[CAPF Topper] Fazan Sultan Siddiqui Rank 248: M.A. Mass communication, Dehradun, NCC-B certificate

1. CAPF Topper Profile
2. Education
3. Introduction
4. Electronic Vs Paper material
5. Tempo and style
6. Working professional
7. GS and Aptitude paper
8. Accuracy in GS paper
9. Descriptive paper
10. Four Essays
11. Argument For-Against
12. Report writing?
13. CAPF Physical Efficiency Test
14. Interview by UPSC Panel
15. UPSC Interview Transcript
16. After the interview
17. CAPF Marksheet
18. Service preference
19. UPSC CSE-2013 experience
20. Career Backup
21. Wisdom
22. Credit: Friends/family
23. Bogus Marketing Propaganda

CAPF Topper Profile

Detail	Input
Name	Fazan Sultan Siddiqui
Rank in CAPF-2013	248
Roll No.	152196
Age	25
No. of previous attempts in CAPF	Nil
Home town/city	Dehradun
Work-experience if any	Part Time Tutor
other competitive examsincluding success & failures	NDA 2007-Written Failed. CDS 2012(Feb) – Conference Out. CDS 2012(Sep) – Screen Out. CDS 2013(Feb) – Conference Out. SBI (PO) 2013- Failed to clear cut off by one marks. CGL 2013- Cleared Pre and scored well in Tier2 but process got scraped with thanks to nakal mafia of Indo-Gangatic Plane. ACIO 2013- Merit Out. SSC Sub Inspector- Failed in Physical Endurance Test (PET).
coaching/postal material (if used)	Took 3 months coaching for CDS but it explained me the importance of self study.
Hobbies Extra-Curricular Activities	Newspaper reading, Cooking, DebateDebate, Volleyball, Visiting Mrunal.org frequently.
Do you have NCC certificate?	Yes B certificate holder.

Education

% in class 10	60
% in class 12	61
Schooling (Medium)	English and Hindi resp.
Graduation course & %	BSc with 48%(Took time equivalent to five year plan)
College & batch-year	DAV (PG) College. 2007-14
Post-graduation	M.A. in Mass Communication with 67%
Any professional courses	No

Introduction

Q. Tell us something about yourself and your family. When and why did you enter in the competitive exam field?

I come from a very humble background. Due to the death of my father at early age and financial problems at home, I started working part time when I was in IX. I worked in an Ice Cream Factory, in a news paper printing press, as a packaging boy at a shop and courier company. So basically when others were playing I was earning to feed our family. Luckily started teaching part time as a tutor so gradually my life improved. Earlier I thought to just become a businessman to earn money and prestige. Later came to know that I value human emotions more than money so can’t become a good businessman (No offence).  Met a girl who later became my girl friend. She motivated me to the world of government jobs. As I was already interested in defense started preparing for it.

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 I’m reading, I just read multiple times but don’t maintain notes, I make mindmaps on computer …or xyz style)

I basically created a healthy mix of electronic and paper material. I prepared from normal books but dig down internet for getting depth. I think blogs are the new medium for the preparation in small cities where guidance is not easily available. But while using internet there is a vast possibility of getting distracted by time killer things like Facebook. It is essential to keep a track of internet usage. While preparation it is important to be offline. The best part of internet is that we can download any NCERT books which result in the decrease in the price of preparation.

My general day comprises of note making and updating them and revising again and again. Efforts are always on quality preparation not on quantity.

Tempo and style

Q. People know what books and syllabus topics are to be prepared. But most of them lack consistency in their preparation. So, how did you keep study momentum going on? How do you fight against the mood swings and distractions?

It is essential to make a broad plan for the study. The plan should be flexible enough to have extra room for sudden changes. There may be days when Facebook appears to be more interesting. The English movie given by your friend may eat your study time. Sometimes time will fly for no reason. A broad study plan will stick you to the study. For example there is absolutely no need to make strategy for completing Sultanate period in three days instead make strategy to complete Middle history in 15 days.

Working professional

If you’re a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with job

I am a part time tutor. Basically my tuitions help me to prepare in a better way for the exams. I have carefully chosen my tuitions according to my study hours. I remember the time when I used to motivate my students to ask GK questions to each other to check my General Knowledge.

GS and Aptitude paper

Q1. Please share the list of resources you used, your strategy and other tips for benefit of future aspirants.

Topic	Input
History Ancient	Lucent/ Arihant
History Medieval	Lucent/ Arihant
History Modern (Freedom Struggle)	Bipin Chandra
Culture society	Internet
Polity (theory + current)	Laxmikanth
Economy (theory + current)	Mrunal.org
Science (theory + current)	NCERT books
Environment (theory + current)	NCERT books
geography physical	Lucent/Arihant
geography India	Lucent/Arihant
geography world	Internet
other national/international current affairs	Mrunal.org, The Hindu
Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff	Internet
Maths	R.S. Aggarwal, RD Sharma
Data interpretation	R.S. Aggarwal
Reasoning	Arihant

Accuracy in GS paper

	input
How many MCQs did you attempt?	95
How many of them correct (When solved at home)?	70
official score (when UPSC uploads)

Q. What’s your overall experience with GS paper? (E.g. it was on expected lines as per my preparation, it was quite tougher than earlier years etc.)

I think GS paper was of IAS level only means it needed dedication equivalent to that. I think UPSC is having a common question bank for CSAT and other exams. So if any question does not come in IAS get repeated in CAPF or CDS.

Descriptive paper

Q. How did you prepare the Essay, grammar, précis and report writing?

I kept on reading The Hindu and started writing daily something on any issue as a habit. It resulted in understanding things in a better way. Moreover I started writing letter to editor. For grammar as I was preparing for the SSC-CGL , SP Bakshi worked good for me. For Précis writing I consulted some teachers of English. They suggested me to stick the word limit and edit any irrelevant filler things while writing it.

Four Essays

This time, UPSC required the candidates to write 4 out of 6 essays. Which of the following did you attempt? And what were your keypoints in them?

Topic	your key points
doctor-pharma nexus	Doctor prescribe only xyz medicine, Medical representative offers holiday packages, No laws to fight this etc
interstate water dispute
social reformers in freedom struggle
falling rupee & Indian economy	Effect on export/import (Luckily I had read on Mrunal.org about it), reasons, RBI measures, Difficulty to common people.
China’s aggressive policy	China attempt to cover India, About recent ports, Stapled Visa problem, Compared China to a ‘Bully boy”, Problems in South China sea, Options with India to tackle this.
media publicity on terrorism	Not remember actually what I wrote at that time with thanks to infinitely long recruitment process of UPSC.

Argument For-Against

This time, UPSC required candidates to write both arguments for and against the given statements. so what were your keypoint in it?

Topic	Argument for	Against
casteless society becomes distant through issues raised by reservation	Reservation creates a rift between people, Politicians misuses it etc	It gives opportunities to weaker section to become equal to others
women empowerment is urban phenomenon	Maximum facilities are available at Cities, education level is better; Police is more sensitized in cities towards crime against women.	Reservation in Panchyati institutions, Schemes to promote for women empowerment etc

Report writing?

Did you write report the same way you wrote essay? or did you apply any special format/structure here?

Topic	Keypoints
Uttarakhand tsunami & Military	Wrote systematic steps taken by Indian Army, about coordination between Army and Air force, country before self attitude of Indian army
Ethics crisis in cricket	Took examples from IPL, Criticized money game in cricket, Advocated betting under limit in India.

Q. What is your overall experience with descriptive paper (e.g. too lengthy paper, grammar tougher than previous paper etc.)

I think it was a bit lengthy but proper time planning enabled me to finish the whole paper.  I think many will disagree on this point, I think it is important to attempt maximum in paper2. By studying marks of previously selected candidates on your Blog I found that even toppers fail to manage 45% marks in this paper. So I wrote only quality points and avoided filler material in between.

CAPF Physical Efficiency Test

Q1. To pass Physical Efficiency Tests (PET), what preparation did you do at home?

I kept practicing for one month after written result declaration. Daily I used to run atleast 3-4 kms. I used to keep track of my daily time of running. Two weeks before preparation I started completing each event in a stretch except Short Put (Please don’t take it easily as said by everyone. On a bad day your foot can cross the line or that ball can get skid from your hand. Unlike SSC CPIO you only get one chance here for it). Avoid practicing 2 days before PET.

Q2. Where was your PET held?

ITBP Chandigarh

Q3. Please narrate your actual experience PET test with readers.

My pet took place on 22 May. I reached Chandigarh one day in advance for adapting myself. I had a visit to the locality of my PET center one day before. Prepared me for the challenge. On the pet day I had a light breakfast. I kept two bottles with myself. One with normal water and other with glucose solution. I had to  take pain killer as was having pain due to some intense practice some days before the PET. For me 100m was a grey area as in practice I used to complete my race in 18 sec. I finished it properly. Rest events were on the expected line. After PET the commandant of ITBP advised us to drink as much water a s we can before the blood test. This made all of us to urinate like a waterfall again and again.

Interview by UPSC Panel

Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? Particularly college graduation subjects related questions?

I specifically prepared my DAF as advised by the previous toppers on your blog. Keep on taking sample questions from that I formed my answers. Some basic questions about different Central Police forces were thoroughly prepared by me.

Q2. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friend’s home …) and what books/material did you bring for the ‘revision before interview’?

I stayed at my friend Sandeep Baluni‘s room in Delhi who entertained me with his great humor. I carried my self made notes for instant revision before interview.

Q3. Who was the chairman of you interview board?

David Syiemlieh Sir

Q4. How long was the interview?

30-35 minutes

Q5. Why do you want to become an Assistant commandant? Why don’t you continue in your graduation field? [Since I don’t know whether they asked you this question or not. But if they had asked- what will be your reply?]

Discussed Below.

UPSC Interview Transcript

Q. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview. (Earlier some toppers only tell me their question but not their answer. I would appreciate if you give both Question + your original answers)

My (in)experience of Assistant Commandant interview at UPSC on 26 June 2014

Interview Board- David Sir

Cm- Oh I think this is a fashion these days of wearing low vest pants even my son wear like this who is of your age.

Me- Actually I reduced some 5kg of weights blah blah blah….

Cm- Oh it looks you have done your BSC so tell me which your favorite subject is.

Me- Sir Physics.

CM- Your hobby is cooking so what do you cook?

Me- Anything by reading recipe from internet I cook things I like.

CM- So basically you earn 15k by giving tuitions, So tell me what is self buisness( I have mentioned in my DAF about it)

Me- Sir basically it is the buisness done by an individual. It’s like entrepreneurship.

Cm- Oh that’s good means you manage your expenses of mobile by yourself (Gives me a respected look).

Me- No no sir I have responsibilities at home for which I earn.

CM- You have done NCC, tell me which exam you have passed?

Me – sir I have done B certificate I have passed its exam. (looked puzzled)

CM- Oh no tell me what you have learn what was the paper about.

Me- Sir I study about map reading, drill, self defense, etc etc.

Cm- Ok drew a contour of a valley between a hill.

Me- I drew some most rubbish concentric circle type of figure by writing height of contour 2000m on getting his instruction about height on the outer most contour.( I big blunder which I could make it from his face).

M1- Oh so you have done your M.A. in mass communication. Tell me about brain drain and reverse brain drain.

Me- I gave bookish definition with an example. (Confidence back on track)

M1- Ok I am taking 3 names you tell me about them. Amartya sen, some **** Prahlad and *******

Me – Sir Amartya Sen has won noble in economics and is credited with making some index along with other economists. Sir ***** kakkad is a personality associated with adv campaign (I totally took a wrong kakkad). Sir I don’t know about ******.

M1- As an AC how you will communicate with your subordinates.

Me- By giving correct orders, coordination, helping them, by being with them in command, by motivating them.

Now comes M2.

M2- Ok tell me 2 missiles which were put on use during gulf war.

Me- Totally blank (Felt those missiles on myself)

M2- Ok tell me about again three personalities ******,******,******.

Me –  I gave the look like bche ki jaan loge kya?

M2- Tell me five parts of communication.

Me- Sender, transmitter, medium, receiver, destination. ( felt a big relief)

M2- Qualities you possess.

Me – A big lecture of Officer like qualities like leader, helpfulness, perseverance etc,

M2- Ok tell me about who is the editor of tribune.

Me- Again blank like ab to maar hi daala mujhe.

M2- What is yellow journalism?

Me – It is the way of producing news in in exaggerated manner without any proof to produce sensation.

M2- From where this word is derived.

Me- Again blank( Till now in interview I have been like an old tube light, On off on off)

Now comes m3( With a look bche ab meri baari)

M3- what is article 32 all about?

Me – It is related to Right to constitutional Remedies in which we can move to court if out rights are infringed.

M3- Tell the difference between IPC and CRPC.

Me- Give a recreated type definition in confused manner.

M3- Tell me some social reformers of 19th century. ( This question came from the name of my college Dayanand Anglo Vedic, DAV)

Me- Dayanand Saraswati, Rajarammohan Rai, Devender Nath Tagore. Also gave brief introduction of each like their role etc.

M3- Tell me in thermodynamics what is it which always increase?

Me – Entropy (answered it by getting some hints)

M3- Why a film of soap feels worm on touching?( he showed me it by keeping a Marie gold biscuit on his hand).

Me- I guessed due to some internal energy.

M3- No ( he dipped his biscuit and ate it).

Now again Chairman sir come to the scene.

Cm- Ok you told about Nirma, tell me is it still famous or not.

Me- Sir Nirma has increased its brand value but still detergents like Tide, ariel etc are on top.

Cm-So how they are establishing a university?

ME- I again puzzled.

In this M3 said actually sir actually the previous candidate mentioned Nirma.

CM-Oh yes, anyway you were right.

Cm- You talked about social reformers but you spoke reformers only from west Bengal, mention any more from other part.

Me- Sir Sridhilal Naidu. ( Finally he looked satisfied)

CM- What reformation we still need in our society? And which part of India needs most.

Me- Sir I think women empowerment is still an issue in both rural and urban area. Spoke two three lines more.

CM- ok you can go now.

 

After the interview

Q1. 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?

Some questions were normal but some were totally unexpected. But the  interview was not at all a stress interview because of there cheerful and smiley atmosphere.

Q2. Any side details about technicalities like “make sure you bring xyz document or do xyz thing, or you’ll face problem”?

No such necessity. If any document is unavailable they take undertaking. Degree is important but in case you don’t have just get provisional degree with yourself.

CAPF Marksheet

Mail me your prelim, essay and interview marks, when UPSC uploads.

Service preference

Q1. What is your service preference order BSF,CRPF, CISF, ITBP?

CISF> BSF>ITBP>CRPF

Q2. How/Why did you pickup that order?

I choose the preference on the basis of recommendations from my friends and family. I just wanted to join the forces so for me all the forces are equal.

UPSC CSE-2013 experience

If you had appeared in UPSC civil service exam 2013, please reply following

1. Your marksheet for prelims and mains
2. Your overall experience and words of wisdom about CSAT, GS, Aptitude, optional and essay

Not Appeared

Career Backup

Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?

My backup option was to clear CGL and join any interview post.

Q2. When were you going to execute that backup plan (e.g. after third attempt, after dad retires, after girlfriend dumps me etc.)

This was my last attempt at Capf so by default I was moving in the direction of career backup.

Q3. If you were to re-appear in CAPF-2014 then what modifications would you make in your studies?

I would have practiced more for the paper 1 and would have prepared for interview in a better way.

Wisdom

Q1. Through this journey and success, what wisdom did you gain about life and competitive exams?  What is your message to new aspirants?

You have to get serious in studies. This is the exam were selection ratio is just 1:1000. Always remember if you are not studying there is someone who is burning his midnight oil.

Q2. UPSC had cleared nearly 2500 candidates from CAPF-prelims. You’re selected but many others did not. They’re feeling dejected with this whole competitive exam business. What is your message to them?

Failure teaches us more than the success.  It gives opportunity to think what went wrong and to make minor adjustment accordingly.  Sometimes every even after hard work luck just don’t favors. Believe me the taste of success after failure is even more refreshing.

Credit: Friends/family

Q. Behind every topper are many people who stood by him/her 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 think my friends and family always remain by my side. Anjali Singh helped me with the mock interviews of CCD, Rahul Chandola always motivated me by saying ‘ Tu agar ghoda hota to tere pe hi paise lgata’ . Sandeep Baluni helped me by taking care of me whenever I visited Delhi and by showing belief in his disbelief in me.  My sisters Bidisha, Shubhangni, Sonalika by having trust on me. My mother who never lost a trust on me.

Bogus Marketing Propaganda

Q. You are well aware for the sacred rule. The last question in topper interview,  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”. I’ll publish your answer without tempering.

With the blessing of Google baba I came across your site last year. I frequently follow your page for understanding topics in your Mrunal™ style.  Even now I try to make my notes more interesting in your way. I always follow your study plan.  You are great sir. The work you are undergoing is truly super inspiring. Please keep some armed security guards because you have already caused crores of loss to the coaching institutes. You are true hope to the thousands of students of small cities. Please keep on continue the great work.