[Topper's Interview] Mr. Vishrut Bharati Rank-2 (Age 30) (HPAS-2014) Worked as Excise and Taxation Inspector : Geography, Sanskrit Optionals from Nari CHINTPURNI, Una, Himachal

Topper's Profile : Vishrut Bharati

Meet a humble Person Worked as Excise and Taxation Inspector in HP Govt, Qualified UGC NET and SET in Chemistry, selected for various research programs, Hard work paid when Cracked HPAS

2014 only in 3rd attempt by Securing 2nd rank and got HAS Post.

Name	VISHRUT BHARATI
Rank	2nd
Roll No.	803207
Age	30 yrs
Total attempts in HPAS	3
Optional Subject	GEOGRAPHY SANSKRIT
Medium chosen for Mains answers	English
Schooling medium	Hindi
College medium	English
Home town/city/Village	Village- Nari CHINTPURNI, Tehsil –Amb, District UNA (HP)
Work-experience if any	EXCISE & TAXATION INSPECTOR (ETI) in Govt. of  HP
Details of other competitive exams, including success/failures	UGC NET CHEMISTRY. State Eligibility Test (SET) in CHEMISTRY. All India Selection for Summer Research Fellowship under INSA/NASI/IISc Academy for research in Chemistry in 2007. All India Selection for Summer Research Fellowship under JNCASR Banglore for research in Chemistry in 2008. Selected under UK-India Education & Research Initiative (UKIERI) Programme to work with GLAXO-SMITH CLINE in UK in 2008. Appeared in India Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST), Thiruvanantpuram interview for Scientist –B in 2010
Details of coaching, mock tests,   postal material for any competitive exam (if used)	Coaching for Psychology optional in VAJIRAM & RAVI for previous attempts. Postal material for Geography optional from DIRECTION IAS by NEETU Singh No mock tests.
service preference	HAS, HPS, TEHSILDAR

Educational Profile : 

% in class 10	79.28%
% in class 12	71.60%
Schooling (Medium)	HINDI
Graduation course and %	B.Sc. Non Medical, 78.82%
Name of college, city, passing out year	GOVT. P.G.COLLEGE DHALIARA DISTRICT KANGRA (HP)
Post-graduation	M.Sc. CHEMISTRY (82.28%) from  NIT JALANDHAR (Pb.)
Any other professional courses	B.Ed. (67.63%) GCTE DHARAMSALA (HP)
Hobbies & Extra curricular	READING,TRAVELLING,CRICKET,QUIZZING NCC Cadet NSS PRESIDENT in college Third Prize QUIZZING in HP Youth Festival

Introduction

Question: Tell us something about yourself, your family, your place, when and why did you enter in this field of competitive exams?

Answer:  I am a resident of  Nari Chintpurni in Amb Tehsil District UNA.

My father is a retired College Cadre Lecturer in PHYSICS;  my mother is a Retired School Cadre Principal. My wife Deepika Jindal is working as Scientist-C in TBRL, DRDO Chandigarh. My younger brother is doing PDF in Physics from IISc. Banglore. My sister-in-law is a Research Associate in IISc. Banglore in Bio-Sciences.

I started thinking of appearing in competitive exams during my B.Ed. but real beginning starts only after completing my M.Sc.

Vishrut Bharati HAS

Electronic Vs Paper material

Question: 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)? If possible narrate a typical day in your study life. What is your style of preparation (e.g. I continue making notes no matter what I’m reading, I just read multiple times but don’t maintain notes, I make mind maps on computer…etc styles or way)

Answer: I rely both on electronic as well as paper material.

I make notes from newspapers, magazines as well from various ministry sites of HP as well as GOI, PIB, gktoday, mrunal.org etc.

For geography optional, I upgrade book material with internet material

For Sanskrit I completely rely on books.

Tempo and Style

Question: 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: I study daily for 5-6 hours and during exam hours increased up to 10-12. I try to complete my syllabus on a time bound manner. Mood swings and distractions are part of life. One should have to be positive and do not lose hope.

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.

MY questions are two:

Question: 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: Mental saturation comes after appearing so many times in mains and interview. For senior players I only want to say that remain positive, remain honest to your studies, never lose hope, HAS exam tests your hard work as well your luck. Hard work always pays.

Question: What went wrong in your previous attempt? What changes did you make in this current attempt?

Answer: I m not scoring well in one optional in last attempts. Due to that I m able to clear mains but not able to qualify interview. This year I concentrate more on GS and essay so that I increase 15-20 marks in total in GS+ Essay. I upgrade my geography study material from internet. This year I changed my optional subject psychology from previous attempts and choose SANSKRIT. Also I prepared comprehensively for interview this year as well.

If Working professional

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

Answer:
Morning time is the best time to utilize for studies. Make a routine for your studies. Try to Study 3-4 hours daily which should be increased during exam time.

Study plan:

Prelims: General studies (GS)

Topic	Studyplan/booklist/comment
Himachal Pradesh General Studies : History Art & Culture Geography Polity Economic & Social Development	WONDERLAND -Jagmohan Balokhra, Mian Goverdhan Singh book on history, Art and architecture of HP- Mian Govardhan Singh Economic survey of  HP
History Ancient	Lucent, arihant, NCERT
History Medieval	Lucent, arihant, NCERT
History Modern (Freedom Struggle)	Modern History-Bipin chandra, spectrum book on indian independence, freedom Struggle - Bipin Chandra, NCERT
Culture society	INTERNET
Polity & Governance (theory + current)	DD BASU, LAXMIKANT, GKTODAY
Economic & Social Development (theory + current)	DUTTA SUNDARAM, PRATIYOGITA DARPAN ISSUE, BUDGET, ECONOMIC SURVEYS
Science (theory + Current)	NCERT, ARIHANT, LUCENT
Environment & Biodiversity (theory + current)	Ministrial sites and internet.mrunal.org,
Physical Geography, Indian and World Geography	GC LEONG, KHULLAR, SAVINDER SINGH, ATLAS
Other national/international current affairs	GKTODAY, MRUNAL.ORG, Magzines, newspapers HINDU, THE TRIBUNE
Schemes, Policy etc	PIB,YOJNA Magazine

Question: Any observation / comments / tips about GS Prelim paper?

Answer: Focus on current affairs, HP GK and science and environment portion.

Prelims: Aptitude Test (CSAT)

Topic	Studyplan/booklist/comment
English / Comprehension	Newspaper reading
Reasoning and Analytical Ability	RS AGGARWAL
Maths / Quant / Data Interpretation	RS AGGARWAL
Interpersonal Skills including Communication	INTERNET
Decision Making and Problem Solving	RS AGGARWAL
Misc

Question: Any observation / comments / tips about Aptitude (CSAT) paper?

Answer: Do not ignore any portion of this paper. Good scores in this paper can sail you through to the mains.

Behavioral psychology syllabus should be mentioned in the prelim syllabus. 


Prelim Accuracy

Question: Did you attend any ‘mock tests’? Do you think they are necessary for success?

Answer:  NO, Mock tests may be helpful but I do not attend any.

Question: Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in HPAS 2014 ?

Answer:

Papers	Attempted Questions	Marks
GS	72	112 Approx
APTITUDE	70	124 Approx
TOTAL		230-235

Mains: Compulsory Language Papers

Question: How did you prepare for the Compulsory English Paper? (If then Book list and Study pan/comments/tips)

Answer:  NO preparation

Question: How did you prepare for the Compulsory Hindi Paper? (if then Book list and Studyplan/comments/tips)

Answer: No preparation

Mains Essay Writing

Question: How did you prepare for the essay paper?

Answer: I wrote 4-5 model essays on current affair topics and upgrade them with fact and figures from internet before the exam.

Question: Which among the following essay did you write? What key points did you include in it? (If you remember)

Answer: I wrote on land, air, water contamination-consequences and mitigation measure.

Main points of Essay:
I started with the introduction in which I wrote importance given to environment by ancient scholars. I wrote quotations of scholars. Then I try to explain each type of contamination, their consequences, government policies and mitigation measures on each of three. Lastly, I concluded my essay. I wrote in a paragraph format. 

General Studies (Mains) Paper : 

Topic	How did you prepare?Studyplan/booklist/comment
Indian History (Modern) (Please give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)	Bipin chandra, NCERT, Spectrum
Freedom Struggle	Bipin chandra, Spectrum, Lucent, Arihant
Post-independence India	Same as above
Indian Culture (Please give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)	Arihant, Lucent
Physical Geography (Please give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)	Savinder Singh, GC Leong, Atlas
Indian Geography (Please give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)	Khullar
Indian Polity (Please give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)	DD BASU, Laxmikant
Indian Economy (Please give details for subtopics if used various study material or reference books)	Dutta Sundaram, PD issue
Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi	----
Himachal Pradesh General Studies: History Art & Culture Geography Polity Economic & Social Development	Same as studied for prelims

Question: Any other comments, Tips or word of wisdom after going through the mains?

Answer: Current affairs is very important part in GS mains, it needs comprehensive study of all topics.

Optional Subjects

Question: What were your optional subject and why did you chose it and not something else?

Answer: My optional are Geography and Sanskrit.

Geography is a bit scientific subject, easy to grasp and understand, study material easily available, concise syllabus, scoring as well.

Sanskrit is my second choice, as I always remain a science student I always think of studying an Indian language but do not get any time. When I think of preparing for the exam, I think of choosing it because of our ancestral history of Sanskrit teachers as well of its scientific nature. Because of that I am able to learn this language and it also helps me in the examination. Sanskrit language is related to our culture and traditions. It is one of the smallest languages we have. NASA is also using it in its space programs for coding and decoding of messages. It will become the language of our future endeavors. I suggest youth to study Sanskrit as you feel blessed to know our traditions and culture.

In HPAS, everybody has the perception that Sanskrit is a easy subject but I think every subject has its own importance that’s why they are added in the HPAS syllabus. This year Sanskrit paper was toughest from last 5 year period.

Question: If a new player wants to pick this subject, would you advice for it or against it?

Answer: I always advice it to the new players. For clearing HAS u needed to be street smart. Every time there are 3-4 seats for HAS proper.  Everybody doing hard work for clearing HPAS but you needs to be smart in your approach so that you came in those 3-4 seats whether it will be by choosing scoring optional or whatever else.

Question: First the essential book/resource list and strategy of Optional 1:(Also mention which one is the “Base book” for covering the theory? + Whatever comments you’ve 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.) ?

Answer: GEOGRAPHY

Book List: Paper 1 of Optional 1:

SAVINDER SINGH book on Physical Geography

DIRECTION IAS NOTES of NEETU SINGH

You tube videos for understanding concepts of geography

Book List : Paper 2 of Optional 1 :

KHULLAR BOOK for Indian Geography

Wonderland and economic survey for HP geography

DIRECTION IAS Notes of NEETU SINGH
INTERNET

Question: First the essential book/resource list and strategy of Optional 2 ?

Answer: SANSKRIT

Book List : Paper 1 of Optional 2:

GRAMMER BOOK ---- LAGHUSIDHANT KAUMUDI
VEDIC LITERATURE BOOKS -----CHAUKHAMBHA SUBHARTI PUBLICATION VARANASI

Book List : Paper 2 of Optional 2 :

ALL BOOKS OF CHAUKHAMBA SUBHARTI PUBLICATIONS VARANASI

Question: 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:

For Sanskrit I simply rely on books

For geography I upgrade my study material with internet

Question: How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?

Answer: 6 months

Question: How much writing practice you did for Optionals?

Answer: I do a lot of writing practice. I wrote answer to questions 3-4 times during my preparation and always try to complete it in 35 minutes. Because of that I never face any problem of time shortage in the examination. Writing practice is very essential to fetch good marks in optional papers.

Question: Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? Or you simply rely on reference books?

Answer: I maintain both. Topics which are not available in books I maintain self notes for that from internet.

Question: What do you think about the Importance of Optional in HPAS in existing pattern?

Answer: IN existing pattern optional are very much important. Optional decide your fate in the final merit list.

Question: What you will suggest to the young aspirants about how to choose the Optional Subjects?

Answer: Choose optional on the basis of your interest first. In the same time also look for, how scoring are your optional. In the end only score matters nothing else.

Mains Answer Writing

Question: What style you follow like “introduction-body-conclusion” format or just simply write down what comes in mind first or any other style?

Answer:  I follow introduction –body- conclusion format.

In some questions I try to write in headings as well.

Question: Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs or any other style?

Answer: No, I never wrote in bullet points. I always wrote in paragraphs

Question: What was your approach in the exam writing questions in fixed word limits?

Answer: in optional there is hardly any word limit given except for compulsory question. So I always try to be in word limit if mentioned otherwise I wrote for 35 minutes for every question. My answer never goes beyond 35 minutes. Thats why I always completes my paper well before time.


Interview

Question: How did you prepare for the interview?

Answer: I read newspapers, Watch Rajyasabha TV debates, discuss with my friends as well with my wife. i always try to make my own opinions for every issue.

Question: Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes?

Answer: NO.

Question: How long was the interview?

Answer: My interview went for 35 minutes.

Question: 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: The board was very cordial. This year experience was much better than last years.

CHAIRMAN-

1.Meaning of my name, home district, history of una district, swan river project, world bank assistance, problems of chintpurni town

2.Question on hobby travelling and cricket- which places you visit ,what u looks at any place, most travelled destination in india by tourists, indian cricket team winning chances in austalia,injury issues of australia,vijay hazare trophy, syed kirmani lifetime achievement award.

3.lokayukta bill

4.Mayanmar Government formation

5.question related to excise and taxation department.

6. that days newspaper issues
7.article 370
etc…

Member 1

1.     Mini lahasa- problems of macloadganj

2.     Indo china issue on tibbet, why tibetians fled to india..etc long dissussion

3.     Indo pak issue…recent visit of PM Narender Modi to Lahore…what are the future prospects etc

4.     ISIS issue—their origin funding,why the attack on france only, security threats to india, what are the implications

5.     Intolerance debate-

6.     About tribal economy of hp

Member 2

1.     Bihar liquor ban----long dissussion, good or bad

2.     Delhi odd even formula

3.     NGT rohtang ban---

4.     Beef issue in Indian independence,is it a myth or reality

5.     GST

6.     GDP of hp and economic terms

Member 3-

1.     Foreign policy of india, How foreign policy of India is related to our geography.

2.     GST

3.     Indo japan ties-bullet train is necessary or not

4.     Questions on biodata—why you not do research or teaching

Question: 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: interview was on expected lines…there are 1-2 unexpected questions on foreign policy by forth member. It is a very jovial type of interview to start with which make me comfortable in first few minutes.

Insecurity about profile

Question: 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: it doesn't matter that you are not from English medium school. English medium school students certainly has an edge in some areas but that can be covered with your handwork, honesty and sincerity towards your goal.

Marks Sheet

Please provide your marks when they will reveal the marks it will help future aspirants.

Subject	Marks Obtained	Max  Marks
GS	83	150
Essay	54	100
Geography	99 + 99 = 198	150 + 150 = 300
Sanskrit	72 + 116 = 188	150 + 150 = 300
Interview	80	150
Total	603	1000

Career Backup

Question: If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?

Answer: no back up plan as I was already working

Views on HPAS Reforms

Question: Optional subjects should be removed altogether or not?DoesPresent pattern seems biased these days when importance is being given to GS more? What is you take on this?

Answer: Optional should be removed with immediate effect. GS should be given more importance. Only then there will be a level playing field for all candidates.

Question: What are your thoughts on the Aptitude test (CSAT)? (Honest Views) It should be only Qualifying in nature or not?

Answer: CSAT is necessary to check your reasoning, problem solving and comprehending capabilities. It should not be make qualifying but its weight age should be decreased in comparison to GS. In GS portions like history polity economics culture should be given more weight age.

Question:  HPPSC have amended the Mains Pattern & Syllabus and scraped one optional subject and 3 General Studies papers have been added, what do you think about these changes how they will affect the preparations of HPAS overall?

Answer: This is a good step from HPPSC. IT provides a level playing game to all aspirants. Now to clear HPAS one need to be more dynamic in its approach to study GS.Now candidate needs a comprehensive study of general studies

Question: What other reforms you would like to see in HPAS?

Answer: Nothing


Inspiration & Wisdom

Question: 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: During all these years I only learned that your hard work never goes in vain. Always be positive, never lose hope, study is the only  option to achieve success.

Question: Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of HPAS-2014. They’re feeling dejected- what is your message to them?

Answer: Give one more chance to yourself. Do not feel dejected. Success always needs hard work as well as luck. So concentrate on doing hard work and do not think of anything else. Your hard work will change your luck next time around

Question: How did you kept motivating yourself in these years for this journey? Or form where you got the inspiration? Please share. 

Answer:
I get my inspiration from my parents, my father is my role model. He don’t able to clear administrative services exam but he always infuse it in me to achieve this feet…. 


Credit: Family/Friends/Tutors

Question: 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 was those people in your case? Any specific incidence that you would like to share with the readers?

Answer:

There are lot of persons behind my success. Some people are your well wishers and some are the critics who always pull you apart. Critics played a most important role to keep you in check about your weaknesses and in my case as well that changed the whole arithmetic of mine to be an administrative officer.

My parents are always behind my success, my brother and his wife are the key motivator and last but not the least my wife gives me motivation from last three years. She even started preparing for HPAS despite her good job as scientist so that she can help me in studies. She cleared this year’s mains but not able to attend interview as she give birth to little angel during interviews. So her contribution is immense. Even newly arrived little angel contributed with her luck to change my stars.

My friends, teachers as well as my well wishers also contributed immensely. Even the excise department contribution is immense in my success.

In the last, I hereby thank my teacher and guide Dr. KRISHAN MOHAN PANDEY whose contribution is never being explained in words. Without his guidance and dedication I will never be what I am today.

Khadubhai :  Thanks a lot for the valuable Knowledge and Experiences you shared, It was really a great interview the way you narrated your journey, hope that it will inspire youth more and more and you will become a great source of inspiration. Wishing you all the best for the Great Job.