Interview Transcripts (CSPT-2025)

DAF - Electrical (nothing else asked from DAF) Chair -  What is network?  Network externality?  What's present issue related to data? (Don't remember exactly. Some discussion on why we want to keep datas domestically, what other challenges etc)  IFoS role related to data centers M1 -  Recent mining issue in Odisha? (In news) What was being mined?  Environmental issues related to mining? Formula of Bauxite?  How is it mined?  NDC targets ?  M2 -  What is forest?  What is ecosystem? Biome and Biodiversity? Differentiate these. Green house gases? Examples? Do they have any utility?  Green energy? Why called green?  Carbon sink? How to sequester?   M3 - Agroforestry trees name?  Wood species trees,name a few. AQI? It's constituents?  Units of measuring PM 10, 2.5 ? For other gases?  Which metro city has largest forest cover? 

Date: 09-04-26 FN Suman Sharma Mam DAF: Forestry and geology, TN, Skill development corporation, Computer science (nothing from hobbies asked) Duration ( around 15mins) Chairperson: 1. Tourism comparison between TN beach and Goa Beach 2. What can be done? 3. Your job role? 4. Iran - US war what would be the further course? 4. Why is skilling in India failing? M2 1. Iran - US war monologue and my perspectives on it 2. Why IFoS not CSE? M3. (Situation based) 1. Increasing revenue of forest department within short period (1 lakh to 10lakh in 5years) 2. Leopard HAC and way forward 3. Agroforestry (monologue) revenue sharing and it's impact M4 1. Explain Hominidae evolution 2. Explain biocomputing emerging trends 3. Carbon dating method /carbon isotope explanation (He asked about some technical name - I don't get what exactly he is looking for) 4. Explain evolution of computer processors and it's future A few questions can't be recollected.

NAME: XYZ BOARD: Dinesh Dasa Sir Date: 08/04/2026 – afternoon (3rd to go) Key DAF details: Saurashtra, Gujarat, Vedic maths, Instrumentation and control engineering, GNFC (job) Chairman: 1. How do you want to introduce yourself? 2. What are you doing since 2019? 3. Trees inside forest are protected, but Gujarat made one law for protection of trees outside forest. Do you know which one? (answered the name of act) 4. What was its main provision? 5. Can you name reserved trees under this act? (There are 5, I named 4, sir reminded me last one) 6. What was one unique provision of this act? (I told one another provision but sir wanted to hear something else. So, sir explained that provisions to me and every board member) 7. Since you are from Saurashtra, there is concern going on regarding Lions in GIR and some expert suggest that they should be relocated. Tell me why? 8. What are some probable areas for relocation? 9. There is also talk going on Cheetah introduction in Gujarat. Where? (told Banni grassland) 10. What is going on there? (answered) 11. So, now cheetah will be seen in wild in Banni? (I said no as there is no such plan of introducing them in wild) 12. One last que, Maldharis are relocated outside their natural home in Gir. What do you think should they be allowed stay inside? 13. But, Maldharis are residing there for long even before forest department created. When was it created? 14. So, why they were relocated? (explained the reason) M1 (Female): 1. Should Vedic maths be introduced in schools? 2. At what level it should be introduced? 3. Name some birds seen in Gujarat? (I named some native and migratory birds) 4. Are Owls also coming in Gujarat? (As I mentioned it) 5. Some follow up on birds. 6. Name world heritage sites of Gujarat. 7. Have you visited any? 8. What is your view on project cheetah? (There were one or two more questions but I am not able to recall now.) M2 (Male): 1. What was your role at GNFC? 2. What types of measurement instruments did you use? 3. So, you controlled the process? (explained how) 4. Since it is fertilizer company, tell me the raw materials used in producing fertilizers. 5. So, did you not like there? 6. Was your job profile similar to your graduation? 7. Where flamingoes are seen in Gujarat? (as I said flamingoes in M1 que of birds seen in Gujarat) 8. Are they found near coastal areas or on land? 9. What is the status of flamingoes in last few years in Gujarat? (although migratory birds, I said some of them has made Gujrat as their permanent home) 10. So, flamingoes are seen in Gujarat throughout the year? 11. Many believes that female officers do not do great at field level jobs in forest. What is your view? (explained why that is not the case through example of Ms Sonali ghosh-first female director of Kaziranga) 12. Give me name of some recent Padma awards winner from Gujarat? (Said I am not aware and Dasa sir asked the board member about which awardee you are asking to which he replied even he doesn’t know. Just wanted to check if anyone received this year. Dasa sir once again asked him any particular name from forest or environment related. He said no) M3 (Male): 1. Have you visited Kankaria lake in Ahmedabad? (I did my graduation from Nirma university in Ahmedabad. Hence the question) 2. Which birds did you see there? 3. Name some tribes of Gujarat? 4. How traditional knowledge of tribals helps in forest conservation? (I mentioned role of Ms Tulsi Gowda) 5. In follow up - What role do tribal women in general play in this? (I answered few roles and sir explained one more role) (Some questions not able to recall now) Chairman: ok, your interview is over. Do you want to add anything? (I said no and thanked all board members)   Mocks: Samkalp and upsiwe. However, one to one with my mentor and mocks with my senior helped me more.

IFoS Transcript Date: 8 April 2026, FN Board: Sanjay Verma sir 5th one to go (last) Relevant keywords: Civil engineering, Delhi, natural landscape pencil sketching optionals= Forestry, Agriculture Engineering Chairman: Doesn't the IFS need less Civil engineers? Name some landscape sketch artists from India? pointed at a statue in room and asked who his name (a famous cartoonist) Art museum visited? any wall murals seen in Delhi? Should we have UPSC interviews at art museum Delhi? tell me something about plywood Negatives of plywood famous plywood companies lot of focus on tiger, so what are ignored animals Examples of transportation engineering in forest What could be civil engineering application to reduce noise pollution on roads?noise barriers Are you staying in Delhi currently? things you like in Delhi? trees you like in Delhi? Do all trees shed leaves in spring? Is there any tree which does not shed leaves? Why fruiting in alternate years in mango? Member 1: coastal vs green forest cover, approx data stakeholder in coastal area Geographical area of Delhi area of asola bhatti WLS nearby NP, etc, like sultanpur in Gurgaon? Is asola bhatti a WLS? flora and fauna there Why Nilgai on the fringes of the forest? Why monkey menace increased? Forest cover of Delhi Despite 23% FC in Delhi, still air pollution issue, why? favourite topics in forestry Any Agroforestry policy at national level? year? Why is Agroforestry promotion needed? Member 2: (ma'am, serious/ poker face) Issues with EPA 1986 Ecosystem, abiotic factors different pyramids in ecosystem. Best pyramid? you are a forest officer, how will you tackle forest fire? What is silviculture Which silviculture system to choose? Member 3 (serious face throughout) What is traffic engineering? ways to reduce congestion and road accidents? What is blind spot? Why are there fewer accidents in hilly regions? traffic engineering solutions to reduce accidents? reasons illegal sand mining alternatives to sand mining What is M sand? can we replace sand with m sand (couple of questions I can't recall) mocks given: many, samkalp offline panel was the closest one, but not a single question repeated, DAF session by Mahesh Bhagwat sir, Satyendra Garg sir. Special mention Karthikeyan sir. Chairman and member 1 (probably IFoS) were charming and engaging. The other 2 members had a serious poker face all throughout.

Name - STR_1 DATE - 08/04/26 , FORENOON , 4th to go Board - Sanjay Verma sir Daf keywords - Agricultural Engineering , forestry handball , ncc , Mahatma phule , cooperative , Maharashtra Greeted everyone , asked to sit Before chairman began , one guy brought mix fruit plate for everyone on board Chairman sir Q1. Tell me the difference between Apple and banana which was grown 100 years before and today Q.2 how currents apple and are expensive than fruits 100 years before ( then told me current prices are cheap ) Q.3 varieties of fruits increased or decreased over 100 years ( told apple increased but banana decreased) Q.4 what do you think taste of banana and apple better now or 100 years before ? (For above few questions i told I don't know still chairman sir asked again and again to answer them as I am agricultural graduate .... And visibly not satisfied with my answers ( as I dont have idea for 100 year old fruits ), even nodded head in negative connotation) Q.5 when you played handball ? At what level you played ? Why you lost nationals ? What are reasons for your defeat ? Who won final ? Q.6 you have also done NCC , why not opted for military , naval or armed forces ? Q.7 tell me famous personalities who worked in forest and environment ? ( told 3 ) tell me more famous personalities Q.8 tell me NGOs who are working for forest Q. 9 why suicides of farmers more in Maharashtra Member 2 Q. 1 Who was str1 ( my name in past ) Q. 2 what work Mahatma phule did ( my college name ) Q.3 I think major work for women was done by his spouse , what do you think Then cracked one joke but was not able to hear Q.4 how will you use cooperative knowledge in forestry Q.5 though you are young , we make you a chairman of cooperative, what changes you will bring in the entire cooperative structure Asked few more , but can't recall ( almost all I said I am not aware ) Member 3 ( lady member ) Q.1 how will you use knowledge of agricultural engineering in forestry Q.2 how will you use food processing in forestry ? Isn't it difficult to make cold storages in dense forests ? Suppose your forest product is at other end of forest so how will you transport it as trucks can't be used in dense forests Q.3 which products from forests can be processed Q.4 from gums and resins what products can be made by processing Q.5 what is regur soil ? Q 6 what is boreal forest Q.7 what is agro forestry Q.8 what are stages in agro forestry Q.9 what are limitations in agro forestry Member 4 ( probably forest officer , one one with smile on his face , who made interview little bit friendly and comforting , others were with poker face , and staring hard , specially chairman sir ) Q.1 you mentioned about tiger relocation in sahyadri ( during chairman sir discussion) , why so much fascination for tigers Q.2 which tigers are translocated Q.3 from where these tigers are relocated Q.4 isn't is wrong for humans to intervene and transcolate tigers Q.5 why sahyadri tiger reserves should have tigers Q.6 one tiger from Maharashtra walked from Telangana to andhra , then why tigers from tadoba can't walk to sahyadri tiger reserves Q.7 you mentioned about BAIF ( ngo I mentioned previously in chairman sir's question) , what is it ? Q.8 what is famous model of baif ( I said Wadi model ) Q.9 what is shifting cultivation Q.10 why are we opposing shifting cultivation , it is traditional practice and we should not intervene, what's your opinion Q.11 can we replicate wadi model for orchards in North East Chairman sir - thank you , your interview is over ( One musical instrumental song was playing at background, which was irritating, and disturbing) Mocks given - Mahesh Bhagawat sir one to one ( special thanks ) , vajiram , shankar , forum , samkalp ( best of all ) , manobal ( very helpful)

IFoS 2025 Transcript SHUKLA Sir -What are you doing? -So IFoS a steppingstone? -Why do you want to join IFoS? -Why we are not able to achieve 33%? -Can we achieve? -Why not able to replicate China? -Exchange of ideas happens better in a democracy or authoritarian regime? -Then why China’s ahead? -Anyway, why not able to achieve 33% target? -Why can’t we just move out communities from forests? -How will you deal with human-WL conflict? MEMBER 1(Ma’am) -Are forests self contained systems? -You’re from Pilani. What is famous there? -Why did you pursue engineering if you wanted to join IFoS? -What will you do uniquely in the IFoS? -What will happen if population of wildlife reduces? -Other way around if it becomes too much? -Has it become too much? -So what should we do? -Any way to reduce crop damage due to animals? -Role of oceans in sequestering Carbon? Any limit? -What is climate neutrality? -What are carbon sinks? Examples? -What do you think will be the temperature rise by 2050? -What is Global Warming Potential? MEMBER 2 -How will sparrows affect rodent population? -Community doesn’t let you touch sacred groves. How will you proceed? -Why can’t we do massive afforestation in deserts like China did? -Name of a Marine national park in India. -Kind of features found in Gulf of Kuchh? MEMBER 3 -I was in Kerala cadre. Leading cause of agri raids is because they grow very palatable crops like Tapioca. -How many islands in Gulf of Kuchh? -How will you approach soil conservation? -What about contour trenching? -Despite heavy rainfall soil is impervious. (I said sir in that case we can go for GW recharge pits) -Most problematic invasive crop in Madhya Pradesh? -Managing how? -Scale is very large. What about some chemical or biological method? -Any research on forestry in MP? (I mentioned agroforestry) -Is it being done or some are being used? Which ones? -What is the rotation period of Teak in MP? -How is Tendu collected in MP? -Since you’ve seen forests since day 1, give 2 examples of good coppicers in MP?

Date: 7th April afternoon. Key DAF Details: Retail Business, diesel engine project, formula 1, aircraft. Board: B B Swain Sir Questions asked: [ ] B B Swain sir: Formula 1 [ ] Earlier, We had formula 1 in India, now we don’t have it. Why is it not present? [ ] Member 1: [ ] Project on Diesel engine: What was the project about? What was its outcome? [ ] Despite benefits, why industry has not adopted? And few follow up questions. [ ] Business: what is your role? More details on the kind of business operations. [ ] Member2 (lady member) [ ] Business: What do you sell? Compared with organized sector. [ ] Emission and pollution percentage: what all are the other pollutants and their percentage? [ ] Because of emissions and other reasons, there’s Increase in temperature what will you do? [ ] As a forest officer, What actions will you take? [ ] One of the point was, Recovering the Green and blue space. How to reclaim them back? [ ] It’s all theory, Any practical solution? [ ] Member 3: [ ] Cricket: your role? [ ] Why not join professional cricket? [ ] What is chinaman? [ ] What is googly? [ ] After graduating, why not mechanical? Why forestry and geology? [ ] What did you learn in forestry? What will you do in forestry? [ ] How to reduce man animal conflict? [ ] Indian Guar. Do you know? How will you reduce HWC? [ ] Tiger or other animal venture out of forest. Why are they venturing out of the forest? Is it because of increased population? What will you do to reduce HWC? [ ] Any population control measures? [ ] Any other method? Sterilization. Can’t we use it? What method is used in sterilization? [ ] War in Iran, one specific species with is critically endangered, with around 30 to 40 in number, which is that? [ ] Kuno national park: what is its connection? [ ] Whether it is successful? [ ] Recently a critically endangered specie which is found in Rajasthan, development took place in Gujarat. Which is that specie? [ ] Swain sir: your interview is over. O2O: Farees Sir, Kartikeyan Sir Mocks: Samkalp, Vajiram and Ravi, Forum and Shankar.

Name: X men Board : suman sharma madam Daf keywords: civil engineering, water works , Forestry . Chairman : 1 . There is international momentum towards water marketing, how does it affect india . 2 . What are green buildings . 3. Any codes related to green buildings . 4.sustainable construction. 5 . New construction methods in environmental sound manner . M2. 1. Asked about jerard kushner and Steve witkoff . 2. Pakistani finance minister statement of bombing mumbai with nuclear weapons. M3 1 . What is afforestation and how do you implement it . 2. Difference between national parks and wildlife sanctuary. M4. Asked about my name. 2.( Related with name ) About incarnation of gods . 3. How do you solve water crisis in major cities . 4. What are sdg Thanks to vinayak sir , farees sir ,Sandeep , Shankar ias ( rajitha madam) , sankalp for guidence.

Name: SAB Board: Suman Sharma Interview duration : 20-25 min Date :07/04/26 ,5th to go (forenoon session) DAF keywords : energy studies ,chess ,Tamil Nadu Chairperson: 1)what is energy studies? 2) what is free chess? 3)should it be promoted? 4)issues with solar energy ? 4.1)how do you solve those issues? 5)should duration of PPAs be higher or lower in general ?why? 6)what about issues with integration of solar energy into the grid at generator side ? 7) should PPAs duration be higher or lower at generator side ?(specifically) Member 1: 1)with current issues in IR India is facing energy insecurity ? How do we promote energy security ? 2) views on hybrid Renewable energy?(as I mentioned in previous question) 3)any improvement in tidal energy ? 4)issues with wind energy ? 5)yesterday ,PM Modi mentioned about nuclear energy in TN on his election campaign ? What did he mention ? 6) types of forests in India ? 7)what is NEP and its provisions ? 8) issues and concerns with three language policy ? Member 2: 1) what is CCUS? (I mentioned it to member 1 in one of the answers) 2) What is INDCs? 3)what are India’s recent updated INDCs? 4) what are various types of forest acts and policies in India ? 5) what are the provisions of FCA 2023? (Picked up from previous answer ) Member 3: 1) applications of renewable and electrical energy in forest management ? 2) Use of AI in it compared to current use of technology ? 3) why do we need IFoS officers when robotics and AI can do all works ? Panel mocks : vajiram ,forum,Samkalp, Shankar,graceIAS , MentoraIAS O2O mock: Farees sir (2-3 times) , Gurucharan sir Most of my questions revolved around renewable energy and electrical engineering !

*Name : runmachine *Board: Anuradha prasad madam 7th forenoon (3rd to go) *DAF ( keywords asked) : GKVK , agriculture, RAWE , Analysing cricket , Karnataka. Optionals: AGRICULTURE and BOTANY ( most of my questions from this optional although my graduation was in agri. ) Chairman mam : 1. what is the full form of GKVK ? 2. Rural agriculture work experience program, what is it ? , what did you observe in the villages over their ? ( i said about monoculture ) 3. Horticulture and how to effectively utilise space ( i said pigeon pea ) ? 4. Which is the pulp variety of mango that is grown in Karnataka? 5. What are the non agricultural activities you would suggest for womens and other agricultural landless labourers ? Member 1 : 1. Asked about a statement “ Viruses can predate human beings “ . ( i answered , but mam said you did not understood the ques and asked sir to repeat the ques ) . 2. Total number of viruses ? 3. Classification of viruses ? 4. Number of plant species in the world ? 5. Do you think all the viruses in the universe are enumerated and identified ? 6. Harmful effects of monoculture ? Member 2 ( completely daf oriented ) : 1. RAWE village - political structure , panchayath systems and its types in india. Even asked about gram sabhas and different government offices in the village 2. What is bodyline in cricket during 1980s ? 3. Who actualyy does strategies in cricket matches ? 4. Asked about post soviet bifurcation countries ? Member 3 : 1. What do you know about shivmoga ( not mentioned in my daf ) ? Said about agumbe 2. Tell me about agumbe , which species is it famous for ? 3. Do you know about snake man of india ? 4. Do you know about lichens ? 5. What is the importance of Fungi in environment? Jai anjaneya 🤞🏻🙏🏻 :)

Name - Sairat the Hanuman Date- 7th APRIL 2026 Board - Dr. Ajay Kumar (upsc chairman)-3rd to go Interview duration -15-20 minutes (don't know exactly because I don't know at what time I entered the room) Daf keywords :- Madhya pradesh, bsc physics Sir may I come in ? Yes please Entered into room Greeted everyone starting from chairman Sit down Chairman sir:-(always smiling) C. Sairat the Hanuman Me. Yes sir C. Are you a girl or boy Me. Boy C. Then why you wear earing? C. Is it gold? C.You have done graduation in bsc Hons physics in 2023 Me.Yes sir C.What are you doing since then. C.You know recently what is going on space missions? Me.I said Artemis C.Explain armetis and how it is different from earlier missions ? C.What's special tell more C.Do you know about human habitation at moon C.Why it is important Me. Insitu experiment, developing future capabilities C. What is it? M1 :-(no smile at all seems to be a diplomat) 1.West Asia is in turmoil I said yes sir 2.Explain track 2 diplomacy 3.Are private sector involved 4.Is there any nation doing it 5.What about Pakistan proposal 6.Islamabad accord 7.Is India lossing 8.Is Pakistan a dalal nation 9.Who called Pakistan a dalal nation 10.is it good to call a nation a dalal 11.Are usa and iran accepting pakistan proposal M2:-(women with no smile but simple question) 1.What are your optional? Me.Physics and forestry 2.How will you use physics in forestry ? 3.What is exsitu and insitu conservation 4.What is cryo preservation M3:- (sir with all smiling face throughout definitely a ifos officer or a expert of forestry) 1.Why you want to join forest service 2.Tell me total number of elephant reserves 3.Elephant population has stabilized in India what's the current population 4.Why elephant human conflict occurs 5.What is jumstart method 6.How is it done 7.What is opposite of jumps start 8.Why it is called jumpstart 9.You come from Madhya Pradesh Yes sir You know Madhya Pradesh is one of those states which provides highest compensation for human animal conflict Yes sir it is mandated under a law 10.Tell me about the law in detail Sorry I don't know Chairman:- Thank you I thanks everyone come out of the room Mocks given:- zero (not given) One to one mocks:- zero (not given) Daf discussion :- not done with someone else Did whole preparation via chat gpt and google Extra information can be avoided:- 1. One thing which annoyed me the most during interview is that except M3 all were speaking with very less voice that I am not able to hear the question properly specially M1 . I told him to repeat the questions as I was not able to get what he was asking. 2. Speak each and every word with caution because they are framing questions from my own answers itself For example Mam ask me about exsitu. I mentioned cryo preservation in my answer and next question come on it. Then while exploring the answer i tell about jumpstart method then next member ask me about jumstart method.as you have observed they are framing questions from my own answers 3. When I was going to interview room from Central hall I was checked by checking team they told me to remove the rudraksha in my neck and gold earring in my ear . They asked me to remove both of them. I removed the rudraksha but cannot remove the earring as it is a permanent earing not temporary one ,then They called a senior to check once again. Senior repeated the same thing. I all repeated the same thing. I can't remove. Senior said don't you know that earing are not allowed. I said sir it is not mentioned in the summon letter that's why I don't remove it Then the senior entered the interview room before me to ask chairman to allow me or not. After 2 minutes he came and said chairman allowed you then ball rang and I entered into room. Then interview starts What I want to say - don't debate with them at all . Go with free mind and confidence All the best to all. Hoping Good for all May Good fulfill all your wishes ✍️😄🇮🇳

Board: Chairman Ajay Kumar sir - 06.04.26 morning, first one to go - Duration ~ 35 minutes Daf points- AI, Data Science, IITG, Assam, UP, Mechanical, Automobile, Forestry, Athletics, Running, Aeromodeling Chairperson Sir- Q1- What have you been doing since your graduation? Q2- You have a diverse background, how would you apply knowledge of AI in Forest service. Q3- Do you really think AI will work in the forest? Q4- What are the problems of legacy data? Is it authentic? Q5- What is predictive intelligence and where are we applying it? Q6- Do you think that the rate of data generation is increasing in current times? M1: Q1- How would you apply AI for resolving human wildlife conflict? Q2- Can you apply AI for cheetah knowing cheetah is very unpredictable? Q3- What are the ways in which AI is being applied in forestry? Q4- What are the differences you observed in Assam and UP? Q5- What are all the places you have visited in the North East? Q6- There are some concerns regarding mining in the North East, what is that? And why is it unsafe? Q7- What is the reason for your interest in forest and wildlife? Q8 - How many types of dolphins are found in India? M2- Long monologue on forestry Q1- What is agroforestry? Q2- How does agroforestry support forest conservation? Q3-Do you think that we should support agroforestry? Considering that there are concerns regarding food security. Q4- What are heritage sites? Q5- What are heritage trees? Q6- Long monologue on forest conservation. What do you think we should do to conserve forest as well as tribal welfare? M3- Q1- What are the changes you made in vehicles for BS6 implementation? Q2- What are the issues of EV vehicles? Q3- What are the environment concerns of IC engine, EV vehicles and hydrogen vehicles? Q4- What are the problems of batteries? Q5- If given a chance, how will you make a policy for batteries and their management? Mocks- Samkalp, Vajiram, Forum, Shankar, Hornbill, DAF analysis with Mahesh Bhagwat Sir

#IFoS_PT Hello people, You are requested to share your interview transcripts of IFoS PT 2025 for common good (in following format) This way you will be able to keep your transcript in memory for you also. It is important for you also. Name: (If you wish to reveal- Real/ Tg/Other) Date: Key DAF Details: Board: Questions asked: (Can write answers also if one wishes) Mocks/O20 (If any): Can give in chat/text format or word format Can use your preferred language or the language of PT Please forward transcripts on following ids — @Pegasus_IND @psm0506 @kaptaanjacksparrow @Lankapati1729 #Sharing_is_caring #SabHongeKaamyab Best wishes! ✨❤️ Team @csetranscripts

* Why cut all at once, think from demand perspective * Higher demand — shorter regen required * Leaves roots intact * What according to you has highest demand? * I said not sure, but can take a guess * Said bamboo * He said no, fuelwood is highest demand * Thanked him again M2: (old female, looked very bored, closed her eyes when other members were asking, looked most disappointed whenever i said i dont know) * You compose music — what kind? * Jazz and rock * You have geology optional — what is geologic time scale? * Defined at a broad level about aging of solar system and earth based on rock dating * Not sure of specifics * What is NTFP? * Defined with some examples as non-wood produce, fruits, leaves, flowers * Are gum and resin ntfp? * Yes * Tell me about social forestry * Defined * Tell specifics — how can we do it * JFM, sacred groves, community reserves * What are sacred groves? * Broadly defined * Can you name some specific ones? * Said i can’t recall * You have done wildlife and street photography (just statement but waited for a response) * Said i started with wildlife, recently tried street * Where did you do wildlife? * Most at bandhavgarh and sanjay dubri, plan to go to kuno soon * Did you focus on animals or vegetation? * Animals, especially on tiger * What is the vegetation at bandhavgarh * Dense forest, moist, mixed and dry deciduous; patches of grassland too * Small area — high density vegetation and animal population * Are there gymnosperms in bandhavgarh? * Not sure ma’am, but perhaps there are exceptions * (Felt like she wanted me to say no) M3: (did not listen to anything before, looked tired) * You have a great profile, and you have lived all over the country * Smiled and thanked him * What was your specialisation in mba? * We did not have specialisation, but my focus areas were finance and strategy * (Clarified about changes is specialisation at iims) * What do you think of judicial activism? * Said that it has both positive and negative connotations * Can be suo muto or PIL based * What is the legal backing? * Article 142 for SC * (Before i could finish) Do you think there has been a lot of encroachment on executive domain recently? * I said there have been examples of both encroachment and restraint * Gave example of CJI recusal in collegium case * (He dismissed it — that’s personal choice not restraint) * Tell me about judicial activism in forests * Mentioned TN Godavarman, definition of forest wider, but no legislative backing yet * Tell more recent * Mentioned FRA * Sorry, can’t recall more * No, more recent, past year * Said i’m not certain, but remember reading something about Aravallis * No need to be unsure, it happened * (Couldn’t hear him, asked him to repeat) * Said thank you * One more case in recent news * Not sure * Vantara case — have you heard? * Not about the case * What is vantara * Private conservation reserve in Gujarat * Do you think the case involves judicial activism? * Sir, since im not aware of judgement, I can’t say if it was activism * Okay, yeah, since you don’t know (No further question, thanked and left) Mocks: just one (forum), helpful to let off jitters/anxiousness Overall: very cordial board, quite room with good sunlight, felt comfortable saying ‘i don’t know’ (no obvious judgement on their faces, except the female member)

Tanmay Rao Taritla: IFoS PT Transcript 2026 Date: 7th April, forenoon Key DAF details: * Professional — IITK, IIMB, BCG * State — Madhya Pradesh * Hobby — Music composition, Photography, F1 Board: Dr. Ajay Kumar (4th to go) Chair: (Generally seemed satisfied with answers, lots of follow ups and depth, asked patiently; very likeable) * You went to IIT, IIM then BCG (read credentials) — what after then? * Started preparing for civil services * When did you decide to write civils? * During mba and work — wanted to work in social/govt sector, wider impact * Organic decision in my profession journey * What kind of projects did you do in consulting? * Named a few * Pick any one and tell me what kind of policy work you did * Picked gaming sector — nascent, funding issues, lots of challenges for startups, few big players in India * What can govt do for the sector in policy? * Said govt is investing in orange economy * What more? * Said not sure specifically for gaming, but will take example from F1 of Buddh Circuit (tax issues due to classification as entertainment vs sport) * Can apply to esports * What ministry will such policy come under? * Said Meity * Why Meity, unless it is online why should meity be involved? * Clarified that esports is primarily online gaming driven * Lets take this a level higher to policy framework of govt overall. What are key challenges? How do you evaluate as a consultant? * Took example of LPG policy and lack of strategic reserves — future policies must take into account such dependencies * Improve with stakeholder consulting, grievance redressal and timely evaluation: pre, during and post implementation framework * Aren’t these standard operating procedures for policy anyway? * Yes Sir, but perhaps application of such SOPs is not uniform at times * Be specific — name 3 areas where policies can be better * Funding/finance issues * Awareness for common people * Redundancy & overlap, coordination between state and centre M1: (aggressive eye contact throughout and smiling) * How will you use electrical engg and mba in forestry? * Gave generic answer — engg will help with technical and mba with people/public interface * Be specific * Said ill start with electrical — gave example of IoT, AI/ML, remote sensing, dashboard for forest inventory * Tell exactly what you will do * Said ill take an example from ISFR * Supplement satellite data with drone surveys, online cameras * Perhaps create a real time dashboard for survey instead of just biennial reports * What about mba? * People management, taking stakeholder perspectives, team building * How will you build your team? * First — know my team top to bottom * Two — upward and downward feedback, good communication and flatter working structure on projects * Three — open kpi and performance metrics for each member * Tell me about biodiversity hotspots in MP * Messed up — thought he meant biosphere reserves and said panna and pench * He corrected me * What is criteria for hotspots? * High species diversity * Endemic (especially vegetation) * How many species? * Not sure * Anything else? * High level of degradation * How do you determine degradation? * Not sure sir * Which two states share pench? * Mp and maharashtra * What type of vegetation is dominant is MP * Mixed deciduous and dry deciduous * Dominant species teak and sal * What trees are there in NPs you visited? * Teak, sal and tendu * Comment — teak and sal dont grow together * Said i wasn’t aware, thanked him * Name some trees you saw yourself * Sal and tendu * Asked follow up, i don’t recall * What is coppicing? Why is it used? * Gave an answer, he wasn’t satisfied

#IFoS_PT Name: The Martian Date: 06/04/2026 (Forenoon) Key DAF Details: Hobby – Singing, Travelling Working – An officer in Cabinet Secretariat Board: Dinesh Dasa Sir (3rd to go) Questions asked: Chairman: 1. You are in the most important departments of India. I understand your work is classified, so I won’t ask much. But assume your father was in the same department in the 1980s and you are in the same post today—what major differences would you highlight in field work? (Answered only unclassified aspects; I have politely refused further details related to internal functioning.) 2. Have you watched the series The Spy? How is the intelligence world changing? 3. Regarding the movie Dhurandhar, should it be banned or can it help in narrative warfare? (Cross question with a smile: in the movie, the work of IB is highlighted-don’t you feel jealous?) I laughed and explained that ultimately national security matters, and our role is different, but the objective is common. 4. As an intelligence officer, why do you want to join the Forest Service? Do you want to settle in life? Give an honest answer. 5. What is the difference between a spy and espionage? Member 1: 1. Difference between Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement—what major changes have occurred? 2. If I say poverty is the only cause of deforestation, do you agree? 3. How would you minimise deforestation? 4. Explain totem practices among tribes. 5. What is the Tribal Sub-Plan? 6. Name the top 5 intelligence agencies in the world and arrange them in order with reasons (1–2–3 format). Member 2: 1. How will your intelligence experience help you in Forest Services? What special qualities do you have? 2. Tribes of Uttar Pradesh. 3. Issues related to the Great Nicobar Project. 4. PVTG tribes and related schemes. Member 3: 1. PVTG tribes and development. 2. Cross questions on the above topics. 3. Amendments in MGNREGA and major changes. 4. Questions on CIA, ISI, and Mossad. One-on-one with Karyhikyan Sir was very helpful; direct questions (e.g., Kyoto Protocol vs Paris Agreement) were asked. Sankalp panel mock was excellent (special thanks to Satyendra Garg Sir, retired IPS 1987, for personal guidance). Other mocks were not very helpful. Overall Experience: The board was very cordial, and the interview experience was quite different from mock interviews.

#IFoS_PT Hello people, You are requested to share your interview transcripts of IFoS PT 2025 for common good (in following format) This way you will be able to keep your transcript in memory for you also. It is important for you also. Name: (If you wish to reveal- Real/ Tg/Other) Date: Key DAF Details: Board: Questions asked: (Can write answers also if one wishes) Mocks/O20 (If any): Can give in chat/text format or word format Can use your preferred language or the language of PT Please forward transcripts on following ids — @Pegasus_IND @psm0506 @kaptaanjacksparrow @Lankapati1729 #Sharing_is_caring #SabHongeKaamyab Best wishes! ✨❤️ Team @csetranscripts

IFoS PT Board - Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla Date - 06/04/2026 Afternoon (4th to go) DAF keywords - IIT Roorkee, Electronics and Communication Engg, Software Developer (Microsoft) Duration - 23 mins A. Shukla sir (Back and forth conversation) Read the name, my college and my job experience aloud. 1. You’ve worked in Microsoft, why do you want to get into this service? 2. Why is it that we are not able to build giants like Microsoft, Google, Palantir in India? 3. All the AI models and cutting edge evolves from the West, why is it that we are lagging behind? 4. China and USA invest heavily in innovation and R&D, why are we not doing the same? 5. It is the responsibility of your generation to build such companies and do innovation. Is your generation doing anything with respect to this? Also I do not consider Zepto/Zomato as valid startups. (I gave some examples of startups from my college) 6. What should we do to improve innovation in India? B. Member 2 (Lady) 1. You have a software engg background, will you be able to work in forests? 2. What learnings from your background as software engineer will you use in Forest Service? 3. Will you really be able to use these ideas on the ground? 4. There are forests which are managed by community and have religious or natural significance, can you tell me something about them? 5. What are various activities allowed in such forests? (After my answer she gave a long monologue and excitedly explained about various qualities of sacred groves) 6. What is the full form of IUCN? When was it formed? 7. Can you tell me about IUCN Red List? 8. What is meant by ecological/ecosystem services? 9. Define biodiversity. What are various benefits of having high biodiversity? C. Member 3 1. Tell me the name of a ‘social’ forest act. (FRA 2006) 2. What are the provisions of FRA 2006 3. When was Indian Forest Act enacted? 4. When was WPA enacted? 5. Why was there a long gap between the enactment of IFA and WPA? 6. How will you utilise your knowledge from Communication engineering in Forest Service? D. Member 4 1. Which policy did Joint Forest Management originate from? 2. Give me examples of good and bad forests that you have been to. 3. What role does the community play in a forest? 4. Who releases the ISFR report? Where is its headquarter? 5. Which other institutions are headquartered in Dehradun? 6. What are the various ground level issues that you might face in a forest? Mocks (O2O) - SamkalpIAS, Hornbill, VidyapeethIAS, ForumIAS