[CAPF Topper] Ashish Ranjan Rank 160: Infosys Engineer, lost 20 kgs in 4 months to qualify Physical

1. CAPF Topper Profile
2. Education
3. Introduction
4. Electronic Vs Paper material
5. Tempo and style
6. Working professional
7. Descriptive paper
8. Report writing?
9. CAPF Physical Efficiency Test
10. Interview by UPSC Panel
11. UPSC Interview Transcript
12. After the interview
13. CAPF Marksheet
14. Service preference
15. Career Backup
16. Wisdom
17. Credit: Friends/family
18. Bogus Marketing Propaganda

CAPF Topper Profile

Name	Ashish Ranjan
Rank in CAPF-2013	160
Roll No.	025070
Age	28
No. of previous attempts in CAPF	1
Home town/city	Patna
Work-experience if any	Software Engineer in Infosys Limited.
other competitive examsincluding success & failures	2 Attempts in Civil Service(2012 and 2013). Could not qualify for prelims in both.
coaching/postal material (if used)	Yes I did take coaching. It took lot of my preparation time. Every aspirant thinks to crack civil service in the period of 1-2 years of preparation. To accelerate the pace they join institute but it is not the case with everyone.Moreover ,  additional time is wasted in travel, when you stay far from the coaching institutes (as it was in my case).My recommendation will be joining Test Series in coaching institutes rather than a regular class. It helps you to judge where you stand in crowd. Postal Test Series (PTS) are also available.
Hobbies Extra-Curricular Activities	Freestyle Dance.Sports and Volunteering in awareness based programs.
Do you have NCC certificate?	No

Education

% in class 10	85.60
% in class 12	76.60
Schooling (Medium)	English
Graduation course & %	Electronics and Communication , 64.90%
College & batch-year	M.S.Ramaiah Institute Of technology , 2004-2008
Post-graduation
Any professional courses

Introduction

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

Ans :  I had a dream of joining police force ever since I was conscious. Being a son of police officer has further motivated me.

When I said to my parent that I want to leave the job, to live my dream, as a normal parent, they disagreed. They said I had a better future prospects working with IT industries. That was very true. But I had followed one motto in life: Chase your Dreams and not the Job or any Competitions.

I belong to a middle class family and all parents want that the future of their kids should be secured. My parent disagreement was justified. But finally, I was able to convince them.

I left the job and started preparation of Civil Service from mid-2011.  (I contributed in attrition rate of Infosys)

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)

Ans:  Books and paper material are my 1st preference. I cannot open my laptop every time to check on internet, pdf files etc. Even if I used to save some files, I used to get its print out. I don’t get satisfied until and unless I don’t put ink on the paper.

I followed two simple methods. 1st – Books, newspaper, magazine. 2nd.- If I want extra information on any topic which could enhance my concepts then I would surf the net or on youtube. I would make a note of extra information on the respective papers.

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?

Ans: If anyone is focused enough he/she don’t get distracted in any phase of their life. Results may come late but we have to be consistence in our efforts.

I believed in only one thing that if I have stepped in to prepare for All India Service exams, I have to take my studies as my Job/Duty. I fixed 6 days of the week as my working days. I maintained 7-8 hours of study during my work days. I used to rest on the 7th day. I spent time watching movies or any Comedy TV serials and talking to my friends. As I am a foodie, I always kept different varieties of snacks etc to make me happy. We should always keep a day off in a week for our self. I maintained the same routine the following day.

Each day, I meditate for 15 min in morning and 1 hour walk or 15 -20 mins of running in evening. When we sweat, we focus more on studies.

Working professional

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

Ans:  I want to bring out a funny incident of my life during my job. As I already mentioned I dint get permission from my parents to prepare for the exam. So I thought to join some coaching institute at my working location.

I was posted in Chennai. The company was on outskirt of the city. It was difficult for me to study after the job as travelling hours took lot of energy. Sometime I had to work on the 6th day (Saturday).The coaching institute was in the city. The institutes and my company were 180 degree from my place. I did not have the energy to travel so far. So I was looking for an institute which could guide me with the preparation.

Finally I came across a guy who used to take classes in the locality. I was concerned about the mode of communication. He assured me taking classes in English. I paid him some fraction of the fee to study G.S. (3 grand). In first class he communicated in state’s language. Rarely he used to converse in English. I pointed him about it, but he continued repeating it in 2nd and 3rd class. Just imagine yourself in my place sitting in such class. You will really find it funny. I was left with no other option to quit the job and prepare for exam.

My experience was bitter but my advice to aspirants is, preparation of exam should be along with job. Everyone has to understand that there is limited no. of seats for any competitive exam. So don’t risk your PRESENT for UNPREDICTABLE FUTURE.

Descriptive paper

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

Ans- I used see debate and discussions on rajya sabha TV, followed newspapers like Indian Express – national, international news, few good editorials and The Hindu – only editorials in the left column and relevant science articles.  I also referred few random books on report, précis and practiced writing.

Report writing?

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

Ans – If I have a second chance to write the subjective paper, I would first touch Comprehensions and Grammar, then I would take precise, report etc and would write essays at the end.

CAPF Physical Efficiency Test

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

Ans – I was 87 kilos when I was writing the CAPF 2013 prelims. I was confident that I will  be called for PET. But I was way beyond my BMI (Body Mass Index). According to my height I was supposed to have 65 kilos. So I designed a Weight Loose Program and stick to it. I lost more than 20 Kgs in 3.5 – 4 months without going to GYM.

Weight Loose Program :

• Individual have to understand how much minimum CALORIE is required in a day and what food stuffs, drinks etc gives how much calories to your body.
• Always remember to check the information on the packaged food about its calorie content etc. (Get more information on internet).  Roughly, 100 calorie = 10 grams of FAT
• Plan your WORK OUT to lose as many as calorie from your body. It is said if a person do jogging for 30 mins continuously, he loses 300-400 cal. Same no of calorie is lost if he/she walks for 1 – 1.5 hrs in a day. Since I was heavy weight, I could not start running in such an early stage. It would bring problem to my knees. So I practiced walking fast for 2 – 3 weeks. I kept patience during walking because you get an urge to Run after 1 week. Running would lead to fatigue. So by fast walking, I led my muscles to become strong enough to overcome fatigue.
• REST is very much important, if you want to reduce your weight in such a minimum period. I used to run 1 hour in morning and half an hour to 45 mins in evening. Before running I always used to do WARM UP.
• After running for such a long time you need to have a good rest. I could only say one thing, during my weight reduction period I could hardly give 2 -3 hours to studies.
• Always Massage your body with oil from Hip to Toes, before going to bed in night. This relax your muscles and also strengthen it.
• Keep checking your weight after every 2 weeks. I used to lose 3 kilos every 2 weeks.

(I have put my experience in this. I certainly hope, few will be benefitted from it)

 After Losing weight:

1. I used to practice 800 and 100 meter running with stop watch.
2. Please check on YOUTUBE to practice LONG JUMP.

Q2. Where was your PET held?

Ans CRPF, jharoda kalan, New Delhi.

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

Ans – After weight reduction program, PET was a cake walk. But Medical tests are very critical. Do check the details in notification about medical test.

I specifically want to bring attention towards KNOCK KNEES. Maximum heavy weight person develop knock knees. It can be corrected. So do check for it on YOUTUBE.  Knock Knees correction should go along with weight reduction program.

Don’t be scared if you have low degree of knock knees. Only high degrees of knock knees are rejected.

Interview by UPSC Panel

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

Ans – I thought to prepare my college graduation subjects (Electronincs & Communication), but it would be like hitting an axe on my own feet. Since it was long time leaving the college and my stream changed from Electronics Engineer to a Software Engineer, I thought to prepare a readymade response to such question. If they would ask any question on EC, I would have said – It’s been a long time leaving the subjects. So do not remember more details on it. I would recommend that aspirant must know the applied concepts of the subject in their day to day life. Like in my case, I would focus on Working of Induction Heater, LED (Light Emitting Diodes), Government Policy on Electronics, How could I contribute as an Electronics engineer in my field, Use of Internet, Wireless Technologies  etc.

Q3. Who was the chairman of you interview board?

Ans – Dr. (Mrs) P.Kilemsungla

Q4. How long was the interview?

Ans – I do not remember. It would have gone for 20 – 25 mins.

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?]

Ans  I always wanted to join police force. While preparing for civil service, I came across A.C’s job profile. I liked it as it has everything which I desire, as a police officer.

Q3. How should a DAF (Detailed Application Form) be filled?

Ans– The photocopies of summary sheet in DAF is with every member of interview panel. Always fill your DAF (Detail Application Form) properly. DAF is like a resume. Any person having a good resume has greater chance to be selected. Many fear, if they fill their DAF, the interviewer will ask questions from it. It is good, as you know the expected area from where questions could be asked. You can have an edge over others. But never fill the wrong details. Fill, only if you have certificates or proper knowledge on it.

My DAF was as follows:-

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.

Ans -In the whole process of interview I was smiling by showing my teeth. Did not bring any kind of stress on my face.

Q 1> You have spent 4 years In Karnataka. So tell me which place is more safer for women, Karnataka or Bihar ?

Ans – Since both states have special characteristics related with respect to women, I would not be able to compare it.

Q2> Still, in your opinion which would you choose ?

Ans – (when interviewer stress on such question, you have to make a choice with a reasonable explanation)

Since I stayed only in Bangalore in Karnataka and did not have access to the people all over the state. In this case I would go for the state of Bihar. The 50 % reservation at panchayat level had led to empowerment of women at grass root level. The decision making power of women had become strong. It is leading to more development to nation.

Q 3> You left Infosys and want to join CAPF. Why is so ?

Ans – Joining Police force is my dream and joining as Assistant Commandant will fulfill my dream to be a police officer.

Q 4> Which is better . Infosys or this job ?

Ans – I do not believe in comparison. Each job has its importance. I believe in chasing the dream rather chasing competitions or jobs.  (I said this one liner, which after hearing, the member smiled). SO I left Infosys just to chase my dream.

Q 5 >How will you motivate Personnel as an Assistant Commandant ?

Ans – The subordinate has to be made understood about the job satisfaction. I will ensure whatever job they take up, they put up their full interest in it.

Moreover I could use my Hobby of Freestyle dancing in this respect. In remote location the entertainment aspects are lacking. I would organize few entertainment events which could cheer them and make them stay happy. A happy mind can easily be motivated.

Q 6 > Why only police force ?

Ans – Ever since I got matured, I saw my father as police personnel. That inspired me a lot.

Q 7 > Oh ! One of your’s parent is in police, that’s why you want to join it ?

Ans – No Sir, My parents did not want to leave the private job and prepare for Government job. But I convinced them. They permitted me to prepare for competitive exam.

Q 8 > You belong to Bihar , What’s you perception about governance of Bihar ?

Ans – Sir, Bihar won the gold medal in 2008 for E – Governance. This shows governance has improved from past decade.

Q 9 > Then after 2008, can you tell about any achievement of Bihar ?

Ans – Yes Sir, Bihar started online RTI project in the name of JANKARI (I said it wrong. I said JAGRUKTA. But it does not matter. I was confidant and smiling while responding)

The RAINBOW REVOLUTION project started by Mr Nitish Kumar focused on sustainable agriculture.

In the Administration field PATNA POLICE took several initiatives to curb the crime. Such initiatives are practice in other parts of Bihar. (If they would ask to name the initiatives, I was prepared even for that.) Also we have an example of D.G.P of Bihar, Mr Abhay Anand, who had taken important initiative to improve policing. The initiatives are being carried in other states also.

(I was giving interview to join police force, so I had to bring attention towards Police department. This shows candidate interest)

Q 10 > How can you say condition of governance and crime had reduced. Have you seen the records?

Ans – Yes Sir, I saw the details of crime records but I do not remember the factual data related to it.

Q 11 > You have studied Physics. Can you tell about the theory of relativity ?

Ans – I do not know sir. (Confident and Smiling)

Q 12 > He asked One more question on physics ?

Ans – Sir , I Don’t know  (Confident and Smiling)

Q 13 > Tell me the three Newton’s laws of motion ?

Ans – Sir, presently I can recall of only 2 laws, But I do not remember fully (He said me to go ahead. Still I was not able to answer. Then I said ) It’s been a long time revising it. So I am not able to present you in better form. (Even they understand that we are not an ENCYCLOPEDIA)

Q 14 > Can you tell me about the history of internet ?

Ans – Yes Sir, It started in 1970’s when American Defence department started to develop a project. I do not remember the name of the project. The progress in the path led to development of Email. It was developed by R. Tomlinson. Then in the year 1989, the World Wide Web started. In 1998 the internet was made open to world by U.S. legislation. Then after 2000, Google, You tube Facebook, Twitter started coming.

Q 15 > How could you say Bihar is more safe in spite of so much atrocities happening against women in India ?

Ans – Bihar was part of glorious empire of ancient India. It had carried the values to respect women from ancient India to the present day. So I don’t believe women atrocities are more in Bihar.

Q 16 > How could you contribute as an Electronic Engineer ?

Ans – First we have to understand that at grass root level that our subordinate or jawans are not much aware of electronics equipment. So I would try to bring more awareness about the use of electronic equipment.

I could help in selecting the right electronic equipment which could be helpful to my department.

Q  17> Can you tell me what factual data you have to support that governance of Bihar had improved?With respect to Literacy or Poverty etc .

Ans – In literacy, the 1991 census showed 38% literacy rate in Bihar. In 2001, rate increased to 47%- 50%. In 2011 the literacy rate made a jump of 20%. It came near to 67%. We are still behind the national average 74% but we had made an improvement.

Q 18 > DO you have facts related to poverty. How many are below poverty line ?

Ans – No Sir, I do not remember it.

Q 19 > At border, What could you do as Assistant Commandant to improve the condition.

Ans – At border area we could have regular patrolling, proper check posts, proper surveillance and most important thing we need to have proper intelligence gathering.

Q 20 >You want to join police force. But we keep hearing in news about the incidents made by policemen about rape of a woman,crime, fake encounter. Still you want to join police force.

Ans – Every system have some drawbacks. We can improve it. The drawbacks which are seen by people are taken in holistic manner. They think these are the things which are done by every police personnel. But it is few individual who makes such malicious activities. The whole department gets maligned by them. So I don’t see police force having such major problems which could stop me joining the force.

Q 21 >Ashish (He called me by my name), Did senior had any problem from you ?

Ans –Never sir.

Q 22 > Did your junior had problem with you ?

Ans – No Sir, My behavior is such that they had never complaint about such incident.

Q 23 > You have your hobby as Freestyle Dancing . DO uou think freestyle dancing is polluting our indian dance culture ?

Ans – Dance is an ART form. Any ART is boundary less and can be taken up by free will of an individual of any country. Any individual could take up any dance form. This free will could not be interpreted as TAKING OVER or POLLUTING any country’s culture.

Q 24 > So you consider Dancing as an Freedom of Expression ?

Ans – (I was already tired responding so many questions, so I thought to save some energy. I said) Yes mam, it is.

Q 25 > What important characteristic features you like about Bangalore ?

Ans – Mam, Bangalore is known as Silicon Valley of India as many Information technologies Companies have boomed there. They contribute significantly in national development. Apart from it, it is a very planned city and has integrated people from different states.

Q 26- 27> They asked 1 or 2 question which do not remember.

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?

Ans – I was preparing for interview 1- 1.5 months before the PET. I learnt one thing, for any All India Exams you need to give importance to Every Stage of Exam. You can’t relax with an expectation that your scores are good in Prelims or Subjective.

My interview was 60%-70% on expected lines. For remaining %, I just had to remember the basic key points which I could use in my response.

I am very great full to my mentor Sanjeev Kabir Sir for guiding me for interview. He pointed me out that POSITIVITY brings out the GOOD PERSONALITY from us. Even if we are thinking NEGATIVE for someone; we are reducing the POSITIVITY in us. PERSONALITY + KNOWLEDGE give good interview marks. I followed his precious tips.

I kept smiling in interview by showing my teethJ.

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

Ans – I had one query in my mind, how to address a lady chairman or a lady member in the panel. Whether to address her with “MADAM” or “MAM”. Since my chairman was a lady only, I addressed her by saying “MAM”.

CAPF Marksheet

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

1. Prelims= 109
2. Subjective= 68
3. Interview= 116 (77% of 150. As according to my knowledge 120 is the highest. Please correct me if am wrong)

Service preference

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

Ans – CISF :  BSF :  CRPF :  ITBP.

Q2. How/Why did you pickup that order?

Ans – As recommended by my father, friends and seniors.

Career Backup

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

Ans – I was not having any back up plan with me when I started preparing for Civil Service. I just wanted to become a Police Officer. If you have a second thought running inside you each failure will pull you away from your destination. However if I would have failed in Civil Service too, I would have gone to my village and involve myself in some productive work along with social activity which could benefit students and also people of the area rather joining back IT companies.

Q2. If you were to re-appear in CAPF-2014 then what modifications would you make in your studies?

Ans – I would have concentrated more on Prelims and Subjective which I did not do. I was carrying my Civil Service (mains) test series in 2013. Since it’s Syllabus and pattern was changed, I was much involved in studying the new topics.

Wisdom

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

Ans – Do not take any All India Competitive Exams LIGHTLY. Each stage of exams should be taken seriously. If you relax at any stage, other competitor will cross the finish line before you.

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?

Ans – Never to lose hope. Give your best efforts every time. Results may come late. World see the ACHIEVEMENTS, not your NUMBER OF FAILURES.

Credit: Friends/family

Ans – It is the blessing of my Family and support of my Friends which always kept me motivated. I would especially thanks to my friends (who are like my brothers) – Raghwendra and Kunal who kept motivating 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.

Ans – I did take help from Mrunal. I used to read Toppers Interview and prepared myself in that direction. The explanatory materials are very useful which I do not get elsewhere. You are taking care of everything which an aspirant wants. Thanks for taking such initiative.