Success in Interview depends on how mindfully you fill the Mains application form, as it determines the usual areas where you will be asked questions. This blog is just to give an insight on that.
Be a good planner. Take one or more photocopies of the original application and fill up the duplicate first. In that case you will not end up with a shabby and unplanned application form. You are NOT asked to sign on the photograph, so don't do that.
Community:
OBC candidates, please verify whether you fall into the Creamy layer category or not. Obtain OBC certificates accordingly. For guidance on Creamy layer, visit the website of National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). Parents' IT returns (if being filed), are to be attached (only photocopies - no originals). Make sure your OBC certificates are as in the format requested by UPSC, else we need to get them again and again till UPSC agreeds with it. [Personal experience says- Tehsildars do not agree to formats prescribed by any institution but only furnish them in their own formats set in place many years ago; new G.O.s will not be mentioned on the certificate which they give]
Be choosy about the Indian Language (Compulsory) paper:
Your knowledge in that subject determines whether all your answer sheets would be evaluated or not in the first place. Choose a language in which you will be able to write essays, identify sentence-grammar-spelling-errors, be able to say meanings, opposites and identify proverb-like phrases and clauses. There is also a segment with comprehension passage and precis writing exercises.
Another area of caution is the Language Medium for Interview:
People who write Main exams in Indian language medium, can opt for Interview in English, but the reverse is not allowed, i.e.,writing in English medium and conversing in Indian Language, say Hindi.
Details of Education:
There are 10 rows in which you can fill up details regarding your schooling from first standard to latest degree. If in case you have studied in 11 or more institutions, organise your data and fit them into given space only.
Details of Exams passed:
6 rows are given. Those with more than 4 degrees in college please squeeze your data in the given space but do not skip out anything. These are areas where questions come from. (Important- The interview panel knows only your subjects; not marks percentage/grade/class/board)
Annual Income of parents:
Give the figure for which you have proof by way of IT returns (in the latest assessment year), or income certificate.
Home state:
Based upon the places where you studied, where your parents originally belong, your place of birth and mothertongue, you are asked to claim a state as your home state.
State Cadre Preference & Post Preference:
It's all your choice, but be careful while selecting them as you cannot change them in any further stage of selection. Once entered, it is final. In case you don't wish to go for a certain service, say Corporate law service, do not leave the column blank, but fill it '00'.
Details of Employment:
5 rows given. If you have worked in more than 5 establishments/designations, give the latest 5.
Hobby:
Take a look at the separate blog on this topic. Take the maximum care of all to fill this up.
Enclosures:
Copies of Matriculation, Degree certificates, Self addressed envelopes,
acknowledgement card are common to all. Others add accordingly Community certificate, IT returns, medical certificates, etc.
Knowledge knows no limits, it cannot be destroyed and it is not a thing which can be stolen (save IPRs). The only case of generosity where both the giver and receiver are profiting. Join me and share knowledge ! Happy blogging !
Showing posts with label IAS interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IAS interview. Show all posts
Jun 25, 2010
May 12, 2010
UPSC Success Strategy
· Think every stage in UPSC civil services exam as your immediate goal. Do not think of Mains preparation when you haven’t yet written your Prelims. Do not think of Interview preparation when you haven’t yet written your Mains. Take one step at a time and do it with full concentration.
· An objective-type question examination is never tough, as long as we are clear in our concepts and basics of various subjects, because both the question and answer are provided to us, we only have to choose the right answer. However, it is not so in Mains. Only the question is given. We have to find the answer, frame it in sentences within the prescribed word limits and write it fast in order to complete the paper on time.
· For prelims, speed tests are very important. Try to finish answering (finding answer and shading the OMR) within 3/4th of the allowed time. Since there is negative marking for prelims, it is important not to touch areas you are fully ignorant about.
· Read the question carefully (usually they ask- which is not false, and we forget to see the word NOT). Elimination strategy and logic can help answer a difficult question. For many questions on general mental ability (GMA), answers can be found by seeing the choices itself, instead of solving the full problem. GMA can be a success-determining factor because nearly 15-20 questions will be asked; we can also be sure of our answer at exam hall itself and that improves your spirits for ensuing questions.
· It is worthwhile watching TV news for a selected time period everyday (NDTV, TIMES NOW, HEADLINES TODAY along with one Tamilnews channel). During preparation for mains and interview, I resorted to listening News on AIR FM Gold and then watch news on some main issues alone.
· The radio channel airs world news at 8.30 p.m. in English, India news at 8.45 p.m. in Hindi and 9.00 p.m. in English. Following that is a news analysis where experts discuss burning topics. After that there are day-specific news items and talk shows for half an hour, both in Hindi and English.
· Newspapers- I suggest Hindu and Dinamani though Times of India and Dinamalar would give extra coverage. Take notes of issues and events separately. Keep cuttings of center-page articles by eminent personalities for future reference.
· Magazines – civil services chronicle, competition wizard, civil service times, competition success review
· India Year book of the year you are writing preliminary exam.
· Adequate rest is essential for active learning. I never compromised on my sleep time except 2-3 days before exam. I sleep for a minimum of 8 hours everyday.
· Everyday I studied for at least 6 hours. We have to learn something new each day and add it to our knowledge treasury (brain). The quality of study is more important than how long we study. Breaks of 15-20 minutes for every 2 hours of intense study can help relax the mind.
· For mains, it is important to write model tests. It helps improve speed, accuracy, presentation, word limit precision and confidence. I wrote model tests in G.S. and Tamil. Unfortunately, I could not write a single model test for Mains-Botany as I was too much engrossed in studying, but somehow managed to write satisfactorily.
· Giving answer in points is advisable for questions like – list out the advantages, what were the effects, causes, etc. Try to give subheadings to all questions except the 2 mark questions. Write legibly. Do not overwrite. Think a minute before writing so that you avoid repetition of facts that might irritate the evaluating person.
· In prel and main exam, we have a lot of time to think the answer, frame it suitably and present it neatly. In an interview this is not possible. The answers have to fired immediately. So to have an edge over other candidates, we must form opinions on important subjects, burning topics.
· Discuss a lot and come to conclusions that could be substantiated with reasons. A simple yes or no will not be sufficient to impress the interview panel. Enter into arguments with friends on issues by taking opposite sides. No one can conduct a better stress interview than our friends.
· Think at least two seconds before answering a question. The panel will be very cordial and would wait for up to five to ten seconds for your answer, provided the wait is worthy. · Otherwise it might reflect in their next question. Please do not take wild guesses immediately. Ask their permission to guess or inform them that you are not sure about that answer.
· It is not necessary to answer every question they ask correctly. There would be one question that would determine whether you enter into service or not. Grab that question and answer honestly. If you have no knowledge in some field, accepting ignorance is a welcome move.
· An objective-type question examination is never tough, as long as we are clear in our concepts and basics of various subjects, because both the question and answer are provided to us, we only have to choose the right answer. However, it is not so in Mains. Only the question is given. We have to find the answer, frame it in sentences within the prescribed word limits and write it fast in order to complete the paper on time.
· For prelims, speed tests are very important. Try to finish answering (finding answer and shading the OMR) within 3/4th of the allowed time. Since there is negative marking for prelims, it is important not to touch areas you are fully ignorant about.
· Read the question carefully (usually they ask- which is not false, and we forget to see the word NOT). Elimination strategy and logic can help answer a difficult question. For many questions on general mental ability (GMA), answers can be found by seeing the choices itself, instead of solving the full problem. GMA can be a success-determining factor because nearly 15-20 questions will be asked; we can also be sure of our answer at exam hall itself and that improves your spirits for ensuing questions.
· It is worthwhile watching TV news for a selected time period everyday (NDTV, TIMES NOW, HEADLINES TODAY along with one Tamilnews channel). During preparation for mains and interview, I resorted to listening News on AIR FM Gold and then watch news on some main issues alone.
· The radio channel airs world news at 8.30 p.m. in English, India news at 8.45 p.m. in Hindi and 9.00 p.m. in English. Following that is a news analysis where experts discuss burning topics. After that there are day-specific news items and talk shows for half an hour, both in Hindi and English.
· Newspapers- I suggest Hindu and Dinamani though Times of India and Dinamalar would give extra coverage. Take notes of issues and events separately. Keep cuttings of center-page articles by eminent personalities for future reference.
· Magazines – civil services chronicle, competition wizard, civil service times, competition success review
· India Year book of the year you are writing preliminary exam.
· Adequate rest is essential for active learning. I never compromised on my sleep time except 2-3 days before exam. I sleep for a minimum of 8 hours everyday.
· Everyday I studied for at least 6 hours. We have to learn something new each day and add it to our knowledge treasury (brain). The quality of study is more important than how long we study. Breaks of 15-20 minutes for every 2 hours of intense study can help relax the mind.
· For mains, it is important to write model tests. It helps improve speed, accuracy, presentation, word limit precision and confidence. I wrote model tests in G.S. and Tamil. Unfortunately, I could not write a single model test for Mains-Botany as I was too much engrossed in studying, but somehow managed to write satisfactorily.
· Giving answer in points is advisable for questions like – list out the advantages, what were the effects, causes, etc. Try to give subheadings to all questions except the 2 mark questions. Write legibly. Do not overwrite. Think a minute before writing so that you avoid repetition of facts that might irritate the evaluating person.
· In prel and main exam, we have a lot of time to think the answer, frame it suitably and present it neatly. In an interview this is not possible. The answers have to fired immediately. So to have an edge over other candidates, we must form opinions on important subjects, burning topics.
· Discuss a lot and come to conclusions that could be substantiated with reasons. A simple yes or no will not be sufficient to impress the interview panel. Enter into arguments with friends on issues by taking opposite sides. No one can conduct a better stress interview than our friends.
· Think at least two seconds before answering a question. The panel will be very cordial and would wait for up to five to ten seconds for your answer, provided the wait is worthy. · Otherwise it might reflect in their next question. Please do not take wild guesses immediately. Ask their permission to guess or inform them that you are not sure about that answer.
· It is not necessary to answer every question they ask correctly. There would be one question that would determine whether you enter into service or not. Grab that question and answer honestly. If you have no knowledge in some field, accepting ignorance is a welcome move.
Apr 15, 2010
My UPSC Interview
CHAIRMAN (Ch): So, you have just completed your degree in Pharmaceutical Technology. What did you study in that degree?
Me: Sir, we studied the basics of drug formulation, tablet and capsule manufacture and how to design the medicine according to the disease.
Ch: Is it a very technical specialized course?
Me: Yes, Sir, it is a specialized course because it was previously available for study only after an undergraduation in biotechnology. Ours was the first batch to come out with such a degree in Anna University.
Ch: Have you ever considered pharmaceuticals for a career?
Me: I was considering that option also previously, Sir. I had the opportunity of being in NCC for three years. During that time, I came to know about civil service and the various national services. And even from my school days, my parents used to encourage me to become a collector.
Ch: So, you thought it was not a bad option to become an IAS, is it? (All start to laugh) OK, tell me what you learnt from NCC
Me: Sir, in NCC, I came to know about the power of working wonders with cooperation. We learnt the concept of unity and discipline there only. The importance of teamwork and organised work was realised.
Ch: Did you get any kind of weapon training in that? What else did you learn?
Me: Yes sir, we did get basic weapon introduction and training in SLRs. We were also taught how to dismantle and reassemble parts of the rifle. We had to write theory exam also for passing B and C certificates.
Ch: What thing that you learnt from NCC do you think will help you in civil service career?
Me: After NCC training, I can cooperate well with my colleagues. I can also able to manage my subordinates with ease. I have been a Corporal (my NCC rank) in NCC, Sir.
Ch: what is the one reason you would say for joining civil services?
Me: Sir, IAS, and for that matter all civil services, they demand the learning process throughout the period. The educative process is continuous. I can develop myself and in the process be of use to the nation also. It combines personal betterment with contribution to nation.
Ch: OK. You hail from Tamilnadu. Is there any social problem in your state. Definitely I accept that tamilnadu is performing very well in many indicators. But is there any problem you would like to mention? What is your view?
Me: (I forgot to note that he asked me “social problems”, so I started describing the more general river water problem) Sir, the delta regions are dependent on rivers for irrigation. Tamilnadu being a lower riparian state, the agriculture is affected when neighbouring states restrict river water supply to us. That is one of the problems.
Ch: Yes, that’s true. But, do you feel any sort of social problem that is prevalent in tamilnadu?
Me: Sir, I would not say that there are no social problems in tamilnadu. There have been some occurrences of suppression of lower caste people. (I was reminded of keezhavenmani and uthapuram incidents, he became interested when I said this)
Ch: So, are there areas where these seclusions are still there? What can be the role of administrators in dealing with this problem?
Me: There are some pockets in TN where these are still happening. (I believed that instead of saying there are no occurrences now and getting caught when he quotes some incidents, it was better to accept that such infirmities existed in the society). There were reports on existence of walls between the ‘Dalit’ nagar and the upper caste nagar. They had no access to public areas, water tanks,etc. But recently the wall was destroyed and now all have access to common areas. With regard to the role of administrators in the eradication of this problem, I would like to say that in this case, the initiative to demolish the wall was from a collector of that district. The administration has a great role in preventing such discrimination and it has been doing it well too.
Ch: OK. What else are your interests apart from your degree?
Me: I like to solve mathematical puzzles and riddles sir.
Ch: What is this Hindi Praveen that is mentioned in your biodata?
Me: It is the Hindi Prachar Sabha exams in TN sir.
Ch: So, you can speak in Hindi well, is it?
Me: I completed those exams some 10 years back sir, so I lost touch in speaking. But I can read and write hindi sir. I was not able to find anyone to talk to in hindi sir.
Ch: In your state, they would not appreciate people learning Hindi isn’t it?
Me: No, sir, that attitude is gradually coming down. People are taking Hindi exams with interest.
Ch: oh, that’s very good right?(he asks other members, they accept it) it helps you to get adapted to any state you are posted in India. Good..
Chairman asked member 1 to ask questions
M1: Since you are from pharmaceutical background, I wanted to ask you about one particular disease – malaria. There is a particular drug called Artemisinin. Have you heard about it ? (I said yes) There are two variants of this drug in the market (he told two names). Can you say what is the difference? I said I didn’t know and that we dealt with only generic drug names in our course. He asked me to guess. I said that the variation could have been due to different side chains attached to the chemical. There were more discussions on that between the members and chairman. They forgot my presence for about a minute. (This is a special kind of medicine from China, and it cannot be synthesised in the lab, must only be obtained from plants, chairman became very interested in this topic and asked M1 if it is available in the market, what its cost was and whether it is affordable). Finally he asked me what the importance of the drug was. I shook my head with a ‘No’. Then he said that it was the only drug that was available to deal with multiple-drug-resistant malaria. He comforted me by saying that no problem and it is just a discussion from where we all learn from each other. I thanked him.
M2: (lady member) What do you think about the patent process? Is it beneficial? Why patents are given?
Me: The product patent is more beneficial to the inventor. Process patent is more beneficial to the general public because it gives a cheaper medicine. Patents were given to encourage the inventor to do more research and to regain the money he spent to invent.
M2: what is the difference between product and process patent? Which is followed in India?
Me: the final product is patented in Product patent. In process patent, the process through which the product is arrived at is patented. We follow the process patent.
M2: What about amendments to the Patent act of India?
Me: We have suggested changes to convert to a product patent regime under the TRIPs. The process is going on. (M1 intervened to say that it has already been in force, I thanked him for the information)
(chairman rises to get some water to drink and then comes back)
M2: is India ready for the new change in patent system? What will be its implications?
Me: In the short term, there will be rise in drug prices, but in the long term it will vanish with the development of more drugs by R&D boost.
M2: is there any exception to the patent regime? Is it universal?
Me: No mam, it is not universal. Under the TRIPs itself provisions are there for excluding life-saving drugs, particularly AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria (I glanced at M1 for support, he agreed by a nod) and other epidemics from patent protection.
M2: Why product patent should be given?
Me: To encourage more new products invention. We opposed it because our drug companies only reverse-engineer established products of drugs abroad like U.S. very few new drugs come up
M2: But don’t you think this way helps our drug firms to invent cheaper process to produce a costly product?
Me: Mam, suppose a pest or microbe develops resistance to the drug, then producing the drug cheaply will be of no use. New drugs must be developed.
Ch: So, finally, do you think patents should be given or not?
Me: I think patents must be restricted to creative things only, and must not cover life-saving drugs and things that directly affect the general public (all were satisfied with the reply and gave convincing head-shakes and smiles. Chairman asks M3 to ask questions)
M3: Well, if you are posted in north India like Punjab, rajasthan, haryana. There are these so-called khap panchayats which regulate their own business and give inhuman judgements. So what will be your role in such cases? How can you control them along with your district S.P.? (This is the first and last question asked by M3. he was very much an observer and not much involved in the board)
Me: I will take the cooperation of S.P. to take legal action against them if they give brutal judgements to the people
Ch: What if the S.P. doesn’t cooperate with you, if he refuses to comply?
Me: (I waited for two seconds, looked between two members to collect my senses) sir, at this stage I do not know how the relationship between a collector and S.P. will work. May be after joining the service and knowing the intricacies I would be better able to answer this question. (chairman was all smiles and taken aback for a moment, he said ‘I think this is a very nice way to answer this question’ and laughed out. All joined. Me too. Then he asked M4 to start)
M4: (This member looked like an anglo-indian and I had to listen intently to understand his accent) you were saying something about rivers in tamilnadu. There are rivers which have different names in different areas of its flow. Do you know some rivers like that? Tell me the names of brahmaputra in different areas.
Me: it is called as the Dihang sir.
M4: (I could not understand his expression whether my answer is right or wrong but he continued) it is called as the Tsangpo in Tibet as the Chinese would like to call it. Do you know the European river which has two capital cities situated on it?
Me: (I was in deep thought, felt it was something to do with France.)
M4: It has been famously talked about in literature. Can you guess?
Me: is it thames, Sir?
M4: No. it is not
Ch: thames runs in an island nation, so it cannot have two capitals located in it. Try some more
Me: sir, is it anywere near France?
M4: No, it is the famous Danube, can you say the names of capitals atleast? (then seeing my blank expression, he himself said the answer as Budapest and one more city. Well someday you need to come out of tamilnadu and India, so you have to know these things, that is why I asked this. OK. We have this male dominated society. They don’t care for women, they do not respect women. When you are posted in such an area and if men are behaving like this, how do you think you can cope with it?
Me: I can definitely command the respect I ought to receive, sir. I am a civil servant and a representative of the government. And it does not matter whether I am a male or female in this regard.
Ch: How will you get respect from the people of your district?
Me: Sir, I strongly believe that if I do my duties properly and sincerely, I can get accolades from my seniors and people (all satisfied with reply. Shook their heads as if they expected this reply only)
M4: being a graduate from pharmaceutical sciences, what would you like to say about this drug- Nimesulide? What effect does it have on children?
Me: Nimesulide causes liver damage sir (he accepted it with a yes) though all countries have banned it, it is still available in the open market in India.
M4: what do you think can be done to prevent such occurrences?
Me: (happy to receive the same question I discussed with a fellow-candidate a few minutes back) Sir, I think the intervention should not be made in the drug sales period. This must have been more carefully monitored in the drug licensing stage itself. (all supported with headshakes) even today there was a case of ethical violation in a vaccination trial. (M1 shook his head heavily signifying that he had read that article)
M1: Can you elaborate on that issue?
Me: sir, should I tell about the nimesulide issue or this vaccination trials sir?
M1: tell in general. (Then he changed) OK. tell about today’s vaccination issue. I think four girls have died due to it.
Me: Yes Sir, why I wanted to make it clear is because both cases are different. Nimesulide case is a curative medicine. But vaccines are preventive medicines. In case of curatives, there are several phases in which the drug has to be tested. First it has to be used on normal healthy volunteers, not on sick people directly. The sick must be included in the study only after checking the safety in Phase I. Then comes the issue of effectiveness of the drug.
But in the case of preventive medicines like vaccines, the trials are first done in labs, then in animals, and then in the targeted population. In animals, they are first vaccinated and then cancer is induced using certain chemicals to check how well the vaccine prevent the occurrence. But it is unethical to do the same in humans. Even if the vaccines are meant for children, they must be given first to adults only in the trial stage. So there must be stricter practices to protect ethics.
M4: so do you think the ethical committee has failed in this case?
Me: sir, the ethical committee is a body that has to decide on the number of people in the trial, the duration of the trial and about the protocols. I cannot understand how they permitted such a trial without proper considerations. So this I would say is a clear-cut failure on the part of the ethics committee. (I was emboldened by the cordial board and took a bold stand)
Ch: what are your service preferences? Have you opted only for IAS?
Me: I have given IAS, IFS, IAAS, IRS, Information service, postal service Sir.
Ch: So if you get IFS will you consider going abroad or go only into IAS and serve the nation?
Me: I will be very happy to serve in either case Sir. I would definitely join IFS and go abroad to serve.
Ch: Why?
Me: Sir, I have always liked to represent my country and so I will be proud of joining IFS.
Ch: what is the order in which you have given cadre preference? Will you like to serve in Tamilnadu only, or any other state also?
Me: I will be ready to serve any state in India sir.
M4: I have been observing many candidates in these interviews. I like to note their body language and how they use their hands, head, eye and all. Because even I was noted of my body language when I was interviewed by many people. (Laughs) particularly girls from Tamilnadu, the way you shake your head, it is very nice to look at (he shakes his head in an attempt to imitate me) (all join laughter club) How do you do it? How does it come to you?
Me: (I was smiling and even while listening to the above question did not change my mannerism and shook head in the same way as before) Sir, it is just a sign of acceptance. And it is a symbol of involvement in the conversation. (All members supported the view, though I was looking at the chairman only)
M4: Oh, and it shows that you are not stiff-headed also! (he poses a stiff-head and all start to laugh again) very good..
Chairman looked at all members for agreement to end the interview and thanked me for spending time with them. I reciprocated, got up from the chair and strode towards the door confidently and shut the door behind me silently. I was very happy to have completed the interview and had a certain level of confidence.
Me: Sir, we studied the basics of drug formulation, tablet and capsule manufacture and how to design the medicine according to the disease.
Ch: Is it a very technical specialized course?
Me: Yes, Sir, it is a specialized course because it was previously available for study only after an undergraduation in biotechnology. Ours was the first batch to come out with such a degree in Anna University.
Ch: Have you ever considered pharmaceuticals for a career?
Me: I was considering that option also previously, Sir. I had the opportunity of being in NCC for three years. During that time, I came to know about civil service and the various national services. And even from my school days, my parents used to encourage me to become a collector.
Ch: So, you thought it was not a bad option to become an IAS, is it? (All start to laugh) OK, tell me what you learnt from NCC
Me: Sir, in NCC, I came to know about the power of working wonders with cooperation. We learnt the concept of unity and discipline there only. The importance of teamwork and organised work was realised.
Ch: Did you get any kind of weapon training in that? What else did you learn?
Me: Yes sir, we did get basic weapon introduction and training in SLRs. We were also taught how to dismantle and reassemble parts of the rifle. We had to write theory exam also for passing B and C certificates.
Ch: What thing that you learnt from NCC do you think will help you in civil service career?
Me: After NCC training, I can cooperate well with my colleagues. I can also able to manage my subordinates with ease. I have been a Corporal (my NCC rank) in NCC, Sir.
Ch: what is the one reason you would say for joining civil services?
Me: Sir, IAS, and for that matter all civil services, they demand the learning process throughout the period. The educative process is continuous. I can develop myself and in the process be of use to the nation also. It combines personal betterment with contribution to nation.
Ch: OK. You hail from Tamilnadu. Is there any social problem in your state. Definitely I accept that tamilnadu is performing very well in many indicators. But is there any problem you would like to mention? What is your view?
Me: (I forgot to note that he asked me “social problems”, so I started describing the more general river water problem) Sir, the delta regions are dependent on rivers for irrigation. Tamilnadu being a lower riparian state, the agriculture is affected when neighbouring states restrict river water supply to us. That is one of the problems.
Ch: Yes, that’s true. But, do you feel any sort of social problem that is prevalent in tamilnadu?
Me: Sir, I would not say that there are no social problems in tamilnadu. There have been some occurrences of suppression of lower caste people. (I was reminded of keezhavenmani and uthapuram incidents, he became interested when I said this)
Ch: So, are there areas where these seclusions are still there? What can be the role of administrators in dealing with this problem?
Me: There are some pockets in TN where these are still happening. (I believed that instead of saying there are no occurrences now and getting caught when he quotes some incidents, it was better to accept that such infirmities existed in the society). There were reports on existence of walls between the ‘Dalit’ nagar and the upper caste nagar. They had no access to public areas, water tanks,etc. But recently the wall was destroyed and now all have access to common areas. With regard to the role of administrators in the eradication of this problem, I would like to say that in this case, the initiative to demolish the wall was from a collector of that district. The administration has a great role in preventing such discrimination and it has been doing it well too.
Ch: OK. What else are your interests apart from your degree?
Me: I like to solve mathematical puzzles and riddles sir.
Ch: What is this Hindi Praveen that is mentioned in your biodata?
Me: It is the Hindi Prachar Sabha exams in TN sir.
Ch: So, you can speak in Hindi well, is it?
Me: I completed those exams some 10 years back sir, so I lost touch in speaking. But I can read and write hindi sir. I was not able to find anyone to talk to in hindi sir.
Ch: In your state, they would not appreciate people learning Hindi isn’t it?
Me: No, sir, that attitude is gradually coming down. People are taking Hindi exams with interest.
Ch: oh, that’s very good right?(he asks other members, they accept it) it helps you to get adapted to any state you are posted in India. Good..
Chairman asked member 1 to ask questions
M1: Since you are from pharmaceutical background, I wanted to ask you about one particular disease – malaria. There is a particular drug called Artemisinin. Have you heard about it ? (I said yes) There are two variants of this drug in the market (he told two names). Can you say what is the difference? I said I didn’t know and that we dealt with only generic drug names in our course. He asked me to guess. I said that the variation could have been due to different side chains attached to the chemical. There were more discussions on that between the members and chairman. They forgot my presence for about a minute. (This is a special kind of medicine from China, and it cannot be synthesised in the lab, must only be obtained from plants, chairman became very interested in this topic and asked M1 if it is available in the market, what its cost was and whether it is affordable). Finally he asked me what the importance of the drug was. I shook my head with a ‘No’. Then he said that it was the only drug that was available to deal with multiple-drug-resistant malaria. He comforted me by saying that no problem and it is just a discussion from where we all learn from each other. I thanked him.
M2: (lady member) What do you think about the patent process? Is it beneficial? Why patents are given?
Me: The product patent is more beneficial to the inventor. Process patent is more beneficial to the general public because it gives a cheaper medicine. Patents were given to encourage the inventor to do more research and to regain the money he spent to invent.
M2: what is the difference between product and process patent? Which is followed in India?
Me: the final product is patented in Product patent. In process patent, the process through which the product is arrived at is patented. We follow the process patent.
M2: What about amendments to the Patent act of India?
Me: We have suggested changes to convert to a product patent regime under the TRIPs. The process is going on. (M1 intervened to say that it has already been in force, I thanked him for the information)
(chairman rises to get some water to drink and then comes back)
M2: is India ready for the new change in patent system? What will be its implications?
Me: In the short term, there will be rise in drug prices, but in the long term it will vanish with the development of more drugs by R&D boost.
M2: is there any exception to the patent regime? Is it universal?
Me: No mam, it is not universal. Under the TRIPs itself provisions are there for excluding life-saving drugs, particularly AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria (I glanced at M1 for support, he agreed by a nod) and other epidemics from patent protection.
M2: Why product patent should be given?
Me: To encourage more new products invention. We opposed it because our drug companies only reverse-engineer established products of drugs abroad like U.S. very few new drugs come up
M2: But don’t you think this way helps our drug firms to invent cheaper process to produce a costly product?
Me: Mam, suppose a pest or microbe develops resistance to the drug, then producing the drug cheaply will be of no use. New drugs must be developed.
Ch: So, finally, do you think patents should be given or not?
Me: I think patents must be restricted to creative things only, and must not cover life-saving drugs and things that directly affect the general public (all were satisfied with the reply and gave convincing head-shakes and smiles. Chairman asks M3 to ask questions)
M3: Well, if you are posted in north India like Punjab, rajasthan, haryana. There are these so-called khap panchayats which regulate their own business and give inhuman judgements. So what will be your role in such cases? How can you control them along with your district S.P.? (This is the first and last question asked by M3. he was very much an observer and not much involved in the board)
Me: I will take the cooperation of S.P. to take legal action against them if they give brutal judgements to the people
Ch: What if the S.P. doesn’t cooperate with you, if he refuses to comply?
Me: (I waited for two seconds, looked between two members to collect my senses) sir, at this stage I do not know how the relationship between a collector and S.P. will work. May be after joining the service and knowing the intricacies I would be better able to answer this question. (chairman was all smiles and taken aback for a moment, he said ‘I think this is a very nice way to answer this question’ and laughed out. All joined. Me too. Then he asked M4 to start)
M4: (This member looked like an anglo-indian and I had to listen intently to understand his accent) you were saying something about rivers in tamilnadu. There are rivers which have different names in different areas of its flow. Do you know some rivers like that? Tell me the names of brahmaputra in different areas.
Me: it is called as the Dihang sir.
M4: (I could not understand his expression whether my answer is right or wrong but he continued) it is called as the Tsangpo in Tibet as the Chinese would like to call it. Do you know the European river which has two capital cities situated on it?
Me: (I was in deep thought, felt it was something to do with France.)
M4: It has been famously talked about in literature. Can you guess?
Me: is it thames, Sir?
M4: No. it is not
Ch: thames runs in an island nation, so it cannot have two capitals located in it. Try some more
Me: sir, is it anywere near France?
M4: No, it is the famous Danube, can you say the names of capitals atleast? (then seeing my blank expression, he himself said the answer as Budapest and one more city. Well someday you need to come out of tamilnadu and India, so you have to know these things, that is why I asked this. OK. We have this male dominated society. They don’t care for women, they do not respect women. When you are posted in such an area and if men are behaving like this, how do you think you can cope with it?
Me: I can definitely command the respect I ought to receive, sir. I am a civil servant and a representative of the government. And it does not matter whether I am a male or female in this regard.
Ch: How will you get respect from the people of your district?
Me: Sir, I strongly believe that if I do my duties properly and sincerely, I can get accolades from my seniors and people (all satisfied with reply. Shook their heads as if they expected this reply only)
M4: being a graduate from pharmaceutical sciences, what would you like to say about this drug- Nimesulide? What effect does it have on children?
Me: Nimesulide causes liver damage sir (he accepted it with a yes) though all countries have banned it, it is still available in the open market in India.
M4: what do you think can be done to prevent such occurrences?
Me: (happy to receive the same question I discussed with a fellow-candidate a few minutes back) Sir, I think the intervention should not be made in the drug sales period. This must have been more carefully monitored in the drug licensing stage itself. (all supported with headshakes) even today there was a case of ethical violation in a vaccination trial. (M1 shook his head heavily signifying that he had read that article)
M1: Can you elaborate on that issue?
Me: sir, should I tell about the nimesulide issue or this vaccination trials sir?
M1: tell in general. (Then he changed) OK. tell about today’s vaccination issue. I think four girls have died due to it.
Me: Yes Sir, why I wanted to make it clear is because both cases are different. Nimesulide case is a curative medicine. But vaccines are preventive medicines. In case of curatives, there are several phases in which the drug has to be tested. First it has to be used on normal healthy volunteers, not on sick people directly. The sick must be included in the study only after checking the safety in Phase I. Then comes the issue of effectiveness of the drug.
But in the case of preventive medicines like vaccines, the trials are first done in labs, then in animals, and then in the targeted population. In animals, they are first vaccinated and then cancer is induced using certain chemicals to check how well the vaccine prevent the occurrence. But it is unethical to do the same in humans. Even if the vaccines are meant for children, they must be given first to adults only in the trial stage. So there must be stricter practices to protect ethics.
M4: so do you think the ethical committee has failed in this case?
Me: sir, the ethical committee is a body that has to decide on the number of people in the trial, the duration of the trial and about the protocols. I cannot understand how they permitted such a trial without proper considerations. So this I would say is a clear-cut failure on the part of the ethics committee. (I was emboldened by the cordial board and took a bold stand)
Ch: what are your service preferences? Have you opted only for IAS?
Me: I have given IAS, IFS, IAAS, IRS, Information service, postal service Sir.
Ch: So if you get IFS will you consider going abroad or go only into IAS and serve the nation?
Me: I will be very happy to serve in either case Sir. I would definitely join IFS and go abroad to serve.
Ch: Why?
Me: Sir, I have always liked to represent my country and so I will be proud of joining IFS.
Ch: what is the order in which you have given cadre preference? Will you like to serve in Tamilnadu only, or any other state also?
Me: I will be ready to serve any state in India sir.
M4: I have been observing many candidates in these interviews. I like to note their body language and how they use their hands, head, eye and all. Because even I was noted of my body language when I was interviewed by many people. (Laughs) particularly girls from Tamilnadu, the way you shake your head, it is very nice to look at (he shakes his head in an attempt to imitate me) (all join laughter club) How do you do it? How does it come to you?
Me: (I was smiling and even while listening to the above question did not change my mannerism and shook head in the same way as before) Sir, it is just a sign of acceptance. And it is a symbol of involvement in the conversation. (All members supported the view, though I was looking at the chairman only)
M4: Oh, and it shows that you are not stiff-headed also! (he poses a stiff-head and all start to laugh again) very good..
Chairman looked at all members for agreement to end the interview and thanked me for spending time with them. I reciprocated, got up from the chair and strode towards the door confidently and shut the door behind me silently. I was very happy to have completed the interview and had a certain level of confidence.
Nov 23, 2009
The Language Problem
Language is a powerful communication tool. A dictionary may give its meaning as ' a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols '. Recently, I have been put to stress often by comments about my spoken language abilities. My mother tongue is Tamil. I've been writing and grasping all subjects in the borrowed official language of India (English). During my school days, my mother, being too engrossed about my talent-nurturing, started putting me in 'n'-number of classes, includes singing, dancing, keyboard, and the like. It was so crucial, that moment, when she decided to put me in Hindi Language classes when i still hadn't entered into Class I. She never even would have imagined that this would draw me to such a situation.
On being introduced to a new language at a very little age, I began to learn it along with Tamil and English and started writing exams of the Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha. Before I could read and memorize lengthy paragraphs in English Prose, I was able to comprehend Harishchandra Purana and Asoka's story in Hindi. I had passed four exams when I was in Fourth Standard. Then came a break, but I was able to complete up to Praveen before my Tenth standard, though with compulsion, to finish the exams off before 'the most important First exam of my life'. Under such a coercion, I was satisfied that I was able to secure a Second class at least and signed out of the Hindi arena.
After around 9-10 years of ' Non-Hindi ' life, suddenly I have been pulled into the Hindi language net again. All through these years, I had gradually lost all my rich vocabulary of the national language and now left with vague memoirs of few verbs, nouns and adjectives. All my ideas about Hindi grammar, tenses, active-passive voice, etc. have vanished. I could not appreciate even a single line of Hindi song or understand the meanings of Hindi film titles.
Now, I am an IAS aspirant, and have given my Mains Examinations for UPSC (2009). Candidates have to apply to the UPSC with a detailed (more than 25 pages) curriculum vitae (filling up the form took me around 3 days, whereas the exam paper itself had to be completed only in 3 hours). The blunder I had done in filling up the application was to mention the Hindi qualifications I have. I am having nightmares of me being questioned in Hindi in my Personal Interview Round of Civil Services Exam with me blinking as if trying to understand Greek and Latin. So now I am running to spoken Hindi classes everyday and trying to recharge the Hindi battery in my Brain motor.
What is of utmost importance in an interview (this would apply at least for the UPSC interview) : NOT your academic qualifications, NOT your resume format or a well-presentable dress sense, NOT your extracurricular activities, neither your language skill nor your physical appearance -- BUT your way of answering their questions. The NOTs only supplement the impression you make on the Interview Panel, with the aid of the latter - " the manner of answering the questions ". What image we cast upon them about us is the Deciding factor. Those 30 minutes of interview could work wonders or wreak a havoc depending upon the attitude you show to the interview board.
So, my way of replying was the most important area to be focused. For this I needed a well-versed knowledge about the current affairs and a good command over the LANGUAGE (now it is English). Again comes a problem. I can write good English, I can read them with acceptable loudness and diction, BUT I have difficulty in speaking impromptu and in spontaneously providing the right kind of response.
Even the bravest person in war may shudder at the thought of public speaking.Writing and reading come after a thought and can be scored off or corrected on error-identification (by ourselves or by peers), whereas speaking has no time to wait for; if we speak after a long thought and pauses in between, it gives an impression very often that we have no stuff in the subject, not the language. No time is available to us for debugging and reprogramming. Once uttered, that's it. That is why people confident about the language (in addition to current affairs), appear more positive on the "I-Day" and this secret brings them closer to Success.
(Thirukkural-723)
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