5/31/13

[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

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MAY 28TH, 2013

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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry

Bio Coaching Inception Information Study Momentum Study Hours Strategy: CSAT (Aptitude) Strategy: General studies Mains 2013 Optional: Electrical Engineering Optional: Chemistry Optional Subject in Mains 2013? Compulsory papers Essay Previous Attempts Insecurity about Profile Backup Interview Marksheet Wisdom Bogus marketing propaganda

Bio
Name Roll number Rank (CSE 2012) Optional Subjects Number of Attempts Schooling (Medium) Centre for Prelim exam Centre for Mains exam 2 English Jaipur Jaipur MAYANK AGRAWAL 16178 67 1. Electrical Engineering 2. Chemistry

Medium for Mains Exam English

Name of home town/city Varanasi (UP) Edu % in class 10 % in class 12 Graduation course and % PG (if applicable) Any professional courses (if applicable) 91 82 93 M.Tech (as part of dual degree) in VLSI Design and Microelectronics Electrical Engineering Hobbies: Reading (mostly fiction) and I have interest in teaching. Work Ex Not Applicable Family background
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Name of college and year of passing out Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 2011 Batch

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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

My father is an Engineer and mother housewife. My brother is studying engineering.

Coaching
Did you join any Coaching? Did you join any postal courses? Did you join any Mock test series? Joined for a month then left (because those people were wasting my time and money) I got brilliant tutorial material. (as I had very peculiar optionals, these material though useless provided some segregated question bank for my optionals.) My advice to future candidates is that if you have traditional optionals then you dont need this. Better find some people who have cleared competition with similar subjects. I came across some of the vision ias mock test series which my friend had subscribed.

Did you appear in any other No. competitive exams?

Inception
For most of my life I have been like a race horse and upsc examination was another race that I ran. Though it is ironical but my main motivation was to explore myself and know myself better, other than knowing myself as a race horse. Career as a civil servant provides you variety of challenges and while facing those challenges (both successfully and unsuccessfully) you come to hone your skills and know yourself better. This is the same answer that I gave in the interview and it is mostly true.

Information
Q. Outside Delhi, its hard to dig how to prepare for civil service. So How did you gather the necessary information / strategy / booklist? In my opinion when the general studies is mostly current oriented it may not be very difficult for people outside delhi to prepare for this exam. You can get the standard text books on blogs and websites oriented towards this exam preparation (including mrunals) and I think regarding the standard material they are mostly same. I have highlighted some of the books that I referred to later part this questionnaire. Regarding the non standard and current material coming these days in the exams I followed debates and discussions on Lok-Sabha nad Rajya-Sabha TV channels. I had the recording set-top box where I used to record those programs daily and in about 1-2 hours went through the relevant programs daily. These programs are of very high standard (regarding anchors and panelists) and you could find quality discussions. These programs provide you non-biased complete picture of an ongoing issue or policy matter and stimulates you to form an independent opinion on them. Please note that even the newspapers are biased in their opinion and you cannot form opinion just on the basis of their analysis. (for example hindu has left tilt in its opinion and vice versa is economics times, etc) But I read Hindu daily. Some of programs on Lok-Sabha tv which I found useful were: Insigt: 1-2 pm mon-fri Public Forum / Lok Manch: 3-4 pm mon-fri Talktime: 8-9pm Thursday One-on-One: 4-5 pm Friday Science This week (some time on saturday, please check as its time has changed) Talk with Rajiv Mishra 9pm: Sunday

Some of programs on Rajya-Sabha Tv: (NOTE: programs of rajya sabha could be found on youtube) These programs are: Big Picture Law of the Land State of Economy
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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

Sarokar To the Point I prepared my general studies with the above said programs and newspaper the hindu apart from standard text books. Regarding Electrical Engineering and Chemistry, I followed Prakash Rajpurohit and Abhijeet Agrawals blog respectively.

Study Momentum
I think this is the most important aspect of preparation especially for this examination. According to me the main problem is the absence of feedback. It is an engineering principle: the world / systems work on negative feedback. I have already hinted above that you have to evolve your own system to your standard of your preparation and continuously update that standard according to the need. For people having surrounded by serious motivated candidates there is little problem. They are always on the edge to compete with their peers. The only problem that I see in this case is finding serious candidates. (I am sorry but this is my personal opinion that you wont find many serious candidates, most of the candidates are not themselves convinced what they want from their life and just passing time dreaming without any action) Now coming on other set of people who dont have peers around them to compete with. I cannot make a general comment on it and I would just highlight my strategy. Step1: you need to be aware of the scope of syllabus. Step2: figure out materials to be studied. Try to fix the scope while allowing some flexibility for additional material. Step3: figure out a plan to manage the syllabus with keeping in mind that revision would take at least 50% of the time that the main syllabus has taken. Step4: Break the plan into monthly, then into weekly targets. Step5: Now compete with yourself to achieve those targets. As you go on you would have better idea of your capacity. Over a period of time with positive results you would gain confidence in your progress and would be away from negative thoughts. Remember when you are busy chasing your target you would have little time to worry about your shortcomings.

Study Hours
Q. On an average, How many hours did you study per day? Ans. I am not sure how to answer this question. I was in front of books around 7-8 hours. I think around 60-70% of time I was absorbing the content of the book. Q. How many months did it take you to complete the core syllabus of GS and optional subjects? Ans. I used to give around 3 hrs to GS daily. Around 3 hrs each to optionals daily. Everything took 1-1.25 years to complete syllabus.

Strategy: CSAT (Aptitude)

I didnt do any preparation for CSAT paper. But if people find reasoning, aptitude difficult they could refer some preliminary CAT books.

Strategy: General studies

Book/ source Ancient History Modern Culture Mains Basics Polity Current mains Left Indias Struggle for Freedom by Bipan Chandra Ccrtindia.gov.in Same Lakshmikanth Loksabha and Rajyasabha TV Loksabha and Rajyasabha TV
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Medieval Left

mrunal.org/2013/05/toppers-interview-mayank-agrawal-air-67-cse-2012-electrical-engineering-chemistry.html

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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

Basics Economy Current mains Physical Geography Indian World mains Basics Environment, Biodiversity Current Mains Basics Science Tech Current Mains Yearbook / Govt. schemes etc. IR/diplomacy

Hindu Paper Loksabha Rajyasabha TV Loksabha and Rajyasabha TV Little bit from NCERT, NCERT Left Above sources, economic survey and 12th plan NCERT biology classs 12 Science Reporter and Down to earth magazine, Above sources, economic survey and 12th plan Left Science Reporter, down to earth, loksabha tv Above sources, economic survey and 12th plan Economic Survey, 12th five year plan Hindu, rajyasabha and loksabha tv

I didnt prepare for prelims separately. For mains I covered the standard material. Followed the hindu newspaper and sincerely went over debates and discussions on loksabha and rajyasabha tv (I used to record programs and later listen to them). As I did general studies on a regular basis so I was mostly updated and didnt competition magazines. I used to selected issues in Economic and Political Weekly (left research articles in it).

Mains 2013
UPSC has changed the GS syllabus for Mains 2013. So if you were to prepare for it, whatd be your approach/strategy/booklist? I did start my preparation for mains 2013. I would just give the books for the portion which I had completed. (though most the book list is similar to that provided by mrunals website.) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Sociology: Class 12 NCERT both books World History: Class 9 and 10 NCERT history books Post Independence: selected chapters from India Since Independence by Bipan Chandra World Geography: 6,7,8 ICSE geography books Public admin part: from ARC reports summary : http://www.4shared.com/folder/9YX5CWCf/2nd_ARC_Report.html Ethics: William Frankena [I am not sure whether it is required or not, I have found it generally useful.]

Other than that IGNOU material is a good source. (it has been highlighted by mrunal in his older older post).

Optional: Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering I followed books highlighted by Prakash Rajpurohits blog. http://prakashrajpurohit.wordpress.com/ The only challenge for this optional is course content is huge and you need to give time to practice questions. But questions are not unpredictable and candidates can achieve high scored easily

Optional: Chemistry
Chemistry from Abhijeet Agarwals blog: http://abhijeetagrawal.blogspot.in/ Similar comment as above about this optional also.

Optional Subject in Mains 2013?

I would have taken Electrical Engineering. As major syllabus has been covered I require just practicing questions and scoring high marks is easier as few people opt for it.

Compulsory papers
Q. Your booklist/strategy for compulsory Regional language paper. Didnt do any special preparation Q. Your booklist/strategy for compulsory English language paper. Didnt do any special preparation
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Didnt do any special preparation

[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

Essay
Q. How did you prepare yourself for the essay? Didnt do any special preparation Q. Which Essay did you write in Mains-2012? On Public Private Partnership Q.Provide some keypoints/highlights of your Essay. My essay was mostly based on one of the debate loksabha tv in the program Taktime Gave general descriptions of investment models. importance and requirements of ppp technicalities of ppp recent controversies legal and auditing issues remedy personal opinion Score: 86 marks in Essay

Previous Attempts
Q. When you look back in the past, what were the deficiency in your preparation in the previous attempt? How did you rectify them this time? I was not able to complete my syllabus during my first attempt. I just attempted the prelims (2011) and due to csat was selected. I do not think people would have optional like mine, but if by mere chance you have them, then just concentrate on completing the syllabus and practicing old ias questions and text book questions.

Insecurity about Profile

Q. Many aspirants have the (unnecessary) fear of interview, thinking that my profile is not good because Ive low score in class 10/12/college/ Im from unknown college, Ive no work experience etc.etc.etc. Whats your take on this? Ans. Remember: It does not depend on the size of dog in a fight but the size of fight in the dog ( some movie dialog, but dont know who said it originally). I think your behavior should be coherent with your profile rather than having too much written in your biodata. In the interview they asked me why I wanted to join civil services. I gave the answer which I have already mentioned somewhere above in the questionnaire.

Backup
There was no backup but if not upsc then I would plan for Ph.D Family and Friends I dedicate this success to My family.

Interview
Q. How did you prepare for the interview? I used to discuss regularly questions regarding current affairs and biodata with one of my friend. Q. Who was the chairman of you interview board? IMG Khan Q. How long was the interview? 20-30 min Q. Provide the list of questions asked (and if possible answers also)
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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

I dont remember exact questions but will try to give broad outline: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. How do look for personally while making decisions. Reasons for terrorisms in india and outside india how useful is watching tv nowdays asked about my hobby unhrc voting on srilanka why dense planets are nearer to sun legacy of british rule in india sivasamudram project tidal change behaviour

Q. Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or Did they ask you totally unexpected questions? If yes, how did you handle it? I didnt prepare anything specifically for the interview. I prepared on my Biodata and opinion on current affairs. So, I was not expecting anything special from the interview panel.

Marksheet
Essay GS Electrical engg Chemistry Written Total Interview Final Total 86 107, 124 114, 167 113,124 835 198 1033

Wisdom
Q. Through this struggle and success, what have you learned about life and competition? What is your message to future aspirants? Ans. There are some quotes by some people (which I dont know) have been a source of inspiration for me. 1. Success of a person does not depend on how high a person rises but high he bounces after touching the ground. 2. Being courageous does not mean having no fear, but it is an understanding that something is more important than fear. 3. There is very little difference between a winner and looser and that difference is of attitude.

Bogus marketing propaganda

You are well aware of the unwritten golden rule of conducting toppers interview: Final question has to be about the bogus marketing propaganda. So, Q1. Were you a subscriber/ regular reader of Mrunal.org. If yes, since when? And You can even say no, Ill publish it without editing. Ans. Yes I was a subscriber of mrunal.org since 2011. Q2. How did Mrunal.org help you in your preparation? Ans. In the initial phase it helped to grasp some economic concepts easily. Later helped to remain updated. Previous Posts
[Topper's Interview] Pankaj Kumawat (AIR 371 /CSE-2012) First attempt, Public Administration, Sociology [Topper's Interview] Raj Kamal Yadav (AIR-21/CSE-2012): First attempt, No coaching, Veterinary Science & Zoology [Topper's Interview] Chandrashekhar AIR-470/CSE-2012: Public Administration & Sociology [Topper's Interview] Shefali Singh (AIR 336/CSE-2012) Geography and Sociology [Topper's Interview] Tanu Priya (AIR 18 / CSE 2012) First attempt, No coaching: Political science, Sociology [Topper's Interview] Anoop Shetty (AIR 140 /CSE-2012) Kannada Litt, Agriculture, No Coaching
mrunal.org/2013/05/toppers-interview-mayank-agrawal-air-67-cse-2012-electrical-engineering-chemistry.html

[Topper's Interview] Pratibha Singh (AIR 407/ CSE 2012) Hindi Literature, Geography, Working Professional

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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

[Topper's Interview] Pratibha Singh (AIR 407/ CSE 2012) Hindi Literature, Geography, Working Professional [Interview] CPF Topper Kartikeya Mishra (AIR 4/CPF-2011) shares his strategy, tips, success mantra [Interview] Central Police Forces Topper Gangavarapu Vikram (AIR 137/CAPF 2011) [Interview] Central Police Forces Topper Dharmendra Singh (AIR 25/ CAPF 2011)

30 comments to [Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry

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Prasun
Reply to this comment Thanks Mrunal for another inspiring intw

Vikram
Reply to this comment Sir, Sir it is necessary to get the passing marks in both the papers of csat.

Vikram
Reply to this comment Sir, Is it necessary to get the minimum passing marks in both papers of csat or more in one & less in the other.

Mrunal
Reply to this comment upsc will combine your score from both papers and then prepare the list of succuessful candidates.

amit
Reply to this comment make correction to gs paper 2 marksit should be 124..not 24

kumari rajni
Reply to this comment CONGRATES ON THIS HUGE SUCCESS. AND OF COURSE UPSC IS ALL ABOUT SMART WORK RATHER THAN HARD WORK UR INTERVIEW WILL B A GREAT HELP FOR OTHERS,, THANKS

Aspirant
Reply to this comment "Being courageous does not mean having no fear, but it is an understanding that something is more important than fear"" Kya baat kya baatkya baat!!! Excellent !! :)

Priyanka Tawde
Reply to this comment I have a small request. Please upload an interview of any of the average student like who has scored around 60-50% in there boards and graduation level and is still able to crack UPSC.. I m asking you because most of the interview i can across are of all intelligent people who have scored arund 85-90% till there graduation.. It will be great to boost my moral.. Beside this you are doing AWESOME job..!! God Bless You

Shashank
Reply to this comment +1

sameer
Reply to this comment priyanka tawde, it seems ur from maharashtra.. go to youtube and watch Bharat Andhales speeches they are in Marathi, he was a guy never gone passed 55% in any of his exams and still cleared UPSC thanks to his will. hope it will motivate u best of luck for your preparation
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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

Priyanka Tawde
Reply to this comment Yes.. I m from a Maharashtra and Maharastrian also :P I have seen his interview. That guy has created a landmark.. I wont even wish to take so much attempts.. Beside this i belong to General Category If i wont qualify in 2 attempts than i would take up some other job..

swami
Reply to this comment MAYANKs roll no. was after me in chemistry paper , he took 3-4 extra sheets in both paper , that may be reason of his low chemistry marks , I was unlucky that couldnt qualify ENGLISH qualifying paper , I am hindi medium student.

Sandeep Singh
Reply to this comment Any one knw bolgs for zoology and botany?

Sandeep Singh
Reply to this comment @priyamka tawade: ru frm pune?

Priyanka Tawde
Reply to this comment Its Priyanka .. Dont tell me you are the same guy which i met on UPSC group on FB .. hahahhahaha World is definitely shrinking :P

Sandeep singh
Reply to this comment @priyanka tawde yes..)

tensed for mains

Reply to this comment hats off to you i know its very tough to prepare two science optionals IITian spirit salute..

GN
Reply to this comment Guys.Somebody who has cleared the exam with law optional please give a detailed description of how to go about with the preparation..

Mahesh Meena
Reply to this comment Thanks for sharing your experiences ..sirji

deepak
Reply to this comment congrats Mayank!!!!! i am not able to download \Public admin part: from ARC reports summary : http://www.4shared.com/folder/9YX5CWCf/2nd_ARC_Report.html can somebody help me out?

Vikram
Reply to this comment Sir, APFC Ke cutoff pata karveye please.

Sunil Kumar
Reply to this comment Sir,
mrunal.org/2013/05/toppers-interview-mayank-agrawal-air-67-cse-2012-electrical-engineering-chemistry.html

Culture from -Ccrtindia.gov.in

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[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

Culture from -Ccrtindia.gov.in Great news. Please do the next favour-how to extract material from this site. Being Govt. site they saling the material in many Volum of CDs. Any way out please ??? Thanks in advance.(Beacuse you may not be in position to deliver the answer immediately but will deliver the answer certaily)

Ateeq Abdul
Reply to this comment I dont have TV connection in my room. Can you please help me out finding lok sabha programmes on internet ? Thanks.

subramaniyan
Reply to this comment Sir, That race course part and last quotes are really Awesome !!! Motivating !!!

Rajesh Kumar
Reply to this comment Good evening Mrunal Sir, I am from a small town, i am a graduate in B.Sc(MPC)with very less subject knowledge, and i want to crack civils. I am unable to spend much money, i am doing little jobs while studying from the completion of my X class for financial support. Now i want to pursue Post Graduation from IGNOU/BRAOU. I am interested in Library Information science and Sociology. First i want to get any govt.job for regular monthly income, after getting i want to focus more on civils, i request you sir, plz guide me to choosing subject for PG, which will use in civils and my future career, i am in very confusing state, plz give reply or suggest some links thanking you.

Nandan
Reply to this comment congrats Mayank for huge success!! Can you share the book and author names for ICSE geo 6th, 7th & 8th for world geog.as mentioned in this blog. There are many ICSE books i could find written by different authors.

Sandeep singh
Reply to this comment ICSE Text books.

Pankaj
Reply to this comment Dear Sir, Its great to see people impartial interviews shared by you . Thanking you for that. I would like to ask you about choice of optionals, as i have prepared pub-ad , but after looking at people score in binary numbers ( single or double digit but not triple digit) , it seems that i have to leave that optional. Kindly share your view , which option to go for , and any material that you would like to suggest. Thanking you again for your useful and innovative notes , which helped me for this year prelims. With Regards, Pankaj

Neeraj
Reply to this comment Mayank, Please provide me your contact info .. need some help regarding electrical engg.

Nikita
Reply to this comment Hi Sir!! U are doing a Great job & has become one of the major sources for all Aspirants.Please suggest books,materials,etc for newly changed Mains pattern esp G.S-Ppr 4.
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changed Mains pattern esp G.S-Ppr 4. Thanking U in advance for the Same. Will be eagerly waiting for Ur Reply.

[Topper's Interview] Mayank Agrawal (AIR 67 /CSE-2012) : Electrical Engineering, Chemistry Mrunal

mrunal.org/2013/05/toppers-interview-mayank-agrawal-air-67-cse-2012-electrical-engineering-chemistry.html

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