- Candidate profile
- Education
- Introduction
- Electronic Vs Paper material
- Tempo and style
- Prelims (CSAT) General studies
- Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude
- prelim accuracy
- Mains: Compulsory language paper
- Mains: Essay
- General Studies (Mains) paper 1
- General studies (Mains) paper 2
- General studies (Mains) Paper 3
- General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude
- GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013
- Mains answer-writing?
- PHILOSOPHY OPTIONAL Subjects
- Before the interview
- During the interview
- CSE-2013 Marksheet
- Career Backup
- Insecurity about profile
- Wisdom
- Credit: Friends/family
- Marketing Propaganda
Candidate profile
Name | Dinesh Bishnoi |
Rank in CSE-2013 | 481 |
Roll No. | 145035 |
Age | 21 |
Total attempts in CSE | 1 |
Optional Subject | philosophy |
Medium chosen for Mains answers | English |
Schooling medium | English |
College medium | English |
Home town/city | Bikaner, Rajasthan. |
Work-experience if any | no |
Details of other competitive exams, including success/failures | IBPS 2013. OBC Rank 13. (52.20 marks). Bank of Baroda allotted. |
Details of coaching, mock tests, postal material for any competitive exam (if used) | Patanjali for philosophy and for interview dharmendra sir and sri Narayana chaitanya |
Education
% in class 10 | 90 |
% in class 12 | 85 |
Schooling (Medium) | English |
Graduation course and % | B.tech in ece |
Name of college, city, passing out year | ECB,BIKANER,2012 |
Post-graduation | NO |
Any other professional courses | NO |
Hobbies & Extra curricular | WATCHING 20-20 CRICKET AND PLAYING BADMINTON. |
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 middle class family from a small town bikaner.my whole education was completed in bikaner itself. From childhood I always loved the job of IPS and therefore cse was my natural preference.it was after graduation that I started serious preparation.
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?
- I relied on websites such as mrunal.org, pib, ias forum which provide concise material. even Wikipedia was also referred.
- I mainly used standard text books and 3 newspapers hindu,toi,ie+yojana.
- I used to study for 10 hours .i always devoted 2 hours to newspaper daily and 2 hours for revision daily.
- i made notes on daily basis from newspaper and kept few cuttings which were very important.i always practiced answer writing for 1 hour daily.
Tempo and style
Q. On an average, how many hours do you study? How do you keep study momentum going on? How do you fight against the mood swings?
10 hours. I kept momentum by watching movies on weekend and old songs. I talked with my friends whenever I felt bored.my friends Shakti,Uday,Lalji ,Vinay,Basant helped me.
Prelims (CSAT) General studies
Topic | strategy/booklist/comment |
History Ancient | NCERT |
History Medieval | NCERT |
History Modern (Freedom Struggle) | BIPAN CHANDRA |
Culture society | INSIGHT NOTES |
Polity (theory + current) | NEWSPAPER+ LAXMIKANT |
Economy (theory + current) | MRUNAL+SHRIRAM NOTES |
Science (theory + current) | MRUNAL+NCERT+HINDU |
Environment (theory + current) | SHANKAR IAS NOTES |
geography physical | NCERT |
geography India | NCERT |
geography world | NCERT |
other national/international current affairs | P.D. + YOJANA + PIB |
Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff | MRUNAL+ PIB+ I.Y.B. |
Any observation / comments / tips about GS prelims.
Prelims (CSAT) Aptitude
Topic | strategy / booklist |
Maths | R.S.AGGARWAL |
reasoning | R.S.AGGARWAL |
comprehension | C.L. TEST PAPERS |
Decision Making | C.L. TEST PAPERS |
Practice as many test papers as possible.
prelim accuracy
Q1. Did you attend any âmock testsâ? do you think theyâre necessary for success?
No.
Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in CSAT-2013
attempted | correct | |
GS | 76 | 63 |
aptitude | 77 | 71 |
Q3. Your score in prelim (when UPSC uploads it please mail me your score)
Mains: Compulsory language paper
Q1. Please fill this table
Compulsory language paper | Your preparation strategy / booklist? |
English paper | Old papers |
your regional language | Hindi (Old papers) |
Q2.other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory language papers in CSE-2013
It was tougher than earlier years so I advice those who r weak in English should practice for a month atleast.
Mains: Essay
Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?
No special prep. I relied on current affairs plus my optional.       Â
Q2. Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in it?
I wrote about âScience and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.â
S&t.essay should reflect ones complete awareness about the topic.i introduced with a contemporary introduction that science and technology is essential for inclusive growth.then made subheadings such as role in defence,agri,rural dev etc.then security aspects such as terrorism ,border related problems ,cyber security,disaster management.then s n tech as double edge sword such as e waste,digital divide,n other health hazards n ethical aspects such as patent issue. finally wrote we need to use sustainable technologies for development and security such as nisarga runa. balance between science and ethics is needed for greater glory of nation.
General Studies (Mains) paper 1
Topic | How did you prepare?** |
culture | Insight Academy notes |
Indian history | Ncerts + insight academy notes |
world history | Insight + synergy + ncert |
post-independence India | Didnât prepared therefore suffered |
Indian society | Ram Ahuja |
role of women, poverty etc. | Newspaper and internet |
globalization on Indian society | Internet |
communalism, regionalism, secularism | Internet |
world geo physical | Ncert |
resource distribution | Mrunal+internet+shriram notes |
factors for industrial location | Vajiram notes |
earthquake tsunami etc | Ncert |
impact on flora-fauna | Internet+current affairs |
General studies (Mains) paper 2
Topic | How Did You Prepare? |
Indian Constitution, devolution, dispute redressal etc. | Laxmikant |
comparing Constitution with world | Internet WIKIPEDIA mainly with uk,us,japan |
parliament, state Legislatures | Laxmikant |
executive-judiciary | Laxmikant |
ministries departments | Internet (all govt ministries website) |
pressure group, informal asso. | Yojana(old versions) |
Representation of peopleâs act | Vision IAS notes |
various bodies: Constitutional, statutory.. | Laxmikant |
NGO, SHG etc | Yojana |
welfare schemes, bodies | Internet+newspaper(HINDU + TOI) |
social sector, health, edu, HRD | 12 five year plan |
governance, transparency, accountability | Vision IAS notes |
e-governance | ARC report |
role of civil service | Newspaper+common sense |
India & neighbors | Rajeev sikri |
bilateral/global grouping | Newspaper+spectrum book |
effect of foreign country policies on Indian interest | Newspaper and any good coaching notes |
diaspora | Vajiram+mrunal |
intl.bodies- structure mandate | Spectrum |
General studies (Mains) Paper 3
Topic | How Did You Prepare? |
Indian economy, resource mobilization | Shriram notes |
inclusive growth | Shriram notes |
budgeting | Shriram notes |
major crops, irrigation | Shriram notes |
agro produce â storage, marketing | Shriram notes |
e-technology for famers | Shriram notes |
farm subsidies, MSP | Shriram notes |
PDS, buffer, food security | Shriram notes |
technology mission | Shriram notes |
animal rearing economics | Shriram notes |
food processing | Shriram notes |
land reforms | 12th FYP |
liberalization | Internet+common sense |
infra | 12th FYP |
investment models | Vajiram notes |
science-tech day to day life | Hindu+TOI+NCERT |
Indian achievements in sci-tech | Internet especially those terms which were in newspaper in hindu+Wikipedia main achievements of nobel prize winner of last 5 years. |
awareness in IT, space, biotech, nano, IPR | Hindu+shriram science notes |
environmental impact assessment | Internet,website of moef |
Disaster Management | Govt. website |
non state actors, internal security | Internet(only took main points from different websites) |
internal security â role of media, social networking site | Internet+newspaper+common sense |
cyber security | Internet,very imp all aspects done in very comprehensive way.phishing,pharming,spamming.n denial of service attack done each n everything very well n took help of newspaper. |
money laundering | Internet(times of india there were repeated articles about hawala)so use newspaper very effectively I would suggest 3 newspapers |
border Management | Internet,simple topic use knowledge of international relations |
organized crime, terrorism | Internet+arc where terrorism is dealt in detail. |
security agencies- structure mandate | Internet very well given at wikipedia |
General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitude
Topic | How Did You Prepare? |
ethics and interface, family, society and all the hathodaa topics | Patanjali notes+synergy |
attitude, moral influence etc. | Patanjali notes |
civil service: integrity, impartiality, tolerance to weak etc | Patanjali notes |
emotional intelligence, its use in governance | Patanjali notes+synergy |
moral thinkers of India and world | Patanjali notes |
ethics in pub.ad, accountability, laws, rules etc. | Patanjali notes |
corporate governance | Patanjali notes+Ramesh arora |
probity in governance, work culture | Patanjali notes+Ramesh arora |
citizen charter, ethics code, work culture etc. | Patanjali notes |
challenges of corruption | Patanjali notes |
case studies on above topics | From chronicle magazine |
Any other comments, word of wisdom after going through the mains-2013.
GS4 Ethics case study answers in Mains 2013
Q. Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such crisis of conscience and how you resolved the same.
Such incident happened during my class 10.when one of my friend was cheating from my copy sitting behind me but since it was unethical I thought of complaining to the teacher.but since he was my best friend I thought it may hamper my friendship with him. but later on I decided not to show my answer though I didnât complained to teacher. after exam he was very unhappy with me but I explained him that we must achieve success through hard work n not through unethical ways. today our roll no are near but in future some one different will sit in front of you n he will not help you. here there was crisis of conscience because I m honest n such act was against my principles. also here wrong doer was my friend.so ethics vs friendship.but I took middle path n resolved the problem through explaining him. Today he is also in the final list of upsc 2013 result. he complimented me yesterday because had I helped him that day he would not have work hard in his life.
Case study | my approach/ keypoints |
1: RTI: To hide or not to hide | Followed practical approach and supported that as an administrator we must reveal info. With full transparency |
2: Engineer: Bogus flyover vs deadline | We must show sensitivity towards common people and we must stand against unethical activities of seniors |
3: Child Labourers in Sivakasi | explained legal aspects + said that there is need to take help of media ,CSO and common people in eradicating Child Labour and there must be a proper monitoring system |
4: Nepotism in Job recruitment | Supported ethical aspects. Merit should be given importance in appointment |
5: Leaking information | Organizational ethics must be followed |
Overall, my answer format was
- First view the case study from ethical view and then give practical answers which are feasible.
- Donât be too much idealistic.
- Use knowledge of day to day life, general studies and combine them with points from organizational ethics, code of conduct, code of ethics.
- Also, give legal aspects such as what are laws there to solve problem and how to make them more effective.
Mains answer-writing?
Q1. How was your experience with the âfixed spaceâ answer sheet?
I think it is good stuff and help one to write precise. But I wrongly interpreted the more space given as criteria of200 words n wrote answers in more than 250 words.
Q2. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs? Some players (who cleared mains and got interview call letter) were claiming that they wrote entire paper in bullet points, so it doesnât matterâŚ.whether examiner is asking âexamine, comment, discuss or xyzââŚ.simply write in bullets and points.
- It depends on question. Never follow one-size-fit-for-all approach
- But, I think it was my mistake was not to write in points. this was biggest problem because paragraphs take more words to explain.
- So always write in pointâs because it facilitates examiner.
Q3. 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.) Because the UPSC aspirant Community is divided over what counts as a âgoodâ paper. Some experts claim you should attempt all- even if it involves âmaking upâ an answer with filler lines, some claim attempt only those questions you know perfectly. Where do you stand on this? [Based on your experience and of your seniors/buddies]
- I made a mistake here attempted questions which I donât know also.. UPSC emphasize on quality. âJust as power flow from barrel of gun, marks flow from quality of answerâ. Questions like tax expenditure where I had no idea I just filled up few lines hoping teacher will reward something.
- Main mistake was India after independence and because of it I missed 30 marks.
- I attempted many questions which I didnât knew example FRP material waala, this creates negative impression.so only attempt what you know else it may irritate teacher.
- Another mistake was not to read ARC reports completely for GS paper 2.
- I realized mistake of not reading questions properly. Ex I wrote about green energy corridor but didnât wrote how it will eliminate problem of conventional energy. That is problem of power deficit, coal import, and rural electrification n off course energy security.
- So please study questions properly you can make answers within seconds but use common sense here no coaching or HINDU,TOI nothing will help.
- SO NEVER ATTEMPT QUESTION IF you HAVE NO IDEA.
- Marking is rational n they will award marks only on basis of content myself got selected despite not attempting 14-15 questions in GS.
Q4. How many marks worth questions did you skip/couldnât finish in the GS papers?
About 150 marks worth question left unattended.
Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers?
NO
Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography)
Yes whenever possible especially geography temperature inversion.
Q7. if yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen?
Pen
Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just make it by hand?
By hand
Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen?
Blue pen ofcourse
(Mrunal â since readers keep mailing such queries, therefore Iâm asking the topper to clear all the air haha.)
PHILOSOPHY OPTIONAL Subjects
My optional was Philosophy and I followed Patanjali class notes and following books:
- Indian Philosophy. â Dutta and chatterjee
- Western Ph.- Y. Masih
- Religious â Hick and Y. Masih
- Socio political- Internet + O.P.Gauba
Please solve papers in stipulated time of last 3 years.FIRST prepare basics from dutta n Chatterjee then move to cd sharma for enriching your answers.for contemporary western philosophy use Stanford website to complete all the topics which are not easily found . for religious use knowledge of paper1 and write answers of 15 year old questions.plz use current affairs for socio political philosophy,use hindu editorials on various topics of socio political philosophy.for women and other topics go to united nations website. Key for optional is answer writing practice. Atleast write 100 answers before giving mains. If you ask for coaching, Patanjaliâs Dharmendra sir is best.
Before the interview
Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? Particularly college graduation subjects related questions?
Focused on current Affairs + home state + optional
Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes? how were they similar / different than official interview? do you believe it is necessary to attend mock interviews?
Vajiram + Shri Narayana chaitnya⌠Chaitanya was very good and helpful and Vajiram was not helpful in anyway . Guidance of Dharmendra sir helped me
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?
Simple pant shirt and tie and nothing is necessary but tie is a symbol of elegance
Q4. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friendâs home âŚ) and what books/material did you bring for the ârevision before interviewâ?
Hotel. My prepared notes for interview + took two classes at patanjali
During the interview
Q1. Who was the chairman of you interview board?
Madam Alka Sirohi
Q2. How long was the interview?
20 min
Q. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply? (earlier some toppers only tell me their question but not their answer. I would appreciate if you give both Question + your original answers)
Q1. Why do you want to join IPS?
Passion+dedication+law and order imp for peace n dev of society.childhood dream of mine n I frankly told this.we must always be honest during interview n should tell our original thoughts.
Q2. What is stealth tech.?
Technology through which aircrafts are difficult to target or trace.uses combination of tech n very essential for nations defence.
Q3. What is difference between tree and plant?
You can plant a plant but not tree.trees are part of plant therefore all trees are plant but not viceversa.all the trees are autotrophic but plants may be heterotrophic.
Q4. What is logical positivism?
Lp is a form of empiricism supported by moritz schilik.it emphasis on elimination of metaphysics and make philosophy free from speculations.
Q5. Role of philosophy in administration?
Philosophy makes one empathetic towards common people.in philosophy we have to follow rational,critical approach which helps in administration. Religious philosophy teaches us all religion are equal therefore it helps a administrator to tackle problem of caste discrimination. Moreover shankar says each jiva is part of ultimate reality brahma, therefore it makes one open minded towards every section of society.
Q6. Syria issue?
Democratic movement against autocracy of bashar al assad.people donât have political freedom,economic freedom,n basic human rights.but because of terrorist groups such as al-nusra,aqim movement became more violent.it is also part of larger shia sunni conflict.
Q7. Bhagwati sen model?
SEN MODEL EMPHASIS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE BUT BHAAGWATI MODEL.I DONNO.
Q8. Arabless spring?
It means the whole episode going in arab nations is projected by west nations n usa.it is more a fabricated spring sponsored by and helped by outside nations like usa. therefore it has been said arab-less spring.
Q9. Situation in Middle East?
I narrated the events happening in various Arab countries during the recent times.
Q10. Indian foreign policy and problem with neighbours?
Problem mainly domestic issues such as west bengal,Tamilnadu which hinderes faster resolution of matter with neighbours such as srilanka,bangladesh .ex teesta water issue ,tamil issue.so our foreign policy must be pragmatic+rational n emphasis on connectivity with neighbours.
After the interview
Q. 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? If yes, how did you handle it?
Yes. It was not a stressed interview. Board was cordial.
Q. Any side details about technicalities like âmake sure you bring xyz document, or youâll face problemâ?
No
Q. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup?
It was a routine procedure and nothing to worry
CSE-2013 Marksheet
Essay | 92 |
GS1 | 80 |
GS2 | 76 |
GS3 | 84 |
GS4 | 84 |
Philosophy Paper 1 | 118 |
Philosophy Paper 2 | 92 |
Written Total | 626 |
Interview | 165 |
Final total | 791 |
Career Backup
Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
BANKING SECTOR.
Q2. when were you going to âexecuteâ that backup plan?
AFTER SECOND ATTEMPT.
Insecurity about profile
Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about âprofile insecurityâ. Iâm not from a big college, Iâm not from English medium, and I donât have work-experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview about this? Did you suffer from such insecurities? What is your message to these candidates?
What matters is hard work and dedication. I m from a small college too and from small city and if I can do in first attempt,every one can do it. board generally do not ask such questions which make you uncomfortable,boards are mostly coordial and honestly evaluates candidate on what you speak at that moment.
Wisdom
Q. Through this journey and success, what have your learned? What is the wisdom of life and competition?
Life is all about hard work and fighting against odd conditions. Luck matters a lot in competition but donât be disheartened by this. There is a case of my friend who got mere 60 marks in interview once but later on he became a IAS.
Q. What is your message to the future aspirants?
Just focus on your dreams and give your all into it. Competitions are meant for those who do not get bogged down by failures. I myself, will not get IPS this time but next year i will give my all to fulfill my dream.
Credit: Friends/family
My parents and my friends Shakti, Navneet ,Uday,Lalji,Mahi, Sitaram,Shri And Of Course My Sir Dharmendra Of Patanjali Institute.it was Shakti who always believed that I will get through .though I was little afraid because my interview didnât went well but Shakti And Uday always motivated me.
Marketing Propaganda
Q. You are well aware for the sacred rule of conducting toppersâ interview- 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 âNoâ. Iâll publish your answer without tempering/editing it.
Yes mrunal.org for economy section and current affairs. Mrunal teaches a topic in such a way that even first timers can easily understand the most difficult topics.
Mrunal: Thank you Mr. Bishnoi, particularly for sharing your preparation methods, mains answer writing experience and case studies. This will be of good help to future aspirants. We wish you the best for your service allocation. Keep in touch.
heloo dinesh sir.!!
dnt u have ur own website or perosnal.email address..as i want a complete guidance on philosophy..
have to start with it as soon as i can .. i hope u can understand.. hv to start with the base and have so many quetstions.. kindly reply asap
my email id-db2929bishnoi@gmail.com
hai sir iam bhanu iam studying 10th class my aim is to prepare IAS so what i want do from right now sir and also intrested in enjenering sir.
sir i am color blind..does it create problem in ias medical check up???
did they check your color blindness??
thanx