You are funny. Hahhaahahahha
Anyway I think it is rare for Indians to be shipped off to any other LVO then NDVO. Has your friend already been or is he just assuming? If later is the case i think it will most likely not happen.
Now Visa Officers in case of doubt or standard quality procedure are known to conduct interviews on phone also, so one can never be sure here.
If he is at NDVO. please ask him to notify his employer to be expecting a call, NDVO is known to make calls even for the best of cases, people who had submitted payslips, tax returns etc. also got calls, its their standard procedure, God knows what they get out of it, huh. Also NDVO can straightaway call you also, and take an abrupt interview on the phone itself. Ask him to be ready.
As for eligibility most files are shipped off after eligibility is MET at CIO, but one can never know if file might be marked for review also for the Visa Officer. Ask him to call and ask specifically for eligibility check, that might shed some light.
The best way is ofcourse GCMS.
