After qualifying for the preliminary and written part of the main examination, the dream of becoming an officer is right there in front of the eyes of the aspirant. The Personality Test is the third and final step in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Prepare the answers for the following questions as these will be helpful for the UPSC Interview Preparation: -
1. Reason for applying for UPSC CSE Examination?
2. Why do you want to be a civil servant?
3. If you are already employed somewhere, why do you want to switch the job to becoming a civil servant?
4. If having technical qualifications like- Engineering, Medical, LLB, etc. What are the reasons for switching over to more administrative and generalist roles?
5. How your technical or professional qualifications will be helpful in civil services? Always better to support your answer with some good practical examples.
6. Choice of services in UPSC CSE and reasons for preferences of services.
7. Prepare yourself thoroughly for every ingredient of your DAF.
• Describe yourself - Initially, the UPSC Interview Board starts interacting with a candidate by asking them to describe themselves briefly. Candidates should be able to express themselves concisely, covering all prominent elements. Be yourself in reply to such questions. You should be able to substantiate/justify with concrete examples if asked. Generally following terms may be used to describe your traits - Sincerity, Integrity, honesty, hardworking, commitment, responsiveness, leadership qualities, initiative, quick decision-making, etc. Whatever the attributes you specify, you should be able to justify each term with concrete examples from your life and experiences.
UPSC Civil Services Interview / Personality Test generally focuses on -
1. Assessment of intellectual abilities, social traits, and leadership qualities.
2. Knowledge about issues of national and global importance and range of interests.
3. Awareness and concern for socio-economic problems.
4. Alertness, clarity of thought and logical thinking, and Judgment capability.
5. Attitude and confidence level.
6. Intellectual and moral integrity.
• Name - Some questions are asked relating to the candidates’ names. Name/surname — if linked to or resembles any famous personality, the meaning of the name, etc. Candidates might be asked questions about the meaning of their name and surname, and if any candidate has a long surname, then the reason for carrying a long surname.
• Date of Birth - It is also recommended that candidates give importance to their birth year or date of birth and see whether any important events fall on the same year or date of birth.
Native City / City of Education / City of work etc. -
You must be aware of the following facts about your concerned place
1. History of your native place.
2. Places of historical and cultural importance.
3. Major events/ Demography/ Problems of your District/City /State / Region
1. Geography & History of the state/region.
2. Agriculture / Soil / Biodiversity / Forest.
3. Economic & Industrial Scenario.
4. Political & Culture importance etc.
5. Demography of your state.
6. Problems of your state/region.
7. Any speciality about the region.
Education Background
1. About your College and University.
2. Streams of Studies: Degrees - the reason for choosing a stream or subject.
3. Subjects Studies: Adequate Knowledge would be expected. Refresh the important topics, issues, and concepts. Also, prepare for any matter on these subjects which are in current news.
4. Application and utility of the study subject in the proposed job. Always better to support your answer with some good practical examples.
Work Experience, if any -
1. Nature of work, functions, roles, and responsibilities.
2. Knowledge about your Organization.
Extracurricular activities and Hobbies -
1. Care should be taken while filling up the details about hobbies, and avoid bluffing and incorrect statements.
2. What are your hobbies and interests? Reason for pursuing such a hobby.
3. Ensure that you have good knowledge about the chosen hobby.
4. Details of the prizes and certificates won etc., in any Extracurricular activities.
5. How could your hobby be helpful in the proposed job? But it is optional always that your chosen hobby is synergic with the proposed job profile.
General Studies & Current Affairs - UPSC Interview Questions
Prepare well the topics of recent national & international importance. Read at least one English and Hindi Newspaper regularly to know the latest knowledge and awareness about current affairs.
Situation Reaction Test (SRT)/Situational questions
The board will also ask situational questions in the interview round. They may give a situation or scenario and ask the candidate how they may deal with that situation.
General Tips for UPSC Interview -
1. An excellent personal appearance wearing a neat and clean, and well-ironed dress.
2. Be yourself in the Interview.
3. Questions not able to answer -
1. Better to say so politely; (I am not very sure about the answer to this
question).
2. Be honest, do not try to bluff or make wild guesses.
3. Do not panic or lose composure.
4. Keep poise and smile intact
4. Be careful in answering the questions; avoid specific terms you do not know, as they may lead to further questions and allow the interviewer to take you in a direction you are uncomfortable with.
5. It is often noticed that some students, despite doing well in written examinations, can only perform well in the interview because of inadequate communication skills and a lack of confidence. Hence while deciding on the medium of interview better to go with your strength like if you are fluent in English, go for it; otherwise, you may opt for Hindi. The communication medium does not matter; confidence and clarity are essential.
6. Make a self-analysis of strengths and weaknesses, and work on them.
7. Develop a positive attitude and avoid starting your answer with simply “No”. Even if the answer to the question is “NO”, give an explanatory answer and then say “NO”.
8. Talk softly and intelligently.
9. Greet Chairperson pleasant nod at other members on entering the room.
10. Appear attentively during the interview and let the question complete first, then only start your answer, and never intervene with the interviewer.
11. Make eye contact with the chairperson and panel member while answering a question and then generally look in the centre & not towards one member only.
12. May take a stand on an issue but be bold and willing to appreciate the board's opinion.
13. Politely thank the chairperson and nod at the other members while leaving.