Chandra Mohan Garg

(Rank-25/CSE-2015) Sociology,
Ghaziabad, NSIT, Worked in
Deloitte
CANDIDATE PROFILE

Q. Details

Name CHANDRA MOHAN GARG

Rank in CSE-2015 25

Roll No. 0022318

Age 25

Total attempts in CSE

3
(including this one)

Optional Subject SOCIOLOGY

Schooling Medium ENGLISH

College medium ENGLISH

Medium chosen for Mains

ENGLISH
answers

Medium chosen for Interview ENGLISH

Home town/city Ghaziabad

Worked in Deloitte
as a Business
Work-experience if any
Analyst for 16
months

Details of other competitive

exams, including CSE 2014 , 617 RANK
success/failures
 GS Coaching from
Details of coaching, mock
Vajiram, Sociology
tests, postal material for
Test series from
any competitive exam (if
Praveen Kishore and
used)
Aditya Mongra Sir.

IAS>IRS IT> IRS

Service preferences (Top-5)
Customs > IAAS

state cadre preference UP, Rajasthan, MP,

(Top-5) Haryana, Punjab

EDUCATION

fill the details

here

% in class 10 93.4

% in class 12 88

Graduation course and % 64

Netaji Subhash
Name of college, city, Institute of
passing out year Technology, Delhi
2012 pass out

Post-graduation

Any other professional

courses

Hobbies & Extracurricular

Teaching, Sports
achievements

INTRODUCTION

Q. Tell us something about yourself, your family, when and why did you
enter in this field of competitive exams?
I belong to Ghaziabad,UP. I did my B.E from NSIT Delhi and thereafter
worked in Deloitte. My family is based in Ghaziabad. Dad is a retired
professor and Mom is a home maker. I entered into preparation of civil
services because of two reasons mainly. One I wanted a dynamic and
diverse job which includes public interaction and second I wanted to
do something credible for society.

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 Im reading,
I just read multiple times but dont maintain notes, I make mindmaps
on computer or xyz style)
Today there is a vast ocean of information flowing from everyside, out
of competitive feeling (what others are doing) we feel like doing
everything. I think one should use all mediums (online, books, notes)
but selectively. What I used to do is I would follow basic books and
newspaper holistically and make notes of it. All the other resources
available I would use selectively and add in my notes. So scrutinise a
resource, see its utility for you, read it and then surely note in
down so that it get fixed in your memory and you at the end of the day
have a consolidated info on all topics of syllabus.

TEMPO AND STYLE

Q. People know what books and syllabus points are to be prepared. But
most of them lack consistency in their preparation. So, how do you
keep study momentum going on? How do you fight against the mood swings
and distractions?
Every one has mood swings and distractions , but this journey is all
about focus. Most of the aspirants undoubtedly very intelligent and
knowledgeable, but what determines success is how well do you use your
intelligence and knowledge and keep preparing continuously for more
then an year. I made it simple, I will maintain consistency
but I will not exhaust myself. Whatever time I study it should be very
productive, daily spend an hour and half on my interest and hobby, and
take a half day break in week.

STRUGGLE OF A SENIOR PLAYER

Q1. How did you survive through this mental prison and whatre your
words of wisdom to other senior players? If any specific inspirational
incident(s), please share.
I was lucky that I did not had to go through a lot of mental struggle.
But my two cents will be that do not entrap yourself in a negative
cycle. Failure Frustration Demotivation Loosing self confidence-
Failure. Get out of this loop, break the monotony of your life, do
something for change, introspect and come out afresh. Some people miss
out due to very silly mistake so no need to doubt your capabilities
beacuse of 1 exam.

Q2. What went wrong in your previous attempt? What changes did you
make in this current attempt?
Last time I did well in Mains (744) but interview score was 151. This
time in mains I focused a lot on Essay and Optional and in GS on
answer writing. This helped me in increasing my score to 789. And I
prepared beforehand for interview so could perform well there as well.

PRELIMS (CSAT) GENERAL STUDIES

Topic strategy/booklist/comment

History Ancient OLD NCERT

History Medieval OLD NCERT

History Modern SPECTRUM + OLD NCERT for

(Freedom Struggle) chapters before 1857

Nitin Singhania + Vajiram

Culture and society
Class Notes

Polity (theory +
Laxmikanth
current)

Sriram Notes + Class 12th

Economy (theory + Macroeconomic. Even
current) Mrunal Videos are really
good

NCERTs as mentioned by
Science (theory +
Mrunal / Vajiram Yellow
current)
books of PCB

Environment (theory + Shankar + OLD BIO NCERT

current) Ecology Unit

geography physical NCERT 11& 12

geography India NCERT 11& 12

geography world NCERT 11& 12

other
national/international Hindu + Vision IAS
current affairs

Schemes, Policy & Vision IAS, Insight on

Filler Stuff India
Q. Now that Aptitude paper has become qualifying, obvious more
attention needs to be paid on the GS paper so apart from the books
that you already have gone through, what else would you have tried for
CSE-2016 (if you were going to appear)?
Focus more on Current Affairs and Basic books then subsidiary
materials floating. Revise atleast thrice. Solve atleast one test
series. And yes in examination follow a proper strategy of paper
solving, we need to do intelligent elimination of options. I mean
either you know this is the answer or you know these cant be the
answer. Both ways you can solve questions.

PRELIMS (CSAT) APTITUDE

strategy /
Topic
booklist

Maths None

reasoning None

comprehension None

Decision Making None

Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2015 paper.

I have an Engineering background so did not find much difficulty, but
for a non science background person I would suggest please solve few
test papers & evaluate your standing. Accordingly make efforts for
this paper.

PRELIM ACCURACY

Q1. Did you attend any mock tests? do you think theyre necessary
for success?
I did not attended. Mock test have many utilities. They can help in
making a time table and cover syllabus, they will help in evaluation
(where my preparation is going) , a good source of revision, and also
a source of practice. You need to practice few mocks, try check your
intelligent elimination tactics etc.
Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in
CSAT-2015

attempted correct Official

Q. (Expected) score

GS 86 62 108

dont dont
aptitude 136
remember remember

MAINS: COMPULSORY LANGUAGE PAPER

Your preparation
Compulsory language paper
strategy / booklist?

English paper None

your regional language None

MAINS: ESSAY

Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?

I got 149 marks this time, it is mainly because I spent a lot of time
with essay this time. I read some essays of toppers and tried to gauge
how people begin their essays, how they build context, link
paragraphs, analyse and conclude topics. Through this I learnt how to
make an outline of essay and structure essay. I then tried to collect
some fodder ( quotes, examples, case studies, facts ) on imp topics
and then practices how to use them to enrich my essay. I will soon
write a detailed strategy on my fb page. You can refer
here facebook.com/CSE-Preparation-1713358785598474/
Also you can ask me any of your queries and problems realted to CSE.
Q2. Which two essays did you write and What key points did you include
in it?
Refer my fb page. I ll soon write in detail of what I wrote in my
essay.
 GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) PAPER 1

Topic How did you prepare?

Nitin Singhania, Vajiram

Culture
Notes

Spectrum + Old NCERT

chapters before 1857.
Indian history
sekhar bandyopadhyay is
also a very good book

NCERTS 9th, 10th, 12th

world history selectively. You can use
vision IAS notes as well

Bipin Chandra India

since Independence
post-independence India Selectively . Or use
Vision Ias and Narayana
IAS notes.

Socio is my optional so
Indian society
cant comment

role of women, poverty

etc.

globalization on Indian
society

communalism,
regionalism, secularism

Mrunal Videos + NCERT +

world geo physical
Vajiram Notes

Mrunal Videos + NCERT+

resource distribution
Vajiram Notes

factors for industrial Mrunal Videos + NCERT+

location Vajiram Notes

Mrunal Videos + NCERT +

earthquake tsunami etc
Vajiram Notes
 Mrunal Videos + NCERT +
impact on flora-fauna
Vajiram Notes

GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) PAPER 2

In general use a static book for basic concepts and then a source of
current affairs. I found Hindu + Insight Secure Initiative + Vision
IAS to cover up most of paper 2 topics.

Topic How Did You Prepare?

Indian Constitution,
devolution, dispute Laxmikanth
redressal etc.

comparing Constitution with

Vision IAS
world

Laxmikanth + Current
parliament, state Affairs ( Hindu+
Legislatures Insight secure +
Vision IAS Monthly)

Laxmikanth + Current
executive-judiciary
Affairs

Laxmikanth + Current
ministries departments
Affairs

pressure group, informal Vision IAS + Current

asso. Affairs Mainly

Representation of peoples
Vision IAS Notes
act

various bodies: Vision IAS + Current

Constitutional, statutory.. Affairs Mainly

Vision IAS + Current

NGO, SHG etc
Affairs Mainly

Current Affairs
welfare schemes, bodies
Mainly
social sector, health, edu, Vision IAS + Current
HRD Affairs Mainly

governance, transparency, Vision IAS + Current

accountability Affairs Mainly

Vision IAS + Current

e-governance
Affairs Mainly

Vision IAS + Current

role of civil service
Affairs Mainly

Current Affairs
Mainly. (If you want
to study in detail
India & neighbors which is not needed
, then subhra ranjam
mam IR part of Pol
Science s available)

bilateral/global grouping Same as Above

effect of foreign country

Same as Above
policies on Indian interest

Diaspora Same as Above

international bodies-
Same as Above
structure mandate

GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) PAPER 3

Topic How Did You Prepare?

Whatever read for

Indian economy, resource
prelims + Sanjeev
mobilization
Verma book

Sanjeev Verma Book +

inclusive growth Current Affairs+
Sriram Printed Notes

Mrunal Videos +
Budgeting Current Affairs+
Sriram Printed Notes
 Vision IAS + Current
major crops, irrigation
Affairs

agro produce storage, Vision IAS + Current

marketing Affairs

Vision IAS + Current

e-technology for famers
Affairs

Vision IAS + Current

farm subsidies, MSP
Affairs

Vision IAS + Current

PDS, buffer, food security
Affairs

Vision IAS + Current

technology mission
Affairs

Mrunal + Current
animal rearing economics
Affairs

Mrunal + Current
food processing
Affairs

land reforms Vision IAS

Sanjeev Verma Book +

Liberalization
Sriram Notes

Sanjeev Verma Book +

Infra
Mrunal Videos

investment models Current Affairs

science-tech day to day

Current Affairs
life

Indian achievements in sci-

Current Affairs
tech

awareness in IT, space,

Current Affairs
biotech, nano, IPR

environmental impact Current Affairs +

assessment Prelims studies
 Current Affairs +
Disaster Management
Vision IAS

non state actors, internal

TMH Book on security
security

internal security role of

media, social networking TMH Book
site

cyber security TMH Book

money laundering TMH Book

border Management TMH Book

organized crime, terrorism TMH Book

security agencies-
TMH Book
structure mandate

GENERAL STUDIES 4: ETHICS, INTEGRITY, APTITUDE

Topic How Did You Prepare?

Lexicon( Summarise
and make your own
notes for values,
concepts , relating
ethics and interface, it to examples) +
family, society and all Google+
thehathodaa topics InsightsonIndia( case
studies,others
answers + Answer
writing) + Current
Events

attitude, moral influence

Same
etc.

civil service: integrity,

impartiality, tolerance to Same
weak etc

emotional intelligence, its

Same
use in governance
moral thinkers of India and
Same
world

ethics in pub.ad,
accountability, laws, rules Same
etc.

corporate governance Same

probity in governance, work

Same
culture

citizen charter, ethics

Same
code, work culture etc.

challenges of corruption Same

case studies on above

Same
topics

Q. Many candidates found Mains-2015 Ethics paper very peculiar and

out of the book. What are your observations and tips for future
aspirants regarding preparation of this paper?
It is not a technical subject , this subject requires very clear
understnding of value aspect and then its application in real life and
contextual problem. So focus should be on general understanding and
asnwer writing.

MAINS ANSWER-WRITING?

Please tell us how many marks worth attempt did you give? along with
comments if any, in the following cells:

Best Average namesake Total

Paper
attempted quality answer attempt

GS1 Cant say 19 1 All

GS2 Same 18 2 ALL

GS3 Same 18 2 ALL

GS4 Same ALL ALL

Opt-P1 Same ALL ALL

Opt-P2 Same ALL ALL

It is important to attempt maximum number of questions as possible. Do

not attempt if you have no idea, but do attempt even if you have some
idea. Glance through the paper to figure out how many questions you
have idea, some idea, no idea. Accordingly divide time and attempt the
paper. Focus more on completion rather then writing model answers.
Q. How was your experience with the fixed space answer sheet?
Do not try to write only to cover all sheets. Doesnt matter how much
space is left. Your answer should be complete.
Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs? Some
players (who cleared mains and got interview call letter) were
claiming that they wrote entire paper in bullet points, so it doesnt
matter.whether examiner is asking examine, comment, discuss or
xyz.simply write in bullets and points.
I write in points . At times point and para mix. And focus is on
giving holistic picture in my answer/
Q. Did you follow the introduction-body-conclusion format? because
some mains-qualified candidates claim they simply wrote the points
they could recall within the time, instead of bothering with proper
introduction and conclusion.
Yes I have an approach. Intro ( Context building). Using the statement
given in question I try to build the context. Body contains analysis
on subparts (pros nd cons if possible). Conclusion summarise the issue
. I end with a solution or way ahead if possible.
Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers?
No
Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography)
No. If possible do it
Q7. If yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen?
NA
Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just
make it by hand?
NA
Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen?
Blue

MAINS OPTIONAL SUBJECT

Q. Whats your optional subject and why did you chose it and not
something else?
Sociology. I chose it becasue its syllabus was limited, it takes less
time to complete, teachers and material is readily available. Plus it
helps in Essay and GS. Also It matched my interest.
Q. If a new player wants to pick this subject, would you advice for it
or against it? (e.g. every senior player in Public Administration
seems to be advising against pub.ad)
Its not a very scoring subject in last few years but not even
performing badly. Read some basic NCERT 11th, if it interest you then
only take it.
Q. First the essential book/resource list. (Also mention which one is
the Base book for covering the theory? + Whatever comments youve
for a particular book e.g. my seniors said read xyz book but I found
that ABC book was better. xyz topic not given properly in this
book, so prepare from xyz website or book OR and so on.)
I need time to collate it topic wise as socio cant be found in a
book. I ll share it on my page. In summary I would say.
Paper1: Harlambos (small one) , Upendra sir notes, Vikash Ranjan book
, Aditya Mongra for Thinkers and stratification.
Paper 2: Mahapatra sir class notes, IGNOU, Vikash Ranjan Book
** Aditya Mongra sir for value addition.
Q. How much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for
this optional? OR can one simply rely on the books and be done with
this subject?
For Paper 2 you ll need to google on topics you wont find in books.
Q. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
3-4 months
Q. How many days/ weeks before the exam, you started answer writing
practice?
Depends on your answer writing capabilities,we all are at different
levels. I would say write some answers in initial few months of your
preparation and get them evaluated. Based on your capabilities you can
start writing some answers every week. If you are fine then you can do
answer writing after prelims .
Q. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? In which
format- electronic or paper?
Self notes after reading from different sources. I collated at one
place. Written not electronic.
Q. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2015 mains vs
previous papers. And what precautions / rectifications are necessary
in the future strategy for given optional subject?
Paper is very simple in appearance but complex in writing because
questions are so general and needs to be written in sociological
perspective. So while preparing use these questions as sample as how
to write sociologically on such general qustions. Do some answer
writing practice as well.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Q1. How did you prepare for the interview? for college grad,
hobbies, place of origin, current affairs at national and
international level?
I made some questions related to my Daf and prepared it. Had some
discussions with friends. For current events newspapers and discussion
mainly.
Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes? How were
they similar / different than official interview? Do you believe it is
necessary to attend such mock interviews?
I attended at Sri Chaitanya, Chanakya, Vajiram. Yes some were helpful.
Esp Chanakya one. They were not similar but helped me in boosing my
confidence and identification of faults.
Q3. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friends home )
and what books/material did you bring for the revision before
interview?
My own place in delhi
Q4. Any words of wisdom about Medical checkup?
Carry a optician/doctor prescription of eye number.
Q5. Describe the formal-dress worn by you in interview.
Pant-shirt-tie

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Q1. Who was the chairman of you interview board?

Manbir Singh
Q2. How long was the interview?
25 minutes
Q3. Why do you want to join civil service? Why dont you continue in
your graduation field? Social service can be done from private sector
too. [Since I dont know whether they ask you this question or not.
But if they had asked- what will be your reply?]
Dynamic and diverse role along with ability to bring change was my
reason. Not in grads field because I want to get into civil services,
my field wont provide me public interaction role, so much diversity
and change making opportunity.
Q4. 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)
please see this link
Q5. 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?
Interview went fine. It was more or less on expected lines. My DAF +
Current affairs
Q6. Any side details about technicalities like make sure you bring
xyz document or do xyz thing, or youll face problem?
No

CSE-2015 MARKSHEET

Prelims mark sheet-

Subject Marks obtained

Paper 1 108

Paper 2 136.71

Mains mark sheet-

Subject Marks obtained

Essay Paper-1 149

General Studies Paper 2 114

General Studies Paper 3 88

General Studies Paper 4 108

General Studies Paper 5 97

Optional Paper Paper-1 120

Optional Paper Paper-2 113

Written total 789

Personality Test 176

Final Total 965

Q2. After looking at the marksheet, suppose you had to prepare again
next time, what changes will you make in your studies?
I would have tried to score more marks in Optional

CAREER BACKUP

Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
I was already in another civil services so would have continued with
it.
 VIEWS ON UPSC REFORMS

Q. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present

stalemate is helping no-one, except coaching-owners, book publishers.
Yes it should be removed. That will help in creating parity and reduce
burder of students.
Q. Your views on the decision to make CSAT paper 33% qualifying?
I personally think aptitude paper should be there but its weightage
can be reduced in overall marks. Secondly translation issue be
resolved.

INSECURITY ABOUT PROFILE

Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear

about profile insecurity. Im not from a big college, Im not from
English medium, and I dont have work-experience. What if they ask
some stressful questions in the interview about this? Did you suffer
from such insecurities? What is your message to these candidates?
No. In interview only your performance in those 30 minutes matter and
nothing else. So dont think about all these things.

WISDOM

Q. Through this struggle and success, what have your learned? What is
the wisdom of life and competition? What is your message to the new
aspirants?
I think this competition is not about knowledge or intelligence. Your
attitude, frame of mind and approach really matters and make a huge
difference in your success of failure. My wisdom is enjoy your journey
if you want to reach your destination in civil services. This
article might help here how to go about it.
Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of
CSE-2015. Theyre feeling cynical, hopeless and depressed- what is
your message to them?
Yes its very troubling when you loose out after coming so close. My
only message is that we have to keep our minds positive. On one side
we might look our selves as loosers and fall in a trap of negativity.
On the other hand we can look it positively that we have reached among
the top 1% , now we can to put more efforts to be among top 0.1%. The
biggest test in this exam is that of patience. One who keeps it,
learns from his mistake and work with consistency eventually succeeds.

CREDIT: FRIENDS/FAMILY

Q. Behind every topper are many people who stood by 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?
Yes, My Family and friends have been a big source of motivation and
support to me.

BOGUS MARKETING PROPAGANDA

Q. You are well aware of the sacred rule of conducting toppers

interview- the last question 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. Ill still publish your answer
without tempering.
Yes, Mrunal has been really helpful. Mrunal articles, analysis of
paper and its videos have helped me immensely.

Source: xaam.in