Name: Coffee
Date: 13th February, 2026 (Friday)
Time: Forenoon, 3rd one to go. Approx. 33 minutes of interview (Enter around 11 AM and comes out 11:33 AM)
Board: Shri Sheel Vardhan Singh
DAF: Talks and Discussion over coffee, Manipur, Northeast India, Neighbourhood, PSIR, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Rural Development, Development Studies, Football. (90 % from my DAF)
Before entering, while waiting outside, I asked the attendant if water was available. While he was about to bring it, the call bell rang. I still finished drinking water and entered the room, where the door and board members were quite close (unlike mock interview settings).
I said, “Good morning, Ma’am,” looking at the lady member, and then, “Good morning to all the other members.”
The Chairman welcomed me and said, “Good morning. Have a seat.” I replied, “Thank you, Sir.”
Chairman
1. Looking at my DAF, your name is [unclear]. What should we call you? What did your friends
call you?
2. So I will call you ........; we will start the discussion.
3. You are interested in coffee and discussions. I like coffee, and that is my area of interest, where we have the same interest. Think like you and me are TALKING IN A CAFE HAVING A COFFEE. Long monologue on digital privacy — who knows you better: your parents or digital platforms (Mobile Phones) ?
4. In the age of AI, do you think AI knows us better?
5. Do you think AI can affect our privacy and life relationships?
6. You said you have not used your mobile phone for the last few years? (follow-up from my last answer)
7. Do you think using the internet is a good or bad thing? Mr...., it was nice having a discussion with you over coffee.
MEMBER 1 (Lady)
1. Mr.......Is the name “....” a gender neutral name? Because I have a friend whose name is “...” as well, who is from your district.
2. ......., you are from ........., Manipur. What is the current situation?
3. What are the causes/factors?
4. You completed your studies at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), one of the
most prestigious institutions in India. What do you understand about “gender equality”?
5. Only women, what about the others?
6. Let’s talk about the North East. What are the most pressing issues in relation to its
neighbouring countries?
7. Any one specific reason India needs extra resources and needs to be careful? Or all is
well in respect to that?
8. You cleared NET JRF, so are you still continuing your PhD?
She said “Thank you .....”
MEMBER 2 (Male)
1. (Calling my name) Looking at your DAF, you have lived in Mumbai for a long time. Tell me
how the Mumbai local train is?
(My answer makes me laugh, and they all laugh as well.)
2. Do you think life should be as it is? What is your view?
3. Philosophically — do you think we can agree on “life as it goes”?
4. Long monologue about Swachh Bharat — what is the main thing that will help achieve better results?
5. There are cities like Mumbai where everyone keeps their garbage outside their home. What will be the best solution?
6. Talking about municipal (like BMC), what else can they do? (follow-up from my last answer) 7. That’s good. That’s what I want to hear. (He compliment from my answer)
8. You said you didn’t use a mobile phone for the last 2–3 years. Do you think you will use it in the future? (Connected to Chairman’s question and my answers)
9. So you will not use it even in future?
MEMBER 3 (Male)
1. (He calls my name) Long monologue on life — what do you understand by fear? 2. Do you have fear? What do you fear most?
3. I already lost my parents (connected with my last answer). Do you think we can overcome fears?
4. What is anger?
5. How do you overcome anger?
6. What is greed?
7. Do you think you are greedy?
8. Tell me three sportspersons from the Northeast whom you admire?
9. From which sports?
10. How often do you talk/connect with your parents? (connected from the discussion about mobile phones with the Chairman).
11. Since you don’t keep your mobile, how do you connect? 12. So it’s your sister who connects you with them?