UPSC Interview or the personality test is the last of the rounds that an aspirant must face before making it to the final destination. Out of the 2075 marks, the IAS interview carries a weightage of 275 marks, creating a massive difference while releasing the merit rank list. Therefore, “How to prepare for IAS interview” is one of the most frequently asked questions from the aspirants even before they clear the Preliminary examination.
Students who believe in scoring maximum marks in the mains examination and becoming complacent about the personality test might be because Mains Examination has a weightage of around 87% of the total marks. But aspirants should be aware of the fact that during the release of the merit list, even a single mark difference can create a huge difference in the rank list.
Those who clear the Mains Examination will receive a Detailed Application Form (DAF) which will become the reference point where you will be asked questions. Therefore, it is highly advisable to fill the form with proper intelligence to make things easier for yourself during the interview.
Types of question
When talking about the types of question that is being asked in the IAS interview, can be divided into 4 broad categories:
- Profile-based question: Any interview starts with the panelist analyzing and retrieving the information from the aspirants. Generally, this category involves basic questions based on your background and information about yourself, including name, birthplace, education pursued, etc.
- Personality and Behavioral-based questions: There’s a considerable difference between profile-based and personality-based questions. These questions will assess your attitude and behavior according to the answers you present. The candidates need to have a positive attitude and an active posture to represent themselves.
- Situational Based Questions: In situational-based questions, board members would gauge the candidates’ level of thinking and credibility while answering those questions. A real-life scenario will be put up where the candidates have to give a compelling answer to prove themselves credible enough to become a bureaucrat.
- General Awareness Questions: While pointing out certain tips for UPSC preparation in this article, frequently it has been advised to regularly read newspapers and editorials to ace the Prelims and Mains Examination and answer specific questions that would be put forth in the interview. It is expected from a future bureaucrat to be aware of current affairs and have personalized views on them.
Tips for IAS Interview Preparation
Below there are some valuable tips that should be kept in mind during the IAS interview phase:
- Stable and Calm mind: While an interview panelist will expect the candidates to give an effective reply quickly, they require a calm mind to process their thoughts and provide an appropriate answer. A cluttered mind would lead you to slower thinking levels.
- DAF preparation: Most of the answers will revolve around your DAF, so it’s advisable to add credibility to your given answers in the interview. Thoroughly read and gain clarity over the submitted written information.
- Credible and Authentic Answers: The panelist who will be taking the interviews will have immense experience and have interviewed thousands of candidates before. The more reasonable and authentic answers you give, the more positive chance you will create for yourself. Never try to weave false answers to gain superiority.
- Optimistic and Positive Answers: While assessing your qualities, panelists would judge the quality of words and thoughts you frame while answering the questions. How grim maybe the situation always tries to keep an optimistic view to impress the panelists.
- Read Trending and Contemporary Topics: It is important to prepare important topics to reference while framing your thoughts and adding data while giving answers. In addition, it’s important to showcase the wisdom and knowledge that you have acquired within years.
- Effective Dressing and Posture: The better you present yourself on the interview day will only attract points for your merit list. It’s essential to have a positive attitude and active posture.
