UPSC Interview 2014 by Rachna (D. K. Dewan Board)
Name: Rachna
Attempt: First
Qualification: BE, MS (Environmental Engineering)
From: Delhi
I reached UPSC by Noon as I had to submit the attestation form copies at the DoPT in the North Block. This was the first time I was so close to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Glancing at it from India Gate doesn’t come anywhere close to the feeling I got while being there. It sort of motivated me to do my best in the interview. After submitting the attestation form, I reached Dholpur House and entered after showing my call letter. The cell phone was collected in the reception area itself.
I was assigned to table XXII. There were seven groups of six interviewees each. I was the last person to be interviewed by the panel our group was assigned to. The first two members of the group had relatively shorter interviews, the third alright, the fourth seemed to go longer than the others (although it might also seem so because of the long time we had been there by then) and by the time the penultimate person was inside, I could hardly comprehend my surroundings or time. I was waiting for about seven eight minutes outside the room where interviews were being conducted. By this time my hunger pangs had started (I hadn’t had any lunch) and I was afraid of becoming the irritating self that I do if I don’t get food on time. Just then, I was told to enter. I asked the fellow sitting outside what the time was then. At 5:00 PM, the ordeal began!
There were four panel members (M1, M2, M3, M4) in addition to the chairman (C). there was no female member.
Chairman- What does your husband do?
Me- He has just completed his MBA and will now be working with ABC Company as a
XYZ Manager.
Chairman- Why different paths? Wouldn’t it be difficult?
Me-
Sir, I have worked in various different forms of organizations (including a
private consulting firm, a start up, a Central Govt. University and a Maharatna
PSU)
Chairman- yes, I can see that on your form
Me-
Out of these, I have come to realize that my skills, temperament and attitude
are more suited to working in a Govt. job.
Chairman- but wouldn’t that mean that you would have to live apart.
Me-
Sir, we have already been staying in different states owing to our respective
careers and have handled that to our satisfaction.
Chairman- It is easy in young age lady, it gets tougher as you move up,
especially when you start a family.
Me-
(Thinking where is this headed and smiling broadly) I shall keep that in mind,
sir.
Chairman- Do you know about Crimea?
Me-
Yes sir, Crimea, which was a part of Ukraine, has recently been annexed by
Russia.
Chairman- Why is EU interfering in Russia’s annexation of Crimea?
Me-
Sir, they are worried about possible expansionist tendency of Russia, especially
owing to Russian troops being present at Moldova, Transdniestria.