2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras
from Kerala - Mrunal
http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 1/45 Mrunal w $ motivation | Q 34 1 month ago [Topper's Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR- 63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala CSAT
1. Candidate Profile 2. Education 3. Disclaimer about this interview 4. Introduction 5. Electronic Vs Paper material 6. Tempo and style 7. Working professional 8. Prelims (CSAT) General studies 9. Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude 10. Prelim accuracy 11. Mains: Compulsory language paper 12. Mains: Essay
days 24
hrs 11
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sec. 35 4What's New? ? SEARCH B4 ASKING! LATEST COMMENTS SIDDHARTHA { Mrunal Sir, plz say sth.. y r u so silent? } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT- 2014, No change... PREETI { I want to downloada utube video but in audio format not in video. anybody plz help Q Q w Economy Current Articles Studyplans Download Toppers Forum Q 4Top 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 2/45 13. General studies (Mains) paper 1 14. General studies (Mains) paper 2 15. General studies (Mains) Paper 3 (Mrunal rocks here!!!) 16. General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude 17. GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013 18. Mains answer-writing? 19. Mains Optional Subject 20. Before the interview 21. During the interview 22. CSE-2013 Marksheet 23. Career Backup 24. Views on UPSC reforms 25. Insecurity about profile 26. Wisdom 27. Credit: Friends/family 28. BOGUS Marketing Propaganda Candidate Profile Name AKASH P Rank in CSE- 2013 63 Roll No. 086809 Age 22 Total attempts in CSE 1 Optional Subject MATHEMATICS me how I can do it } [ACIO] Result for ACIO 2013 exam declared,... NARESH KURAPATI { Hi Mrunal, Can you go over what chapters should one selectively select for reading from "Spectrum Geography" ? Thanks for your time. Naresh } [Mains Answerkey] GS1- Geography-2013 (part 1/3): Analysis, booklist... VARINDER { did jogging for 2.5 kilometers in the morning and evening, along with that severe dieting only juice and salad, nothing else, really and practiced sprint... } [CAPF Topper] Varinder Kataria Rank 94: B.... VARINDER { thanx a lottttttttttttttttttttt.......... } [CAPF Topper] Varinder Kataria Rank 94: B.... AKHANGAL { grrr,, missed capf by 7 marks... } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT-2014, No change... VARINDER { I don't know but from what i have read on CRPF website the training schedule is quite hectic, so i don't think it would be... } [CAPF Topper] Varinder Kataria 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 3/45 Medium chosen for Mains answers ENGLISH Schooling medium ENGLISH College medium ENGLISH Home town/city Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Work- experience if any NIL competitive exams, including success/failures 1. NSOs(National Science Olympiad), 2. NMOs(Mathematical Olympiad) occasionally cleared first rounds but lost in finals; 3. NTS Scholar (2007); 4. KVPY (2008) passed aptitude test but failed in the interview ; 5. IIT JEE (2009)-Rank 866; 6. Kerala Engg Entrance Rank 2; 7. AIEEE AIR 960 and State Rank 15; 8. CAT(2012) Exam failure -72 percentile! 9. Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2013 Rank 27.) Details of CSAT mock test series by TIME for paper-II. Nothing for paper-I. Joined Kerala State Civil Service Academy in August 2013 after prelims results were out. Attended GS class for one Rank 94: B.... SAURAV { Mrunal is right when he says ""UPSC is the biggest THUG of south asia "" upsc has the history of making a small disease into... } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT- 2014, No change... { Thanks } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT- 2014, No change... ABHAY { Darjano? Please refer the passage theme and i will get to know. i would be glad to see some of the mistakes. And Even one... } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT-2014, No change... MANASH { When are you expecting committee's report Guys? any idea.. } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT-2014, No change... BALRAM SHARMA { Hard luck preeti...and even the selected candidates don't know their marks...i don't think there is any provision in IB through which u can see ur... } [ACIO] Result for ACIO 2013 exam declared,... DEEPALI { plz.mujhe sanskrit bhi ati h, nd hindi is not just tatsam wrds,it has much more.atleast uski 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 4/45 coaching, mock tests, postal material for any competitive exam (if used) month till the realization dawned that GS is not something that can be crammed inside any classroom! Attended optional class- mathematics- till November. So the contribution of class room coaching to my result is to be estimated by the reader in their own judgment. service preference #1, 2 and 3 IAS, IRS (IT) & IRS (C&CE). state cadre preference (top3) Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Education % in class 10 95.xx % in class 12 96.xx Schooling (Medium) ENGLISH Graduation course and % B-Tech Engg Physics, CGPA 8.24 Name of college, city, passing out year IIT MADRAS, 2013 Post-graduation NIL Any other professional courses NIL Hobbies & Extra curricular Reading, Teaching, Puzzles etc. language literature jaisi ya kam se kam technical subjects... } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT- 2014, No change... DEEPALI { oh come on,agr equality ki hi baat h to atleast gs ka hr que 2.5 mrks ka to hona chahiye.kya lower standard,? jo xm me... } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT-2014, No change... SPIRITBREAKER { really abhay????? pure hindi????? steel plant= lohe ki ped laptop= godh sur..... if this is pure hindi then why dont u come to mukerjee ngara... } UPSC uploads hallticket for CSAT- 2014, No change... KRISHNA BHUSHAN { Mrunal Sir, When will u upload rest of Eco. Survey- 2014????I m disparately waiting 4 ur rest of lecture class......... } [Lecture] Economic survey Chapter 5, 6 &... RECRUITMENT Exam Dates IBPS:11 Oct to 2 Nov SSC-CGL 2014:19 & 26 Oct CAT:16 & 22 Nov CDS:26 Oct MAT: 7 & 13 Sep Hal l t i ckets upl oaded? 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 5/45 Disclaimer about this interview The answers to the questions posed are plainly and honestly stated. You are free to read the interview or not. If you believe that toppers interviews are useless dont read. If you get something out of this, I am happy, else, I am sorry. I dont necessarily recommend my ways to the readers- I am simply stating what I did. That may not be the best way. I am making this disclaimer because of the (controversies surrounding my previous interview with Mrunal.). In view of the adverse feedback following changes were implemented in this interview: 1. Shorter and simpler sentences. 2. Skirting controversial issues and answering diplomatically (but without lying, of course. I shall not be a liar come what may). 3. Extra humility attempted in answering with lot less adjectives and dramatics! I hope everyone is happy by these changes! Introduction Q. Tell us something about yourself, your family, when and why did you enter in this field of competitive exams? I belong to a typical average (tending to the lower side) middle class family with an intrinsic attraction towards govt. jobs. I am ambitious and have had a reasonably successful academic CSAT-2014: YES RBI Officer: YES UPPSC: YES Banki ng 11-Aug: IBPS 2014 06-Aug: RBI Assistants 30-Jul: Indian Bank Specialist On 2013 RRB scor e 19-Aug: Baroda Gramin MBA 23-Aug: MAT-2014 06-Aug: CAT reg.Starts Ut tar Pr adesh 16-Aug: UP Food safety insp. 02-Aug: UP assistant IT/Computer 30-Aug: IITD Delhi system admin(3) 19-Aug: SSC 10+2 Data Entry Op 04-Aug: UP Agro project Engi neer s 28-Aug: NIT Karnataka 25-Aug: EIL Delhi 23-Aug: BPCL Assam 22-Aug: Cement India 20-Aug: Himachal Engg. 14-Aug: IRCON Civil 20 07-Aug: Delhi Electrical 50 (2yrXP) 06-Aug: Oil India direct interview 01-Aug: MECL: Asst.manager Pol i ce/Defence/Intel . 01-Sep: Army Vets 31-Aug: Army Dental 29-Aug: Chandigarh Constbl 19-Aug: Hindi Translator ITBP 18-Aug: CDS (II) 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 6/45 career before joining IIT after qualifying for the JEE entrance with no coaching (being too expensive and inaccessible) and relying wholly on self-study. In IIT I constantly suffered setbacks, crises and confusion. But a special seminar conducted at college by the alumni association which was presided by 3 IAS officers who themselves are IITians gave a fresh perspective on my career choice and I decided to go for the civil service. Regarding competitive examinations, I had regularly tasted success with intermittent failures till I crashed disastrously in CAT 2012 which was a wakeup call for me to shed my complacency and practice CSAT Paper-II rather than take it lightly, thinking that its a trivial exercise. I enrolled for TIME mock test series, comprising of 10 tests and I can vouchsafe for its quality and authenticity. I scored around 190 for CSAT-II. Electronic Vs Paper material Q. In recent times, there is spur in electronic material- blogs, sites, pdfs, RSS-feeds. Many aspirants feel bogged down by this information overload. So, how much do you rely on electronic material and how much on the paper material (Books, newspapers)? If possible narrate a typical day in your studylife. What is your style of preparation (e.g. I continue making notes no matter what Im reading, I just read multiple times but dont maintain notes, I make mindmaps on computer or xyz style) Yeah, I agree that a deluge of information can confuse and even de-motivate an aspirant. But 09-Aug: Airforce Meteorological 08-Aug: Army NCC entry 05-Aug: Navy UES 05-Aug: BSF Subinsp. 02-Aug: CISF constables(1203) 31-Jul: ITBP sub-insp Speci al i st Entr ance 19-Aug: CSIR NET 04-Aug: CBSE CTET BCom/HR/MBA 01-Sep: ICAR account, admin 30-Aug: Accountant NIFFT Ranchi 25-Aug: CPET Chennai 25-Aug: EIL Delhi 11-Aug: SBI Mgmt.XO (2-5 yrXP) 31-Jul: HUDA account 31-Jul: UPSC Specialists various Medi cal /Al l i ed 19-Aug: Haryana Dental 19-Aug: Raj.Medical 14-Aug: AIIMS 09-Aug: SAIL Doctors 09-Aug: SAIL Paramedics 28-Jul: Chandigarh Paramedics Legal 25-Aug: Allahabad HC clerk,review officer 11-Aug: Uttarakhand HC deskjobs Sci ence/ Agr i /Other 30-Aug: Lab Attendent NIFFT Ranchi 14-Aug: ISRO assistants 233 29-Aug: Raj.Agro research 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 7/45 I was not bogged down by the information explosion as I was very selective in referring material online. I did read many sites like Mrunal.org, insightsonindia.com, pib.nic, idsa.in etc to get specific material and I didnt take any resolution to cram all the data available and only took what I felt was relevant for my preparation. I relied extensively on newspaper (HINDU), magazine (FRONTLINE) and journal (EPW) and I bet that almost, if not all, questions of GS in IFoS and CSE can be answered from these sources (probably except the history and culture part). I had no particular style, order, time-table, pattern etc in my preparation. I randomly did whatever I felt was useful in my preparation and frequently took outings to relax. There was no detailed strategic war plan or anything. No maps, no notes, just reading and left everything else to luck/destiny. Tempo and style Q. People know what books and syllabus points are to be prepared. But most of them lack consistency in their preparation. So, how do you keep study momentum going on? How do you fight against the mood swings and distractions? I read on an average 6-8 hours per day. There are days when I dont study at all- visiting relatives, entertaining guests etc. Surely preparation for the civil services is such a drab thing capable of psyching out even the most persistent player and one wishes the drudgery would end soon. 25-Aug: CSIR-SERC 22-Aug: Raj.Univ.Lab Attendents 11 22-Aug: ONGC Technician 137 20-Aug: NCL scientist 18-Aug: Karnataka Urban 14-Aug: SSC Western Specialist 10-Aug: Gujarat Forensic 31-Jul: UPSC Specialists various 28-Jul: NIFTEM non faculty Mi sc. Deskj obs 30-Aug: clerks NIFFT Ranchi 19-Aug: SSC 10+2 Data Entry Op 22-Aug: Raj.Univ.Clerks 29 14-Aug: BankPress Dewas 12-Aug: Western Rail Sports 01-Aug: MECL: foremen,driver,mechanic(99) 31-Jul: Rohtak deskjobs 31-Jul: NGT Secretary,Steno,Translators Facul ty Jobs 31-Aug: NIFM 29-Aug: Raj Lecturer 22-Aug: Kota univ. 16-Aug: Shimla Nutrition 14-Aug: Raj.Chemistry 11-Aug: Jammu Uni 05-Aug: RIMSNR 05-Aug: PGIMER 31-Jul: UP Paramedic War ni ng Online Form Part-1 stops few days b4 deadline.So DONOT wait till last date. DONOT forget/misplace reg.id, Roll number. 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 8/45 Momentum was maintained by constant self- motivation and by taking rest and frequently undertaking outings. I believe that a strong desire coupled by the determination to see the end of it would help one to succeed in any endeavor that one pursues in life. Working professional If youre a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with job The reason why I declined a private sector job was that I wanted to completely concentrate in civils. Of course, people in the past have cleared civils concurrently working privately. But if your family can afford to wait for a few months without you earning, then, I believe, it is better to dedicate full time into civils supported with a reliable back up plan. Prelims (CSAT) General studies Topic strategy/booklist/comment History Ancient Largely left. Didnt think its worth doing PhD for a few marks. Tried to scramble for my high school history books, not much success. History Medieval Same History Modern (Freedom Struggle) Spectrum publications brief history of Modern India 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 9/45 Culture society Left. Bought spectrum culture, but was too boring. Polity (theory + current) Indian Polity by M.Laxmikant, hindu, frontline, EPW Economy (theory + current) Mrunal.org, Ramesh singh, hindu, frontline, EPW Science (theory + current) Hindu S&T, Frontline. Environment (theory + current) Mrunal.org, Hindu, frontline. geography physical left geography India left geography world left other national/international current affairs Hindu Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff Hindu, frontline, EPW Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS prelim 2013 paper? No time crunch in this paper. But one has to be very careful in finding the correct answer out of many choices which largely looks the same. Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude Topic strategy / booklist Maths TIME mock test (10 nos) 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 10/45 reasoning TIME mock test (10 nos) comprehension TIME mock test (10 nos) Decision Making TIME mock test (10 nos) Q.Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2013 paper. No theoretical preparation, no coaching class necessary. Just enroll for some mock tests. Analyze performance regularly. Focus your care on weak areas. This is the sure fire way to crack CSAT. Prelim accuracy Q1. Did you attend any mock tests? do you think theyre necessary for success? Yes TIME series. They are good for improving ones accuracy. Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers.in CSAT-2013 attempted Q. correct Questions (Expected) Official score GS 100 64 106.66 aptitude 80 77 190.83 total 297 Mrunal comments: you took unnecessary risk of attempting all 100 questions in GS. Otherwise your score may have been well above 310. 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 11/45 Mains: Compulsory language paper Compulsory language paper Your preparation strategy / booklist? English paper Just went through previous paper. Took the IFoS General English paper as a sort of mock test. your regional language No preparation. Very confident and fluent in Malayalam. Its advisable to attempt a couple of previous papers in examination conditions. Q2.other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory language papers in CSE-2013 As Mrunal had pointed out early, the length of these papers have somewhat increased. So the focus should have to be on to write fast while also being legible and careful. Mains: Essay Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper? I had prepared for writing in English by taking my minor in English Literature at college. The exam was my first effort in writing such a long essay within a stipulated time. No special books, institute or method of preparation. I did buy some useless books like how to write an essay from market but didnt have time to read them at all. Q2. Which among the following essay did you 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 12/45 write? What key points did you include in it? 1. Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi) 2. Is the Colonial mentality hindering Indias Success? 3. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country 4. Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation. Essay- the format of my essay was roughly like this: I chose the S&T essay. First went on to explain science, technology and their mutual interdependence in separate paragraphs. I explored dimensions of growth and security. Then I explained S&Ts relevance to the growth and security of a nation especially in the Indian context. Illustrated the cardinality of S&T using 5 examples: My memory is very sketchy, so I think these may roughly be the way it was: agriculture- food sufficiency-food security Energy security-renewable energy- nuclear- atomic-space national security S&T- growth- tech exporter etc. health sanitation, medicine etc education- knowledge creation-intellectual hub After elaborating these in many pages, I 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 13/45 concluded by saying that though S&T alone cant solve everything but it is an imperative to develop it. Its a necessary but not sufficient condition. It was a flamboyant essay with many high- sounding words. Got reasonable 125, but was expecting more. Ill share my answer sheet once it is out. General studies (Mains) paper 1 I did not take any coaching notes. Attend Kerala State Civil Service Academy classes for GS for a month. It was all crap kind of university kind of clichd things that they dictate in class which I found to be totally irrelevant. My marks in GS are also poor- only 294/1000- so I dont think that I am fit to suggest you how to prepare for it. But anyways for the sake of it. I largely neglected GS 1 as I disliked history, geography etc at school. So I did pretty little for this paper. Yet I give below some references which I more or less followed. Anyways, here starts the list: Topic How did you prepare? culture Left.Mrnual comments: Ustaad, youre awesome in your own capacity. Indian history Spectrums brief history of Modern India world history Crash course in world history by john 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 14/45 green- you tube videos, Mrunal.org. post- independence India Ram Guha, India after Gandhi. Indian society Wrote sociology questions without any reading. Answered using intuition and common sense. role of women, poverty etc. Do globalization on Indian society Do communalism, regionalism, secularism Do world geo physical Mexus videos in you tube. resource distribution Do factors for industrial location Mexus +Mrunal.org/geography earthquake tsunami etc Mexus impact on flora-fauna left General studies (Mains) paper 2 Topic How Did You Prepare? 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 15/45 Indian Constitution, devolution, dispute redressal etc. M.Laxmikants Indian Polity Granville Austins working of a democratic constitution is excellent. comparing Constitution with world Mrunal competition. parliament, state Legislatures laxmikant executive-judiciary do ministries departments left pressure group, informal asso. left Representation of peoples act Google search various bodies: Constitutional, statutory.. laxmikant NGO, SHG etc left welfare schemes, bodies Hindu, economic survey social sector, health, edu, HRD Economic survey, planning commission draft plan. governance, transparency, accountability Didnt read much e-governance Google search 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 16/45 role of civil service 2nd ARC Laxmikants Public Administration book India& neighbors Mrunal.org, Mrunal competition, hindu, Tharoors Pax Indica is excellent. bilateral/global grouping Do effect of foreign country policies on Indian interest Do diaspora Left international bodies- structure mandate Wiki. General studies (Mains) Paper 3 (Mrunal rocks here! !! ) Topic How Did You Prepare? Indian economy, resource mobilization Ramesh singh, Mrunal, draft plan, eco survey inclusive growth Draft plan, survey budgeting left major crops, irrigation Majid Hussain geography agro produce Draft plan, survey 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 17/45 storage, marketing e-technology for famers do farm subsidies, MSP do PDS, buffer, food security do technology mission do animal rearing economics left food processing Draft, survey land reforms Majid husain liberalization Ramesh singh infra Draft, survey investment models left science-tech day to day life Hindu s&t, frontline Indian achievements in sci-tech do awareness in IT, space, biotech, nano, IPR do environmental impact assessment Mrunal competition Disaster Management do non state actors, internal security do 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 18/45 internal security role of media, social networking site do cyber security do money laundering do border Management do organized crime, terrorism do security agencies- structure mandate Do. Mrunal competition really rocked in this part!! Thank you Mrunal for that. General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude For this paper, I largely relied on internet- Wikipedia, insightsonindia.com etc and also the few Mrunal articles. I also did buy a book (worth around Rs 250) brought out by JTS which was a shoddy copy paste job but had some essential concepts explained. So much for my material sources and I am leaving the following table blank as it is difficult to delineate the sources of every topic. I did not prepare any moral thinkers. ne important word of wisdom- UPSC doesnt tolerate nonsense. Answers should be rock solid and objective. When they say the content of answer matters and not its length, they really mean it! GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013 Q. in GS4 ethics papers, please give a sketchy 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 19/45 overview of your case study answers: case your approach/keypoints 1: RTI: To hide or not to hide I have filed an RTI to retrieve my evaluated answer sheets. I will send a copy to you once I have it. Mrunal comments: Youve 96 marks in ethics. We certainly look forward to see your answercopy. Thanks in advance. 2: Engineer: Bogus flyover vs deadline 3: Child Labourers in Sivakasi 4: Nepotism in Job recruitment 5: Leaking information 6: Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such crisis of conscience and how you resolved the same. Mains answer-writing? Q. How was your experience with the fixed space answer sheet? I believe that the fixed space was a boon, except the Paper-I in Mathematics optional (very less space indeed) as it provided abundant space to write our answers without bothering about messy question numbers and leaving space for unattended questions to return later. But they gave too much space for GS tempting us to write more than what was necessary. Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 20/45 paragraphs? Some players (who cleared mains and got interview call letter) were claiming that they wrote entire paper in bullet points, so it doesnt matter.whether examiner is asking examine, comment, discuss or xyz.simply write in bullets and points. I wrote in paragraphs, but that seems to have backfired given the marks obtained in GS. I attempted all the questions and that was useless as well. Probably its better to answer clearly highlighting the points only those questions which you have at least some idea. Dont just bluff or beat around the bush and give concrete answers. Q. Did you follow the introduction-body- conclusion format? because some mains- qualified candidates claim they simply wrote the points they could recall within the time, instead of bothering with proper introduction and conclusion. There was only 7 minutes and 12 seconds for a question and I dont think there will be any time to write a structured answer. I just scribbled whatever came to my mind in random order and that reflects in the (poor GS) marks too. Q. In GS papers, Since UPSC came with those 100 and 200 words questions. What was your approach in the exam (I wrote all, I only focused on the questions where I could answer perfectly, I just not to high quality points to reach the word limit etc.) 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 21/45 I attempted all the questions and when I was not confident I wrote low quality filler answer. That strategy clearly backfired as evidenced by my abysmal performance in GS. So, I think it is better to answer only those questions that one is sure of and present them systematically and in an organized fashion. Mrunal comments: Akash bhai, your previous IFoS interview also generated lot of comment-wars about this attempt everything strategy.so, I take this opportunity to point out a few things, without meaning any disrespect to any toppers or readers: 1. Sakshi (Rank 6) left ~7 questions, but she too tried to maximize attempts by making educated guesses (her words). 2. Neha (Rank 12) attempted all questions except one blunder in Tashkand agreement. (her words) 3. Roman (rank 18) wrote something in all questions. (his words) Topper GS1 GS2 GS3 GS4 Total GS 1 Gaurav 85 63 88 102 338 2 Munish 89 66 85 111 351 3 Rachit 78 71 103 142 394 6 Sakshi* 93 62 88 109 352 12 Neha* 95 73 115 117 400 18 Roman* 97 61 108 98 364 63 Akash* 58 54 86 96 294 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 22/45 *attempted almost every question in GS1 to 4. Of course one can interpret this table in many ways. But from the interviews of Sakshi, Neha and Roman, we can see they had exhaustively prepared every syllabus topic in general studies paper 1 to 4. On the other hand, you Akash bhai (on your own admission) had left certain syllabus topics in GS1 and 2 altogether while studying. (Perhaps therefore) low score in GS1 and 2 because low quality filler answers. But, observe that in GS3 and GS4, you had prepared all topics (Except moral thinker), and therefore, you have almost parallel marks with toppers above. In other words, attempt everything was a rational strategy for GS-mains, but only works well when one has prepared everything exhaustively (to make educated guesses to write decent fodder points.) Anyways, that doesnt diminish or glamorize your achievement. Youre here because of your hardwork. I just had to make this commentary because aspirants have wasted lot of time in this debate (both in Mrunal.org and in other online forums). moving to the next question: Q. How many marks worth questions did you skip/couldnt finish in the GS papers? GS (Mains paper) Couldnt finish __ mark GS1 0 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 23/45 GS2 0 GS3 0 GS4 0 Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers? No Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography) No Q7. If yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen? NA Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just make it by hand? NA Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen? Black Pen (Mrunal since readers keep mailing such queries, therefore Im asking the topper to clear all the air haha.) Mains Optional Subject Q1. First the essential book/resource list / strategy? 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 24/45 My Optional was Mathematics. There is no base book. There are as many books are there are topics. You can refer to any of them. The aim is to improve the problem solving ability and enhance the accuracy. I think its all about practice. The more, the merrier. Booklist is given in Prakash Rajpurohits blog (previous rank holder). You may go through them as I have nothing to add. Q2. How much of internet-research necessary for this optional? OR can one simply rely on the books and be done with this subject? I didnt use internet for Maths at all. Q3. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus? Roughly 4-5 months, given I am an engineering student and most topics familiar. Q4. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? In which format- electronic or paper? No notes. If you are able to solve a problem no need to keep notes of it. Q5. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2013 mains vs previous papers. And what precautions / rectifications are necessary in the future strategy for given optional subject? Paper 1 was easy in the sense they were not tricky and eminently doable but there are pitfalls if you are not careful. Provided space was insufficient. If you make a mistake you 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 25/45 screw, you stare at it helpless without any space to redo it. Paper 2 was difficult for me. I had to leave roughly 80 marks questions in it both due to my lack of tact as well as due to the appearance of unseen kind of questions. Q7.How much did you skip OR couldnt answer properly, in the optional paper? optional paper Couldnt finish __ mark. + comments on any weird questions Paper I Finished all questions. Made 30 marks worth careless mistake paper II Left 80 marks worth question. Official score Maths Paper 1 122 Maths Paper 2 106 Before the interview Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? Particularly college graduation subjects related questions? The interview sessions conducted by Kerala State Civil Services Academy was awesome and thats that. No other sources. No he lergely ignored my graduation (one stray question or so) even though the interview was largely profile based. Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes? How were they similar / 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 26/45 different than official interview? Do you believe it is necessary to attend such mock interviews? Refer above. The mock session had Mr. Roy Paul, ex member UPSC. It was a very helpful experience and the original interview was in fact very much similar. Personally, I would suggest that it is good to attend mock interviews. Q3. What did you wear? Some experts say coat is must, some say tie is must, and some say black shoes must. What attire did you pick up? I defied all such advices come what may and wore a simple full sleeve shirt and pants inserted but with black shoes. No blazers, no tie. Coats are unneeded. If it enhances your confidence go for it. If you think you are more than what you wear, no need. Whatever you wear, be neatly dressed. Q4. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friends home ) and what books/material did you bring for the revision before interview? Kerala govt provides free flight tickets, food and accommodation at Kerala House for those selected for interview. I just used this luxury. No material- read newspapers. Thats all. During the interview Q1. Who was the chairman of you interview board? Mr Chattar Singh IAS (retd) Q2. How long was the interview? 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 27/45 30 minutes. Q3. Why do you want to join civil service? Why dont you continue in your graduation field? Social service can be done from private sector too.[Since I dont know whether they ask you this question or not. But if they had asked- what will be your reply?] Nope, he didnt. I would have told about responsibility, diversity and the social status attached with it. Q4. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview. Well, any question can be asked at the interview. Since narrating ones interview would at least give a sketchy picture for future aspirants to form a broad idea of how a UPSC interview may span out, I am giving some of the questions-which I recollect now- and the answers that I gave. The level of detail would be just enough to comprehend the question and the import of my answer and not vivid enough to betray my stupidity. Chairman: Mr Akash, whats your opposite? Me: Pataal (Akash =sky, pataal= underworld) {Answered promptly}. Chairman: Very good. Despite being south Indian you immediately.blahblah. (visibly impressed, extremely happy gave, 204. Thats it, 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 28/45 nailed; I think that was the high point. It enhanced my confidence to no end.) C: reading hobby, what do you read? Me: said poetry, literature, non fiction, newspaper. (matter ended-no connected questions) C: maths optional and interest (I gave mathematics as my hobby/interest also), why students find it difficult, what to do? Me: said useless answer like you have to make students love the subject by personal attention and other crap. C: finance commission? Planning commission? Overlapping mandate, why two? Me: FC constitutional technocratic body, PC political body. Then Chair extended my answer by saying that so we need a pliable political handle and he was extremely impressed by that point and said very good again. M1 was again our friend. 1. M1: kerala, why better developed? 2. Me: said clichd and canonical answers. 3. M1: smaller states good? 4. Me: said yes and no. explained advantages and disadvantages. 5. M1: some question about NREGA (answered satisfactorily) There were connected questions which I dont 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 29/45 recollect in sequential order. This member was also very happy with my answers. Next came the villain. M3 a history wallah. 1. M2: Some crap about Zamorin, Vasco da Gama, and latters visit to Kerala. (I drew a blank) 2. M2: Its deplorable that an ambitious young man knows so little about his own place. (Adverse comment. Heart pumps faster! But Chattar still happy, so I was happy!) 3. M2:what is petro dollars? (I bluffed) 4. M2: You are guessing man, I will ask another question. 5. M2: what is privy purse? Significance of Kerala in foreign contribution? Jingoism? 6. Answered kind of OK. 7. M2: where is Mairai (I had no idea) So this guy slightly screwed me but Chattar fortunately holds pen and paper! M3 was a skeptical frenchie who always looked quizzical and unsatisfied. He looks like the stereotypical psychiatrist in movies! 1. M3: technological growth in 30s what spurred them? 2. Me: Said world war, consumerism, desire for better life, globalization etc. ( He looked sceptical) 3. M3:Treasures at Padmanabha swamy temple, what to do? Since connected with religion, wont reveal my answer. M3 still looked skeptical and suspicious. 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 30/45 Chattar Singh: Whats important about 1905 in physics (I am B-Tech in Engineering Physics) Me: Einsteins paper- Brownian, special relativity. Chattar: Thank You Akash. Thank You Sir, Sirs. Exit. So the board (mine had only 4 members as 1 left before mine due to personal reasons) was very cordial and friendly and there are a few words of wisdom: 1. Interview is unpredictable and clearly some luck is involved. But your attire is irrelevant as long as you are neatly dressed. 2. They may be looking for some key words and specific points in your answers and they will reward you plentifully if they get it from your mouth. 3. Placate the Chairman. Only he has the pen and paper. Its 275 marks of pure whimsy. Make him happy. Dont argue with him, but take his questions very seriously. Even if some members arent happy about you, still doesnt matter. Q5. Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or did they ask you totally unexpected questions? Was it a stress interview, did they ask any uncomfortable questions? If yes, how did you handle it? The interview was largely background (Kerala) based and there was nothing unexpected. Perhaps those questions on Kerala history 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 31/45 completely caught me off guard. Q6. Any side details about technicalities like make sure you bring xyz document or do xyz thing, or youll face problem? Just read the call letter send by UPSC and make sure you bring all necessary docs to the interview. You can be screwed if you dont! Q7. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup? If you have flat foot, try to bend your sole to pretend that your feet arent flat. I have flat foot and was caught in IFoS 2013 (later cleared after lot of trouble, reexamination and pestering) medical test because I was unaware. In CSE medicals I took extra care and fooled that doctor in RML by artificially twisting my leg when he asked me to lift my sagging trousers a bit to see my foot. Anyway its a problem only for IPS and other technical services and not for IAS. So even if some of you complain this to authorities I am not gonna be affected! CSE-2013 Marksheet Essay 125 GS1 58 GS2 54 GS3 86 GS4 96 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 32/45 Maths Paper 1 122 Maths Paper 2 106 Written Total 647 Interview 204 Final total 851 Rank 63 Career Backup Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan? No backup plan considered -a fight to finish was envisaged. With a reasonable record behind me, I was sure that if I keep on writing I would succeed today or tomorrow. Q2. when were you going to execute that backup plan? (e.g. after __ failed attempts/after I cross __ age/after dad retires/ etc.) I know that I could clear at least some UPSC or bank tests within a couple of years. Mrunal comments: besides you already got selected in Indian Forest service also. Views on UPSC reforms What are your views on following issues? Q. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present stalemate is helping no- one, except coaching-owners, book publishers 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 33/45 and the candidate whose optional subject gets favorable treatment under given years scaling formula. May be optional can be retained but the UPSC should stop the policy of selective butchering of arbitrarily selected optional each year. The scaling policy should be transparent, uniform, reasonable and scientific and should be declared beforehand. Q. Despite what UPSC has done in recent years, it has failed to curb the nuisance of Delhis coaching factories. In fact its increased under the new syllabus in 2013. Lets face it, most toppers have fully or partially relied on (authentic OR Xeroxed) coaching notes because there was hardly any time left to prepare so many topics in such short time. This system work against an individual preparing from far-away area, without any financial resources, high-speed internet or contacts in Delhi. I didnt have any Xeroxed material from Delhi both because of accessibility and affordability issues. There seems to be no way to curb the menace of coaching factories unless some special tax is imposed on them or all forms of coaching are banned outright, which is stupid! Q. Half-merger of IFoS with CSE is a bad move because it has raised the cutoffs for players whore solely dedicated to IFoS only (and not to IAS/IPS).Adding salt to the wounds, many who had applied for both jobs, cleared the prelims- they did not even bother to appear in all the papers of Mains-IFoS. (RTI revealed this). 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 34/45 It was unfair on UPSCs part to do that. There should be separate prelims for IFoS so that this random ticking of both boxes doesnt take place. Most importantly, if any changes are sought to be implemented, the UPSC should notify them much in advance and give the aspirants sufficient time, may be a year-and-a-half or so, to adapt themselves to the changes so as to be fair on them. Q. UPSC should disclose official prelim answerkey and cutoffs, immediately after prelim is over, instead of postponing it till interview phase is over. Though the UPSCs reasoning that it would affect the examination procedure is patently specious, I think it isnt urgent and can wait. Q. UPSC should be conducted online like IBPS and CAT exam to shorten the duration of exam. Yup definitely, UPSC prelims should be made online that will save a couple of months. In the whole the 15 month process should be squeezed to 7-8 months so that the candidates are not mentally tortured and kept in suspense and anticipation for a prolonged period. Q. If you are made the UPSC chairman, what other reforms would you initiate for the civil service exam? I do have some ideas but most of them are unpopular and I will be torn down by the blogosphere if I actually state them here! 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 35/45 But I would prescribe guidelines for evaluation in interview and mains to reduce the arbitrariness and conduct multiple interviews and take the average or some sort of that. In the whole, the process would be more systemized and whimsies reduced. Insecurity about profile Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about profile insecurity. Im not from a big college, Im not from English medium, and I dont have work- experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview about this? What is your message to these candidates? I am not well placed to guide aspirants who are not situated as given in the question. But, regarding work experience, I think they dont matter. Ive even heard rumors/conspiracy theories suggesting that UPSC secretly favors candidates who are young, unmarried, fresh graduates and without working experience. But Ive heard nothing that indicates otherwise. Doyens of the personality test suggest that ones background doesnt matter as much as his personal presentation before the board. Wisdom Q. Through this struggle and success, what have your learned? What is the wisdom of life and competition? What is your message to the new aspirants? 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 36/45 UPSC is unpredictable and unrepentant. Be prepared for all exigencies. Try your level best and all the best. Focus on your goals and ignore the existence/hype of any undue competition. Do ones work judiciously and diligently. Dont get bogged down by peers, parents, failures, society etc. (which is easier said than done!). Also remember, as Mrunal says, life is greater than all transient success or failures and bigger than all competitive exams, which are indeed, only a part of life and not the other way around. Life is the mother of all exams and not CSE! Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of CSE-2013. Theyre feeling dejected- what is your message to them? It is known that hard work or raw talent by themselves may not be enough for one to succeed. Sometimes sheer luck may also play a major role. I have seen many of my friends, wholly deserving gentlemen, unable to be in the list because of the whimsical tyranny of some UPSC board members who screwed them unreasonably in interview by giving them absurdly low score. The same thing happens in Mains in Essay paper which is no less arbitrary. And many have in fact gotten into IAS after having failed in their first few attempts. Analyze your situation dispassionately, take advice from elders, and take a considered decision about what to do in life- to continue or to take an alternative career- giving due importance to pragmatism rather than 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 37/45 idealism or childhood dreams. Credit: Friends/family Q. Behind every topper are many people who stood by during those uncertain times when he/she was merely an aspirant. Would you like to tell the world, who were those people in your case? Any specific incidence that you would like to share with the readers? I should be eternally indebted to my parents, who despite being well educated and aware, did not shove their personal ambitions and individual opinions down my throat and gave me full leeway to make any choices in academic matters. They trusted me completely, and did not try to influence my thinking when it came to my studies and career choice. So I suffered no insecurities, psychological stress (due to parental pressure- I was stressed due to other extraneous factors) etc and they were infinitely and uncritically co- operative in whatever endeavor I pursued. Also my friends have played a major role in motivating and assisting me in the journey so far. BOGUS Marketing Propaganda Q. You are well aware of the sacred rule the last question must be about self-marketing. So, Did you use Mrunal.org for your preparation and if yes, how did it help you? And you can even reply No. Ill still publish your answer without tempering, unlike those competitive magazines. I am indeed indebted to Mrunal for the 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 38/45 conceptual clarity and solid understanding of the basics that he gave me in economics, ecology and international relations- a sizeable chunk of GS portion. And after the enlarged version of GS came out, Mrunal was my major hope. Its due to Mrunal competition articles alone that I got at least 86 in GS3. If I am an IAS officer today, a substantial chunk of credit goes to Mrunal. Also it is my reference of first resort whenever I decide to mine data from the web. In addition to the valuable information that he so generously lavish, the keen wit, candid and prescient insights as well as the kind words of empathy and warmth showered by Mrunal makes this site an ideal place to visit for a UPSC aspirant- more so, for the beginners- for informational and emotional security. P.S 1- I am a great admirer of the Mrunalian take on coaching factories of Delhi! :-) P.S 2- I think almost all the toppers refer to your site but some maybe too hypocritical to openly admit it. So whether they say or not, you are indeed rendering a yeoman service to every batch of civils aspirants. Kudos to that! To sum up, You are simply awesome. Kindly keep the good work. Mrunal comments: honored with these compliments. I also thank the folks who participated in write2win competition and indirectly helped in success of this topper. Thank a lot Mr.Akash P. for sharing your journey with us. We wish you the best for the service and cadre 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 39/45 QSubscribe by Email || / _ Print || PDF This Post (Need Chrome Browser) MRUNAL S RECOMMENDED BOOKLIST allocation ahead. Previously in this category [CAPF Lady Topper] Usha Kiran Rank 295: Kendriya Vidhaylaya, B.Sc Chemistry, Gurgaon [CAPF Lady Topper] Tanu Shree Pareek Rank 194: B.Tech, Bikaner, NCC certificate [CAPF Topper] Varinder Kataria Rank 94: B. Tech Computer, Ethical Hacking, Baba Farid, Punjab [CAPF Topper] Hemant Sharma Rank 118: B.Sc Biotech, Working in Oriental Insurance, Himachal [CAPF Topper] Ashutosh Tiwari Rank 214: B.Tech Lucknow 4UPSC Ci vil Servi ce 4SSC CGL: Staff selecti on 4IBPS Bank Exams 4CDS: Defense Services 4CAT/IIM MBA Entrance 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 40/45 Tags: optional-mathematics Topper-CSE-2013 34 saurav 24/06/2014 at 15:05 Reply sir, there is only 3 mnths left after prelims for the mains. can we prepare optional and gs in that time ? Navin 24/06/2014 at 15:20 Reply congrats ! priyanka 24/06/2014 at 15:26 Reply I got stuck at procedure is patently specioussuch rocking use of words Akshay Surendra 24/06/2014 at 22:33 Reply I was floored too! @Akash: Heartening to know your loquaciousness wasnt a barrier during the interview! Congrats! Ak 24/06/2014 at 16:00 Reply Congratulation Akash Bajrangi 24/06/2014 at 16:13 Reply HI Mrunal, Is there any one among toppers with Physics as a optional subject. Please publish his/her interview..I am planing to make my first attempt with physics for this year mainsif get through prelims kaushik sarkar 24/06/2014 at 23:55 Reply Go to this link http://abhijeetagrawal.blogspot.in bhaalu 25/06/2014 at 17:26 http://rishavgupta.wordpress.com/ 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 41/45 Reply he has shared his physics notes too! Nicole 24/06/2014 at 16:34 Reply i hope i cn speak english as good as u smeday :) and a hearty Congratulations on securing a rank in top 100 ..truely inspiring :) ABCD 24/06/2014 at 18:20 Reply Mone akashe , kalakki macha All the best bro for your IAS journey .. Hope we meet in distant future sajjad hussain m 24/06/2014 at 20:41 Reply AKASH BHAI.congrats.a lot THANKS FOR HUMBLE AND SIMPLE EXPERIENCE SHARING great achievement.u done the dreams of many KERALITES AND INDIANS.PROUD OF U and i am a Keralite who silently watching U SINCE UR ifos INTERVIEW IN THIS OUR OWN [AAM AADMI KA MRUNAL.ORG] SITE subakumaran 24/06/2014 at 20:28 Reply Congrats bro .. another maths optional aspirant .!!!!!!!!! does mexus video and iken edu both the same ?????? Naveen Shekhar 24/06/2014 at 20:59 Reply Congrats,sir! IFoS pre cut-off was certainly higher,but what was it? Please tell. Naveen Shekhar 26/06/2014 at 19:14 Reply Its official now. IFoS pre 2013 cutoff was 267 for general n 249 for OBCgo to d upsc site vaishali 24/06/2014 at 21:16 Reply sir, plz publish hindi medium toppers interview 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 42/45 sunny 24/06/2014 at 21:16 Reply SUGGESTED REFORMS .NO OF CHANCES SHOULD BE REDUCED TO 3 FOR ALL-AGE SHOULD BE 24 IN UPPER LIMIT,CSAT PAPER 2 WOULD BE THE DECIDING FACTOR IN PRELIMS.MINIMUM MARK SHOULD BE 150.IN NO WAY A CANDIDATE AGED ABOVE 25 SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO APPEAR IN CSE. rashmi 24/06/2014 at 22:15 Reply Congrts sir i m IFS aspirant i always got mark in B.Tech average marks around 55 to 65 Can u tell me mathematics is right optional in forest service ? nd how much time recquired to cover all syllabus i nitin 24/06/2014 at 23:40 Reply Congrats buddy, .One request.There were many articles which were repeated in Mrunals competition, can u please tell or send us only good ones. pls tell to mrunal, He may post separately. Kumar 25/06/2014 at 00:46 Reply Congrats bro. Your interview after IFoS success was exceptional. Completely accept your viewpoints. I too follow the same principle of attempting all the questions and have cleared Prelims twice. All the best :) guptak 25/06/2014 at 02:20 Reply congratulations meek 25/06/2014 at 07:33 Reply space given in mains answersheet for writing answerit is blank space or ruled space? ..because some people are comfortable in writing in blank space while others with rule line Sandeep 03/07/2014 at 22:26 Blank :) 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 43/45 Reply ankitra 25/06/2014 at 14:42 Reply Ive even heard rumors/conspiracy theories suggesting that UPSC secretly favors candidates who are young, unmarried, fresh graduates and without working experience. But Ive heard nothing that indicates otherwise. Sandeep 03/07/2014 at 22:26 Reply Nothing like that. Gaurav Agarwal.. 29 yrs, not a newly passed out, 3 year working experience and married. AIR: 1.. Conspiracy theories all around :D ankitra 25/06/2014 at 14:44 Reply the above comment corroborating the presence of a prejudiced eye in upsc vishal kumar 25/06/2014 at 16:14 Reply thanks sirs. Dipakkumar 25/06/2014 at 21:23 Reply HI Mrunal, Is there any one among toppers with Electrical Engineering as a optional subject. Please publish his/her interview..I have planned but still confuse plz do the needful sumit 26/06/2014 at 11:09 Reply real life size photos on the main page are an eyesore Gopinath 26/06/2014 at 15:29 Reply @Mr.Akash . You are extrovert to the core( revealed ur problem in foot, )which may affect ur 2.5 years of arduous preparation. Hats of bro. For this character God blessed u with IAS. Abi 26/06/2014 at 16:34 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 44/45 Reply Congrats Akash sandeep 03/07/2014 at 14:16 Reply hello friends,, I am also taking mathematics as an optional can i do msc( math) ignou with ias preparation with maths as optional with extra study??? thanks in advance Sandeep 03/07/2014 at 22:28 Reply Congrats Akash.. A deserving victory indeed.. Really inspirational.. :) nish 08/07/2014 at 14:53 Reply What an arrogant guy..abhi se dhoka dene wali tricks using..desh ka kya haal hoga. Rajesh P 24/07/2014 at 00:06 Reply HI Mrunal, Is there any one among toppers with Agriculture as an optional subject. Please publish his/her interview. ! Your Good Name ( ?) Email ID () Your message? ? Post Comment Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. 2/8/2014 [Topper' s Interview] Akash (CSE-2013/AIR-63) First Attempt, 297 in prelims, IFoS ranker, maths optional, IIT Madras from Kerala - Mrunal http://mrunal.org/2014/06/toppers-interview-akash-cse-2013air-63-first-attempt-297-prelims-ifos-ranker-maths-optional-iit-madras-kerala.html 45/45 ~ The work of Mrunal is under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial- ShareAlike 4.0 License.Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at Mrunal.org/contact. Q Q w Economy Current Articles Studyplans Download Toppers Forum Q