Best Tips for UPSC Mock Interview
The IAS interview is the final but most important stage of the civil service examination. UPSC Mock interview is not just about a test of knowledge but your overall personality. The candidate’s knowledge already has been tested in the prelims and mains exam UPSC interview carries 275 marks out of the total 2025 marks. The process of an IAS interview lasts for about 30 minutes but the 30 minutes can literally change your life and fulfil your dream of becoming a Civil servant. Marks obtained in the interview round are calculated to prepare the final merit list along with the main examination marks. These Important Tips for UPSC Mock Interview Can help you out with UPSC Personality Test.
A good score in the interview round can increase your rank and chances of getting a better service.
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Try to understand the nature of the interview
The main objective of conducting an interview is to test whether an aspirant is suitable for civil services or not. Interviewers determine a candidate’s potential and administrative skills. They will try to assess a candidate’s personality and suitability in civil services rather than observing the candidate’s knowledge. So have a positive mindset during the IAS interview. Never think that interviewers are meant for eliminating you or to demean you.
Why IAS interview is difficult
There is the no different syllabus for UPSC interviews unlike prelims and mains exams. This is the reason candidates feel uneasy about preparing for the UPSC interview. The interview panel consists of members from diverse academic backgrounds. They ask questions from their domain and that becomes a challenge for you.
Importance of DAF
Candidates have to fill up a detailed application form (DAF) which is shared with the interview board members. It is like your biodata that contains all your personal and professional information such as birthplace, subject in graduation, professional experience, interest, hobbies, optional subject details, about college etc. Therefore, candidates are suggested to take extra care while filling their DAF. They should know each and every element of their DAF thoroughly as most of the questions will be based on that.
Candidates should possess a detailed knowledge of each and every word mentioned in the DAF for example the meaning of your name or surname.
You should be well aware of the personalities related to sports or hobbies that you have mentioned in your DAF.
There is no need to do a Master in your hobbies but your interest must reflect in your hobbies. Your hobbies should reflect the traits of your personality. For example, doing meditation reflects your spirituality.
UPSC Interview preparation strategy
There is no point in waiting for the results of the Mains examination to start your preparation for the interview. Candidates should start working on their personalities as soon as possible. They should assess their strengths and weaknesses and should work upon them to improve. Self-assessment is very important to prepare for the IAS interview.
Candidates should prepare for the UPSC interview round comprehensively. They should have proper knowledge about the optional subject chosen for mains, place of residence, educational background, the reason to become a Civil servant and the content written in the DAF.
Moreover, current affairs should be prepared thoroughly as most likely the questions are asked from current affairs.
Do’s and don’ts of interview
The first and foremost thing that candidates should possess is ideal etiquette.
Don’t pretend that you are not in the interview. Be yourself and present what you actually are. They may ask some tricky questions but it is good to reply respectfully and politely if you are not aware of the answer. Take some time to answer any question to form your opinions.
If you don’t know the answer to any question then tell the board clearly or you can ask for permission to guess that answer. These efforts will reflect the honesty in your personality.
Don’t lie and say confidently whatever you say. Don’t try to bluff the interviewer
It is better to remain calm throughout the interview as the interviewer will check your ability to deal with stressful situations. They are more interested in your approach to the question rather than the answer so try to maintain your smile. It will reflect your positive attitude and confidence.
The IAS Mock interview is a test of your personality so try to be yourself and express your general opinions. Make sure to carry all your relevant documents and dress in formal attire to look presentable. Take mock interviews as much as possible to identify your strengths and weaknesses. The feedback given during the best UPSC mock interview helps to improve weak areas.
Click on this link to enroll in Youth Destination – Free UPSC mock interviews
How to give an introduction in a UPSC interview
UPSC interview plays an important role in screening the deserving aspirant for the UPSC civil services. The interview is the final but most important round of the selection procedure. Candidates should answer with confidence for the UPSC personal interview round and you can gain this confidence by possessing the right information required for the exam. The IAS exam is considered one of the toughest exams conducted across India. Civil services involve some huge responsibilities and duties for the country. So candidates must possess the knowledge of the UPSC in order to be spontaneous at the UPSC interview. You should regularly follow current affairs. Moreover, UPSC mock interviews are really helpful for predicted questions and to score well.
Civil service examination
IAS exam contains three stages in its selection process: Preliminary examination, mains and personality test or interview round. Candidates will enter into the mains after qualifying for the prelims exam and those candidates who successfully crack mains will be eligible to appear for the UPSC personal interview which is the final round.
Types of questions
IAS Mock interview is a personality test where the interviewers will judge the capability of the shortlisted candidates for the post of IAS, IPS and IFS. You must be aware of the type of questions that are generally asked in the interview so that you can impress the exam conducted panel. Interview questions cover a diverse range from basics to analysis-based.
Personal questions
Basic questions are asked in personal questions. They will analyse your strengths and weaknesses along with your career goals, hobbies and achievements through this round. It is suggested to listen to each question very sincerely and answer it with utmost confidence and sincerity.
Some common questions that have been asked in the UPSC interview are the candidate’s name, the meaning of his name, birthplace, weakness and strengths, hobbies etc.
Profile-based questions
In this round, the panel will ask questions based on the candidate’s profile including career objectives, goals and educational background so that they can analyse your background clearly and completely. Candidates are expected to justify their work experience or educational background in this round. So keep in mind to answer the questions logically.
This section includes questions such as why you choose civil services. about your graduation subject, reason to choose your subject at your graduation, why did you leave your previous profession etc?
Current affairs based questions
Having knowledge of what is happening around will give an additional advantage to the candidate in the interview round. The interviewer will ask questions based on current affairs to know your activeness and alertness for gathering information around you. These questions will be based especially on politics, treaties, new laws, awards, sports, social movements, recognition etc.
Knowledge-based questions
Knowledge-based questions are the crucial part of the best UPSC mock interview to judge your awareness in the field. Being an aspirant of UPSC civil services, candidates must be well aware of the central government policies and job profile.
Some common questions for this section are:
What do you know about IAS? Civil services duties and responsibilities, when the Indian constitution was adopted? Role of Central and state government in the recruitment of bureaucrats.
Some useful interview tips
- Candidates are suggested to dress formally with appropriate grooming and be cheerful. Try to make eye contact with each and every panel member and make sure to be punctual to the interview session.
- Stay calm, focused, confident, motivated, alert throughout the interview. Listen to the questions carefully and try to answer them logically. Some common questions are asked to justify your experience with a positive attitude.
- Tell them honestly about your goals and aims in life with conviction.
- Don’t try to be very frank or sweet with the interview board but be very specific and truthful with your answers.
- Candidates should give their introduction in 4 to 5 minutes covering all the important points.
Conclusion
You have definitely heard the right advice from toppers that mock interviews are of immense help. But then also candidates postponed it. So start taking free UPSC mock interviews by Youth Destination to prepare for the real IAS interview because the competition in the IAS exam is getting tougher and tougher day by day. Many candidates reach the interview round but they are not able to crack this round. You need the right attitude and thinking process to make your dream journey easier. So try to make the right decision at the right moment to join the mock interview session.
