Topper's Profile : Samritika Thakur (HAS)
Q. Tell us something about yourself, your family, your place, when and why did you enter in this field of competitive exams?
Answer: From the very beginning I just wanted to be best in whatever I tried. In short I was not focused on my aim. I wanted to excel in every field. Most difficult time was to manage my civils preparations with MSc research. Somehow with God’s grace I got highest achievement in research and at the same time cracked HAS. I started preparing in 2011, the very first day of my joining MSc.
My father Mr. Balak Ram Thakur is retired Suptd. From Education Dept. My mother Mrs. Chander Prabha Thakur, too is a working lady. She is currently employed as Suptd. in Bajaura school, Kullu. I have a elder brother Mr. Sumeet Thakur who is Assistant Professor (Political Science) in Govt. Degree College, Drang, Mandi.
Study Style and Momentum :
Q. Nowadays many students rely on internet for study material, so how much do you rely on electronic material and how much on the paper material (Books, newspapers)? Narrate a typical day in your study life. What is your style of preparation in detail?
Answer: Nothing is bad as far as we are able to use it to maximize our benefits. Relying on electronic media helps us to keep our self up-to-date. It’s need of hour. I used to read Amar Ujala, the Hindu and Indian Express (So many times I was not able to read newspapers… so don’t worry). It’s a matter of few days that you will get to know old news as newspapers often repeat the main topics. During my starting day’s I used to read G.K. Today, Mrunal etc. Read economic survey of HP. It’s really important. Go through online debates, AIR etc...
Electronic vs Paper material :
Paper material is base or foundation of your building while electronic media is the art of decorating it to make it different from other buildings….
Your study Daily plan :
It depends on individual. NO such fix plan.. 1 month before exam 15-16 hours… otherwise.. whatever time used to suit me..(Yes, there were days I used to fully enjoy…no study at all…So don’t worry on hearing if someone reads 24 hours..let them study…you decide your way and your style…May be you are able to learn the same in 2 hours…!!!!)
Style of preparation :
Q. Students 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?
Answer: Its human nature that we all have distractions and mood swings. So after full day of studying I used to go out with my buddies to tea shop and relax for a while. A little gup shup and tea used to rejuvenate all my lost energy. I advice that even if you have few bad days (you were not able to devote your time), start it again with new jeal… In my career I have not seen anyone who is really so much consistent. Every weekend relax yourself. After all, we are humans and not machines…
If Struggle of a senior player
After 1-2 failures in any competitive exam, a phase of mental saturation comes. The person knows the booklist, he knows what is necessary to succeed. But it doesn't yield result. Not to mention all the emotional struggle-against those irritating neighbors and relatives.
Q1. How did you handle the mental Stress and what are your words of wisdom to other senior players? If any specific inspirational incident(s), please share.
Answer: By God’s grace I am lucky that cleared all exams I wrote in first attempt. But yes, when I was a kid during my post plus two entrances, I too had that mental agony. I was not able to get into any medical college (truth is I didn’t worked hard and was ambition less).
Then on one fine day I was waiting outside one college for my entrance result. I failed once again and one sentence of my father changed my entire life….I still remember it.. “Dekh beta ye darwaza bhi band ho gaya tere muhh pe.” That very day and till now I dedicated my life towards perfection. I never looked back. So friends believe me when you will give your 100 % then success is sure. Have patience and let your hardwork speak.
Q2. What went wrong in your previous attempt? What changes did you make in this current attempt?
Answer: I was not able to finish and revise syllabus of botany. So I had to satisfy myself as Treasury Officer. In this attempt I focused more on botany (my weakness).
if Working professional
If you’re a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with job ?
Answer: No
Prelims: General studies (GS)
Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Prelim paper?
Answer: Just clear your basics. Go through NCERT thoroughly.
Q. Any observation / comments / tips about Aptitude (CSAT) paper?
Answer: Be fast as it is very lengthy. Apply shortcuts.
Q1. Did you attend any ‘mock tests’ ? Do you think they are necessary for success?
Answer: No, I have not attended any mock series. I don’t think for HPAS one need any mock tests.
Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers by You in Prelims ?
Your Official Total Score in Prelims(if you don’t know then expected marks): 240-250
Khadubhai : That's Amazing accuracy in Prelims, that's why U cracked in back to back years ! kudos mam !
Mains: Compulsory Language Paper
Q. How did you prepare for the Compulsory English Paper ? (if then Book list and Studypan/comments/tips)
Answer: Basic understanding.. I practiced few comprehensions.
Q. How did you prepare for the Compulsory Hindi Paper ? (if then Book list and Studypan/comments/tips)
Answer: One month is needed. Focus more on idioms and phrases. They are sort of easy. Read Vyakaran Bharati by H.G. Publication.
Essay Writing :
Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?
Answer: I started for essay paper just one month before exam. I used to write one essay each day on any current topic.
Q2. Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in it? ( If you remember )
Answer: I wrote regarding increasing divide between rural and urban India.
General Studies (Mains) Paper
Q. Any other comments, Tips or word of wisdom after going
through the mains ?
Answer: Be confident and relax. Just read newspapers and wait for your interview.
Optional Subject
Q1. First the essential book/resource list and strategy:
Answer: FORESTRY
Book List : As I m a graduate as well as master in forestry so I read all books of graduation. Forestry was my base (scoring) so I could not have left any stone unturned. But this time exam was bit tougher for those who don’t have basic knowledge of forestry.
Q2. First the essential book/resource list and strategy:
Answer: BOTANY
Book List :
(1) THE EMBRYOLOGY OF ANGIOSPERMS- S. S. BHOJWANI & S. P. BHATNAGAR.
(2) PLANT PHYSIOLOGY- H. S. SRIVASTAVA
(3) PLANT TAXONOMY- O. P. SHARMA
(4) A TEXTBOOK OF BOTANY- SINGH, PANDEY AND JAIN
(5) NCERT BOOKs OF BIOLOGY- CLASS +1 AND +2.
(6) GENETICS- B. D. SINGH.
(7) PLANT PATHOLOGY- R. P. SINGH & R. S. SINGH (BOTH BOOKS).
(8) ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT- P.D. SHARMA
(9) PLANT BREEDING- PHUNDAN SINGH & B.D. SINGH
(BOTH BOOKS)
Note: these are few basic books. Rest remaining topics can be covered from various foreign author books and internet.
Q2. 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?
Answer: As far as Botany is concerned I downloaded lot of videos on genetics and many more topics. They helped me a lot in improving my basic understanding of different topics. I also took help of my botany friends (as I have never read this subject).
Q3. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
Answer: Botany for a graduate in botany doesn’t needed more then 6 months but for me it took 1 year.
Q4. How much writing practice you did for Optionals ?
Answer: For sciences it is must. Go for beautiful drawings and diagrams. Pictorial depictions can fetch good score.
Q5. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? Or you simply rely on reference books?
Answer: Self-notes only.
Q6. What do you think about the Importance of Optionals in HPAS in existing pattern?
Answer: Optional carry lot of importance. If you see the recent trend each year we have lot of people from one or 2 particular optionals. It is a kind of biased also. But you have to flow with the stream.
Q7. What you will suggest to the young aspirants about how to choose the Optional Subjects?
Answer: For science optional although you need to put on lot of labour but be ready for your success as it is sure. As far as arts optional are concerned just see the trend (which optional is giving high scores) and be choosy.
Mains answer-writing?
Q. What style you follow like “introduction-body-conclusion” format or just simply write down what comes in mind first or any other style ?
Answer: Introduction-body-conclusion
Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs or any other style?
Answer: Bullets (if possible).
Q. What was your approach in the exam writing questions in fixed word limits ?
Answer: Yes, I fixed my answers within limit.
Interview:
Q1. How did you prepare for the interview?
Answer: Through newspapers and debates & discussions with my friends.
Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes?
Answer: No.
Q3. How long was the interview?
Answer: 30-40 minutes.
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. ( Or you can simply tell about the questions asked in the interview, but it will be better if you try to narrate in question-answer pattern ).
Answer: All questions were opinion based and regarding recent issues.ISIS, Obama’s visit, child-sex ratio, from that day’s newspapers, girls issues, administration, India-China, business world, e-commerce, wondering cows, corruption, how I m gonna improve the system, why I am leaving my current job as treasury officer, about my home district, about my research carrier were among them.
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?
Answer: Yes, it was a pleasant experience. The interviewer’s were very friendly. Since it was my second interview so I was more confident.
Insecurity about profile
Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about ‘profile insecurity’. I’m not from a big college, I’m not from English medium, and I don’t have work-experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview about this? What is your message to these candidates?
Answer: NO not at all. Commission is very much nice in this regard. They give you an option to choose your language for interview. They are very competent people and they try to make every candidate comfortable. So, one need not to worry regarding such questions.
Marksheet
Please provide your marks when they will reveal the marks
it will help future aspirants.
Answer : NOT GOT YET..
Career Backup
Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
Answer: I would have joined central services as Agriculture Research Scientist (as the offer is still valid). Currently I was working as treasury officer so I was secured enough in this regard.
Views on HPAS reforms
Q. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present pattern is helping no-one, except coaching-owners, book publishers and the candidate whose optional subject gets favorable treatment. What’s you take on this?
Answer: Yes, there is a need to at least confine to 1 optional.
Q. What’s your thoughts on the Aptitude test (CSAT) ? (Honest Views)
Answer: It’s good as one must have skill of quick and efficient decision making to run the administration.
Q. What other reforms you would like to see in HPAS ?
Answer: Except problem of optional there is no such need.
Inspiration :
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?
Answer: Be confident and never loose hope. Keep on trying, give your best…success is sure.
Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of CSE-2013. They’re feeling dejected- what is your message to them?
Answer: Don’t loose hope. A single exam can’t decide your caliber. ARISE, AWAKE AND STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS REACHED.
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?
Answer: MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS…
Especially,
SAVEEN THAKUR, SHIVANI SHARMA, MANJU THAKUR (BUA) & ABHISHEK SHARMA.
"Whatever I have achieved, whoever I m today, all goes to these beautiful people of my life….."
And Thanks a lot for the valuable Knowledge and Experiences you shared, Wishing you All the best for the Great Job.
Khadubhai : Many Many Congratulations mam and all the very best for the New journey in your life. Thanks a lot Mam for your Detailed Interview, thanks for the time you gave to write this Wonderful interview, It will inspire all of us and Will be helpful for all the youngsters, and specially for Girls it will become a great motivation. You shared your motivational moments that how you started all and then shared your studyplans, and then inspired us all by your thoughts on various things. It was an Great interview and I hope it will help thousands of aspirants. Once again thanks a lot for your contribution, its not a thanks only by me but its a thanks from all the aspirants who sees you an Inspiration, So It will be very helpful and will be seen as Guidance as well. Wishing you all the very best in Life.
- Myth#1- you can’t get selected on your first trial ( Qualified Last year also, got TREASURY OFFICER.)
- Myth#2- you can't become HAS at the age of 25 years
- Myth#3- you can’t get selected without going to some big Coaching Classes
- Myth#4- you must quit your job to concentrate for this exam
- Myth#5- Forestry and Botany are unpopular and non-scoring optional subjects
Name
|
SAMRITIKA THAKUR
|
Rank
|
4th
|
Roll No.
|
201926
|
Age
|
25
|
Total attempts in HPAS
|
2
|
Optional Subject
|
1.BOTANY
2.FORESTRY
|
Medium chosen for Mains answers
|
ENGLISH
|
Schooling medium
|
ENGLISH
|
College medium
|
ENGLISH
|
Home town/city/village
|
SHASTRI NAGAR KULLU
|
Work-experience if any
|
TREASURY OFFICER (PROBATIONER)
|
Details of other competitive exams, including success/failures
|
-ICAR NET-AGROFORESTRY (3TIMES),
-UGC NET ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, -ICAR JRF (ALL INDIA 1st RANK), -ARGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVIES AS SCIENTIST OF AGROFORESTRY (ALL INDIA IST RANK), -HPAS 2012-TREASURY OFFICER (1st ATTEMPT), -OUTSTANDING POST GRADUATE RESEARCH IN FORESTRY-P.K.R. NAIR AWARD. Khadubhai : Extraordinary Education Profile. Kudos ! Salutes ! |
Details of coaching, mock tests, postal material for any competitive exam (if used)
|
NO
|
service preference
|
HAS, HPS (HAS Allotted as Secured Rank 4th)
|
Education Details :
fill the details below
| |
% in class 10
|
83.80%
|
% in class 12
|
81.20%
|
Schooling (Medium)
|
English (CBSE)
|
Graduation course and %
|
FORESTRY – 83.20
|
Name of college, city, passing out year
|
DR. Y.S. PARMAR UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURE & FORESTRY, SOLAN, 2011
|
Post-graduation
|
MSC. FORESTRY (AGROFORESTRY)- 92.40 % , KERALA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, THRISSUR.
|
Any other professional courses
|
NO
|
Hobbies & Extra curricular
|
ANCHORING, DEBATES, MAKING
DOCUMENTARIES ON SOCIAL ISSUES, SHOPPING. |
Q. Tell us something about yourself, your family, your place, when and why did you enter in this field of competitive exams?
Answer: From the very beginning I just wanted to be best in whatever I tried. In short I was not focused on my aim. I wanted to excel in every field. Most difficult time was to manage my civils preparations with MSc research. Somehow with God’s grace I got highest achievement in research and at the same time cracked HAS. I started preparing in 2011, the very first day of my joining MSc.
Samritika Thakur HAS (2013 Batch)
My father Mr. Balak Ram Thakur is retired Suptd. From Education Dept. My mother Mrs. Chander Prabha Thakur, too is a working lady. She is currently employed as Suptd. in Bajaura school, Kullu. I have a elder brother Mr. Sumeet Thakur who is Assistant Professor (Political Science) in Govt. Degree College, Drang, Mandi.
Study Style and Momentum :
Q. Nowadays many students rely on internet for study material, so how much do you rely on electronic material and how much on the paper material (Books, newspapers)? Narrate a typical day in your study life. What is your style of preparation in detail?
Answer: Nothing is bad as far as we are able to use it to maximize our benefits. Relying on electronic media helps us to keep our self up-to-date. It’s need of hour. I used to read Amar Ujala, the Hindu and Indian Express (So many times I was not able to read newspapers… so don’t worry). It’s a matter of few days that you will get to know old news as newspapers often repeat the main topics. During my starting day’s I used to read G.K. Today, Mrunal etc. Read economic survey of HP. It’s really important. Go through online debates, AIR etc...
Electronic vs Paper material :
Paper material is base or foundation of your building while electronic media is the art of decorating it to make it different from other buildings….
Your study Daily plan :
It depends on individual. NO such fix plan.. 1 month before exam 15-16 hours… otherwise.. whatever time used to suit me..(Yes, there were days I used to fully enjoy…no study at all…So don’t worry on hearing if someone reads 24 hours..let them study…you decide your way and your style…May be you are able to learn the same in 2 hours…!!!!)
Style of preparation :
Q. Students 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?
Answer: Its human nature that we all have distractions and mood swings. So after full day of studying I used to go out with my buddies to tea shop and relax for a while. A little gup shup and tea used to rejuvenate all my lost energy. I advice that even if you have few bad days (you were not able to devote your time), start it again with new jeal… In my career I have not seen anyone who is really so much consistent. Every weekend relax yourself. After all, we are humans and not machines…
If Struggle of a senior player
After 1-2 failures in any competitive exam, a phase of mental saturation comes. The person knows the booklist, he knows what is necessary to succeed. But it doesn't yield result. Not to mention all the emotional struggle-against those irritating neighbors and relatives.
Q1. How did you handle the mental Stress and what are your words of wisdom to other senior players? If any specific inspirational incident(s), please share.
Answer: By God’s grace I am lucky that cleared all exams I wrote in first attempt. But yes, when I was a kid during my post plus two entrances, I too had that mental agony. I was not able to get into any medical college (truth is I didn’t worked hard and was ambition less).
Then on one fine day I was waiting outside one college for my entrance result. I failed once again and one sentence of my father changed my entire life….I still remember it.. “Dekh beta ye darwaza bhi band ho gaya tere muhh pe.” That very day and till now I dedicated my life towards perfection. I never looked back. So friends believe me when you will give your 100 % then success is sure. Have patience and let your hardwork speak.
Q2. What went wrong in your previous attempt? What changes did you make in this current attempt?
Answer: I was not able to finish and revise syllabus of botany. So I had to satisfy myself as Treasury Officer. In this attempt I focused more on botany (my weakness).
if Working professional
If you’re a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with job ?
Answer: No
Studyplan:
Prelims: General studies (GS)
Topic
|
strategy/booklist/comment
|
Himachal Pradesh General Studies
History
Art and Culture
Geography
Polity
Economic and social development
|
WONDERLAND AND PARADISE BY JAG MOHAN BALOKHRA,
ECONOMIC SURVEY, YEAR BOOK |
History Ancient
|
NCERT FROM 6th TO +2
|
History Medieval
|
NCERT FROM 6th TO +2
|
History Modern + (Freedom Struggle)
| |
Culture society
|
NCERT FROM 6th TO +2
|
Polity & Governance (theory + current)
| |
Economy & Social Development (theory + current)
| |
Science (theory + current)
|
NCERT FROM 6th TO +2
|
Environment (theory + current)
|
NCERT FROM 6th TO +2
|
Geography Physical
| |
Geography India
| |
Geography world
| |
other national/international current affairs
|
INTERNET AND NEWSPAPERS
|
Schemes, Policy & Filler Stuff
|
ECONOMIC SURVEY
|
Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Prelim paper?
Answer: Just clear your basics. Go through NCERT thoroughly.
Prelims: Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Topic
|
strategy / booklist
|
English Comprehension
|
BASIC UNDERSTANDING
|
Reasoning and Analytical ability
| |
Maths/ Quant/ Data Interpretation
|
R.S. AGGARWAL & NCERT
|
Interpersonal skills including Communication
|
BASIC UNDERSTANDING
|
Decision Making and problem solving
|
BASIC UNDERSTANDING
|
Q. Any observation / comments / tips about Aptitude (CSAT) paper?
Answer: Be fast as it is very lengthy. Apply shortcuts.
Q1. Did you attend any ‘mock tests’ ? Do you think they are necessary for success?
Answer: No, I have not attended any mock series. I don’t think for HPAS one need any mock tests.
Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers by You in Prelims ?
Attempted Q.
|
Correct
| |
GS
|
85
|
80
|
Aptitude
| 75 | 70 |
Your Official Total Score in Prelims(if you don’t know then expected marks): 240-250
Khadubhai : That's Amazing accuracy in Prelims, that's why U cracked in back to back years ! kudos mam !
Mains: Compulsory Language Paper
Q. How did you prepare for the Compulsory English Paper ? (if then Book list and Studypan/comments/tips)
Answer: Basic understanding.. I practiced few comprehensions.
Q. How did you prepare for the Compulsory Hindi Paper ? (if then Book list and Studypan/comments/tips)
Answer: One month is needed. Focus more on idioms and phrases. They are sort of easy. Read Vyakaran Bharati by H.G. Publication.
Essay Writing :
Q1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?
Answer: I started for essay paper just one month before exam. I used to write one essay each day on any current topic.
Q2. Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in it? ( If you remember )
Answer: I wrote regarding increasing divide between rural and urban India.
General Studies (Mains) Paper
Topic
|
How did you prepare? strategy/booklist/comment
|
Indian History(Modern)
|
Bipin Chandra + NCERT
|
Freedom struggle
|
NCERT
|
Post-independence India
|
NCERT
|
Indian culture
|
NOT MUCH SPECIFIC STRESS IS NEEDED (NCERT COVERS)
|
Physical Geography
|
NCERT,
MAZID HUSSAIN, PRATIYOGITA SERIES, TATA MAGAGRAWHILL G S MANUAL, SPECTRUM GENERAL STUDIES MANUAL |
Indian Geography
|
NCERT,
MAZID HUSSAIN, PRATIYOGITA SERIES, TATA MAGAGRAWHILL GS MANUAL, SPECTRUM GENERAL STUDIES MANUAL |
Indian Polity
|
NCERT,
LAKSHMIKANTH, PRATIYOGITA SERIES, TATA MAGAGRAWHILL GS MANUAL , SPECTRUM GENERAL STUDIES MANUAL |
Indian Economy
|
NCERT,
RAMESH SINGH, PRATIYOGITA SERIES, TATA MAGRAWHILL GS MANUAL , SPECTRUM GENERAL STUDIES MANUAL |
Teaching of Mahatma Gandhi
|
GANDHIAN THOUGHTS BY R. GUPTA..(THIS TIME I LEFT THIS QUESTION)
|
Himachal Pradesh General Studies
History
Art and Culture
Geography
Polity
Economic and social development
|
WQONDERLAND AND PARADISE BY JAG MOHAN BALOKHRA,
ECONOMIC SURVEY OF HP, YEARBOOK OF HP. |
Q. Any other comments, Tips or word of wisdom after going
through the mains ?
Answer: Be confident and relax. Just read newspapers and wait for your interview.
Optional Subject
Q1. First the essential book/resource list and strategy:
Answer: FORESTRY
Book List : As I m a graduate as well as master in forestry so I read all books of graduation. Forestry was my base (scoring) so I could not have left any stone unturned. But this time exam was bit tougher for those who don’t have basic knowledge of forestry.
Q2. First the essential book/resource list and strategy:
Answer: BOTANY
Book List :
(1) THE EMBRYOLOGY OF ANGIOSPERMS- S. S. BHOJWANI & S. P. BHATNAGAR.
(2) PLANT PHYSIOLOGY- H. S. SRIVASTAVA
(3) PLANT TAXONOMY- O. P. SHARMA
(4) A TEXTBOOK OF BOTANY- SINGH, PANDEY AND JAIN
(5) NCERT BOOKs OF BIOLOGY- CLASS +1 AND +2.
(6) GENETICS- B. D. SINGH.
(7) PLANT PATHOLOGY- R. P. SINGH & R. S. SINGH (BOTH BOOKS).
(8) ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT- P.D. SHARMA
(9) PLANT BREEDING- PHUNDAN SINGH & B.D. SINGH
(BOTH BOOKS)
Note: these are few basic books. Rest remaining topics can be covered from various foreign author books and internet.
Q2. 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?
Answer: As far as Botany is concerned I downloaded lot of videos on genetics and many more topics. They helped me a lot in improving my basic understanding of different topics. I also took help of my botany friends (as I have never read this subject).
Q3. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?
Answer: Botany for a graduate in botany doesn’t needed more then 6 months but for me it took 1 year.
Q4. How much writing practice you did for Optionals ?
Answer: For sciences it is must. Go for beautiful drawings and diagrams. Pictorial depictions can fetch good score.
Q5. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? Or you simply rely on reference books?
Answer: Self-notes only.
Q6. What do you think about the Importance of Optionals in HPAS in existing pattern?
Answer: Optional carry lot of importance. If you see the recent trend each year we have lot of people from one or 2 particular optionals. It is a kind of biased also. But you have to flow with the stream.
Q7. What you will suggest to the young aspirants about how to choose the Optional Subjects?
Answer: For science optional although you need to put on lot of labour but be ready for your success as it is sure. As far as arts optional are concerned just see the trend (which optional is giving high scores) and be choosy.
Mains answer-writing?
Q. What style you follow like “introduction-body-conclusion” format or just simply write down what comes in mind first or any other style ?
Answer: Introduction-body-conclusion
Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs or any other style?
Answer: Bullets (if possible).
Q. What was your approach in the exam writing questions in fixed word limits ?
Answer: Yes, I fixed my answers within limit.
Interview:
Q1. How did you prepare for the interview?
Answer: Through newspapers and debates & discussions with my friends.
Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes?
Answer: No.
Q3. How long was the interview?
Answer: 30-40 minutes.
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. ( Or you can simply tell about the questions asked in the interview, but it will be better if you try to narrate in question-answer pattern ).
Answer: All questions were opinion based and regarding recent issues.ISIS, Obama’s visit, child-sex ratio, from that day’s newspapers, girls issues, administration, India-China, business world, e-commerce, wondering cows, corruption, how I m gonna improve the system, why I am leaving my current job as treasury officer, about my home district, about my research carrier were among them.
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?
Answer: Yes, it was a pleasant experience. The interviewer’s were very friendly. Since it was my second interview so I was more confident.
Insecurity about profile
Q. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about ‘profile insecurity’. I’m not from a big college, I’m not from English medium, and I don’t have work-experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview about this? What is your message to these candidates?
Answer: NO not at all. Commission is very much nice in this regard. They give you an option to choose your language for interview. They are very competent people and they try to make every candidate comfortable. So, one need not to worry regarding such questions.
Marksheet
Please provide your marks when they will reveal the marks
it will help future aspirants.
Answer : NOT GOT YET..
Career Backup
Q1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?
Answer: I would have joined central services as Agriculture Research Scientist (as the offer is still valid). Currently I was working as treasury officer so I was secured enough in this regard.
Views on HPAS reforms
Q. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present pattern is helping no-one, except coaching-owners, book publishers and the candidate whose optional subject gets favorable treatment. What’s you take on this?
Answer: Yes, there is a need to at least confine to 1 optional.
Q. What’s your thoughts on the Aptitude test (CSAT) ? (Honest Views)
Answer: It’s good as one must have skill of quick and efficient decision making to run the administration.
Q. What other reforms you would like to see in HPAS ?
Answer: Except problem of optional there is no such need.
Inspiration :
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?
Answer: Be confident and never loose hope. Keep on trying, give your best…success is sure.
Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of CSE-2013. They’re feeling dejected- what is your message to them?
Answer: Don’t loose hope. A single exam can’t decide your caliber. ARISE, AWAKE AND STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS REACHED.
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?
Answer: MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS…
Especially,
SAVEEN THAKUR, SHIVANI SHARMA, MANJU THAKUR (BUA) & ABHISHEK SHARMA.
"Whatever I have achieved, whoever I m today, all goes to these beautiful people of my life….."
And Thanks a lot for the valuable Knowledge and Experiences you shared, Wishing you All the best for the Great Job.
Khadubhai : Many Many Congratulations mam and all the very best for the New journey in your life. Thanks a lot Mam for your Detailed Interview, thanks for the time you gave to write this Wonderful interview, It will inspire all of us and Will be helpful for all the youngsters, and specially for Girls it will become a great motivation. You shared your motivational moments that how you started all and then shared your studyplans, and then inspired us all by your thoughts on various things. It was an Great interview and I hope it will help thousands of aspirants. Once again thanks a lot for your contribution, its not a thanks only by me but its a thanks from all the aspirants who sees you an Inspiration, So It will be very helpful and will be seen as Guidance as well. Wishing you all the very best in Life.
Congrats, very useful and good book list for botany, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteCongo So much Success at the age of 25, true inspiration, Because I always used to heard that only senior players in their thirties become HAS but now times seems to be changing, Youth firing.
ReplyDeleteawesome..
ReplyDeleteCongrats, thanks for sharing your experiences
ReplyDeleteSuperb
ReplyDeletekhadubhai- can u share the marks of last year toppers like surender etc
ReplyDeleteSurender Mohan's Marks : 524 (Mains) + 100 ( Interview)
DeleteGreat interview
ReplyDeleteCongrats
ReplyDeleteKhadubhai can you share marks of toppers of this year.
ReplyDeleteShe got HAS simly on the basis of her score in forestry-266 and marks in interview 102.
ReplyDelete4 candidates above her in mains given 70 and 80 in interview.one got 40 and other 50 in interview.it is all manipulation to give her a seat in HAS.
i really ashamed of this stuff from HPPSC.
So you mean its easy to get 266 marks in Forestry ??? She scored well in mains and in Interview she got what she actually deserved, this was her 2nd attempt she cleared the exam both the time, so you can't she is undeserved, before judging her selection see her Profile once you will some extraordinarily accomplishments.
Deleteher score is
ReplyDeleteGS-64, ESSAY-50, BOTONY-160 AND FORESTRY-266 TOTAL-540 INTERVIEW 102 TOTAL=642
SHE SCORED 274 IN ALL OTHER SUBJECTS AND 266 IN FORESTRY ITSELF.
I M NT HAVING PERSONAL RIVELARY WITH HER.I AM ASHAMED OF HPPSC WHO GAVE HER 266 IN ONE SUBJECT. FORESTRY IS NOT MATHEMATICS....SHE GOT 137 IN ONE PAPER OF FORESTRY
WHAT ABOUT THOSE OTHER SUBJECTS IN WHICH CANDIDATES WERE NOT GIVEN 200.
ARUN GOT 588+40(Minimum score in interview)=628, HE GOT HPS, HE IS ONLY GIVEN 40 MARKS TO ACCOMODATE HER IN HAS post
ABHISHEK MITTAL 560+50=610 GOT BDO, HE IS GIVEN 50 MARKS TO ACCOMODATE HER IN HAS POST
Chander Paul SINGH 558+70=628 GOT HPS, HE IS GIVEN 70 MARKS ONLY TO ACCOMODATE HER IN HAS POST
ANKUR THAKUR 544+80= 624 GOT ETO,HE IS GIVEN 80 ONLY TO ACCOMODATE HER
ALL FOUR OF THESE WERE SUED BY COMMISSION....SOME OTHER CANDIDATES WERE ALSO ACCOMODATED AT OTHER POSTS AS WELL...
ALL SIRMOUR SOLAN CANDIDATES GOT ABOVE 100 SCORE....NO ONE FROM OTHER DISTRICTS GOT ABOVE 100....
THIS SHOWS THAT K.S.TOMAR WHO IS FROM SIRMOUR IS BIASED....THIS IS NEVER BE GOOD FOR THE COMPITION
AND ALSO I AM ALSO ONE OF SELECTED CANDIDATES THIS YEAR AND GOT BDO.....I HAVE 537+82
=619. AND MY PROFILE IS MUCH BETTER THAN HER.....
Why Don't you Give a try and study Forestry and Secure More marks than her, Everybody Knows HPAS is a Game of Good Optional Subjects, This is Not UPSC where GS Weightage is more than optional, Even in UPSC this year Gaurav Aggarwal Scored Brilliant in Optional and Interview, while there were many other who did better than Gaurav in GS part, So it does not mean that he didn't deserve the 1st Position. Having Edge in optionals is not in anyone's hand, She is obviously Good in Forestry that's why she Got 266 marks and Scored well in other optional too. And if you are talking about Interview marks, I can say that those who Got 40 or 50 marks could have secured better marks but end off the day commission can't give so low marks unless you don't do well in the Interview. May they didn't delivered in the interview. And by the way She is Not from Solan or Sirmour. She is from Kullu.
Delete@Anonymous Don't Worry form next year HPPSC going to change Mains Exam Pattern, GS will be having a more weight age than Optional, A whole new game will appear all the optional advantages will be nullified. Then you can prove your mettle. Lot more younger people will qualify form next year.
Deletehello
DeleteHello mr anonymous,
DeleteLet me respond to your post dated 3rd may 2015.My name is Jagdeep Rathore and I m the person who scored 537+82=619 marks in HPAS 2013.Let me tell u few things about the whole set of nonsense u have written in your post-
1) You lack the courage & conviction to reveal your actual name.
2) You lack the courage & conviction to put the facts of the matter under your own name.
3) The girl you have mentioned about is much smarter than you.
4) The candidates selected by HPPSC stand at much higher level of intellect than yours.
So mr anonymous It is advised to you to have some courage & reveal your name before you tend to post anything on this forum under someone else name.It is also advised to keep your fraud mentality under check.
@ Jagdeep Rathore Thanks a lot Sir for this clarification, this Anonymous guy was trying to be very smart and was trying to belittle the success of others. I can't believe people have such cheap level of mentality towards others. They simply want to get succeed at any cost, that's why such ethic less people are needed to be ignored for dignified jobs.
DeleteSir from Where we have to get these details? I want to know scores of 2016 HPAS batch which got selected yesterday only.
DeleteThnx 4 ur insight
ReplyDeleteeverybdy has its own prrspective 2 see the world..
also she gave hrr exam 4m solan Nt 4m kullu
@Anonymous Sir make sure you Choose your Exam Center Solan or Simour next time so that your probability of getting selected will be very high. This year selected candidates were form many districts of HP, nothing like that Solan or Sirmour got all the posts. Yeah everyone have different perspective that's why i m Saying don't try to belittle her achievements, She is 25 and she is already HAS, have Qualified UGC NET, ICAR All India Rank-1 (Research Fellow) all these achievements she have achieved at such a young age of just 25. May be you have better Profile than her as you are boasting but I am Sure U are not 25, if you are then do tell me I will convey Your Message to Khadubhai to interact you so that we all can know about your achievements, but for the God sake don't try to belittle a success of a young woman, Try to respect the Success of Hardworking Women. If i would have been the Chairperson I would have given her 120 not just 100 marks for her Academic profile and I would have preferred any day because She is young and youth must be given more responsibility than those who qualify @ 35 years of age and lack enthusiasm and energy. In fact for such jobs age must not exceed 30 so that we can have young minds and more energetic people in the service. I am Really proud of HPPSC that chose young lady instead of aged candidates. There must be some more reservation for Women instead of this stupid present reservation system, because women are no less than men in any kind of work or job. Plz don't cry and respect her success.
DeleteIn whole conversation till now is HPPSC shld nt give so high marks for 1-2 subjects every year.....scores up to 230 are good so that humanity subjects can compete with others...but by giving marks above 260 doesnt serve the purpose.
ReplyDeletealso i am 28....serving frm 5 yrs in excise department himachal...nw selected in BDO.
i am m.sc. and at the age of 22 selected 4 doing phd frm abroad...bt i opted 4 civils....giving 3 IAS interviews....and this is my 2nd HAS intervw...
bt nt 2 compare with her....her achievements are grt...i respct women
bt point only is nt 2 give high scores in optionals..zoology also got scores of 262 and 256....2nd topper chet singh got 256 in zoology....
on the othr hand....geography,psycho,pubad,socio,history optionals dnt even get 190.
my point is only this nothing else
I am understanding your concern but the thing is that's the way it goes... even in UPSC Geography and Public ad aspirants are not getting marks equal to other subjects, but thing is getting 250 + marks is not easy or simply fraud as you are trying to say, they have worked on their subjects that's why they got that high marks, having a subject different to other is a plus point, why don't you study any other subject ? or why don't you put your energy into other So Called Scoring subjects ? 3 times IAS Interviews ?? Really ! will you please give me your details because i have the details of last 2 UPSC mains qualified list for the interviews ? Please give me your that Roll No when you last time appeared in the interview...
DeleteDear,
ReplyDeletei appeared in upsc intervws in 2010, 2011, and in 2013
i thnk this conversation is more now about my calibre rather than i highlighted the main issue...i m nt here 2 prove what i achieve till nw nd what i dont
last year she got T.O. post,then she got 228..that score is fine...
m nt telling anybdy is doing fraud here...
u knw what i m trying 2 say
u seems 2 be more interstd in me....tell smthng abt urslf...
Ok Good if you Appeared in the UPSC CSE Interviews, That's Great, but I doubt, it doesn't seem that you appeared, conversation is here not more about your caliber .. you yourself said your profile is far better than her and you started a comparison that you are far better than her. I am not comparing you both at all I simply said to respect her success which you are not respecting at all. I am not diverting from the main issues the point is you commented here and simply called her undeserved but this is not the stage where you can protest about the matter if you feel cheated by HPPSC, you should talk to HPPSC or take the matter to the court. You will be not able to prove here anything. Instead of the proper actions you are showing here own frustration. If she can get 228 last year that's when she appeared 1st time so why can't she get 266 this year? other too have got 250+ score or near about. So the matter of her caliber Stops here. I am not interested in you at all, i was surprised to see your comment that she got special favor of HPPSC, next you will say Topper Pankaj Sharma also got favors, you will say last year's topper Shailja also Got favor because she was Tehsildar already, You will Say Chet Singh also Got favor he was tehsildar already, and many other... and Next Year When You will be selected as HAS Or HPS, we all will also say that you too got favor we will say You were undeserved here are the guys Passed from the IITs and IIMs or JRF Qualified. Then How will you JUSTIFY your Success ??? Let me know How will Justify? Everybody Will raise questions about your selection ? Obviously they have proved, they have prepared, they have knowledge and they are experienced, similar thing can happen with you. I wish You too Get selected as HAS next time. I will be really happy for you, because it's a journey and i will wish you to get top post according to your hard work. But having such kind of grudge or jealous in not good for anyone, She Worked hard, She is Experienced, She is talented, She is Well Qualified, She has Got the Attitude of an Officer, She is young and her luck also favored her at the right time. So stating that she didn't deserved at all is not a right statement from a Highly qualified person like you. I think you must contemplate that why didn't you passed the UPSC interviews 3 times, think deeply that if you aren't lacking on the Ethics,integrity, Aptitude part because person with special human traits are required for such top jobs, so Interpersonal Skills, RIGHT Attitude, Team work, Appreciation, adaptation, Respecting fellows & People, following some basic ethics and being humble are some traits that are necessary which I think you really lack, I will Say... Contemplate ! If you have better profile than her or Had Qualified UPSC CSE Mains 3 times then its not thing You boast so much that you start comparing yourself with others.
DeleteEvery human being is different so the qualities also differ may be she has got better administrative, personal qualities and Right Attitude that's why she got better marks than others in the interview. The best thing have been you should have respected her success and Started your journey further but it seems that you are really hurt by others success and frustration seem taken over you. Sorry to say But from your thinking and writing style it does not seem that you passed UPCS Mains i am saying so that i too keep some knowledge about upsc. U asked about me so I will say I don't have a HIGH Profile like you so i don't need to boast something Too BIG here on this blog, may be some day You will come to know about me. (I wanted your upsc roll no earlier but don't worry not its not necessary). Please Try to be happy on others success specially women, (If would have been a Policy Maker I would have given Some necessary Reservation for women because they are the backbone of a prosperous society). Try to become a blessed one, Posts don't matter HAS IAS PM are just posts, Life is much bigger and blissful than these fake prides, being Humble is a rare quality that one must possess because life is much bigger than other things, the important thing in life is being a good human being who is blissful and blessed.
Deletethis gentleman(ankit) is making a mountain out of a mole. the guy above just mentioned sum facts with a suspicious tone. you are engaging in baseless bashing of above gentleman.
Delete@(I wanted your upsc roll no earlier but don't worry not its not necessary). Please Try to be happy on others success specially women, (If would have been a Policy Maker I would have given Some necessary Reservation for women because they are the backbone of a prosperous society). Try to become a blessed one, Posts don't matter. NOW what crap is this.you are judging things arbitrarily .dont react so blatantly it will be good for you. what i can infer is you have taken the gentleman's fact in cynical way
Read these lines of the gentleman plz copying his above original comment "She got HAS simly on the basis of her score in forestry-266 and marks in interview 102.
Delete4 candidates above her in mains given 70 and 80 in interview.one got 40 and other 50 in interview.it is all manipulation to give her a seat in HAS.i really ashamed of this stuff from HPPSC.
Really ?? How can he say so that HPPSC favored her ? How can U say HPPSC only manipulated to give her a seat in HAS ? Do u have any proof ? You are accusing an institution and questioning the integrity too, if you are questioning her Selection I too Question your selection in my view You lack in many things no matter how Good is your profile, knowledge don't matter, how you use that knowledge that's more important that's matter, apart from this things called Ethics and Attitudes also matter and U failed miserably. The thing is if you feel cheated or dejected I will suggest you to protest or take some relevant steps to counter rather then unworthy discussions here, there is a protocol or procedure to deal with but it seems that you are jealous and then Posting on her interview here to belittle her success, She is already an inspiration for youth of the state and girls, but it seems that you are obsessed with you knowledge, profile and upsc mains, such knowledge is not worth having unless you respect the institution you are part of your fellows and people, please try to respect success of others.
There nothing suspicious about me or the facts I am mentioning, I am quite straightforward and my word may seem like hammers but the thing is they are truth and bitter, U are suspicious that's why u don't have the guts to reveal even your name u are just trying to belittle the success of the toppers, seriously u are really hurt by others success and your frustration is limitless. Initially I thought U really have High Profile and had success in UPSC but it merely seems Boasting nothing more than that. U don't accept the fact that they worked hard. Instead U started boasting here bla bla bla... Man u got No administrative traits and right attitude for such jobs, sorry to say but its truth, its batter that U read my last few comments again and again and contemplate. And Please, gentleman don't try to belittle the success of others.
I am not making a mountain out of a mole I am just clearly telling you that.. U are questioning the integrity of an institution if you really feel that they did injustice then protest or take relevant steps against HPPSC but questioning others Hard-work, Talent, Success is not good at all. Such allegations does not seem good at all that too from a future Civil Servant and highly educated person. Things not work according to someones allegations, actions matter.
brother i am nt the same guy who is criticizing hppsc. i am from army and preparing for hppsc and came across this site yesterday itself and just by the virtue of curiosity gone through the comments
Deletesi i commented what i thought. and regarding the integrity of hppsc i would say functioning and integrity of state psc's is always bleaky. every now and then there are leaks, scams unearthed in the whole recruitment processes of state psc's. nigvekar committe on civil services reforms also points fingers on the integrity of state psc. there are numerous examples how things are deliberately done to accomodate near one's.
i would like to share a life time experience with u. in my youth i thought of army as pure uncorrupted solely dedicated organisation.but, when i entered the system i came across the real world how things are done in a day to day working. assuming the army as flagship organisation in terms of integrity and ethics( which is obviously true when compared to civil organisation) i can very well imagine the situation (low morality) civil organisations are facing today.
@ Army Guy Bro I think this guy is arrogant and trying to target a talented and studious girl She Has crcaked UGC NET, ICAR NET All India Rank One and her academic record is very Superior than many others
Delete10th - 83.4%
12th- 81.2%
Bsc Forestry - 83.2%
Msc Forestry- 92.4%
And there is No doubt that She can secure 266 in Forestry, but this guy seems not only arrogant but jealous too. I agree No organization/institution is absolute transparent but it doesn't not mean that every guy they choose are their dear ones, these days a lot of guys are talented and they also get selected but some people really feel jealous of other. I have already mentioned to that guy if he really feel cheated he must protest or take some relevant actions criticizing others is not fruitful. This is all I want to say I don't want to continue this discussion further So stay blessed.
This "Anonymous" Guy is fake and trying to be someone else... and he is So much fake that he is sharing someone else marks with us. So fake that he Wrote UPSC CSE mains thrice... fake Exposed hahaha
Deleteहिमाचल प्रदेश लोक सेवा आयोग के साक्षात्कार में महिला अà¤्यर्थियों को ज्यादा अंक दिये जाते हैं । यह लिंग à¤ेद मान्य नहीं है ।
ReplyDeleteलिंग à¤ेद to Bhayia Har jagah hota hai महिला ke sath, to aap har jagah लिंग à¤ेद ka Mudda uthate ho kya ? Ya jab HPPSC mai महिला acha kr rhi hai to tab he nazar aaya aapko ? Pehle महिला ko Uska Sahi haq to dena seekho phir bat krna aap aage !
Deletethumbs up, Respect Women and give them their rights.
DeleteAnti- Anonymous : saalon kuch padh bhi lo ... sari debate yahin kar loge .... interview board ke samne ghanta !!!
ReplyDeleteSamritika Thakur scored and got the position as HAS...Thats her hard work her intelligence and her luck.
ReplyDeleteIts motivational Great Job
is this true that HPPSC is biased against non-himachali. I am from uttarakhand and want to serve an himalayan state.
ReplyDeletePlease guide me.
I believe u should try for uttarakhand only... As Himachal has lot many people to serve...
ReplyDeletekarna kya hai itna marks laake mentality aisi h sab ki to..even ppl who r less educated thn u r doing grt 4 society..its better to do smethng gud for society rather than fighting 4 ur respective marks..
ReplyDeleteSir give all the required books list for HAS preparation?
ReplyDelete