Date: 28/05/2024
Board Chairperson: Ms. Preeti Sudan
Education: B.Tech in Marine Engineering (IMU), MA in Disaster Studies (JNU)
Work Experience: Marine Engineer (SCI Ltd.)
Detailed Application Form (DAF) Keywords: BITS+RMIT PhD Fellowship, IIT GATE, UGC NET, Marine Engineering, Disaster Studies (MA), GRSE, IIT Roorkee
Hello everyone,
I am Sumit Narayan, and I recently secured AIR 10 in the UPSC CAPF examination. I would like to share my interview experience, which took place on May 28, 2024, under the guidance of Board Chairperson Ms. Preeti Sudan. Here’s a detailed account of the questions asked and how I responded to them.
Chairperson’s Questions
Ms. Preeti Sudan:
Educational Background: Ms. Sudan started the interview by reading out my Detailed Application Form (DAF). She appreciated my academic records and asked why I chose to pursue an MA after completing my B.Tech. I explained that my interest in Disaster Studies stemmed from the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, which complemented my technical background and broadened my understanding of global issues.
Motivation for CAPF: She then questioned what motivated me to opt for a career in CAPF despite having such a strong academic background. I talked about my experiences, the education I received, and the discipline and uniformed training I underwent as a Marine Engineer. I expressed my desire to serve the nation and the appeal of a structured and disciplined career in CAPF.
Uniformed Training: Ms. Sudan noted that I mentioned having worked in uniform for four years. I corrected her by stating that while I worked for several months, I was trained and educated in a naval uniform during my time as a Marine Engineer.
Member 1’s Questions
Good Governance: The first member asked me to define good governance and its features. I emphasized transparency, accountability, participation, and rule of law.
Accountability: I was then asked to elaborate on accountability as a feature of good governance.
Transparency in CAPFs: I discussed how I would ensure transparency in CAPFs, particularly in procurement processes. This led to follow-up questions about mechanisms to ensure transparency and examples, where I mentioned transparent procurement of equipment and materials.
Whistleblower Protection: The member asked about whistleblower protection and posed a hypothetical scenario where a senior might ask for an illegal procurement order. I stressed the importance of integrity and adherence to the law, stating that I would not comply with illegal orders.
Career Choices: Questions arose about why I didn’t apply to the Indian Coast Guard and why the left and right sides of ships are called Port and Starboard. I explained the historical reasons behind the nautical terms.
Member 2’s Questions
GRSE Experience: This member inquired about my time at GRSE and what I learned from the experience.
Disaster Management: We discussed the changes needed in India’s disaster management at both central and state levels. I cited recent incidents like the Delhi Hospital fire and the Uphar cinema tragedy, explaining why India lags in disaster management.
Inland Waterways: Having worked with the Shipping Corporation of India, I shared my thoughts on Inland Waterways and whether we are doing enough. I also talked about the operational waterways, including the Krishna River one (NW-4).
Dedicated Freight Corridors: The member asked about dedicated freight corridors, their features, the number of operational DFCs, and their locations.
Member 3’s Questions
Internship at IIT Roorkee: The third member focused on my internship at IIT Roorkee, asking what it was about and what I learned.
Hobbies and Interests: We discussed my hobbies, particularly reading, researching, technical, and creative writing. I talked about my blogs, research papers, and a book I authored.
Scientific Progress: The member asked about my last blog post titled "Scienceisation of India" and how India’s scientific progress has accelerated. We also discussed areas requiring scientific intervention for societal good, where I mentioned social medicine and healthcare technologies like ML and AI.
Conclusion
The interview concluded with Ms. Preeti Sudan wishing me all the best. I thanked the board and exited the room, feeling satisfied with my performance.
Reflecting on the experience, I realized the importance of being well-prepared and having a clear understanding of my motivations and aspirations. The interview was a significant step in my journey, and I hope sharing my experience helps future aspirants in their preparation.
Thank you for reading, and I wish all the best to those preparing for their interviews. Keep striving for excellence!
Best regards, Sumit Narayan
