GENERAL QUESTION TRAYS

General Studies - 2003



General Studies - 2003 (Main)
(Paper - I)
Time Allowed : Three HoursMaximum Marks : 300
Instructions Each Question is printed both in Hindi and in English.Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate. Candidates should attempt ALL questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
Candidate should attempt All questions strictly in accordance with instructions given under each question.
1. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words)(30 marks)
o “The reforms of 1909 introduced a cardinal problem and ground of controversy at every revision of the Indian electoral system.” Comment.
o Discuss the problem that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled?
2. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) (2 X 15 = 30 marks)
o ‘The mainstay of Mahatma Gandhi’s movements was the rural India.’ Elucidate.
o Discuss the character of major tribal uprisings in British India in the nineteenth Century.
o Bring out the ideological basis of the Moderate-Extermist divide in the Indian National Congress.
3. Write notes on the following: (about 20 words ) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o Arthasastra
o Saranath Pillar
o The Jatiya Sarkar of Tamluk
o Punnapra-Vayalar
o Sajjad Zahir
o Al-Hilal
o Har Dayal
o Khudai Khidmatgar
o Mahayana Cult
o W.W. Hunter
o Indu Lal Yajnik
o Achhut Patwardhan
o Sir William Jones
o James Wilson
o Ghulam-giri.
4. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) (2 X 10 = 20 marks)
o Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of Peninsular India.
o Account for the very high concentration of salt extraction industries in the Saurashtra and South Tamilnadu Coast.
o State the four distinctive stages of Indian Demographic history.
5. write short notes on the following: (about 20 words) (5 X 2 = 10 marks)
o Define Terai Region.
o Mention the areas of Shola forests in India.
o Who are the Todas and where do they live?
o Name any four priccipal languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
o What is MRTS? Where it is in operation?
6. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o Discuss the question of death sentence and Presidential clemency.
o Explain the discretionary powers of the Governor of a State.
7. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) (2 X 15 = 30 marks)
o Highlight the signifucance of Forty Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of India
o Identify the major Fundamental Duties
o Explain the relevance of Rajya Sabha as a second chamber in the federal set up of Indian Parliamentary System.
8. Answer the following: (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What is a point of order? When can it be raised?
o What is a Privilege Motion?
o State the difference between Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
o How is the Vice President of India elected?
o What is meant by ‘sine-die’ adjournment?
9. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o Discuss the steps taken by Government to check child labour and promote child welfare.
o Suggest measures for the eradication of wide spread corruption in Public Life in India.
10. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) (2 X 10 = 20 marks)
o The issue of gender equality in India.
o Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage.
o Identify the types of disabilities.
11. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) (2 X 10 = 20 marks)
o What are the distinctive features of the Lokpal Bill introduced in the Parliament this year?
o What is the Prime Minister’s Five-Point agenda fir India’s development as a Knowledge Society?
o What are the precinditions for the growth of Civil Society? Is Indian democracy conducive to it?
12. Write about the following (about 20 words) (5 X 2 = 10 marks)
o Anthrax
o Radiation and its effects
o The Statue of Liberty
o George Walker Bush
o Genome.
General Studies - 2003 (Main)
(Paper - II)
Time Allowed : Three HoursMaximum Marks : 300
Instructions
Each Question is printed both in Hindi and in English. Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate. Candidates should attempt ALL questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
1. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o Discuss the major issues in Indo-US relations in recent times.
o Discuss the impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union on Indo-Russian relations.
o Discuss the recent trends in India’s relations with China.
2. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o Discuss the importance of the Agra Summit on Indo-Pakistan relations.
o What has been the nature of “Track II diplomacy” between India and Pakistan.
o Discuss the major irritants to Indo-Bangladesh relations.
o Discuss the India’s policy towards international terrorism.
o In what sense in Indo-Nepal cooperation important for both countries’ national security.
3. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o Under what conditions are NRIs permitted to remit deposits in India in any currency of their choice.
o How can NRIs be attracted to invest in India?
o What is the significance of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in modern India.
o In what ways did Idi Amin make life difficult for the people of Indian origin in his country?
o What is “Brain drain”?
4. Answer any one of the following (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o Write a note on the strategy of planning in India since 1951.
o What were the major recommendations of the Task Force on direct taxes appointed under the Chairmanship of Shri Vijay L. Kelkar?
5. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o Outline the important objectives of the Tenth Five Year Plan.
o What is a Finance Commission?
o Point out the measures undertaken towards flexibility in capital account transactions during the recent past.
6. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 15 = 30 marks)
o What is Plan Holiday?
o Why did India have a surplus in current account balance in 2001-02 after a gap of 24 years?
o What is Value Added Tax?
o What is the main objective of the Competition Act, 2002?
o Name the two agencies that have helped to promote Foreign Direct Investment in India.
o What is the main thrust of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill?
o Highlight the main features of the policy relating to buy-back of shares.
o Why was Janashree Bima Yojana introduced.
o When was the idea of Agriculture Insurance Corporation mooted?
o What is the policy of the Government with respect to child labour?
o Explain the objectives of the National Health Policy, 2002.
o What was the main objective of the ‘Operation Blackboard’ scheme?
o Explain the essential feature of differential rate of interest scheme.
o Which are the three major items of expenditure of the Government of India on revenue account?
o What was the essential feature of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana?
7. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o What is the ‘Veto’ in the UN-system?
o Discuss the role of the NATO after the end of the Cold War .
o Discuss the role of the United Nations in the protection and promotion of Human Rights.
8. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What do the following Stand for:
a. IBRD
b. UNHCR
o Who is Hans Blix?
o Why was Davis Kelly in the news recently?
o What is the problem in Chechnya?
o What is the significance of the Robin Island?
9. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What is the significance of Enola Gay in world history?
o Why is Guantanamo Bay in the news now?
o What is the theory of “clash of civilisations”?
o What does the theory of “end of history” menn?
o Why was Robert Mugabe in the news recently?
10. Answer any one of the following (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o What do you understand by depletion of ozone layer and why is it considered harmful? Name ozone depleting substances and process. What international ramifications took place to protect the ozone layer and what was the target agreed upon?
o What is interactive television? What special advantages and derived by using VOD services? What are the components of a typical VOD system? Which feature film was generated first entirely on computers and in which year?
11. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o What does the Solar system consist of ? discuss the motion of most of the bodies forming the solar system.
o In which year and by which countries was International Space Station (IIS) launched?How many countries are participating in this program? What are the unique studies being made in the station which could not ve made so accurateky on the earth?
o Discuss the elements of ‘frozen semen technology’. What are ‘embryo transfer’, ‘transgenic animals’, ‘DNA recombinant technique’?
12. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What is ‘Symathetic Haptics’?
o What are special feature of ‘Linux’?
o What is an operating system? List the basic services provided by an operating system.
o What is an ‘Internet Worm’? Explain DDOS.
o What do the following stand for :
1. POSIX
2. EPROM
3. MODEM
4. COBOL
13.
o In the year 2001 there were 18000 workers in a certain factory, of which 13000 were members of a trade union. 12% of workers were women and 60% of them were members of the trade union. In the year 2002 the number of workers increased by 6% of which 480 were women. At the same time the trade union membership of women fell by 304 while the total membership increased by 10 %. In the non-members category, the ratio of men and women was 4:1 in this year. Tabulate this information and supply the missing figures. (8 marks)
o The following table gives the frequency distribution of height for 180 adult males:
Height (in cm)
Frequency
144.5-149.5
3
149.5-154.5
5
154.5-159.5
24
159.5-164.5
54
164.5-169.5
60
169.5-174.5
27
174.5-179.5
4
179.5-184.5
3
o Draw the two ogives (less than and greater than type cumulative frequency curves). Find the point of their intersection and comment on its significance. (8 marks)
14.
a. The mean and variance of a set of 60 observations are 10 and 4 respectively while for a subset of 40 observations these measures are 11 and 2.25 respectively. Find the mean and variance of the other subset. (8 marks)
b. The three outcomes of an experiment;w1, w2 and w3 are such that w1 is twice as likely to occur as w3. Find the probability of occurrence of each of the three outcomes. (8 marks)
15.
. What are the problems that a statistician encounters in the process of construction of index number? (2 marks)
a. Suppose that the regression line of two random variables y and x given by y=26.38-1.35x and that of x and y is given by x=16.38-0.45y. find the square of the coefficient of correlation between x and y. (2 marks)
b. If the correlation coefficient between two random variables is zero, are the random variables independent? (2 marks)
c. In a certain factory, a unit of work is completed by A in 10 minutes, by B in 20 minutes. What is the average number of units of work completed per minute? (2 marks)
1. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words)(30 marks)
o Trace the origin of the Swadeshi Movement. How did it involve the masses
o What was Mountbatten Plan ? Discuss the reactions of Gandhi and Azad to the Plan.
2. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) (2 X 15 = 30 marks)
o Who established the Arya Samaj ? What was its goal ?
o How did the terrorist movement gather strength in countries other than India?
o Was Jawaharlal Nehru justified in adopting the principle of non-alignment as the corner-stone of India's foreign policy ?
3. Write notes on the following: (about 20 words ) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o Brahmagupta
o Amir Khusro
o William Jones
o C.F. Andrews
o Narayan Guru
o Tantia Tope
o Sayyid Ahmad
o Margaret Noble
o Sangam Literature
o Gandhara School of art
o Granth Sahib
o Fort William College
o Epsom
o Lala Amarnath
o Tiger Woods.
4. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) (2 X 10 = 20 marks)
o Mention the agro-climatic regions of India stating the basis of classification.
o Explain the major racial groups of India.
o What is waste land ? Write a note on prospects of waste land development in India.
5. write short notes on the following: (about 20 words) (5 X 2 = 10 marks)
o Linguistic regions of India
o Nagarjunasagar Project
o Mango Showers
o Multi-level planning in India
o India's Laterite soils.
6. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o Examine the need for the review of the Indian Constitution.
o Examine the demand for greater State-antonomy and also its impact on the smooth functioning of the Indian polity.
7. Answer any one of the following: (about 150 words) (30 marks)
o How does Parliament control the Union Executive ? How effective is its control ?
o What constitutes the doctrine of 'basic features' as introduced into the Constitution of India by the Judiciary ?
8. Answer any TWO of the following (About 150 words each) (15 x 2 = 30 marks)
o Identify, the major electoral reforms which are necessary in the Indian Political System.
o Examine the role of Estimates Committee.
o Discuss the major extra-constitutional factors influencing the working of federal polity in India.
9. Answer the following: (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What is vote on account ?
o What is a Caretaker Government ?
o Do you justify the Prime Minister's entry into Parliament through the Rajya Sabha ?
o What is a Privilege Motion ?
o What is Contempt of Parliament ?
10. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o Discuss the provisions of the Human Rights Protection ACt (1993) relating to the following :-
a. Definition of human rights.
b. Composition of the National Human Rights Commission.
c. Functions of the Commission.
d. What suggestions have been made for amending the Act for making the role of the NHRC more effective ?
o Discuss the propositions laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the context of Torture in Prisons and Human Dignity.
11. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) (2 X 10 = 20 marks)
o Explain Public Interest Litigation. Who can file it and on what basis can it be rejected by the Court of Law ?
o Discuss Human Genome.
o What are the features of the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Public Religious Buildings and Places Bill, 2000, that have caused widespread protests from minorities ?
12. Write short notes on any two of the following: (about 125 words) (2 X 10 = 20 marks)
o Universal Postal Union
o Economic and Social Council
o Florence Nightingale.
13. Write about the following (about 20 words) (5 X 2 = 10 marks)
o CRY
o Baba Amte
o Ali Sardar Jafri
o 'Water'
o Aruna Roy.
General Studies - 2000 (Main)
(Paper - II)
Time Allowed : Three HoursMaximum Marks : 300
Instructions
Each Question is printed both in Hindi and in English. Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate. Candidates should attempt ALL questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
1. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o Discuss Indian-Sri Lankan relations in recent years.
o India's Kargil victory rested on its successful effort at combining diplomacy with the use of force. Discuss.
o Differentiate and state the significance of Pokharan I and Pokharan II.
2. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What does track two diplomacy stand for ?
o Non-alignment is a need, not a creed, Elaborate.
o Differentiate between Peace-making and Peace-keeping.
o What is deterrence ?
o Why has the indigenous development of Cryogenic Enging become necessary for India ?
3. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What does the Global organisation of people of Indian origin stand for ?
o What is the impact of economic sanctions against India on NRIs ?
o Why is Fiji crisis of May 19, 2000 a specific concern for India ?
o Examine the role of NRIs in the liberalisation process of India.
o Mention few NRIs who have brought name and fame for India.
4. Answer any one of the following (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o India is rapidly emerging as an Information Technology (IT) Superpower. Discuss some aspects of the growth of this Sector in the Indian economy. What role can public policy play in further enhancing growth prospects in this Sector ?
o Control over growth of population in India is an essential condition for the country's rapid economic development. Discuss.
5. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o Discuss the reasons for the failure of the Seattle Millennium talks on the WTO (World Trade Organisation). Discuss some implications of this failure for the Indian economy.
o What is (Revised) Targeted Public Distribution System ? What are its main features ?
o Discuss the economic effects of Black money (Parallel economy) in Indian economy.
6. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 15 = 30 marks)
o What are the main objectives of the 9th Five-Year Plan of the Government of India ?
o Write a note on MODVAT Scheme of 1986.
o Explain per capita income as a measurement of economic growth.
o What are the objectives of Social Security ?
o What do you mean by 'Parallel Economy' ?
o Describe the use of 'Command Area Development' in India.
o What is ICOR (Incremental Capital Output Ratio) ?
o What are the main objectives of NABARD ?
o What do you know about 11th Finance Commission ?
o What do you mean by revenue deficit in the Central Government's Budget ?
o How has the Census (1991) defined the Urban Areas ?
o What are the objectives of New Economic Policy of the Government of India ?
o Write a note on Rao-Manmohan model of development.
o What is the rational for 'Mid-day Meal' Scheme ?
o What has been the impact of the recent economic reforms programme on the incidence of poverty in India ?
7. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o Define Globalisation and differentiate it with Internationalism.
o There is a wide-spread concern about the degradation of environment and the problems that go with it. Assess the international response.
o How can India accommodate her foreign policy principle of 'non-intervention' with the emerging right to 'intervention'
8. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What are the prospects of CTBT ?
o Differentiate between Collective security and Cooperative security.
o What do the following stand for ?
a. MARV
b. MIRV
c. ICBM
o Differentiate between Explosion and Implosion.
o What do you know about Siachin Dispute ?
9. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What do the following stand for ?
a. SAARC
b. ASEAN
c. OIC
o What is meant by SDI ?
o Differentiate between SALT and START.
o What do you know about G-77 ?
o What is Global Environmental Facility (GEF) ?
10. Answer any one of the following (about 250 words) (30 marks)
o What is the significance of the geostationary orbit ?What would happen if it becomes too crowded ?
o Why is the HIV considered so dangerous ? Why has the spread of the virus proved so difficult to contain, especially in the poorer countries of the world ?
11. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words) (15 X 2 = 30 marks)
o How are transgenic plants different from hybrid plants and what is their relevance in modern agriculture ? Elaborate.
o What are greenhouse gases ? What impact do they have on the Earth's climate and with what consequences ? Elaborate.
o What is water harvesting ? Describe its relevance in the Indian context.
12. Answer the following (about 20 words) (2 X 5 = 10 marks)
o What does the 'clock speed' of a computer signify ?
o What do the following stand for ?
a. http
b. CPU
c. ROM
d. BIOS
o What is a modem and what is it used for ?
o What is spamming ?
o How does a computer virus destroy data ?
13.
o The table below shows the number of students in different faculties of a University : (8 marks)
Year
Number of Students
Total

Humanities
Science
Commerce

1975-76
2810
890
540
4240
1976-77
3542
1363
471
5376
1977-78
4301
1662
652
6615
1978-79
5362
2071
895
8328
1979-80
6593
2752
1173
10518
o Represent the data by a suitable diagram.
o The pie chart below gives the annual production of certain commodities of a State. (8 marks)
Note from IndiCareers.com: We do not have the required pie chart with us.
If the production of sugar is 3000 tons, find the total production of rice and wheat.
14. Answer the following :
o The number of overtime hours worked by 1000 employees of a company during the last six months is as follows : (4 X 2 = 8 marks)
Overtime (in hours)
Number of Employees
0 - 20
401
20 - 40
226
40 - 60
182
60 - 80
74
80 - 100
43
100 - 120
38
120 - 140
20
140 - 160
9
160 - 180
5
180 - 200
2
a. What is the percentage of employees having worked less than 40 overtime hours during these months ?
b. What is the percentage of employees having worked for at least 40 overtime hours but less than 100 overtime hours ?
o A certain company offered its shares, of par-value Rs 120, at a premium of Rs 20. In the following year a dividend of 21% was declared by the company. Find the rate of interest at the hands of the investor. (8 marks)
15. Answer the following: (2 X 4 = 8 marks)
a. A farmer has a square plot for cultivation. If the length of each side is increased by 10%, then the yield from the plot will increase by 20%. Is it true ? Give reason.
b. A company increased its production 8 times in a period of 3 years. What is the percentage increase per year ?
c. The price of a commodity fell by 25% and then rose by 33.33%. Can we conclude that the current price is 8.33% more of the original price ? Give reason.
d. A group of 150 workers have Rs 72.60. When both the groups are combined, what be the average daily wage ?
1.
a. How did Communalism manifest in Indian political scene? Explain the background of the passing of the momentous Pakistan Resolution. (About 250 words) (35 marks)
OR
b. What were the proposals of the Cabinet Mission ? Analyse there actions of the Congress and the League to the proposals. (About 250 words) (35 marks)
2. Answer any two of the following: (About 150 words on each) (15 x 2 = 30 marks)
a. Trace the formation of the Swaraj Party. What were its demands.
b. 'What began as a flight for religion ended as a war of independence, for there is not the slightest doubt that the rebels wanted to get rid of the alien government and restore the old order of which the king of Delhi was the rightful representative.' Do you support this viewpoint?
c. How far Curzon's policy towards Tibet was influenced by strategic consideration.
3. Answer any three of the following: (About 75 words on each) (10 x 3 = 30 marks)
a. Assess the contributions of Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar to the making of modern India.
b. In what way did Ramakrishna infuse a new vigour and dynamism into Hinduism ?
c. 'Tagore's poetry is a written record of his religious experience.' Elucidate.
d. How did Nehru's plan for modernization make rapid stride during the decade 1951-61?
4. (2 x 15 =30 marks)
a. Write about the chief features of the following: (About 20 words on each)
i. Chola architecture
ii. Baisakhi
iii. Neo-art movement
b. What do you know about the following ?
i. Munda Movement
ii. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science
iii. Ilbert Bill
iv. Sarda Act
v. Education Despatch of 1854
c. Why have the following become famous ?
i. Rammanohar Lohia
ii. C. Y. Chintamani
iii. Henry Cotton
iv. Tej Bahadur Sapru
v. Veeresalingam P.K.
vi. Bhulabhai Desai
vii. Kamladevi Chattopadhyay
Section II
5. (35 marks)
o What are the highlights of the draft nuclear doctrine formulated by the National Security Advisory Board ? What shortcomings have been pointed out in media reports relating to the same? (About 250 words)
OR
o What are the reasons for the recent diplomatic confrontation between the U.S.E. and China? What specific measures have been taken by the U.S.E. to defuse the tension building up the Taiwan strait? (About 250 words)
6. Attempt any three of the following: (About 100 words on each) (10 x 3 =30 marks)
. What new type of satellite is proposed to be inducted for bolstering surveillance on India’s boarder? How does this type of satellite compare with existing IRS satellites?
a. Explain in brief the observations made by the leaders of the Group of Eight countries in their meeting in Cologne on Kargil intrusion by Pakistan.
b. What are the major provisions of the New Telecom Policy approved by the Government? What has been the decision of the Delhi High Court in this respect?
c. Analyse the recent French response to India’s diplomatic efforts for promoting Indo-French friendship.
7. Attempt any five of the following: (About 50 words on each) (6 x 5 = 30 marks)
. What was the rationale for the recourse to air strikes by the Indian Air Force during Operation Vijay ?
a. What is Deep-water Oil Exploration? What are its prospects in India?
b. Has India the capability to make a Neutron Bomb?
c. What percentage of GDP India spends of defence? To what extent defence expenditure should be increased ?
d. What is ‘Chandra’ ? For what purpose it has been launched?
e. What is the most important provision of the Wye River Accord?
f. What is Al Khalid ? What are its features?
8. (2 x 15 = 30 marks)
. Who are the following ? Why have they been in the news ? (About 20 words on each)
i. Dr. Sam Nujoma
ii. Mahendra Chaudhry
iii. Colonel Eileen Collins
iv. Dr. Neelan Thiruchelvam
v. David Ogilvy
vi. Jyotirmoyee Sikdar
a. What do you know about the following?
i. Martha’svineyard
ii. Mianmari Creek
iii. Karabash
b. Name the authors of the following books ?
i. Three Horsemen of the New Apocalypse
ii. My Childhood Days
c. Answer the following:
i. Who became the highest wicket taker in the World Cup 1999 ?
ii. Which film won the Best film award at the Cannes International Film Festival this year? Name the directors.
iii. Which film won the Special Jury Award for Experimental Cinema at the 46th National Film Festival? Name the director.
iv. Who won the 1999 French open Doubles title?
Section III
9. Enrolments in different faculties, in the Universities of a state, for the period 1993-94 to 1995-96 are described below: Enrolment in Arts faculty during the three sessions were 1,20,605; 1,35,100; and 1,50,000 respectively. In Commerce, Science, Law and Education faculties the enrolment in the session 1993-94 were 90,000; 60,500; 50,500 and 45,600 respectively. During the next two sessions the enrolment figures in the Science faculty were 65,210 and 70,300 while in Law and Education faculties the corresponding figures were 55,000; 60,000 and 48,000; 50,000respectively. In Commerce faculty the enrolment during 1994-95 and 1995-96 were 1,15,000 and 1,22,250.
o Represent the information in tabular form. (10 marks)
o From your table calculate the increase in total enrolment from 1993-94 to 1995-96. (2 marks)
10.
. A pie chart is to be constructed to represent the distribution of total budget of a government. The total budget is Rs. 7200 crores. Out oj this Rs. 360 crores is budgeted for Agriculture, Rs. 90 crores for irrigation, Rs. 90 crores for Education, Rs. 540 crores for Defence, Rs. 72 crores for Health and Rs. 108 crores for Industry. The remaining amount is budgeted for other (miscellaneous) heads. Provide the percentages and angle measures of all the above heads in a tabular form. (7 marks)
a. In a housing complex there are 20 families. A family having annual income of Rs. 1.8 lacs leaves and another with annual income of Rs. 3.0 lacs moves in. What change is caused to the average monthly income of the housing complex due to this replacement? (5 marks)
11.
. Given below are the percentages of words of different lengths used by an author in his entire work:
Number of letters in a word
Percentage
1
4.5
2
16.0
3
21.5
4
24.0
5
12.0
6
7.0
7
5.0
8
4.0
9
3.0
10
2.5
11
0.4
12
0.1
i. What is the total percentage of words of length 8 or more? (3 marks)
ii. What is the maximum number of letters contained the shortest 78% of the words? (4 marks)
a. Name the most appropriate diagram to be used for representing the information in each of the following cases: (5 marks)
i. Scientific manpower in four consecutive years in four different fields of science.
ii. Distribution of the number of children belonging to a school by their ages.
iii. The percentages of persons serving in different branches of the army such as infantry, artillary, signals, etc.
iv. The production of wheat in India in each year from 1955 to 1984.
v. The heights and weights of the 50 children in a high school class.
12.
. A group of freedom fighters met in 1998 and their average age was 81.7 years. The survivors of this group met again in 1999 and their average age was 81.0 Explain why has the average decreased when everyone in the second group is one year older than what they were in 1998. (4 marks)
a. Below is given the gross corporate sector output in four selected years at current prices and also the inflation factor for these years. Calculate the gross output for these years adjusted for inflation. (6 marks)
Year
1980-81
1985-86
1990-91
1995-96
Out put at current prices (thousands of crores)
28.6
49.1
126.6
305.64
Inflation factor
1.0
1.39
1.98
3.05
b. In report it is quoted that 65% of the women and 30% of the men in a locality were against the opening of a liquor store in their locality. Thus it is argued that, an overwhelming 95% of the total population is against the opening of the liquor store. Is this argument justifiable? Give reasons. (2 marks)
c. Six lots of twenty guinea-pigs each were administered carcinogenic drugs in an experiment. After 6 weeks the percentage of survivors in the six lots were :
Lot No
1
2
3
4
5
6
Percentage of survivors
53
86
48
27
8
24
d. Is this data prima facie plausible? Give reasons for your answer. (2 marks)
General Studies - 2003 (Main)
(Paper - II)
Time Allowed : Three HoursMaximum Marks : 300
Instructions
Each Question is printed both in Hindi and in English. Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate. Candidates should attempt ALL questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
Candidates should attempt all questions. from Section I, II and III.
Section I
1. (40 marks)
o In what ways is the RAJYA SABHA expected to play a special role in today's changing political scenario ? (About 250 words)
OR
o On what grounds does Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibit discrimination ? Indicate the way the concept of 'Special protection' has qualified this prohibition, and contributed to social change. (About 250 words)
2. (40 marks)
o What is 'new' in India's New Industrial Policy of 1991 ? (About 250 words)
OR
o What is Multilateral Agreement on Investment? How will it affect the economy of a developing country like India ? (About 250 words)
3. (40 marks)
o Discuss the role of modern technological inputs on agricultural development in India. How would it be helpful for food security during 21st century? (About 250 words)
OR
o What is a fast breeder reactor? Comment on its suitability in the Indian context. (About 250 words)
4. Answer any TWO of the following : (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20 = 40 marks)
i. What is the importance of Directive Principles of State Policy ? Mention which Directive Principles of State Policy have got primacy over the Fundamental Rights.
ii. Discuss the composition and functions of the National Security Council.
iii. Highlight the significance of the Twenty Forth Amendment to the Constitution of India ?
iv. Access the importance of the role played by the Public Accounts Committee.
Section II
5. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (20 + 20 = 40 marks)
. What does buy-back of shares mean ?
a. When and why was SEBI established?
b. What is SIDBI ? What are its main functions?
c. What is Tobin tax ? What are its main features?
6. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (15 + 15 = 30 marks)
. How is deforestation of Himalayas disturbing the ecological balance of north India?
a. What is dry farming? Discuss its relevance in augmenting the food supply in India.
b. Name the mega cities of India and mention their specific problems.
c. What is the importance of Indian Ocean for India?
7. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (20 + 20 = 40 marks)
. What is the Human Genome Project? Discuss briefly its importance.
a. What is carbon dating? Describe its applications in archaeology.
b. What is ozone hole? How is it caused and what are its implications for life on Earth ?
c. What are biosensors? Describe their uses.
Section III
8. Answer any FOUR of the following (about 25 words each): (3 x 4 = 12 marks)
. What is 'Swatch of no ground' ?
i. From where was the most advanced commercial satellite of India Insat 2E launched?
ii. What is Global Positioning System (G.P.S.) ?
iii. What is Cash Reserve Ratio?
iv. How is revenue deficit different from budgetary deficit?
v. What is Plan Holiday?
9. Answer any THREE of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 25 words): (3 x 3 = 9 marks)
. Who presides over the Joint-Session of the two Houses of the Indian Parliament over a non-memory bill?
i. Is there any provision to impeach the Governor of a State?
ii. In case of any dispute whether a bill is a money bill or not, whose dicision is final?
iii. How is the vice-President of India elected?
iv. What is the status of the Right to Property in the Indian Constitution?
v. What is the maximum gap between two sessions of the Indian Parliament?
10. Answer any THREE of the following (About 25 words each): (3 x 3 = 9 marks)
. What is a modem? What is it used for?
a. What is CNG ? How can it reduce air pollution?
b. What is a computer virus? How does it infect systems?
c. What do the following stand for?
i. NISSAT
ii. GMRT
iii. INMAS
d. Where are the following located?
e. Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
f. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research
g. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
h. How do identical twins differ from each other genetically?
1.
(35 marks)
a. Did Jawaharlal Nehru really 'speak' the 'language' of Gandhi? Locate the points of their agreements and departures.
OR
b. How did economic nationalism mirror the work of the early nationalist leadership in India? (About 250 words)
2. Answer any two of the following: (About 150 words on each) (15 x 2 = 30 marks)
a. Why did the moderates lose appeal with the Indians and failed to elicit desired response from the British?
b. How did the Policy of free trade hurt Indian textile industry and crafts in the latter half of the 19th century?
c. Trace the origins of the R.N.I. Mutiny and evaluate its impact on the political situation in India.
3. Answer any three of the following: (About 75 words on each) (10 x 3 = 30 marks)
a. Examine the ideas of Rabindranath Tagore on democracy.
b. How did the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal influence the nationalist politics?
c. What was the significance of the Prajamandal movements in the Indian States in the decade preceding India's independence?
d. Assess the role of C. Rajagopalachari during the pre-partition years of Indian public life.
4.
a. What do you know about the following: (About 20 words on each) (2 x 15 = 30 marks)
i. Nil Darpan
ii. Sarda Sadan
iii. Sabarmati Ashram
iv. Hunter Commission
v. Bandi Jiwan
b. Why have the following become famous?
i. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan
ii. Seth Jamanlal Bajaj
iii. S. Satyamurti
iv. Udham Singh
v. Sarojini Naidu
c. Write about the chief features of the following:
i. Kulu School
ii. Gopuram
iii. Wahabi Movement
iv. Bharat Dharma Mahamandal
v. Communal Award
Section II
5. (35 marks)
o Examine the reasons for the non-introduction of Women's Reservation Bill in the LokSabha. (About 250 words)
OR
o Discuss the implications of Israel's expansion plan. How have the major western powers reacted to it? (About 250 words)
6. Attempt any three of the following: (About 100 words on each) (10 x 3 =30 marks)
. Examine the fall out of population explosion in India at the close of twentieth century.
a. Discuss the justification for the creation of new states in U.P. and Bihir.
b. What are the reasons for the slow progress of SAPTA?
c. Describe the problem of KOSOVO.
d. What is ASEAN PLUS? What is its nature and duty?
7. Attempt any five of the following: (About 50 words on each) (6 x 5 = 30 marks)
. What were the circumstances leading to the promulgation of Prasar Bharati ordinance in August 1998?
a. Who has claimed the responsibility for the recent bomb attacks on American embassies at Nairobi and Dar Es Salam? What are their demands?
b. What is the significance of Pope John Paul II's visit to Cuba?
c. What are the significant features of Lokpal Bill recently introduced in the Lok Sabha?
d. Why was a variant of Basmati rice in news recently?
e. What solution has been arrived at recently in the Cauvery water dispute?
f. Bring out the issues involved in the appointments and transfer of judges of the Supreme Court and high Courts in India.
8. (2 x 15 = 30 marks)
. Explain the following: (About 20 words on each)
i. Netizens
ii. Shehab-3
iii. Planet-B
iv. W.H.O.
v. Greenpeace
a. What do you know about the following?
i. Chattisgarh
ii. Article 356
iii. Bentota
iv. Narmada Sagar dam
v. Full monty
vi. Pamirs
vii. Nelson Mandela
viii. Bacharuddin Jusul Habibie
ix. E.M.S. Namboodripad.
x. Jnanpith Award
Section III
9. The total population of a country is 357 million of which 62 million live in urban areas. Of these who live in rural areas, 234 million are agriculturists including 124 million earning members. Among the urban population, 12 million are agriculturists of which 7 million are earning members. Among the non-agriculturist rural population 43 million are earning are earning members whereas among non-agriculturist urban people 14 million are non-earning members. Represent the above information in a tabular form. (12 marks)
10.
. The following table shows annual profits (Rs. in crores) of two investment companies A and B during the given 5 years:

1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
A:
70
60
70
60
70
B:
60
50
60
80
80
a. If someone plans to invest Rs. 50,000, which of the two companies should be preferred and why? (8 marks)
b. An investor bought shares of a company at a premium of Rs. 20. If the par value of the share is Rs. 120 and the company declares 21% dividend in a given year, find the rate of interest received by the investor.
11.
. Mention, in each of the following cases, the most appropriate diagram to represent the data: (5 marks)
a. Number of AIDS patients in a country detected during the last 10 years.
b. Monthly production of eggs in a poultry farm in a given yaer.
c. Yearly export and import (in dollars) of a multinational firm during the period from 1990 to 1997.
d. Distribution of weights of 500 school children in the age group 15-18 years.
e. Political party-wise percentage of votes cast during a parliamentary election.
a. The following table shows the IQ scores of adolescents aged 15-17 years: (8 marks)
Interval
Frequency
121 and above
15
116 - 120
35
111 - 115
50
106 - 110
60
101 - 105
100
96 - 100
75
91 - 95
70
86 - 90
60
81 - 85
25
80 and below
10
b. Find:
. the cut-off point above which 25% most intelligent adolescents fall.
i. the cut-off point below which the 25% least intelligent adolescents fall.
12.
. State whether the following statements are true or false. Give reasons. (6 marks)
. A person's monthly income first increases by 20% and then decreases by 20% . There is no net change in his income.
i. All facts expressed numerically pertain to statistics.
ii. If A stands 50 % change of getting through Test I and Test II independently, then A stands at least 50 % chance of getting through both the tests.
a. The following is the series of index numbers taking 1992 as base year: (7 marks)
Year
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
Index
100
120
135
170
180
210
b. How would the index numbers be changed if 1993 is taken as base year?
General Studies - 2003 (Main)
(Paper - II)
Time Allowed : Three HoursMaximum Marks : 300
Instructions
Each Question is printed both in Hindi and in English. Answers must be written in the medium specified in the Admission Certificate issued to you, which must be stated clearly on the cover of the answer-book in the space provided for the purpose. No mark will be given for answers written in a medium other than that specified in the Admission Certificate. Candidates should attempt ALL questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
Candidates should attempt all questions. from Section I, II and III. The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end of the question.
Section I
1. (40 marks)
o Briefly state the stages through which the present position of the Directive Principles vis-à-vis the Fundamental Rights has emerged. (About 250 words)
OR
o Explain the concept of ‘Prime Ministerial Government’ and account for its decline in recent times in India. (About 250 words)
2. (40 marks)
o “The past 50 years of development in India were characterised by planning but the next 50 years of development would be led by the market.” Comment. (About 250 words)
OR
o How is absolute poverty line measured? What are the important measures taken by the Government to eradicate rural poverty in India? (About 250 words)
3. (40 marks)
o What is remote sensing? What are its uses especially in the Indian context? (About 250 words)
OR
o What is genetic engineering? Why is it getting increasingly important these days? (About 250 words)
4. Answer any TWO of the following : (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20 = 40 marks)
i. Highlight the significance of the Seventy-third Amendment to the Constitution of India.
ii. How are the States formed in India? Why have the demands of separate States like those of Vidarbha, Telangana etc. not been considered by the Government recently?
iii. On what grounds the Legislative Councils are justified? How is it created or abolished in a State?
iv. Differentiate and state the significance of general election, mid-term election and by-election.
5. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (20 + 20 = 40 marks)
. What are the main reasons for industrial sickness in India? How can it be overcome?
a. “Infrastructure bottlenecks continue to stifle the economic growth in India.” Comment.
b. Comment on the view that Monetary Policy in India is used more as a stabilisation device rather than as a development tool.
c. What has been the role of NRIs in the economic development of India in the recent past?
6. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (15 + 15 = 30 marks)
. What are the geo-economic causes of underdevelopment of various regions in India?
a. Which parts of India have been identified as draughtprone? Mention the norms for such identification.
b. Describe the changes that have taken place in the direction of international trade of India since independence.
c. How do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep differ in the geological ecvolution and topographical conditions?
7. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (20 + 20 = 40 marks)
. Describe the development of Super-computers in India.
a. How does the development of Pinaka benefit India?
b. What are optical fibres? What are their advantages?
c. What are enzymes? What is their importance?
8. Answer FOUR questions from Group A, THREE from Group B and THREE from Group C (Answer to each question should be in about 25 words): (10 X 3 = 12 marks)
Group A
. What is meant by Mutual Fund?
i. Explain per capita income as a measure of economic growth.
ii. What is meant by ‘Quality of life’?
iii. What constitutes a Minor Irrigation Project?
iv. What is meant by Environmental Impact Assessment?
v. What is the difference between Gross National Product and Net National Product?
Group B
vi. What is meant by ‘Protem Speaker’?
vii. Point out the constitution and functions of the Central Vigilance Commission.
viii. State the amplitude of Art. 21 of the Constitution.
ix. Which of the cases regarding disqualifications for Membership of either House of Parliament are decided by the President?
x. Differentiate between Parliamentary Secretary and Lok Sabha Secretary.
xi. What is a Privilege Motion?
Group C
l. Why are transgenic organisms important?
m. State the importance of Antrix Corporation.
n. Why is Website getting popular?
o. What do the following stand for?
i. C-CAD
ii. ICMR
iii. TRAI
p. Give the functions of interferons.
q. What is the difference between E-mail and Fax?

HUMAN RESOURCES QUESTION PAPERS

1. If offered to you, how long do you plan to stay in this role? Answer :I approach every new job with a long-term view. I would like to think that I can make a positive contribution to XYZ Corp for the foreseeable future.
2. What kind of salary are you seeking? Answer1 : I would expect a salary which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind? Answer2 : I've got a strong background in this industry and my skills are a perfect match for this role. I would expect my compensation to be at the upper end of the position's salary band. Can you tell me what that salary band is? Answer3 : Based on the information I have about the position, a salary in the range 28,000-32,000 would reflect the experience and expertise that I would bring to the role.
3. What do you think it takes to be successful in an organization like this? Answer :I think that determination, a willingness to work hard and a desire to excel in everything you do are key attributes for a successful employee in a company like XYZ Corp. A successful employee would also need to handle pressure well, be a great communicator and an excellent team member. These are attributes that have helped me succeed in my past positions and ones that I would like to apply in XYZ Corp..
4. What do you know about this organization? Answer :I know that XYZ Corp. has been in existence for four years. It was founded by John Rush in his garage and he has built it into the third largest office supplies firm in the state with aspirations to make it number one within two years. It's renowned as an ambitious and highly progressive company and I believe it has a very bright future. I also like the fact that XYZ Corp isn't a company that rests on its laurels.
5. What do you know about the position you've applied for? What duties do you think this job entails? Answer :The Media Marketing Co-ordinator reports to the Marketing Director. Her role is to co-ordinate all media advertising, particularly print, radio, and television. The Co-ordinator works with Media agencies to profile advertising opportunities, then, working within a strict budget, she organizes cross-media advertising campaigns. An important aspect of the role is to disseminate the customer response to the adverts in order to measure its success and thus improve future campaigns.
At my last job in ABC & Co I worked closely with several different media agencies, including some that specialized in new media platforms such as the Internet. I also gained invaluable experience as a member of the team that established ABC & Co as a national brand by launching ABC DooDaa nationwide. I feel that I can bring this expertise to the Media Marketing Co-ordinator role and help XYZ Corp achieve it's goal of doubling it's customer base every year for the next three years.
6.What do you know about this industry? Answer :The telecommunications industry is currently going through a period of rapid expansion. The major industry players are positioning themselves for the delivery of the next generation of telecommunication services. New developments in mobile, broadband and satellite communications mean that it's an incredibly exciting time to be in the industry. I've no doubt that the telecommunications industry will be a driving force of the worldwide economy in the 21st century. I know that XYZ Corp intends to be a frontrunner in that expansion. For that reason, this job is highly attractive.
7. Why would you like to work for me? Answer :I've been aware of your reputation for some time. You're regarded as an innovator within the industry and beyond. I appreciate that your team's success is due to a number of factors, not least of which is hard work. I'm an excellent team player, I'm a very good problem solver, and I work hard to get the job done. For these reasons, I'm confident I'd be an asset to your group. I hope that my experience shows I'm suitably qualified to fulfill the position.
I know that your position within this firm speaks for itself. My ideal manager is someone that fosters excellence, innovation, and success, as well as personal and professional growth. It's widely recognized that XYZ Corp's strongest asset is its staff thanks to its strong belief in training and development. For these reasons, this is a highly desirable role.
8. What challenges do you think you'll face in this job? What problems do you think you'll face in this job? Answer :Having worked in a similar role at ABC & Co, I expect that this job will present regular deadlines to meet, strains on resource availability, conflicting priorities, and budgetary concerns to name but a few issues. These are challenges that I've successfully tackled in the past and I'm sure that record would continue here. I relish a challenge and there's nothing that I've seen in this job that intimidates me in any way.
9. What salary do you think you deserve? Answer :Having worked in the advertising industry for seven years, I bring a valuable combination of expertise, experience and dedication to each new job. I expect that a compensation towards the top of the salary range for this position would adequately reflect the value of my skills.
10. What is your salary history? Do you expect that pattern to continue? Answer 1 :(Candidate with good salary increases) In the four years of my employment at ABC & Co I was very happy with my salary growth. My most recent increase was a 15% rise after the successful completion of a year-long project. I feel that the increase reflected my performance and the extra responsibilities I assumed during the course of the project. I hope XYZ Corp is an organization that rewards excellent performances in a similar fashion. Is it?
Answer 2 :(Candidate with disappointing salary increases) My average salary increase during the course of my career has been 6%, although as I moved jobs and assumed extra responsibilities that increase has invariably been higher. Unfortunately I was disappointed with the salary increases at my last job, which averaged 2.5% . This was due to a firm-wide rigid salary structure that I felt did not reward excellent employees over those that made a significantly worse effort. This is one of the reasons that I have decided to look for a job with a more ambitious company where I will be rewarded according to my performance
11. What concerns you about this job? Answer :I have no concerns about this job. I believe it closely matches my skill set and is a natural progression in my career. I look forward to the challenge but am confident that I can make a success of this role.
12. What concerns you about this company? Answer :I have no concerns about this company. My research has shown that ABC Corp is dedicated to the development and advancement of its staff. I've also learnt that the benefits package is one of the best within the industry.
13. How long would it take before you could contribute to this company? Answer :I'd need to get a better idea of the full responsibilities associated with this job, along with an idea of the complexities of each.
14. When would you expect your next promotion? Answer :It's difficult to give an exact time without knowing the personnel structure within XYZ Corp and specifically the line of responsibility associated with this position. However, I'm an ambitious person and through hard work, dedication, and with the guidance of a good manager, I aim to gain my next promotion as soon as possible, ideally ahead of 'normal' timeframes.
15. Why are you seeking a new job? Answer :I've worked with ABC & Co for three years. During that time I've achieved all of the goals I set myself and I've enjoyed every minute. Now, however, my aspirations extend beyond those of ABC & Co. I would like to tackle a new challenge in a different environment.
16. Where do you see this company going? Answer :XYZ Corp is the number three firm in the corporate security sector. The company does not hide the fact that it wants to lead the sector within two years. I believe that the firm can achieve this. It's a young company with a dynamic workforce and a tremendous growth rate. XYZ Corp's bright future make it a very attractive place to work.
17. If you were offered this job, what factors will dictate whether you accept it or not? Answer :I'm at various stages of the interview process with a number of firms at the moment. My preferred position will be in a company that offers a challenging environment, a prospect for promotion, and a rewarding working experience. It's important to me that I work for a company with bright prospects and strong desire for success. Obviously XYZ Corp is one of my preferred companies.
18. This is a much bigger company than you've ever worked at. How do you feel about that? Answer :I'm very excited. I've worked at three small or medium sized companies during my career and while there have been different challenges at each, I've always been successful. I'm looking for a new challenge in a large organization where I can apply my talents. This position in XYZ Corp certainly matches what I'm looking for
19. This is a much smaller company than you've ever worked at. How do you feel about that? Answer :It's great. I've learnt a lot working in a large organization and I'm looking forward to applying my knowledge and experience in a smaller arena. I'm under no illusions that the task ahead will be every bit as challenging as my previous role, if not more so, but it's a challenge that I'd relish.
20. What do you know about our products? Answer :I know that XYZ Soft specialize in the development of software solutions for small and medium sized businesses. The firm's best-selling products are leaders in the field - the XYZ Project Management Tool and the XYZ Personnel Management Tool. I feel that XYZ Soft has a solid product and customer base upon which it can build in the future. I understand that the firm's aim is to develop existing and new products with the aim of breaking into the Corporate sector. It's an ambitious aim but one that I believe XYZ Soft are more than capable of achieving. A major attraction of this position is the opportunity it offers to be a part of the challenging and exciting times ahead at XYZ Soft.
21. Why did you apply for this job? Why do you want this position? What interests you about this position? Answer :I've worked in the travel industry for five years and I've enjoyed every minute. I'd like to work for XYZ Corp because they are industry leaders and I want to work with the best people and the best products I can. There are exciting times ahead for the firm, particularly in light of the firm's recent announcement that it was expanding it's product range by 25% over the next 24 months. I feel that my drive, creativity and determination will be an asset to the firm and will enable me to succeed in this role. This position would enable me to apply my skills in an exciting and challenging environment. I think this position is a perfect match for my talents and my career goals.
22. What separates this company from our competitors? Answer :ABC Corp spent much of the eighties and nineties among the top seven engineering companies in the state. It is now the undisputed leader in five states with aspirations to become the leading company in the sector countrywide. That tells me that the company is highly ambitious, with a commitment to excellence in every department that enables it to meet, and indeed surpass, its aspirations. ABC Corp is now the company that its competitors aspire to become. That is what separates this company from its competitors.
23. What attracts you to this company? What interests you about this company? Answer :ABC Corp is a leading national software vendor. It has set itself aggressive targets to achieve in the near to medium term. In particular, the firm aims to become the leading vendor on the Internet within three years. I respect the history of the firm from a small start-up to one of the largest employers in the state. I also respect the principles upon which it has grown. The firm has achieved magnificent results to date and I would like to help it achieve its goals in the future.
24. Do you feel overqualified for this job? Answer :I don't think there's such a thing as being over-qualified for a job. Every position brings with it a new environment, new people and new challenges. I feel that the skills I would bring to a new job can only help me to do a better job, and would in no way hinder the challenges I would face.
25. Do you feel underqualified for this job? Answer :I attended weekend computer courses at my local district college for three years. It has changed me from someone who was scared of using a computer into a very competent computer user. My training has enabled me to gain promotion into a senior administrative role in my current job.
26. What courses/classes have you taken to stay ahead in your field? Answer :I attended weekend computer courses at my local district college for three years. It has changed me from someone who was scared of using a computer into a very competent computer user. My training has enabled me to gain promotion into a senior administrative role in my current job.
27. What educational goals do you currently have? Answer :I enjoy sailing very much. In the near future I plan to begin studying in order to become a qualified yachtsman. My ultimate goal is to become sufficiently experienced that I could skipper a crew in a competitive race.
28. Have you completed your education? Answer :I believe that I've finished my formal school and college education. Right now I'm focusing on my career and on being as good at my job as I possibly can. I enjoy learning and I think it's essential in both personal and career development. Ideally, I hope that the firm I join will encourage growth and learning through in-house and/or external training. I strongly believe that the most important component of learning occurs 'on the job' where you learn from your peers, manager and others around you. In summary, my answer is 'No', I very much hope that my education is not over.
29. What did you like most about college? Answer :I enjoyed many things about college. It was a new challenge and an opportunity for me to expand my horizons both educationally and personally. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect was the chance to meet new people from different backgrounds. Of course the social aspect of college was immense fun, but I also relished collaborating with other people with different specializations from me.
30. What did you like least about college? Answer :It may seem a bit premature, but I would very much like to develop my project management and team leadership skills. I would very much like to take responsibility for a project or team in the next twelve months and I think developing those skills now would make the transition easier.
31. What skills do you need to develop most? Answer :It may seem a bit premature, but I would very much like to develop my project management and team leadership skills. I would very much like to take responsibility for a project or team in the next twelve months and I think developing those skills now would make the transition easier.
32. Do you have any financial qualifications? Answer 1:Yes, I took a finance module for two semesters in college. I've been surprised how useful my financial knowledge has been during my career. It has helped me schedule project budgets, analyze financial reports and prepare financial projections. There's no doubt that I'm a better manager for having this knowledge. Answer 2: I haven't had the opportunity to take any formal financial training yet. However I've had an informal training through the various project management roles I've fulfilled. I've gained some very good experience projecting budgets and preparing financial statements and I would feel comfortable undertaking similar duties.
33. Do you have any IT (Information Technology) qualifications? Answer 1: Yes, I took a computer applications module for two semesters in college. It's helped give me a better knowledge of how computers, operating systems and a wide range of software packages work. I've been able to apply this knowledge when tackling problems. Answer 2: I haven't had the opportunity to take any formal IT training yet. However, I've used computers extensively at every job I've had and I'm very much at home using a word processor, spreadsheet, database and project management software. I have a computer at home too which I use to track my family's finances and to access the Internet. I'm very comfortable using computers.
34. Would you object to attending training seminars in your own time? Answer :Not at all. I'm looking for a company with an active training program, and I'm always willing to attain new skills. Other company's I've interviewed with host training within the working day. Is it XYZ Corp company policy to always hold training outside of working hours?
35. Why did you select your college or university? Answer :I was glad to be accepted at my number one choice college. I spent quite a lot of time researching colleges with biochemistry faculties. It became obvious that this college commanded a tremendous reputation for its pioneering work and is one of the best in its field in the country.
36. What are your strengths? How do they help you? Answer :I'm well motivated, I've got a strong desire to succeed, and I'm always ready and willing to learn new information and skills.
37. What are your weaknesses? How do you overcome them? Answer :I'm always ready to learn new skills and adapt my methods to become better at what I do. If I become aware of a weakness in my knowledge base or in the way I perform my duties, I do my best to fill that gap whether through formal training, informal training, or directly from my colleagues.
38. What makes you think you're qualified for this job? Answer :I studied for a diploma in computers which I enjoyed immensely. In my last job I was able to apply knowledge I'd gained on the course to do my job better. I streamlined many of the department's manual tasks by moving them from paper to a computer-based solution. I've also got an advanced sailing certificate. This has helped me build many team-working skills. When I worked at XYZ Corp I voluntarily attended a series of in-house personal development training programs.
39. Tell me about yourself. Answer :I'm an ambitious, self-motivated account executive and I'm very happy in my life right now. I'm looking to change jobs because I feel I've achieved all of the goals I set out for myself when I embarked in my previous role, six years ago. I've still got a strong appetite for success and I'm looking for a job that will provide fresh challenges and rewards.
40. Do you like to work as part of a team or alone. Why? Answer :I work very well when I'm part of a team, I value the ability to bounce ideas off other people and also provide my input, whenever it's wanted. Of course I'm more than capable of working alone whenever I'm required to do so too.
. What motivates you? Answer :A little appreciation for a succesfully completed work. If failed in that task, I am motivated to do it better than ever. If completed sucessfully, the sucess motivates me to go in for a tougher project/work which is a new challenge for me. As it is, winning challenges is the spirit in me.
42. How do you handle stress? Answer :I'm not the type of person that becomes stressed very easily. However, if in an extreme circumstance I did start to become stressed, I would look to the cause of it and attempt to identify a solution. I would certainly not be afraid to look to others for their input and assistance. In a working environment I think stress comes around from pressurized situations. In such cases the best solution is often one of situation management until the crisis abates.
43. I'm worried about your lack of _____ experience. Answer :I don't feel you've anything to worry about. While I've only been a designated team leader for one year, I've spent eighteen months as the most experienced member of the team and in many situations I effectively led the team. I very much enjoy team management and am confident in my own abilities.
44. What do you like to do in your spare time? Answer :I enjoy participating in and watching most sports. I discovered golf at college and find it a great way to relax and spend time with friends. I also enjoy playing football and tennis. I was captain of the school swimming team and I try to keep that up as best I can too. I also enjoy listening to music, watching movies, and being around my friends.
45. You've been in the same firm for a number of years. How do you think you'll adjust to a new one? Answer :Sample Answer(s) I'm looking forward to the challenge. Even in this day and age there is a lot of value in staying in the one company for a prolonged period of time. In my current role I have had an opportunity to work with many people throughout the company and build great working and personal relationships. In addition, I had enough time in each area I worked to make a real and lasting difference.
Also, I'd also like to think the firm's decision to retain my services for so long is indicative of the esteem in which I'm held. However, it's now time for me to move on so I can take the skills I've attained at ABC Corp and apply them in a new environment.
46. How often do you miss deadlines? Answer :As infrequently as possible. In the reality it may be impossible to achieve every single deadline, however in my experience good planning and project management can alleviate late deliveries.
47. Why should we hire you? Answer :I believe that I've got the skills and enthusiasm required to fulfill the role that's available. I think I'd be a valuable asset to the firm and, from my experience, I'm sure I'd make a positive contribution to the company's ambitions.
48. How do you measure 'success'? Answer :I measure my own personal success by how well I've achieved the goals I set myself. I feel I've been successful to date - I attended my college of choice, I graduated with a degree, and I've spent three successful years at XYZ Bros. The key in being successful is to set challenging yet attainable goals, while always remaining focused on what you hope to achieve. My current goal is to succeed at this interview.
49. In what kind of work environment are you most productive? Answer :Tailor your answer to the job. For example, if in doing your job you're required to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player when needed, but also enjoy working independently. If you're required to attend regular project planning and status meetings, then indicate that you're a strong team player and like being part of a team.
50. How do you handle pressure? Answer : This is sort of a double whammy, because you're likely already stressed from the interview and the interviewer can see if you're handling it well or not. Everybody feels stress, but the degree varies. Saying that you whine to your shrink, kick your dog or slam down a fifth of Jack Daniels are not good answers. Exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends or turning stress into productive energy are more along the lines of the "correct" answers.
51. How do you plan to achieve those goals? Answer :I plan on gaining additional skills by taking related classes and continuing my involvement with a variety of professional associations.
I noticed that XYZ company (the company you are interviewing with) provides in-house training for employees and I would certainly be interested in taking classes that would be relevant.
I will continue my professional development my participating in conferences, attending seminars, and continuing my education.
52. You haven't worked for a long time. Are you sure you can handle this job? Answer :You may have gaps in your employment due to family responsibilities. Perhaps you've been a homemaker or a caregiver. You may have retired and then decided to work again.
Memorize one phrase or short sentence to explain your situation. Then emphasize the experience you've gained.
53. What kind of worker are you? Answer :Again, no one is perfect. Showing that you tackle every assignment with all of your energy and talents is admirable but mention that you also learn from your mistakes.
54. What causes you to lose your temper? Answer :Everybody has a low boiling point on some particular issue. Pick one of yours; something safe and reasonable. People who are late to meetings, blame shifting, broken appointments and office ''back-stabbing'' are suitable responses. Don't say that you never fly off the handle. You won't be believed.
55. What did you like most about your previous job? What did you like least about your previous job? Answer :An employer can evaluate the type of worker you will be by the items you choose. Cite specifics. You are also providing clues about the environment you seek. What you liked most can include a strong teamwork atmosphere, high-level of creativity, and attainable deadlines. What you liked least should include any situations you are unlikely to encounter in your new position.
56. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What's Your opinion? Answer :Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.
57. How long would you stay with us? Answer :Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, ''As long as we both feel achievement-oriented.''
58. Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work you needed to do? Answer :While attending college, I also worked at a law firm. I was successful because I practiced good time-management skills and I made a to-do list every day. As I completed each task, I checked it off the list. It is funny how something so simple can keep you so organized. As a result of my to-do lists, I was able to visualize my daily progress.
59. Describe a situation in which you found that your results were not up to your professor's or supervisor's expectations. What happened? What action did you take? Answer :Recently I was asked to put together a proposal for a migration of network systems. Misunderstanding my boss, I thought it was just an informal paper. When I presented it to him days later, he was upset with the quality since it had to be presented to our VP. I explained my misunderstanding, apologized, reworked the paper, and had it back to him with enough time for him to review it before he presented it successfully at the meeting.
60. What would you do with your life if money was not a concern? Answer :I am not depending on money to make me happy. What makes me happy is having a satisfying job that provides challenge and new situations daily.
61. What do you see yourself doing five years from now? Answer :''Making a more significant contribution to whatever organisation I'm working for. To have developed new skills, abilities, maturity - perhaps a little wisdom even. To have become better qualified in whatever way suits the situation and opportunities I have. To be better regarded by my peers, and respected by my superiors as someone who can continue to increase the value and scale of what I do for the organisation.''
''I'd like more responsibility, because that's a result of personal growth and progression, and it's important for my personal satisfaction.''
''I have no set aspirations about money and reward - if I contribute and add value to the organisation then generally increased reward follows - you get out what you put in.''
''Long term I want to make the most of my abilities - if possible to build a serious career, but in this day and age nothing is certain or guaranteed; things can change. I'll do my best and believe that opportunities will arise which will enable me to keep contributing, increasing my worth, and developing my ability in a way that benefits the organisation and me.''
Employers will respond well if they see that you are mature, independent, self-motivated; that you will make a positive and growing contribution, and that you understand that reward (financial, promotion, responsibility, etc) will always be based on the quality and value of your input.
62. How do you make yourself indispensable to a company? Answer :“We are looking for both technical and interpersonal competence,” says Doris J. Smith-Brooks, recruiting and advertising manager for Boeing Co. in Seattle, Washington.
Smith-Brooks explains that students who have interned or completed cooperative education assignments generally answer the question best because they know what working for a company entails.
63. What’s your greatest strength? Answer :“Don’t just talk about your strength—relate it to the position,” Ferguson says. “Let them know you are a qualified candidate.”
64. What’s your greatest weakness? Answer :“Say something along the lines of, ‘I have difficulty with this thing, and these are the strategies I use to get around it,” Ferguson says. “For example, you could say, ‘I’m not the most organized of individuals, so I always answer my e-mails and phone calls right away. I’m aware of the problem and I have strategies to deal with it.”
65. Where do you see yourself five (ten or fifteen) years from now? Answer :Explain your career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. Your interviewer is likely more interested in how he, she or the company will benefit from you achieving your goals than what you'll get from it, but it goes hand in hand to a large degree. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job, but it's okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.
66. Why did you leave your previous jobs (if any)? Answer :The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills.
If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.
67. What major challenges have you encountered and how did you deal with them? Answer :When going to an interview, you should always be prepared to speak about difficult situations that you have encountered in the past and how you were able to effectively resolve them. It is good to remember at least three. And remember, the situation should always reflect an attribute that you think the employer/interviewer would admire.
68. Tell me how you handled an ethical dilemma. Answer :“Suppose you worked at a bank and a long-time customer wanted a check cashed right away but didn’t have the fund balance in his account to cover the check,” Martinez says, explaining that if the bank’s policy prohibited cashing checks in that manner, the teller would have a choice of violating bank policy or alienating a good customer.
Martinez says the best way to handle such a situation would be to go to a supervisor, explain the situation, and ask for advice. He adds that students who can’t offer a situation that they handled correctly the first time can explain how they learned from making mistakes.
“Explain that the next time, this was how you handled it,” he says.
69. Tell me about the culture at your last company/employer. Answer :If the past culture was good them explain how and why in terms that the interviewee is likely to identify with, for example:
''The culture encouraged people to develop, grow, take responsibility. People were coached and mentored towards quality and productive effort. All of this helped me a great deal because I identify with these values, and respond to these opportunities.''
A good answer, in referring to a non-supportive culture would be to express the positive aspects (eg lots of freedom for me to take initiative, responsibility, find new ways to contribute, a free market allowing the good workers to naturally excel and develop reputation and internal working relationships, etc.)
70. Tell me about your life at College or University (or even your time in your previous job). Answer :The question is an opportunity for you to demonstrate the qualities that the interviewer is seeking in for the job, so orientate your answer towards these expectations (without distorting the truth obviously).
In your answer, emphasise the positive behaviour, experience and achievements (ideally backed up with examples and evidence) which will impress the interviewer because of its relevance to the role requirements.
The interviewer is looking for the same capabilities and behaviour in your college (or university or previous job) life that they want in the job.
Your emphasis should be on your achievements, and how you achieved them, that are relevant to the job requirements.
Interviewers with special interest in behaviour and personality may also use a question like this to assess your self-awareness and maturity, in the way you consider your answer and relate it to your own experience and development.
71. What did you achieve in your last job? Answer :Prepare a number of relevant examples and explain one (two or three if they're punchy and going down well). Make sure you feature as the instigator, or the factor that made the difference. Examples must lead to significant organisational benefits; making money, saving money/time, improving quality, anticipating or creatively solving problems, winning/keeping customers, improving efficiency.
72. Give me some examples of how you have adapted your own communicating style to deal with different people and situations. Answer :Prepare this as one of your strengths, as there's not a single job that won't benefit from good adaptive communication skills. Give examples of how you've been detailed and given written confirmation for people who need it. Give examples of how you verbally enthuse and inspire the people who respond to challenge and recognition. Think of other examples of adapting your style to suit the recipients. Give examples when you've had to be task-driven, process driven, people-driven, and how you change your style accordingly. A chance for you to truly shine.
73. What do you find difficult in work/life/relationships (etc)? Answer :Pick a relatively irrelevant skill and say that you don't find it as easy as you'd like, so you're working on it (don't just make this up - think about it and be truthful). Don't own up to a weakness in an area that's important to the role. As with the weaknesses question, you can state certain difficulties because they are actually quite acceptable, even commendable, they'd include: suffering fools gladly, giving up an impossible task, tolerating unkind behaviour like bullying, having to accept I can't help certain big problems in the world, etc.
74. How do you plan and organise your work? Answer :Planning and writing a plan is very important. I think how best to do things before I do them, if it's unknown territory I'd take advice, learn from previous examples - why re-invent the wheel? I always prioritise, I manage my time, and I understand the difference between urgent and important. For very complex projects I'd produce quite a detailed schedule and plan review stages. I even plan time-slots for activities that aren't in themselves organised, like thinking time, and being creative, solving problems, etc.
75. How many hours a week do you work/prefer to work? Answer :It varies according to the situation. I plan and organise well, so unless there's a crisis or unusual demand I try to finish at a sensible time so as to have some time for my family/social life/outside interests. It's important to keep a good balance. I start earlier than most people - you can get a lot done before the phones start ringing. When the pressure's on though I'm happy to work as long as it takes to get the job done. It's not about the number of hours - it's the quality of the work that you do; how productive you are.
76. Do you make mistakes? Answer :Be honest. Yes of course on occasions, but I obviously try not to, and I always try to correct them and learn from them.
77. (Follow above question with) - Can you share your mistakes with others? Answer :Absolutely I can - I get the guidance I need, and it may help prevent others from making the same mistake.
78. How to do measure your own effectiveness? Answer :By the results that I achieve, and that I achieve them in the most positive way. If there isn't an existing measure of this I'll usually create one.
79. What personal goals do you have and how are you going about achieving them? Answer :Prepare for this - be able to state your personal and career goals - keep them reasonable, achievable and balanced. Explain how you see the steps to reaching your aims. An important part of achieving progress is planning how to do it. Be able to demonstrate that you've thought and planned, but also show that you are flexible and adaptable, because it's impossible to predict the future - the important thing is to learn and develop, and take advantage of opportunities as they come along.
80. What makes you mad? Answer :Nothing really makes me mad - it's not a good way to deal with anything. Certain things disappoint or upset me - rudeness, arrogance, spitefulness (pick any obvious nasty traits or behaviours, particularly behaviours that you believe your interviewer will personally dislike too.)
81. What do you think of your last boss/employer? Answer :Don't be critical. If possible be generous with praise and say why, giving positive reasons. If there was a conflict don't lie, but describe fairly and objectively without pointing blame.
82. How would you react if I told you that your interview, so far, was terrible? Answer : He is trying to find out how you react to criticism. Well, I'd be quite surprised and rather sad. I have put a lot of work into preparing for this interview and getting this job is very important to me.
May I ask you, what parts of my presentation did you consider were not up to an acceptable standard? If you could pinpoint these areas to me, maybe I could go over them again and clear up any misunderstandings that might exist. I'm sure that's where the problem lies"
83. What influenced you to choose this career? Answer :My past experiences have shown me that I enjoy facing and overcoming the challenge of making a sale. Without a doubt, once I have practiced my presentation and prepared myself for objections, I feel very confident approaching people I don't know and convincing them that they need my product. Lastly, I like sales because my potential for success is limited only by how much of myself I dedicate toward my goal. If any profession is founded on self-determinism, it surely must be sales.
84. Which is more important to you, the job itself or your salary? Answer :A salary commensurate with my experience and skills is important, but it's only one piece of the package. Many other elements go into making up a compensation package, but more importantly, it's critical to me to enjoy what I'm doing, fit into the corporate culture, and feel I'm making a genuine contribution.