇
YouTube
UMMEED | ALBUM-JAGO | BAND-AAROH | AN ODE TO ASPIRANTS | IAS TRAINEES, 2021 BATCH
Kindly Use Headphones for Better Experience !!
"This song represents the struggle and sacrifice made by each Aspirant for her / his dream, a dream to Serve”
The footages, photos and videos used in the song are contributed by the aspirant community !!
This…
"This song represents the struggle and sacrifice made by each Aspirant for her / his dream, a dream to Serve”
The footages, photos and videos used in the song are contributed by the aspirant community !!
This…
Forwarded from CSE 2024-25 Updates 😊 (कप्तान जैक स्पैरो)
WR-CSM-2022-061222-ENG.pdf
374.2 KB
WR-CSM-2022-061222-ENG.pdf
Finally the result of Mains 2022 came after so much of anticipation. It may have made some people happy and at least 4 times than that unhappy and many may start loosing hope.
First of all congratulations to those who have gotten interview call. Looking at the vacancies and number of being called for personality test, the probability of getting selected is better as compared to previous years.
To all those serious aspirants who had put lot of hard work and sweat to this examination, I would say- DON’T LOOSE HOPE. If not this year, may be stars will align for you next year.
The only thing in our control is our ability to fight back, our ability to work hard and our ability to maximise our probability for selection. No one can ever say for sure that he/she will get selected - That’s the unpredictability of UPSC exam that everyone has to go through.
After every stage of UPSC exam, some people have to decide and take a tough call- whether to stop the preparation, or continue the preparation or continue with some work. Discuss with your friends and family but this decision has to be yours, nobody knows you better than you.
Like mains, interview also demands preparation but in different way. Will be sharing some inputs soon
Best wishes !!
First of all congratulations to those who have gotten interview call. Looking at the vacancies and number of being called for personality test, the probability of getting selected is better as compared to previous years.
To all those serious aspirants who had put lot of hard work and sweat to this examination, I would say- DON’T LOOSE HOPE. If not this year, may be stars will align for you next year.
The only thing in our control is our ability to fight back, our ability to work hard and our ability to maximise our probability for selection. No one can ever say for sure that he/she will get selected - That’s the unpredictability of UPSC exam that everyone has to go through.
After every stage of UPSC exam, some people have to decide and take a tough call- whether to stop the preparation, or continue the preparation or continue with some work. Discuss with your friends and family but this decision has to be yours, nobody knows you better than you.
Like mains, interview also demands preparation but in different way. Will be sharing some inputs soon
Best wishes !!
This is from my DAF
I’m sharing this only for reference.
Points to keep in mind while filing DAF
1. Write maximum 2-3 hobbies. In CSE 2019 I wrote 2, in CSE 2020 I wrote only 1
2. Don’t overcrowd your DAF. Keep it simple
3. Mention those things only in which you have confidence and which you think have helped you in becoming what you are now. So basically things which have contributed positively to your personality
4. Keep the formatting simple, uniform and clean
I’m sharing this only for reference.
Points to keep in mind while filing DAF
1. Write maximum 2-3 hobbies. In CSE 2019 I wrote 2, in CSE 2020 I wrote only 1
2. Don’t overcrowd your DAF. Keep it simple
3. Mention those things only in which you have confidence and which you think have helped you in becoming what you are now. So basically things which have contributed positively to your personality
4. Keep the formatting simple, uniform and clean
These are the guidelines shared by Kanishak Kataria Sir in 2019. I found it very useful while filing DAF. Kindly go through it. I shared this last year also
Few pointers for filling the DAF:
• Don’t fill anything you are not ready to prepare later.
• Don’t show off achievements or write false hobbies/interests. One of the biggest blunder you can commit in filling the DAF.
• Write your achievements and interests concisely instead of filling paragraphs. Interests etc. should be legible in a single glance. Board doesn’t spend too much time looking into each and every aspect of your DAF. First impression is very critical.
• Limit the hobbies to maximum 3 - more than this will dilute the points and also create headache for you later as you will have to prepare all of them.
• In case of multiple achievements only write those which are most attractive (and can beat other smaller one). Example: University topper need not write about being CBSE 10th topper
• Govt scholarships/fellowships should be written like NTSE, KVPY etc
• Clearly mention your degree like Minor and Honours component. You wouldn’t want the board to misinterpret your graduation domain and ask you irrelevant questions!
• Do not force information where it’s not applicable. It’s perfectly fine to leave some columns. For eg. if you are not into sports, do not write it.
• Write specific interest and hobbies instead of general ones. For eg. if you are into dancing, mention specific dance form instead of merely writing “Dancing” as your hobby. You will end up providing a very big spectrum to the board to ask questions from.
• Writing internship experience under the “jobs” section - completely up to you. But if you write it, you should be ready to justify it. As mentioned earlier, do not force information in the DAF.
• There is a thin line between less info and excessive info in the DAF. If you try to show off and have an information overload, believe me you will have lot of trouble preparing for the interview. Each and every word in your DAF is a loose thread which can form a potential question.
Few pointers for filling the DAF:
• Don’t fill anything you are not ready to prepare later.
• Don’t show off achievements or write false hobbies/interests. One of the biggest blunder you can commit in filling the DAF.
• Write your achievements and interests concisely instead of filling paragraphs. Interests etc. should be legible in a single glance. Board doesn’t spend too much time looking into each and every aspect of your DAF. First impression is very critical.
• Limit the hobbies to maximum 3 - more than this will dilute the points and also create headache for you later as you will have to prepare all of them.
• In case of multiple achievements only write those which are most attractive (and can beat other smaller one). Example: University topper need not write about being CBSE 10th topper
• Govt scholarships/fellowships should be written like NTSE, KVPY etc
• Clearly mention your degree like Minor and Honours component. You wouldn’t want the board to misinterpret your graduation domain and ask you irrelevant questions!
• Do not force information where it’s not applicable. It’s perfectly fine to leave some columns. For eg. if you are not into sports, do not write it.
• Write specific interest and hobbies instead of general ones. For eg. if you are into dancing, mention specific dance form instead of merely writing “Dancing” as your hobby. You will end up providing a very big spectrum to the board to ask questions from.
• Writing internship experience under the “jobs” section - completely up to you. But if you write it, you should be ready to justify it. As mentioned earlier, do not force information in the DAF.
• There is a thin line between less info and excessive info in the DAF. If you try to show off and have an information overload, believe me you will have lot of trouble preparing for the interview. Each and every word in your DAF is a loose thread which can form a potential question.