Lucknow: Deepak Singh, a resident of Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, achieved the 20th rank in the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC 2023). He successfully cleared the interview stage by answering an intriguing question. The interviewer asked him the distance between them in kilometres, and Deepak Singh responded with ‘-0.10 kilometres.’ His quick and sharp response helped him secure a top position in the exams. 

Interview questions

Ques- If he were appointed as a Deputy SP, and one of the SHOs in his jurisdiction were caught engaging in bribery, what course of action would he take?

Deepak Singh outlined the following procedure for the investigation: Firstly, the SHO’s file would be studied within the police department, with an investigation conducted by a CO-level officer. Subsequently, an SP-ranked officer would oversee the investigation and the present the final report to the superior officer. The final decision rests with the officer of a higher rank. 

Ques- Imagine a hypothetical situation, a man named Ramu takes a 10-year-old boy to his home to serve his parents. What would you do if you were in his place?

This act constitutes as child labour. I would attempt to secure admission for the child in a government-run orphanage where he can receive education and proper nutrition. I would also explore opportunities with NGOs to provide support and improve the child’s quality of life. 

Ques- Distinguish between progress, development and growth. 

Development encompasses a comprehensive improvement across various dimensions, including economic growth alongside social parameters like poverty and malnutrition. In contrast, growth primarily centres on economic indicators like GDP expansion but not necessarily on poverty. Progress, on the other hand, analyzes the improvement over time, comparing advancements regarding various issues. 

The UPPSC journey

Deepak Singh shares that the preparations for the UPSC exam began in 2020. In 2019, he had appeared for the exam for the first time, amidst his duties following training. After not being able to clear the UPSC exam, he appeared for the UPPSC exam in 2022 and 2023. 

Staying motivated

Deepak Singh emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals and working diligently towards achieving them. He urges people to strive for excellence. For aspirants, he advises them to devise strategies on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to stay focused. Seeking encouragement from family and friends can provide valuable support and motivation.