IAS interview is a half-an-hour exercise that can change your life. A high score in a UPSC interview can sometimes create a difference of more than 100 marks with fellow candidates in just under 30 minutes. Being the last round, this would give one, an unassailable lead in India’s toughest competition – UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE).
Though the final rank list is prepared by taking the sum of UPSC mains marks and interview marks, very often we see that interview high-scorers top the final selection list too.
In this post, we present 15 golden tips for success in an IAS interview.
Table of Contents
1. Start early
It is very important to polish your personality as soon as possible so that you don’t have to waste time and wait for the UPSC Civil service exam result. It is very important to remember that time is the main essence.
2. Know your-self
The most crucial problem with us is that we don’t know our true self, what our true potential is. Human being has many skins inside covering the depths of our hearts. we know many things about the world but still, we know very little about ourselves. We still need to find different aspects of our personality especially our hidden or unknown. If any traits of our personality do not suit IAS officers, try to conquer that weakness.
3. Read your bio-data multiple times
Mostly the questions in the UPSC interviews will be based on the biodata of the candidate. Copies of the DAF (Detailed Application Form) will be shared across the board members. It is extremely important not to fumble over personal questions. Make sure to revise your bio-data many times and prepare well for questions from areas such as hobbies, work, education, experience, service preference etc.
4. Develop a positive attitude
There are many rumours and myths about the IASA interview. You might have bad experiences from previous interviews as well. But don’t let any negative ideas Ruin your chances. Don’t worry about matters – interviews board, questions, position etc. – which may be beyond your control. Hope for the best.
5. Don’t take the UPSC interview in a light spirit
Be serious about the question and processes. Give respect to the board members who are taking your personality test. Never underestimate the person from the board. They have way vast experience and Knowledge. Don’t act casual on serious questions.
6. Develop self-confidence
Everyone loves people with self-confidence. If you have confidence in your beliefs, answer or solution, express them confidently. But make sure you don’t go overboard with your answers. Remember that the line between arrogance and self-confidence is very narrow.
7. Don’t lie
Don’t tell lies to your UPSC Interview Board just so you could impress him. Never create fake facts in your biodata. Very often people do that and get caught by the board.
8. Improve your communication skills
Improve the command of your language for the UPSC interview. If you search for words in the 25-30 minutes UPSC personality test, you may run short of time to express your ideas completely. Listening to debates as well as news on television channels is one practical way to improve your communication skills. Also, start talking to your friends’ in the medium for the UPSC interview
9. Get straight to the point
Master the art of giving to-the-point answers. Very often, long answers can be considered crisp, but interesting statements.
10. Don’t stop reading newspapers
Candidates often stop reading newspapers once the UPSC main exam is over. But, information about current happening is very important for the IAS interview, just like the UPSC main exam. Have a general idea about the major happening from the last year. Also, be familiar with the headlines and stories of the newspapers on the interview day.
11. Prepare well on your hobbies
Very often this is the first question the UPSC interview board ask, many times in a light mood. Make sure you start well. Don’t give cliche answers. Hobbies help the interviewer understand the personality of the candidate. Keep practising your hobbies till the last week before the UPSC interview.
12. Revise your optional subject
It is seen that many candidates tend to neglect their optional subject after UPSC CSE Mains. But UPSC interview panel may ask questions from your optional subject on the interview day. Brush up recent happenings related to your optional subject.
13. Go through your graduation textbooks
UPSC expects candidates to take their graduation seriously. As this is one area where the interview panel perceives the candidates to have expertise with. So, more in-depth questions can come from this area.
14. Learn to give balanced answers
Your views should be balanced and impartial. This does not mean that you should not take a stand. Ideally, you should be without any political or social biases. Once you take a stand on controversial topics, be prepared with your justification for the same. Don’t give sweeping generalizations without a proper base.
15. Know your district and state
Questions may be asked about the district and state. Collect details about your birthplace. Know the problems in your village or city. Be prepared with solutions as well.
Summary
As repeatedly asserted by toppers, UPSC interview in most cases is a friendly exercise. There is not much to fear about, except that your chances of selection depend on it. Be truthful to yourself and answer confidently. All the best to all for your IAS interview !