IES Interview Experience of AIR-1

IES 2012 : Kunal Srivastava( E & T)

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Q1. Introduce yourself.

Ans. Sir, my name is KUNAL SHRIVASTAV. I belong to Patna, Bihar. I have completed
my secondary and senior secondary schooling in Patna under CBSE board. I
completed my B.Tech from Indian institute of Information technology Allahabad in
2011. Since my graduation I have been preparing for various competitive
examinations including Engg services. My hobbies include solving Sudoku,
watching movies and writing spoof articles.
I have completed two projects during college. Firstly, an alarm clock and secondly,
a person counter. Besides, I have undergone summer training programme at
Vodafone where I learnt about GSM technology and this generated an interest
towards telecommunications technology. My favourite subjects are Control
Systems, Signals and Systems and Electromagnetic theory.
I am optimistic and industrious by nature. I am curious minded and willing to learn
new and exciting skills.
My short-term goal is responsible employment and long-term goal is satisfactory
service to the nation.

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Counter question Vodafone INDIA: Third largest in India. Gives 2.75G in

900 and 1800 Mhz. In 1992, Hutchison Whampoa was given license to
operate in some cities. Essar was its partner. But Hutch acquired the
majority later. In 2007, Vodafone Group plc bought 67% in Hutchison
Telecom for $11.1 billion. This deal has caused a storm nowadays. As the
IT dept. believed that since it was purchase of an Indian company so liable
to be taxed. The crux of the issue is that whether or not IT dept. has
jurisdiction over this issue. Voda fone is facing tax liability for this deal. The
SC has already cleared that Vodafone does not have any tax liability. But
this did not go down well with FM and Pranab MUkherjee amended IT act
1961 with retrospective effect to undo SCs orders. Concerns were raised
over investment in India and Shome committee was appointed which
suggested that either the govt. withdraw the retrospective tax
amendment or waive tax penalty.
In 2011, Vodafone group announced that it will but additional 33% from
its partner Esaar.

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Q2. Why you want to become ESE?

Ans. Sir, three reasons why I want to be an ES officer.
Firstly, it presents me with a wonderful opportunity to work in the best
way I can and also concurs with my long-term goals.
Secondly, career prospects are bright. Growth is good and the work itself
is multi-faceted encompassing techno-managerial aspects as well.
Last but not the least; it will give me pride to be a part of the nation
building process.
These are the reasons why I am so specific about ESE.

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Counter question: What are the qualities of a good leader?

Ans. 1) Articulate and inspiring words.
2) Assemble a team
3) Taking responsibility
4) Getting the best out of the colleagues
5) Confidence and commitment

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Q3. Why you should be selected?

Ans. Sir, I deem myself to be competent for this job because
I fulfil the eligibility criteria and possess required qualities like
sound technical knowledge and managerial skills
I want to leverage my technical skills and other strengths for
development of nation and welfare of society and hence, I think I
should be given a chance to do that.
I have interest and dedication towards the profile being offered.

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Counter question: Why not others waiting

outside?
Ans: With all respect, I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THEM but I am sure about
myself.

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Q4.What is your strengths and weaknesses? And how do you know? What are the
parameters to assess ones strength and weakness?
Ans. Sir over the time I have recognised some of my strengths as:
1. I am result-oriented and believe in team spirit.
2. I learn things faster.
3. I am articulate.
4. I do not trust without verifying.
5. I am sure that my strengths will be of some use to the job I am applying for.
On the other hand, I assume following to be my weaknesses.
1.I am a little careless about personal belongings
2.I used to be more assertive than usual. But it has reduced since I have started pursuing my hobby of spoof
writing.
I know these are my strengths and weaknesses because either I have been told so by others whom I value and
some are felt by me in that way.
The parameters that can be used for assessing strengths and weaknesses are: Relevance, consistency and
confidence.

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Q5. Why have you filled ITS first, Railways 2nd and 3rd?
Ans. I have exercised my choices eclectically. I.T.S is my first choice due to my
interest in mobile technology and because I see this sector growing by
leaps and bounds in the times to come. This sector has become the
hotspot of recent technological developments. With advent of
technologies like 3G, 4G and ubiquity of smart phones, I think the best
phase is yet to come. I believe that this is one technology which can really
connect people and thus, help us in accomplishing some key targets. For
example e-governance, reduction in crime rates, accountability and
others.
While Railways are my second choice because it is the biggest department
of GoaI and job is diversified. There is ample scope for modernisation in
the coming years. Career growth aspects are better and working for
railways is a proud feeling.

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Q6. Why then JTO 10th and EME corps last

option?
Ans. It is not that I am hostile to them. If selected I will consider
joining them. But compared to the other options, EME corps has
certain disadvantages. They place in remote areas and thus, social
life will be almost non-existent. Since I am the lone son of my
parents, so I would want to be their support. And JTO even though
is in the field of communications, but is a Group B service.

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Counter question: What is a gazetted officer? What is

Group A service?

An officer who has been appointed under the seal of the governor of the state or
President of India, requires to be listed in the Indian Gazette or the State
Government Gazette is considered a Gazetted officer. They have the power to
verify documents for academic or immigration purposes. More responsibilities and
authority is vested but no difference in salary. Following are the groups:
Group A or Class 1 (Gazetted)
Group B or Class 2 (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted)
Group C or Class 3 (Non-Gazetted)
Group D or Class 4 (Non-Gazetted)
But after 6th pay commission, Class 3 and 4 have been merged.
But in states still we have 4 classes.

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Q.7 Why is there a sudden drop in your marks in 12th

and B.Tech? And why is there a drop in years?
Ans Sir, after 10th I decided I will be an engineer because I had interest in Maths and Physics. So
upon advice of my seniors I joined various coaching institutes. But I could not manage time
between them and school. Consequently, I felt trapped but wanted to crack exams in the first
attempt. But entire days time was devoted in school and coaching. Thats why my marks
dropped in 12th and also I could not qualify for B.Tech. Then I took a years drop and prepared
by myself. Thats why I have mentioned this as an achievement in DAF.
In B.Tech, I was a little complacent at the start because of good rank and placement records
of my college. I engaged myself in some extra-curricular activities like computer gaming. Also
the evaluation process of the college was tough. Then I took some time to consider my
options and whole heartedly decided that I will sit for ESE.

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Counter question: Do you think your decision

was correct?
Ans. Sir, as I said I am a result-oriented person. So till I actually qualify, I
cannot totally support this point of view. But sitting here and being
interviewed by a n elite panel of UPSC is an achievement of some sort.
Hence so far, so good.

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Counter Question: Why did you choose ECE?

Ans. Sir, I have had an interest in ECE since my school days. I always
wondered how devices like telephones, TV and radio work and how
difficult our lives would have been in their absence. Plus, ECE is a
technological hotspot where I see a lot of potential in the times ahead. I
think it can help achieve some key targets like reduction in crime rates,
accountability and well connected people.

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Counter Question: How as an EC student can

you help the nation?
Ans. Sir, being an EC student gives the chance to serve the nation through
the latest technologies. I think one of the major problems that is plaguing
departments like railways is the lack of the modern signalling equipments.
Also the future of this sector is bright.

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Q8. Why not M.Tech?

Ans. Sir, I am not averse to higher studies and specialization. But after
graduation my first priority was job. So I plunged myself into preparation
for ESE. Being focussed on two things at a time is not what I am
comfortable with. (So that quality is not compromised on weak pretexts.)

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Q9. Where do you yourself in next 5 years?

Ans. Sir I see myself working as a responsible service holder. I see myself
climbing up the corporate ladder as efficiently as I can while also learning
new and exciting skills. I see myself evolving as a responsible service
holder and become an exemplary for others to follow.

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Counter Question What is difference between

Indian and German railways?
Ans. Indian railways have three gauges: Broad (1.676 m.), Meter (1 m.)
and narrow (0.762 m. Or 0.61m.)
Europeans have standard gauges (1.435 m.). DMRC uses standard gauges.

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Counter Question: How to assess economic

feasibility?
Ans. By break-even analysis. Here we consider total costs (including fixed
costs and variable costs, those that change with varying volumes of
production) and sales revenue to determine the level of sales or volume to
reach break-even point. Here no net profit or loss incurs. After this net
profit will be experienced.

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Q10. Why not private sector or PSUs?

Ans. Sir for me there is not much of a difference between private
sector and PSUs. Any job where I can apply my technical knowledge
and qualities will be deemed fit by me. So far I have not tried for
private sector (except in college but their written exam consisted of
IT questions) because mostly they need software professionals and
they do not fit in my plans as of now. But I have tried in some PSUs
but could not make it through.

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Q11. What are your family obligations?

Ans. Sir there is no obligation as such. However, since I am the lone son so
I want to be the support of my family in times to come.

Counter question: What have you learnt from your

mother and father?
Ans. A childs learning process is initiated by parents. I have learnt
self-respect and leadership from father. And compassion and
responsibility from my mother.

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Q12. What are your favourite subjects?

Ans. Sir, my favourite subjects are Control Systems, Signals and Systems,
Gate Mathematics relevant to my branch and Communications

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Q13. What are your hobbies and why?

Ans. Sir, my hobbies are solving Sudoku, watching English and Hindi movies and
writing spoof articles.
Sudoku became a hobby when I met a friend of mine during the drop after B.Tech
and since then it has been a habit to solve them in morning as a starter for the day.
I have been watching movies since college. But I watch selected movies and with
some friend not alone. Movies intrigue me with their characters and unpredictable
plots.
Spoof writing has been my hobby since February this year. As I said I used to
monotonously overstress myself, so started to turn to internet getting some
laughter doses. I started to read satire news and spoof articles. Gradually, it
happened to me that I should give it a try an since then I have developed this as a
hobby. Writing spoof refreshes me and acts as a small laughter dose.

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Q14. What are the practical applications of your

hobby?
Ans. Sir, solving Sudoku helps one sharpen his thought process and work
through various combinations for a single correct solution.
Movies act as stress buster and a good way of socializing with friends.
Spoof writing is also stress buster not only for me but for those who read.

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Q15. What is the difference between hobby and profession?

Ans. Hobby is the activity one does for sake of pleasure and satisfaction
almost never with the intention of deriving monetary benefits. While
profession is what one does for monetary remuneration in return. Both
may be same in some cases but for that to happen one has to be really
very good at it.

Q16. Why do you not appear for Civil Services?

Ans. Sir, since I am an engineer so for me the highest civilian service is ESE.
Otherwise, if I quit ESE and lets assume that I qualify for Civil services, it
would be unnecessary wastage of seat and opportunity for one of my
fellows.

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Q17. What will you do if not selected?

Ans. Sir, even though I am confident of being selected this time but in case
I do not qualify there must be reasons for it. I will find the reasons and
work on them more diligently. I have already applied for ESE 2013 and will
re-appear as I am dedicated for ESE.

Q18. How do you react to criticism?

Ans. Sir, I like to keep myself open to suggestions and criticisms. I will look
into the reasons and if criticism is well founded and points to any short
comings, it needs to be addressed. However, if there is any undue
criticism, it should be ignored and if repeated, referred to seniors.

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Q19. How do you resolve disputes between

workers?
Ans. Sir, workers engage at the grass root levels and their effective
working in tandem is absolutely necessary for smooth functioning.
In case of disputes, the matter should not only be dealt in a discreet
way but also swiftly. Their disputes can be addressed by motivating
them, training them, inculcating a sense of pride for working for
their respective authorities and fulfilling their justified demands.
Their case should be taken up in a compassionate way with a
sympathetic attitude.

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Q20. Differentiate between administration and management.

Ans. Administration is a top level activity while management is middle level

activity.
Administration consists of the ownership of the enterprise and the individuals who
invest money and derive profits out of it. Managements consist of individuals who
leverage their skills to fulfil the objectives of an enterprise.
While administration is a determinative term, management is an executive term.
Administration will take decisions for the enterprise as a whole while management
will take decisions in the framework set up by the administration.
Administrators are usually found in governments, military and religious
organisations while management is usually found in business enterprises.
The decision of administrators is shaped by policies, socio-religious factors and
public opinion. The decisions of management are shaped by the values, skills and
managerial aptitude of the managers.

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