GPSC Class 1-2 Interview

A State PSC board is typically a Commission member in the chair with two to four members: a serving or retired senior officer, a subject expert or academic, and often a psychologist or language expert. Interviews run 15 to 30 minutes and open from the candidate's application: home district, education, work, hobbies, choice of post. The chair tests composure and balance; the senior officer presses on the state's economy, welfare schemes, Centre–state and inter-state disputes; a member poses an administrative dilemma a Deputy Collector or DSP would face. Interview marks range from about 75 (APPSC) to 250 (OPSC) and carry 8 to 17 percent of the final merit, which decides the post allotted. Boards switch into Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati or Malayalam without warning, and judge whether you can speak to a citizen as easily as to a secretary. The ExamPilot mock compresses this into a 20-minute board: opening from your profile, a state current-affairs and governance stage, an administrative-situations stage, and a hobbies-and-motivation stage, with questions in the state language where the real board would use it.

1. 1

   Development debate

   The Gujarat model is praised for growth but questioned on social indicators like nutrition. Present both sides fairly.

   What a strong answer covers

   Growth, infrastructure, industry and investment on one side; concerns on malnutrition, health spending and gender indicators on the other. Concludes with a balanced, evidence-based view and policy suggestions. Avoid partisan praise or criticism.

2. 2

   Public safety

   The Morbi bridge collapse raised questions of accountability. As a district officer, what systems would you put in place to prevent such disasters?

   What a strong answer covers

   Structural audits of public assets, transparent contracts with clear maintenance duties, fitness certification before reopening, crowd limits and ticketing controls, fixed responsibility for each asset and accountability for negligence at every level. Avoid speculating on pending cases or blaming only the contractor.

3. 3

   Water management

   As Mamlatdar, how would you handle a dispute between farmers and an industrial unit over groundwater use in your taluka?

   What a strong answer covers

   Collects data on groundwater levels and extraction, involves the groundwater authority and pollution control board, enforces permissions, encourages industry to recycle water and recharge aquifers, and mediates a fair arrangement that protects farmers' irrigation. Avoid taking sides without evidence or ignoring industrial pollution of wells.

4. 4

   Prohibition

   Gujarat has had prohibition for decades. What are the arguments for and against continuing it, from an administrator's view?

   What a strong answer covers

   For: social benefits, less domestic violence and protection of poor families. Against: illicit and spurious liquor, hooch tragedies, revenue loss, the burden on police and courts, and permit-based exceptions. A balanced conclusion focuses on enforcement against hooch and on health. Avoid moralising or partisan positions.

5. 5

   Cooperatives

   Amul is a celebrated cooperative. What made it succeed, and what lessons does it have for other cooperatives?

   What a strong answer covers

   Farmer ownership and member control, professional management, the village society to district union to state federation structure, investment in processing and technology, strong marketing and Verghese Kurien's leadership. Lessons: member participation, professionalism and keeping politics out. Avoid generic praise without the reasons.

6. 6

   Gujarati culture

   ગુજરાતી સાહિત્યમાં તમારા મનપસંદ લેખક કોણ છે, અને શા માટે?

   What a strong answer covers

   Names a real author such as Narmad, Jhaverchand Meghani, Umashankar Joshi or Pannalal Patel, mentions a specific work and its themes, and explains a personal connection or a lesson for public life. Answering in Gujarati shows comfort. Avoid naming an author whose work you have not read.

7. 7

   Industry and energy

   Large renewable energy parks and semiconductor projects are coming to Gujarat. What challenges would a district administration face in supporting them?

   What a strong answer covers

   Land acquisition and grazing land, large water and power needs, skilled workforce, environmental clearances and the Rann's fragile ecology, and ensuring local communities benefit through jobs and training. A balanced view on growth and local concerns. Avoid ignoring social or environmental issues or opposing projects outright.

8. 8

   Migrant labour

   As DySP, how would you protect migrant workers in an industrial cluster from exploitation and violence?

   What a strong answer covers

   Registration and helplines in workers' languages, coordination with the labour department on wages and safety, action against exploitative contractors, community policing and regular visits to worker colonies, and quick response to any violence. Avoid treating migrants as a law-and-order problem or ignoring their safety.

9. 9

   Rehabilitation

   Tribal displacement due to dams and projects in Gujarat has been controversial. How would you ensure fair rehabilitation in your district?

   What a strong answer covers

   Fair compensation, land for land where feasible, genuine consultation through gram sabhas, livelihood restoration, monitoring after resettlement and a grievance mechanism. The Sardar Sarovar experience offers lessons on both sides. Avoid ignoring tribal rights or opposing every project as a matter of principle.

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