UPSC Mock Interview - Opinion Based Questions

The UPSC Mock Interview, specifically focusing on opinion-based questions, serves as a crucial component in the preparation strategy for aspiring civil service candidates. Opinion-based questions are designed to assess a candidate’s analytical thinking, decision-making abilities, and perspective on contemporary issues. This specialized mock interview aims to replicate the challenging environment of the final stage of the civil services examination, providing candidates with a platform to articulate well-reasoned opinions on diverse subjects. Through this simulation, candidates can refine their articulation skills, enhance their awareness of current affairs, and develop the ability to construct thoughtful opinions – essential attributes for effective civil servants. The UPSC Mock Interview on Opinion-Based Questions is an invaluable tool in preparing candidates to navigate the dynamic landscape of administrative interviews and contribute meaningfully to the governance discourse.

Provide an example of the latter.
How would you describe our progress?
How have these individuals managed to sustain this system despite the concept of equality? Why does discrimination still persist?
Are you implying negligence on the part of the bureaucracy?
What is your stance on the safety of nuclear power plants in India, considering past nuclear disasters?
What lessons did you draw from Gandhi? Who, in your opinion, can practice non-violence – the strong or the weak?
While we had a rich past in education and astronomy, everything declined during the Mughal period. Should they be held responsible?
Is it fair when people attribute all their problems to the civil services?
In the event of a traffic jam and a scheduled meeting with the prime minister, would you utilize your siren to navigate through it?
How would you define public service? Aren’t all citizens contributing to the country in one way or another?
What strategies would you employ to integrate tribal communities as a District Magistrate?
As a District Magistrate in your region, what would be your top priority?
What should be the primary focus of a civil servant when they join district administration for the first time?
Do you believe midday meals are necessary? I advocate for interventions at the pregnancy and infant levels, suggesting that midday meals should be eliminated. What is your perspective on this?
As an administrator, how will you ensure quality education in government schools?
Addressing farmer suicides is a significant challenge. How would you, as an administrator, work towards a solution?
If a politician above you pressures you not to prioritize the welfare of the people, do you think you can still work for their benefit?
There is evident nepotism in both the judiciary and politics. How would you handle and address this issue?
Discuss the changes you, as an officer, would implement in the election process.
How would you tackle the problem of traffic congestion in your district?
In a drought-prone district, how will you ensure water availability for sanitation?
Being a woman, how would you handle political interference in your role?
Reflect on the significant reforms undertaken by the government in the last five years for the Indian economy. Identify pending issues and propose a way forward.
If posted as a police officer in Haryana, would you ally with or boycott Khap panchayats?
Women often fear the police. What steps would you take to address this fear and build trust?
What measures would you implement to modernize the police system?
Do you believe parliamentary democracy or a presidential system is more conducive to rapid development?
Is e-commerce beneficial for the country in your opinion?
Share your thoughts on the concept of offering freebies.
How can India address the issue of young minds showing disinterest in research and development, with many opting for foreign opportunities or civil services?
Identify the obstacles hindering India’s transition to a knowledge economy.
Express your views on reservation policies, skill training, and compulsory military training.
Should celebrities be held responsible for endorsing harmful products like cold drinks if any adverse events occur?
What is your perspective on the recent news of celebrities being paid to endorse political parties?
Various protests are ongoing against nuclear power plants. What is your stance on this issue?
What is your opinion on the construction of statues of leaders?
Considering the Bhuj earthquake, do you attribute the significant loss of life to poor implementation of building codes or inadequate disaster management?
Is there room for activism within the bureaucratic system?
Do you see the code of conduct and service rules as impediments to activism?
Are strict hierarchies in civil services barriers to social innovation?
Are virtual classrooms a positive addition to the education system?
Do you believe the district collector holds a position akin to a king in their district?
What is your perspective on reservation policies, and why are they implemented?
Explain the concepts of creamy and non-creamy layers. Should the creamy layer criteria apply to SC/ST?
Should India engage in cricket matches with Pakistan?
With many young people leaving their homes early, what impact does it have on the family as a whole?
There is a common observation that children of mothers who are teachers tend to do well. Do you agree, and can you provide a general answer without personal experiences?
Do you believe judicial activism is causing harm to other institutions?
If given the opportunity, what advice would you offer to our Prime Minister regarding India’s stance on Pakistan? Is war a viable option?
Do you think India is prepared for widespread e-commerce?
Is the notion that artificial intelligence leads to job loss, especially in India, something you agree with?
As a District Magistrate, what areas would you prioritize, and how would you assess development between two districts?
What advice would you offer to parents whose children score low marks?
How do you plan to address gender inequality in your district?
In South East Asia, someone recently mentioned ‘there should be de-politicization of politics and democratization of democracy.’ Can you explain your understanding of this statement?
Is it appropriate for the government and administration to shape public opinion through propaganda?
Should railways and Air India be privatized? Why has Air India not been privatized yet?
What is your perspective on the idea of denuclearizing Pakistan?
Do you think the judiciary is overstepping its mandate and weakening other institutions?
How would you ensure disaster preparedness, especially in a state like Odisha?
What are your thoughts on the Setu Samudram project?
Do leaders make history, or does history make leaders?
Can you highlight India’s contributions to the world in the past 10 years?
What are the issues in the Indian Railway (IR), and what measures have been taken to address them? If appointed as CRB, what steps would you take to enhance organizational efficiency and safety in Indian railways?
How would you improve transportation on the Haridwar-Rishikesh route?
What challenges do bio-toilets face in IR? How does Indian railways differ from European railways? What is Train 18, and what recent issues has it faced?
Share your opinion on child labor.
Do you believe children should work, especially in small-scale companies, for skill development? Could this lead to forced labor? Kailash Satyarthi opposes any employment for children. What is your stance?
What is your take on the bullet train, considering its impact on the flamingo sanctuary? Should we proceed with the project?
How would you address labor union issues?
Should all fossil fuel power plants be closed? What alternatives exist?
Do you believe India will eventually become a developed nation?
What is your perspective on India granting refuge to the Dalai Lama? How does this compare to the treatment of Rohingyas?
Since you work with the railway, what suggestions can you provide to enhance railway earnings?
Are leadership abilities inherent, or can leadership be cultivated through education and training?
How do you identify natural-born leaders, and is it advisable to continue supporting them?
Why do you think gold smuggling occurs, and who benefits from it?
Bullet train project:
(a) What is your opinion on the project passing through the flamingo sanctuary?
(b) Why are protests happening, and how do you anticipate the project’s future?
(c) Will it be completed on schedule?
The Madras High Court judges recently ordered separate lanes at toll plazas for VVIPs. Do you support this decision?
What are your thoughts on politicians and civil servants using red lights on vehicles and having separate lanes?
Have you ever been in a situation involving riots, police lathi charges, or protests?
Have you ever used a gun, perhaps at a fair or festival?
While civil servants undergo a stringent selection process, some top bureaucrats engage in corruption. Why does this happen?
In the UK, individuals seek refuge, claiming that Indian jails are inhumane. What is your opinion on the conditions of Indian jails?
How can the value system be corrected – through government intervention, schools, or family?
Can you name three positive aspects of Hitler’s actions that may have benefited the world?
Name three achievements of India in recent years in this field.
Having lived in an urban area for an extended period, do you think domestic help should be regulated? Why or why not?
Should the regulation of domestic help be prioritized over other forms of informal work? Why or why not?
How will you ensure women’s safety in your district, particularly in your role as DM or SP?
Continuing our conversation, he inquired about my stance on whether physical punishment should be administered to individuals involved in eve-teasing.
There seems to be minimal change in male dynamics. What are your thoughts on this?
Have you encountered any instances of sexual harassment within your company?
Do you believe that social media is influencing human relationships negatively?
Are you familiar with the origin and reasons behind Valentine’s Day?
Despite significant financial investments by central and state governments, why is there a lack of tangible results on the ground?
Should the government offer monetary incentives to honest taxpayers like myself? While evaders are penalized, what about rewards for those who pay their taxes honestly?
Have you ever witnessed instances of malpractices in government offices?
Recently, a double murder occurred in South Delhi, and the police arrived an hour later, displaying judgmental behavior. Why do you think the police sometimes behave in this manner?
Do you anticipate that artificial intelligence and robotics will lead to job displacement?
Robots have already displaced humans in certain scenarios. Why do you believe this phenomenon may or may not happen in India?
How can we prepare our primary school children for upcoming generational changes?
Share your perspective on Khap Panchayats.
There was a recent debate on end-to-end encryption in WhatsApp. What is the issue at hand, and what actions should be taken?
How will you manage your workload to ensure timely resolution of public problems?
Can India transition into a New India by 2022 and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
What did the Prime Minister mean by the mantra “reform, perform, and transform”?
Why did the President state that 2019 is a very special year in his speech?
Can you identify three major ecological problems currently facing the world?
You’ve been in Delhi for a while. What can be done to make the air in Delhi cleaner?
If you could change two things that happened in India’s past, what would they be, and why?
What do you hope India will be like in the future?
India used to be known for snake charmers and poverty. Do you think that has changed? Explain why or why not.
Have you heard about the Human Development Index? What is it, and are Sri Lanka and Bangladesh doing better than India? Why?
Do you know about India’s fight for freedom? What were the Round Table Conferences, and what did Gandhi do?
Some people say Gandhi didn’t save Bhagat Singh. Is that true?
There’s a caste system in India that’s also present in Islam. Can you explain why it exists in Islam and who belongs to these castes?
Even though we’re in modern times, the situation for women hasn’t improved much. What’s it like for women in your region?
Tell me about the Madrassa system in our country. What has it done, and why is it important?
You studied electronics. Can we create an app to stop corruption in your district?
There’s a divide between genders and rural-urban areas. How can we use IT and cyber technology to reduce this divide in your state?
What are cyber threats, and do you think we should avoid technology to stay safe?
Do SP (Superintendent of Police) and DC (District Collector) really work for the people?
How will you handle things you can’t control, like prices of goods and unfair pricing?
What’s different between the work of a civil servant in British India and now? Why did civil servants want to work in administration back then?
Do you look up to anyone in civil services?
What do you think about having elections in schools and colleges? How would it work, and what problems might come up?
Can you share three problems you faced as a student leader in college and how you solved them?
Why do we need to promote regional languages when having one language could unify the country?
What is identity? Can you name five identities, and how do we deal with conflicts related to identity today?
The importance of post offices seems to be going down. Should we close them, like Air India?
Why invest in high-end technologies when there are so many problems faced by poor people? Give three reasons supporting and three opposing this idea.
Have you heard of the Bhopal Gas tragedy? What happened, and was there a law enacted afterward to address industrial disasters and effluents?
Explain PM Modi’s quote, “Democracy inherent in Indians.”
Is J.M. Keynes’ concept of full employment applicable to India?
What does “History is always contemporary history” mean?
You mentioned instilling values in children at a young age. Do you think it prepares them for a competitive real world, or is it too idealistic?
What is your stance on euthanasia, and what is its legal status? Do you worry that legalizing passive euthanasia could be misused?
Initially, there were only a few IITs. Now, there are many. Does this expansion dilute the brand?
Why do statues get vandalized? What does this act represent, and is it done by the masses? What should the government do about it?
How would you balance the Right to Information (RTI) with the Right to Privacy?
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
If there’s a war between India and Pakistan, who do you think Iran will support? Explain your reasoning.
Can you suggest one solution that could address many of India’s problems?
How do you handle privacy and data protection concerns with Aadhar?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of prohibition?
India is dealing with water scarcity. What should the country do at the national level to tackle this issue?
Chemical industries can harm the environment due to their products and waste. What is your opinion on this matter?
What do you think about the four judges who went public about organizational problems? Would you go public to address issues, and how could it help find solutions?
If you had to compare Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, what parameter would you choose?
Why should India remain in the Commonwealth? Is it just a colonial legacy?
Why don’t doctors prescribe generic medicine to patients, and what suggestions do you have to address this?
India often follows Western research and innovation. Where do we lack in this area?
Medical students are skipping lectures and practicals, affecting the quality of education. How would you solve this issue?
There’s confusion about good and bad cholesterol and dietary advice for diabetes. What’s your opinion on this?
What does the country need more: doctors or doctors as administrators?
If given the chance, what’s one thing you would like to change?
What is your view on the rewriting of history?
Was the Indian army’s response to stone pelting in J&K justified? What changes would you make?
Has India learned lessons from history?
What movie have you recently watched, and what did you learn from it?
Some argue that English is taking over. What is your view on this?
There’s been a recent incident of history being misunderstood. Can you explain it further?
Is having different interpretations of history a problem?
How do government books present historical events?
History is often classified into periods like the Golden Age and the Dark Age. What are your thoughts on this?
How can heritage be effectively preserved?
When was the introduction of the 6-digit PIN in postal services?
What are the healthcare shortcomings in your village, and how would you improve the quality of healthcare there?
Explain the difference between junk food and fast food. Why is the fast food culture growing, and what health risks are associated with it? What measures can regulators take to control it?
Why is food adulteration still a significant issue in India, and what can be done to overcome it?
There’s a death sentence for rape. Do you support it, and what additional measures could be taken?
What is your opinion on ethical hacking? Is it a positive or negative practice?
Are health practitioners following recent MCI guidelines on writing prescriptions in generic form? How can we ensure compliance?
If guidelines are followed, how might pharmacists misuse prescriptions during drug dispensing? How can we prevent this practice?
Why don’t doctors, especially in private practice, work in rural areas? How can this issue be addressed?
Why do foreign tourists hesitate to visit India? What challenges do they face?
What lessons from King Shivaji’s rule can be applied to today’s administration and strategic relations with neighboring countries?
Define fake news and suggest ways to regulate it. Is press media more credible than electronic media? What policies can protect the public from the harmful effects of fake news?
Explain the difference between vegetarian and vegan. Should we consume milk, and if we do, what considerations should be made for the well-being of the calf? Is it ethical?
How can we take care of our historical monuments?
Why did the movie “3 Idiots” become so popular in China and Korea?
What lessons have you learned from managing crowds, and how would you use that knowledge in administration?
Are you happy with the current form of nationalism, or do you think it’s too extreme?
In your opinion, who is to blame for the poor performance of engineering graduates in India: institutions or students?
How can society prevent incidents of rape?
Share information about the Indian economy and how it has performed in the last four years.
Many doctors trained in India move abroad. What are the reasons behind this, and do you think there should be policies to prevent brain drain?
What is your opinion on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in India? Can you name some projects that run under PPP?
Do you support women’s reservations? Is it a violation of Article 14, and how does it contribute to women’s empowerment?
Explain the concept of sex ratio. What are the reasons for a low sex ratio, and is there any connection between high literacy, income, and sex ratio?
Why is there a reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)? Is it justified, and does it affect services?
How does women’s reservation contribute to women’s empowerment, and why does it continue? Should there be reservations in the armed forces?
Should ragging be banned? What are the supposed advantages of ragging?
Should state institutions celebrate religious festivals in a secular country?
Why do farmers often seek government help like loan waivers or subsidies? Is it fair when other businesspeople may want similar assistance?
If you’re posted to a place like Goa with no apparent problems, what would you do there?
Would you prefer to be known as an authoritative officer whom employees fear, or someone who is very polite? What if your boss is corrupt—would you ask for his actions in writing?
If your boss continues with corrupt practices despite your request, would you report it in writing?
Have you ever been to a Panchayat office? How does the Panchayat election process work?
Is it right when ten people stand by while two are harassing a girl?
Last year, there was a video of an army jawan facing troubles, eventually leading to his suicide. What ethical issues do you see in this situation?
Is a sting operation justified? Provide three examples where you think a sting operation is justified.
Why do some teachers, who are paid, not go to school and teach? What is the psychology behind their lack of work?
Define Satyagraha. Can current protests be considered Satyagraha, and how can you determine the intentions behind a protest?
What are your views on standing for the national anthem in theaters? Should it be compulsory, and why? Would you stand, and why?
If standing for the national anthem is a fundamental duty, why do not all citizens follow it?
Did you know that in the Olympic Games, all people stand when the national anthem of the winning nation is played? Why don’t we do the same?
If I am standing for the anthem and my neighbor is not, why should I care?
Why should the majority respect the views of the few who choose not to stand?
In Mumbai, the army was called to build an overpass. Do you think it was the right decision? How can the morale of the forces be lifted in such cases?
I believe women should not be allowed in police services. What are your thoughts on this?
While discipline is good, creativity is also important. Do you think discipline constrains creativity, and should there be a balance between the two?
How can we encourage the use of technology in education? Why aren’t our students coming up with new ideas?
Are the laws in our country sufficient to empower women in India? What changes should be made to the laws? Should we improve existing laws or create new ones? What else can be done besides legal changes?
What practical steps can be taken to change people’s attitudes and improve the status of women, especially within households?
In a village, children are more interested in taking care of their cattle or playing than going to school. How would you convince them to attend school?
Why are manhole covers round in shape?
Name three things India needs to do immediately within one year, short-term interventions.
Artificial Intelligence in India is causing issues with data mining and security. How can we address these concerns?
We often say it’s the government of the people or the people’s government. What is your opinion on this?
Is it a good idea to give educational institutions autonomy?
Why do people want to spend more on kindergarten but not on higher education?
There is a significant gap and mistrust between the police and citizens. How can we bridge this gap?
Why do we need to be cautious when talking to a police officer?
Do you acknowledge the hard work and respect the job of a police officer?
“Blow Horn” is often written behind trucks, contributing to noise pollution. Is this a cultural problem, and what changes would you make if given the chance?
Human beings have the power to make choices, but social media seems to limit our options. What are your thoughts on this?
Share your opinion on dowry. How would you convince your parents not to accept dowry? How would you convince your in-laws?
What are three qualities that a leader should never compromise on?
If you earn 70k, with 20k being taxed and 15k each for two children, you have limited money. Faced with two choices—malpractice or dowry—what would you choose?
Why is street play important in a democracy, and in your experience, do people get influenced by watching it?
Explain cost-benefit analysis. Is the government conducting such analysis when establishing more IITs?
Engineers often venture into fields other than engineering, like pursuing an MBA. Are the government’s resources wasted by creating new IITs? Would it be better to establish different types of universities?
Why shift from diesel to electric vehicles when electricity generation, often from coal, is also polluting? What is the per KWhr costs of thermal, solar, and wind-based power?
Is there a reason for having more than one time zone in India? Why do we not have multiple time zones, unlike many other large countries?
Could having more than one time zone be a national identity issue? Other large countries manage multiple time zones without problems.
Do you believe poverty is at the root of all problems? Suggest steps to reduce poverty.
What is India’s Human Development Index status, and how does it compare to our South Asian neighbors?
With digitization leading to more fraud, should we stop it? Is there as much focus on digital literacy as on digitizing the economy?
Share your views on dowry and live-in relationships.
After the Nirbhaya verdict, there was an amendment to the Juvenile Justice Act. If juveniles are placed in mainstream jails with adult criminals, won’t they become more hardened, reducing the scope for reformative justice? Was it a progressive move?
39 Indians were killed in Iraq. Do you think the government handled the situation well?
In your opinion, which might become India’s next new state after Telangana? Discuss the merits and demerits.
The insurance sector faces many unethical practices. What are they, and why do they occur? Is the regulator unaware or inactive?
The recent NHPS health insurance scheme seems to benefit the private sector more than the citizens. What can we do to prevent such unfair practices?
Today, pink pajamas are flying over the Red Fort. What does this symbolize?
Are joint families beneficial for women’s empowerment? What’s your opinion?
What role do women play in nation development? What qualities do women have that men may lack, in making a difference in decision-making? Besides leadership, what else is needed for a strong foreign policy?
One state’s CM says not to sow seeds next season, while another says there is enough food. How do you handle these conflicting statements, and what suggestions do you have?
Do you actively fight against patriarchy and ensure real women’s participation in politics?
Don’t you think bureaucracy needs innovation? What kind of innovation is necessary?
Are you familiar with Guru Nanak Ji? Do you understand the meaning of the quote “Nanak Dukhiya sab sansar”?
What are your views on the Human shield incident in Jammu and Kashmir? Do you support it, considering the army’s perspective?

(a) Should the army be removed from Jammu and Kashmir?

(b) From which areas do you think the army should be removed?

(d) How would you handle stone pelters?

(e) How many of them are currently in jail?

(f) Are there any planned releases soon?

(g) What about people living in camps in Jammu and Kashmir since independence? Why don’t they have domicile status?

How are girls and boys discriminated against in a home?

What’s your opinion on making military service compulsory for people joining civil services?

What do you think of Anna Hazare? Is there something he needs to change?
Why are government servants reluctant to go to remote areas? Is it a lack of discipline, and how can their attitude be changed?
What is empathy, and how can it be increased?
What do you understand by the saying “ethics is caught, not taught”?
Can you name a few ethical companies in India?
What are two future technologies that will improve the lives of poor people?
Some say the government is neglecting HIV/AIDS and not providing enough funding. What is your opinion?
Why do you think extracurricular activities are important in a child’s education?
What is the difference between truth and justice?
What’s the distinction between joy and happiness, and which is more important to you?
Do you believe we were successful in organizing the Commonwealth Games? Has our sports culture improved since then?
Should events like the Commonwealth Games be used to promote urban infrastructure? What impact did it have on Delhi?
There are two common viewpoints: one says means should not be compromised for the ends, while the other believes ends should take precedence over means. Which view do you support?
Are you aware of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act? Do you know its provisions?
Is India treating its women and children properly? What is the main problem, and what should we do?
Why do you think we lack a scientific temper? Don’t you think teachers try to instill scientific temper among students?

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FAQs on UPSC Mock Interview – Opinion Based Questions

Q1. What is the purpose of conducting a mock interview with a focus on opinion-based questions?

A. The purpose is to assess a candidate’s ability to form and articulate opinions on a wide range of contemporary issues, mirroring the challenges they might face in the actual UPSC interview.

Q2. How does the mock interview format help in UPSC preparation?

A. The mock interview format provides a simulated environment, helping candidates become familiar with the interview setting and enabling them to practice expressing their opinions coherently.

Q3. What kind of questions can be expected in opinion-based mock interviews?

A. Questions may cover socio-economic issues, political scenarios, international relations, or any current affair that demands a candidate’s perspective and opinion.

Q4. How can I prepare for opinion-based questions?

A. Stay updated on current affairs, read diverse opinions on various subjects, and practice forming opinions on issues ranging from national policies to global events.

Q5. Are there right or wrong answers in opinion-based questions?

A. There are no strictly right or wrong answers. The evaluation is based on how well you present your opinion, the depth of your understanding, and the coherence of your arguments.

Q6. Is it essential to have an in-depth knowledge of every topic for opinion-based questions?

A. While a broad awareness is necessary, the focus is on your ability to form a well-reasoned opinion. You are not expected to be an expert on every subject but should be able to express informed perspectives.

Q7. How important is it to handle controversial topics during the mock interview?

A. Handling controversial topics showcases your ability to remain composed, articulate, and respectful in expressing your opinions. It is an opportunity to demonstrate maturity and diplomacy.

Q8. Can I change my opinion during the course of the interview?

A. Yes, the interview is dynamic, and you can modify your opinion based on the flow of the conversation. However, ensure that your reasoning for the change is logical and well-explained.

Q9. What role do ethics play in opinion-based questions?

A. Ethics are crucial. Your opinions should reflect a commitment to ethical values, social responsibility, and a balanced consideration of diverse perspectives.

Q10. How can I receive feedback on my performance in the opinion-based mock interview?

A. After the mock interview, you can seek detailed feedback on your performance, including strengths, areas of improvement, and suggestions for refining your opinion articulation skills.

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UPSC Mock Interview – Opinion Based Questions