[CAPF Topper] Akshay Ahuja Rank 117: B.Com, Delhi, first attempt

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

CAPF Topper Profile

Name	AKSHAY AHUJA
Rank in CAPF-2013	117
Roll No.	011526
Age	24
No. of previous attempts in CAPF	1
Home town/city	DELHI
Work-experience if any	NIL
other competitive examsincluding success & failures	CIVIL SERVICES EXAM-2013(WROTE MAINS)
coaching/postal material (if used)	Did G.S coaching from Vajiram and Ravi
Hobbies Extra-Curricular Activities	Watching Tennis Matches, Jogging
Do you have NCC certificate?	NO

Education

% in class 10	74
% in class 12	85
Schooling (Medium)	ENGLISH
Graduation course & %	B.COM (62%)
College & batch-year	SRI VENKATESWARA COLLEGE D.U (2008-2011)
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 middle class family. My father is an engineer and my mother is a teacher. I have a sister who has recently completed her graduation.
• Though Civil Services was always on the back of my mind, I actually executed it after my graduation as I came to know more about it in college through some friends.

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)

• Yes that’s true. But I did most of my preparation through paper material reading basic books and newspaper. I used e-material only if I could not find a particular topic anywhere else. Also I used Wikipedia whenever I had some doubt or if the topic is not very clear in the book.
• I start my day around 9.30 A.M. by reading  newspapers (The Hindu and Indian Express). I give around 3 hours for newspaper which also includes making notes on topics which I feel relevant (most of my notes are from editorial only).
• Post-lunch I read subject books which also includes making notes only on selected few topics(as anyway you have to revise that book atleast 3 times before exam).
• Before going to bed I search the topics on internet on which I had doubts or lack of clarity during the day.

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?

Mood swings are normal as competitive exams are not cleared overnight. You have to be consistent during the entire exam cycle. If you are motivated from inside and ready to push yourself then no distraction can deter your focus. There are somedays when you do not feel like studying. I used to go out for a movie or just kill some time doing nothing. It should be remembered that such stuff is only to rejuvenate yourself for the coming days and should not become a regular habit.

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	11th NCERT
History Medieval	Did not prepare
History Modern (Freedom Struggle)	Bipin Chandra’s Struggle for Independence + Spectrum
Culture society	CCRT website
Polity (theory + current)	M.Lakshmikanth+newspapers
Economy (theory + current)	Sriram notes+mrunal.org
Science (theory + current)	9th-10th NCERT+mrunal.org
Environment (theory + current)	Magazines+newspapers
geography physical	11th-12th NCERT+G.C leong
geography India	11th NCERT
geography world	NCERT+G.C leong
other national/international current affairs	Newspapers
Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff	IYB+P.D (special issue)
Maths	No specific preparation
Data interpretation	Same
Reasoning	Same

Accuracy in GS paper

	input
How many MCQs did you attempt?	100
How many of them correct (When solved at home)?	73
official score (when UPSC uploads)	Will 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.)

I think it was of the same level as last year though some of the science questions were quite tricky.

Descriptive paper

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

Just newspapers and saw the format for report writing just before the exam.

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?

Writing whatever I can recollect(as its been a long time since exam)

Topic	your key points
doctor-pharma nexus
interstate water dispute	Started with why such disputes arise-geographical reasons, limited resources, political reasons,etc. What all disputes are there in india – Cauvery, Krishna Mechanism we have for redressal -wrote about tribunal Why it is not efficient-special leave petition issue, farmers rights involved What should be done-could not recall much in exam. Just wrote about need for proper negotiation channels and making tribunal more effective
social reformers in freedom struggle	Could not write it well Why social reformers came to scene-dissatisfaction with the existing  practices+more awareness because of western education Wrote about some reformers and their organisations-raja rammohan roy,jyotibha phule,dayanand saraswati Role in freedom struggle-spreaded awareness among people about the social evils though they did not directly challenge british rule Laid down the seeds/atmosphere for rise rise of middle class
falling rupee & Indian economy	Why rupee falls-demand supply Reason for falling rupee in india recently-focused on global cririsis Impact-both positive and negative Ways to curb it-RBI intervention(limited) +structural reforms
China’s aggressive policy	Wrote about disputes in south china and east china sea Sprately and paracel+senkaku islands Impact on the region Impact on india
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 keypoint in it?

Topic	Argument for	against
casteless society becomes distant through issues raised by reservation	Reservation creates differences Caste distinction gets further visible Plus breeds violence as more demand by other communities	Reservation essential-as some communities have historical disadvantage. Need to treat people equally only if they are placed in equal circumstances(Article-14 equal  protection of law)
women empowerment is urban phenomenon	Just  gave some examples as more women working in urban area than in rural area They have more say in their families	Wrote about how rural women are also empowered now SHGs, NRLM, ANGANWADI WORKERS plus role of MGNREGA

Report writing?

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

Just wrote the name of the topic on the top and name at the bottom left.

Topic	Keypoints
Uttarakhand tsunami & Military	Started by saying that it is now proved it was a man-made disaster Role of military-specially ITBP and NDRF Role in evacuation, transporting people(logistics support) Focused why military best suited for such tasks-training,fitness,etc.
Ethics crisis in cricket	Popularity of cricket Money involved Recent spot fixing in ipl, betting. reason- lack of moral values,ethics What should be done-change should come from within

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

No doubt the paper was very lengthy and most of the people could not complete it. My focus was to complete it even though by compromising a bit on the length of my answers.

CAPF Physical Efficiency Test

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

Since I had been a tennis player it was not tough for me. But it should not be taken lightly. I went for slow jogging for 10 days so as to increase my endurance which was very useful for 800m race. I also practiced long jump in a nearby park.

Q2. Where was your PET held?

CRPF camp, Jharoda Kalan.

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

I reached the venue at 8a.m. Thereafter we were taken to the ground where certificates were checked. Then after all the formalities were done there was chest ,height and weight measurement. After that events started and there were quite a few rejections in long jump.

Overall experience was good  and commandants were very cordial.

Interview by UPSC Panel

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

I did most of the preparation from my DAF predicting what all questions can be asked. I am a commerce graduate so prepared a bit of basics like rule of accounting, auditing, economic topics in news. Also I prepared current affairs from newspaper.

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

Since I am from delhi I went for the interview from home.

Q3. Who was the chairman of you interview board?

Dr. P.Kilemsungla

Q4. How long was the interview?

30-35 min.

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?]

They did ask this question. I started with my liking for police force and how peace and security are of utmost importance for the development of a country and role of police force in maintaining it.

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)

I was the first person for the board in afternoon session. I entered and wished all the persons Good morning (though it was afternoon at that time) :p

Chairperson-so your hobby is jogging. How much do you run and how does it help you?

Me- Mam I run for 1 km and then walk for around 500 mts. Since I run in the morning it gives me a good start for the day so that I feel energetic and it also gives me a break from my study schedule.

Ch-Since the threat to internal security is more graver than external security, what is one policy change you would like the government to bring to curb/ reduce security problem?

Me- Told some of the internal threats (naxalism,insurgency) and said that most of these people have taken to arms since they have been placed at a disadvantaged position and areas which are devoid of development. So told about the need for inclusive growth.

Ch- Unemployment is a big problem. So tell me one new sector which can provide employment?

Me-I said manufacturing sector but she said there is problem of less consumption. Any other sector?

I thought a bit and said sorry mam I can’t think of any right now.

Ch- don’t u think tourism is a new sector which can provide more employment.

I agreed to it and said it has a huge potential which needs to be tapped.

Ch- how to attract foreign travellers?

Me-need to provide them security and infrastructure facilities

Member-1-you are a commerce graduate? How can it help in this service?

Me- talked about the managerial skills we were taught and also human resource development.

Also utmost utilization of available resources and being frugal with the finances.

M1- what is your first priority? IPS or ASST. COMMANDANT?

Me- thought a bit and said sir its IPS

M1-so are you preparing for it and writing exams?

Me-yes  sir, both

M1-what are the tax reforms being talked about these days? (Commerce)

Me-I answered properly. Talked about three things

1. Need to widen the tax base
2. GST
3. DTC

M1-Your first priority is CISF? Do you think there is a need to improve the force or is it good?

Me- From general perception with what I see in delhi, I think they are doing a very good job. ;-)e

Member -2  Newspapers full of report about misbehavior of police. Still why do you want to join police force?

Me-sir media doesn’t portray actual picture. Though there are such cases but there are some good officers too whose work never got published.

He got a bit annoyed and said so u want to say there is no misbehavior on the part of police?

Me- no sir, that’s why I said there are both sides to it and there are some lacunae in police which need to be corrected.

M2- Ok u you must have studied economics. Tell me about Amartya Sen. And there is an ongoing debate between him and another economist of our country. Who is he?

Me- could not answer properly. Told about Sen but could not recall the other economist he was talking about (Jagdish Bhagwati). So I said sorry sir, I am not aware.

Member3-He talked a bit about my residence in delhi and why you did your schooling from Gurgaon.

Also he asked about FYUP since I am from Delhi University.

Finally he asked about my favourite tennis player (hobby)

I said Roger Federer and he smiled a bit and said its my favourite too.

Then a bit of talk about Wimbledon. And also he asked about auditing in between.

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?

The interview was very normal except the annoyed face of Member-2

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

Just bring all the documents mentioned and don’t worry if you don’t have any. They will give you time to arrange it.

CAPF Marksheet

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

Sure I will

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?

I just knew about CISF. Rest I talked to some friends who are already into the forces.

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-92+150 =242

Unfortunately could not clear the language paper in mains.

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

Some viewpoints which I observed (these may vary from person to person)

1.Prelims was easy than last year (that’s why so high cut off).

2. GS mains too lengthy but not difficult.

3. Optional and essay were the game changer this year.

Career Backup

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

CAPF was the only backup plan!!

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

Executed.

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

Would have tried to be more specific about my studies so that could attempt more and with good accuracy in objective paper.

Wisdom

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

Competitive exams are the test of your patience and consistency. You need to focused without thinking too much about what would happen if I don’t clear and such demotivating stuff. Just have faith in yourself and regularly introspect if you are working in the right direction.

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?

As I said consistent study with same vigor is needed. I also could not clear last time but didn’t let it get too much into my head. I would just suggest evaluate your mistakes and work on them before it gets too late. All the best to everyone!

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?

All the credit for my success goes to my parents who were always there to support me. No words are enough to express my gratitude towards them. Also my sister Abhilasha who supported me morally.

I would also like to thank my fellows Saurabh, Rajesh, Andrew, Rahul bhaiya and Aashish with whom I discussed n number of topics. My college friends Nikki and Garima who always backed me up. Credit also goes to you Mrunal sir for such wonderful articles.

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.

Yes, I am a regular follower. I started following the blog since 2012 and it has helped me in multiple ways. Sir,your articles have broaden my horizon and taken my preparation to the next level. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the good work you are doing. Keep it up!