UPSC Interview
The UPSC interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. It aims to assess the candidate’s suitability for administrative roles. The interview panel evaluates the candidate’s communication skills, depth of knowledge, analytical ability, and overall personality. It is important to be well-prepared, confident, and articulate while answering questions to leave a positive impression.
The personality test assesses your intrinsic personality rather than your knowledge (which was previously examined in the mains and preliminary exams). In addition to the total 2025 marks, the UPSC Interview procedure lasts roughly 30 minutes and is worth 275 points.
This 30-minute procedure can transform your life and make your ambition of working for the government a reality. Based on the results of the Personality Test and the main examination, the final merit list is created. For applicants, a good interview score may significantly improve their rank & chances of receiving better treatment.
Importance of DAF (Detailed Application Form) for UPSC Interview
To successfully answer the questions asked during the UPSC interview, it is crucial to understand every single component of your detailed application form carefully. The panel’s information on you drives all of the fundamental inquiries addressed in the UPSC interview. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully fill out the entire application form and properly prepare it.
Watch Mock Interview by Air 1 Aditya Srivastava
Tips to prepare for a UPSC Interview
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Get The Components of Your DAF
Everything you listed on the DAF, including the significance of your name and the prominent features of your area, may be discussed during the interview. Therefore, read the form many times, list all possible questions, and prepare succinct responses.
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Opinions On Current Events
Prepare your three-month supply of current events so that you can respond to queries about them succinctly and briefly. As you respond to such inquiries, be sure to be upbeat.
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Responding to Hypothetical Inquiries
You should know an IAS/IPS/IFS officer’s legal rights and obligations. You must respond to the inquiries in a manner that avoids going above and beyond to address the issue. Your responses must fall within the purview of the legal authority granted to you by your profile.
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Responding to Behavioural Inquiries
When responding to the questions, be composed and calm, project confidence, and be direct if you are unsure of the answers. You may skip the question and respond, “I’ll have to take it for now; I’ll have to read more about it.”
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Don’t Be Overconfident
Knowledge is undermined, and arrogance results from overconfidence. Never overestimate your chances of luck sticking with you since you never know when it could.
Although the UPSC interview is challenging, you may succeed with confidence and a good outlook. Pay careful attention to the questions being asked by the interview panel.
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Be Cautious While Selecting Your Words
Try to be eloquent while responding to the questions, as the interview panel is more concerned with how you talk and the words you choose to convey your ideas.
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Do Not Lie
One of the most important interview tips is this! Please don’t make up your replies with phoney facts; they’ll probably figure it out immediately and catch you!
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Mock Interview
You may prevent blunders by practising the mock interview before the actual interview. Your friends and knowledgeable mentors may aid you in that.
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Wear Clean and Comfy Clothes
Dress formally for the day of the interview since you should seem professional. Dark pants and a light-coloured shirt are appropriate for males to seem professional. For female candidates, a plain saree or churidar is advised.
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Document-Check
Doing a document check in advance is crucial to preventing the last-minute rush. Make sure you have all the paperwork organised and available in one file.
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Get Enough Rest
Don’t sleep all day. If you worry a lot about the interview, it can affect your effectiveness. Get a good night’s sleep the night before & try not to worry too much!
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Understanding the Interview’s True Objective
The main goal of the interview is to evaluate the candidate’s potential for having good administrative abilities. The panellists’ purpose is to evaluate a candidate’s personality for civil service, not to test their knowledge.
Questions, rebuttals, hypothetical case studies, etc., elicit your personality qualities and evaluate you based on your responses, mental clarity, body language, etc. Never assume that the board members are out to get you or to make you seem bad. You ought to think positively.
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Conclusion
The UPSC interview is a personality exam. So, try to be sincere and convey your thoughts. Please put on a business dress to make yourself seem professional. Make sure you have all the necessary papers with you. Aspirants should form a small group to debate ideas and attempt to attend as many interview sessions as possible to determine their strengths and limitations. Utilise constructive criticism in the mock interviews and work to enhance those areas. Finally, approach the interview with complete confidence and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself.
Also see:
UPSC Syllabus | UPSC Prelims Exam |
UPSC Exam Pattern | UPSC Marking Scheme |
UPSC Eligibility Criteria | UPSC Toppers |
UPSC Cut Off Analysis | UPSC Notes |
UPSC Mains Exam | UPSC Question Paper |