[CAPF Topper] Abhishek Rai Rank 111: Mech Engineer, worked in Lanco Power, Azamgarh

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

Name	Abhishek rai
Rank in CAPF-2013	111
Roll No.	070139
Age	24
No. of previous attempts in CAPF	Nil
Home town/city	Azamgarh
Work-experience if any	1 Year 4 Month (Lanco Power Limited)
other competitive exams including success & failures	Written CSE 2013 mains Couldn’t clear : UPPCS 2013 prelims by 2 marks  and CSE prelims 2012
coaching/postal material (if used)	Vajiram & Ravi for General Studies
Hobbies Extra-Curricular Activities	Jogging, Running and Spending time with my family
Do you have NCC certificate?	NO

Education

% in class 10	64 U.P. Board
% in class 12	69 U.P. Board
Schooling (Medium)	Hindi
Graduation course & %	B. Tech. (Mechanical Engineering)  , 74
College & batch-year	Krishna Institute of Engineering and Technology Ghaziabad U.P. ,2006-10
Post-graduation	No
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 belong to a small village Kerma (Azamgarh U.P.). I did my schooling from my village itself. My father  is a government employee and mother is a Housewife ,my elder sister is a Teacher and younger sister is pursuing her graduation in Mechanical Engineering from BIET Jhansi. Though my father always wanted me to go for civil services since my childhood yet I was happy working as a Mechanical Engineer in a corporate office. Things changed in that office itself , I felt I have money but do not have power , I am working for a guy who  don’t even know me. These thoughts spoiled my peaceful life and made me to jump into cruel world of UPSC.

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 was focusing on reading basic books and underlining important parts so that during exams it could be revised fast , but I do make hand written notes from news papers like  The Hindu and Business Standard. Certain websites I was referring were Press Information Bureau , NASA  and PRS and I use to make notes from these websites in electronic form.

I start my day with Running in the morning which keeps me focused for longer time after that  reading newspapers, then a particular subject to be finished within time till evening then notes making of newspaper and in the night practice on CSAT for one hour and ending my day with refreshing above mentioned bookmarks on Internet.

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?

Yes this is natural for everyone of us ,to avoid this as I mentioned earlier I start my day with running, which gives me confidence and energy to work throughout the day .When I feel  low then I talk to my mother she is the sole inspiration for me, she is my friend, philosopher and guide and then I realize my purpose why I am here and starts working again. I must say, remain focused on your goal these distractions will leave you and catch someone else.

Working professional

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

I have worked in Lanco Power Limited  till 2011 ,I have tried to manage my studies with job and did it successfully for almost six months, but it became burdensome for me as my coaching timing was clashing with office timing  so I had to resign. But If someone is doing self study and after office he/she is getting three or four hours a day for study then its sufficient(Many of my friends are managing there job and study ).

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	Ancient History NCERT (Old)
History Medieval	NCERT old
History Modern (Freedom Struggle)	Bipan Chandra’s Struggle for Independence
Culture society	Facets of Indian Culture: Spectrum
Polity (theory + current)	Laxmikant Polity ,The Hindu ,Frontline
Economy (theory + current)	Datta and Sundaram and Vajiram Notes,Current Budget ,Economic Survey ,Mrunal.Org
Science (theory + current)	The Hindu and Wikipedia for latest news on science ,Frontline
Environment (theory + current)	Biology NCERT(selected Topic) ,Book on Environment of UGC, ,The Hindu ,Frontline
geography physical	G.C.Leong ,Savindra Singh
geography India	D.R. Khullar
geography world	Savnidra Singh
other national/international current affairs	The Hindu ,Business Standard ,Frontline
Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff	Newspapers and Magazine, India Year Book
Maths	CL test Series for CSE ,SSC Practice Set of Kiran Publication
Data interpretation	CL test Series for CSE, Test Papers of various Coaching Institutes
Reasoning	CL test Series for CSE and R.S. Agarwal (Moti Wali)

Accuracy in GS paper

	input
How many MCQs did you attempt?	112
How many of them correct (When solved at home)?	Didn’t  solved
official score (when UPSC uploads)	Shall mail you

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.)

It was good as I have attempted so many questions but science questions were tricky .I haven’t gone through previous year question papers so I can’t compare.

Descriptive paper

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

I was writing One essay daily for my CSE 2013 from Previous year question papers of CSE. For grammar I have read General English of Lucent. Précis and report writing I have learnt in exam. But while writing précis make sure you write your roll number on separate précis sheet.

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
interstate water dispute	Which states are involved Causes for  interstate water dispute Constitutional mechanism  to resolve inter state water dispute Why it is not effective suggestions
social reformers in freedom struggle	Started from Raja Ram Mohan Roy till Gandhi ji Discussed caste issues, women issues, untouchability etc and their role in dividing Indian society. How they contributed to make India a nation from nation in making How social reform and freedom struggle was complementary to each other
falling rupee & Indian economy	Current scenario like latest data of rupee depreciation Causes of depreciation like QE on the part of USA , high import of gold ,widening CAD etc Positive effect-like encouraging exports etc Negative impact-widening CAD ,rising Fiscal deficit ,inflation etc Long term impact and suggestion
China’s aggressive policy	Started from latest events showing China’s aggressive policy Discussed in context of Asia ,south east Asia and world Discussed in context of India and String of pearl theory What steps India should opt for both peaceful and strategic What global community must do both peaceful and strategic
media publicity on terrorism

Argument For-Against

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

Topic	Argument for	against
casteless society becomes distant through issues raised by reservation	It divides society further Animosity among different caste More and more people will try to get caste benefit in the race it will create more barriers	Art 14 says equal protection of laws Special treatment is needed to make them stand again after centuries of oppression
women empowerment is urban phenomenon	Corporate and BPO jobs Gave example of Chanda Kochhar and Sheela dixit Running Ngos Increasing participation of urban women in all walks of life	NGOs run by women in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala Women participating in Panchayat Elections Various SHGs are being run by women

Report writing?

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

Same like essay

Topic	keypoints
Uttarakhand tsunami & Military	Have not written properly
Ethics crisis in cricket	Have not written properly

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

This year we have to write 4 essay so time was really a constraint ,but I managed to complete the paper . Grammar was easy if prepared and practiced. Overall paper was a bit lengthy but  easy to moderate.

CAPF Physical Efficiency Test

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

My hobby is jogging and running so not any special preparation for physical, I just maintained my schedule sincerely after declaration of result. From very first day I was able to clear all events easily. To know exact time of running  800 meters and 100 meters I use to practice in Ramjas ground (East Patel Nagar).This ground is very good as 100mtrs and 800mtrs are clearly marked. Long Jump is also available here. It is normal that we feel exhausted after running 800mtrs and we think that how can we run  100mtrs and dare to attempt long jump in a sequence with 2-3 min gap in between events.

My suggestion is: Do not get frustrated when you are not able to complete all events in sequence ,just try to enhance your stamina by running slowly but not stopping ,once you have got that stamina you will keep on running and clearing all events easily. After running one round of 800mtrs everyone feels that this is not my cup of tea I can’t do it ,well this is the point where we have to push ourselves hard because this is the toughest stage in physical. Many of my friends gave up in this moment. Try to avoid common cliché before PET  “WAHA TO HO HI JAYEGA”  or “JOB KI BAT RAHEGI TO DAUD  JAYENGE”.This can be applied for 100mtrs, 800mtrs and shot put not for long jump. I would say “AGAR YAHA NAHI HOGA TO WAHA BHI NAHI HOGA”.

Tips

800 Meter–  Caution is, keep yourself hydrated all the time during practice .Keep on running for longer time without stopping to build stamina. Do not stop in between even if you feel that I must stop now. Say I can do it and you will do it. If you are doing it within 4 minutes then you are safe.

100 Meter –. Caution is , do proper stretching and warm up before sprinting otherwise you may get injured . I would say a desi tip, put your all effort in those 12 seconds there will not be any problem at all in clearing this event. If You are doing it in 17 seconds you are safe.

Long Jump –Sure this is the toughest event of PET ,and elimination rate too is highest. Caution is, do not try to jump on hard surface you may get injured ,even if sand is there then make sure it is sufficient to absorb your impact  ,try to wear shoes while jumping ,do not try to imitate any action shown on u tube or internet .Now count your steps (its better to count steps by running when you are marking your starting point) and mark your starting point. In my case it was 17 steps from jumping line. Put your right leg ahead and start running your speed must be highest like sprinting  and then jump ,you will jump nearly 4mtrs without making foul. Faster you will run and avoid noticing foul line while jumping , longer your range would be. If your range is good then do not practice one week before PET, because if anything goes wrong you may get injured . Just one week before PET I have injured my knee while jumping but anyhow I managed to complete all events.

Shot Put –Easiest but risky so practice before actually going for PET.

Q2. Where was your PET held?

My PET was held  in CRPF Camp Jharoda Kalan , Delhi it was on 29^th may 2014.Good synthetic track I was enjoying running on this track.

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

When we reached at the PET center we were asked to submit our DAF and original documents were verified. Then we were asked to fill in a form, then we were asked to come forward and give our weight ,height and chest measurement. They were allowing push ups to expand chest so no big issue in chest measurement provided unexpanded chest is near about 81 cm. Then we were allotted chest number(mine was 04) and were asked to wait in scorching heat in open. Sequence of event was 100mtrs-800mtrs-Long Jump-Shot Put(In CAPF 13 in all center same sequence of events were followed). Gap in between events was at max 5 minutes but not less than 3 minutes. Elimination in  100,800mtrs and shot put was zero all elimination was done in long jump. Staff was very cordial they kept on motivating all the time, they were giving  tips also to avoid any injury .I would like to share an experience that a guy with sprain in his ankle went on to clear all physical events, even then when he was not able to stand properly (That must be the spirit to qualify)

Medical

This was the toughest event for us , 21 cleared in PET, only 5 were declared FIT in medical and rest were asked to appeal and that too for minor reasons. I was not sure that whether I will be cleared in medical or not so I was not able to concentrate on my Interview .At last in re medical all of us were declared FIT.I have seen flat foot, carrying angle ,hypertension, overweight ,partial color blind ,squint eye, Ptosis eye guys  etc…………being declared FIT. Moral of the story is keep on preparing for interview do not get distracted by this appeal process. My Interview was on 30^th June 14 and re medical was on 28^th June 14.

Interview by UPSC Panel

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

As I have mentioned earlier I was not able to prepare my Interview ,yet I managed to appear for a mock interview (He suggested me to add smile in my personality) and that was very beneficial for me. I did many technical projects like BioFuel ,Green Car ,Flexible Car so I have revised my Project report in very short span of time. And I was lucky that questions were asked from my stronger areas.

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 live in Delhi itself

Q3. Who was the chairman of you interview board?

Vinay Mittal Sir

Q4. How long was the interview?

35-40 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?]

Yes, this question was asked and I will reply it in Interview Transcript

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)

Chairman-Is this your photograph ?

Rai-Yes Sir

Ch-So you are a mechanical Engineer ?

Rai-With confidence and smile Yes sir

Ch-Mr. Rai you did Mechanical Engineering and now you are switching to entirely new field ,don’t you think you have wasted money of the government and your parents?

Rai-(Bullet to the head ,smile gone confidence was trying to remain on my face)Sir I will try to apply my knowledge what I have learnt in my graduation in this field.

Ch-How ?

Rai-Sir , Our central police forces have diverse area of operation ,like while combing in forest areas they may need robots to track IED or a hovercraft which do not touch the ground, or an Electric Car(My graduation Project) which do not make noise etc.

Ch-Mr. Rai you are not going there to design cars ,do you know what job central paramilitary forces do describe it one by one ?

Rai-Starting from CISF and ending to RPF I have described there work profile.

Ch-So where do you find designing of cars as a work profile ?

Rai-(Trying to recollect myself) Sir, looking at the terrain of the work area or risks involved, as an informed commandant I will demand from Home ministry that I will need this kind of device in this particular situation, it will give security to my personnel and will motivate them, as currently security forces are demanding Helicopters etc under SRI scheme of Home ministry.

Ch-Why You left the job and going in entirely different field  ??(another googly)

Rai-Sir, two reasons were there professional and personal. Professionally my job was becoming monotonous and I was not enjoying my job.(chairman interrupting every job becomes monotonous after some time).Sir my job was just receiving and sending reports without applying my mind that’s why sir. And  personal reason was : aspiration of my parents and mine that I must join a job where respect is there, decision making authority is there and I have opportunity to serve my country and effect the life of people.

Member 1 takes charge

Member (M 1)-So, Mr. Rai you have designed a hybrid car, what is it?

Rai-(Smile returned and confidence continued) Explained easily as I have clear cut concept about it.

M1-What is the difference between Electric and Solar Car ?

Rai-Explained Satisfactorily

M1-So you deal with machines ?

Rai-Yes Sir

M1-What is machine ?

Rai –Explained satisfactorily(Tried to avoid 3 idiots dialogue)

M1-Will you please elaborate ?

Rai-Elaborated (It seemed that 3 idiots movie is running)

M1- What kind of constitution India is having ?

Rai-Mix of rigid and flexible, quasi federal………………..

M1-explain rigid and flexible constitution?

Rai-Starting from American constitution ended with UK constitution(Explained Satisfactorily)

M1-Have you heard about DPSP in our constitution ?

Rai- Socialistic ,Gandhian and liberal intellectual Principle. Explained Satisfactorily.

M1-So your hobby is running and jogging .What is the difference between running and jogging ?

Rai – Explained Satisfactorily

M1-Can you tell me exact speed in km/hr which differentiates both ?

Rai –Sorry sir I don’t know.

Chairman (Interrupting)- In that hybrid car competition who won ?

Rai-Sir ,we couldn’t win (Smiling).

Ch-(Everyone laughed) It means you guys have not done your job sincerely ?

Rai-Sir, we have given our best but the winning team did better than us.

(I am not writing answers for below questions because they are from book and can be checked)

M1-As per our constitution India is which type of country ?

Rai-As per our preamble India is a sovereign, socialist, democratic ,republic country.

Member 2 takes charge (M2)

M2-You missed one type what is that ?

Rai-(recalled) secular

M2-When it was introduced and with which amendment ?

Rai- Explained Satisfactorily

M2-Why it was introduced later?

Rai- Explained Satisfactorily

M2-Why our constitution makers had not introduced SECULAR in our preamble.

Rai -Explained

M2-What is separate Electorate ?

Rai- Explained Satisfactorily

M2-When it was first introduced in Indian constitution ?

Rai-Told

M2-In whose time

Rai-told

M2-What was discussed in round table conferences

Rai- Explained Satisfactorily

M2-what was poona pact ?

Rai-Explained Satisfactorily

M2-who was other signatory at poona  pact ?

Rai-told

Chairman(Ready with googly interrupting)-Have you faced any ethical dilemma in your 1 year job ?

Rai-Sir ,As I was working as a trainee, so my job was just to receive report from site and forward it to my boss so I was not having any decision making authority. So I haven’t faced any ethical issue.

Ch-This one and half year were working as a trainee?

Rai-No sir, after my training my boss got transferred and during transition time I have resigned.

M2-genesis of Kashmir issue?

Rai- Explained Satisfactorily

M2-was partition good for india ?

Rai- Explained Satisfactorily

M2-gandhiji had not accepted partition ?

Rai- Explained Satisfactorily

M2-who were the other stakeholders in Kashmir issue?

Rai-told

M2-what is battalion

Rai Told

M2-Tell me qualities of commandant ?

Rai-told

M2-these qualities must be in assistant commandant too, tell me specific qualities of commandant ?

Rai-Sorry sir I don’t know.

Third member takes charge

M3(madam)-So is this “RAI” is same as Aishwarya Rai and smiled.

Rai-me too smiled, A sigh of relief because first smile from other side.

M3-So Mr. Rai I think  you are going on two different path ,you have good profile in mechanical engineering and yet you want to join central police forces. If I were you ,I would have gone for corporate job and enjoyed good pays and perks.

Rai-(Again smile gone and trying to maintain confidence) Explained somehow that this job gives me opportunity to serve people ,be in direct contact of people bla bla bla.

M3-So you have designed cars ,which car you would prefer in your state.(Smiling)

Rai-Mahindra’s Bolero

M3-Why ?

Rai-Because of boulders and broken roads in my state (Everyone laughed).

M3-Designing cars is your passion or goal ?

Rai-Its my passion to think and design something new in cars in my spare time.

M3-how many MPs UP sends in parliament?

Rai-Madam ,I am not sure perhaps 78.(wrong answer it was 80)

M3-Have you listened about Edison? Tell me his experiments

Rai-Told world famous bulb experiment.

M3-Ok its fine, but do you know any other experiment because he was having thousands of patents on his name ?

Rai -sorry madam ,I don’t know

M3-Ok Mr. Rai your interview is over, you can go now.

Rai-Thanked everyone and left

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?

Yes up to some extent it was on expected lines, but range of unexpected questions were also asked. In the  Starting 5 minutes  it was stress interview (because of googly of Chairman sir) but after that it became good and I have enjoyed talking to them.

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

No , just bring your original documents and  attestation form

CAPF Marksheet

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

Shall mail you when  I receive

Service preference

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

CISF,ITBP,BSF,CRPF

Q2. How/Why did you pickup that order?

Not much idea except CISF ,talked to some friends and gave the choice.

UPSC CSE-2013 experience

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

Q1. Your marksheet for prelims and mains

Prelims-

General Studies-106

CSAT-152

Total-258 (Cleared CSP 2013)

Mains-

Qualifying Subjects

Hindi-144

English-143

Main Subjects

Essay-84

General Studies 1 -52

General Studies 2-47

General Studies 3-78

General Studies4- 93

Geography(Paper 1)-60

Geography(Paper 2)-103

Total -515 (CSM 2013 not qualified)

Q2. Your overall experience and words of wisdom about CSAT, GS, Aptitude, optional and essay

I have missed Interview call this time so I can’t give  suggestions to any body about my strategy for mains. For prelims and especially for CSAT only 3 words are needed PRACTICE , PRACTICE and ……..

But one thing is for sure that if Essay and Geography would not have cheated me (or vice versa) I would have got interview call. This time I will try to rectify my mistakes. So essay and optional are deciding factor in selection.

Career Backup

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

I was getting job offers from some private firms so I would have joined any one of them. Meanwhile SSCCGL 2013 result was awaited.

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

After CSM 2014

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

Secure good marks in Objective paper and for that revise all basic books thoroughly before exam(I have not revised ) and do some writing practice.

Wisdom

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

Everyone knows that today it is very difficult to get any government job and if you are striving for bigger one then you will have to be extraordinary not in your intellect but in your determination. If you are determined to  achieve something ………………..(dialogue of OM SHANTI OM  ) rest follows.

DO NOT LEAVE ANY THING FOR LUCK, SUDDENLY YOU WILL BECOME LUCKY

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?

I would say to them that If I can do it then any one can do it. I belong to a small village (I have a rural background  and I am mentioning it again and again to encourage my rural counterparts),starting from Bhojpuri and finally opting English as my medium for written and interview in UPSC, is itself an  achievement for me. I have failed in many exams like, I couldn’t clear IIT, couldn’t get my dream job in automobile organization, couldn’t clear CSP 2012 in my first attempt, even this year couldn’t clear UPPCS Pre 2013, CSM 2013.List is more exhaustive but I am mentioning only  bigger one(smile).But one thing everyone says about me that I always give my 100 percent whatsoever I am doing. And that’s what is required.

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?

Credit goes to my parents. After I have resigned from  job, my Father supported me in my difficult times.   I would say he encouraged me to leave  the job and pursue something bigger. My mother is my friend, philosopher and guide, she stood by me in all circumstances ,when everyone doubted my capability even me myself then also she believed in me. I would say her untiring support and love kept me going . Philosophy of her life is struggle and achieve and her best example for me is “I think I can I think I can………………….I thought I could I thought Could”.My younger sister RICHA, she always believed in my capability. She was more certain than anyone else that I will clear this exam. I appreciate her selfless love and believe in me. My elder sister Ritu encouraged me throughout this journey.

My senior in my office Mr. Balveer Singh Ranawat guided me in each stage of this exam. Abhishek Tiwari is the person who suggested me to appear for this exam. Rajesh Jha played an important part during my physical practice sessions.Mrunal.org website for giving me information about each stage of the exam.

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.

Sir, I came to know about this website in March 2014, when I was introspecting my CSM 2013 failure. But after that I have stick to this website, most of the doubts have been cleared during physical and medical process of CAPF 13.Interview questions were somewhat prepared by me from this website. So website was really helpful for me in journey of CAPF.