Best IAS Interview Preparation Tips For Cracking The UPSC

The IAS Interview Preparation is the last step to be completed for the IAS examinations. However, it is desirable to be informed of the process and tips to face it favourably – right from the start of the training itself. Normally, a newcomer is not informed of the accurate importance of the discussion session. However, with Pure Reviews, this process will definitely become a cakewalk for you.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) IAS interview preparation puts the applicant under close examination of the team. Hence, it is rightly named the IAS personality interview. Therefore, a few suggestions are needed to know the whole point of the process. Furthermore, we will discuss the important aspects to be taken into consideration while appearing for the final IAS Personality Interview phase. Even before appearing in the mock Personality interviews of your coaching institute, you need to be well aware of its complex nature.

Please see below to find several relevant IAS interview preparation suggestions to gain success. These will help you prepare for the IAS Personality Test or IAS Exam Interview (alternatively called as the UPSC Personality Test). Moreover, you will discover yourself to be suitably informed of the IAS Interview Topics, apart from additional information.

The UPSC -IAS Interview or the Personality Test – Basics

Before appearing for this final round, it is first necessary to take IAS interview preparation.

Union Public Service Commission conducts the Personal Interview round for the Civil Services in New Delhi at the UPSC office.

The subject to be regarded as that the time limit for the Personal Interview is not fixed. Still, if a person is questioned for a more long-drawn than normal time, the possibility to get a higher score is improved.

An applicant’s marks in the process are combined with his/her actual marks of the IAS Mains examinations. Hence, the total sum got from the process determines the successful applicant’s position in the final Merit Roll when the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the result of the test. Therefore, the score in the final round can be seen at this point. Moreover, this is possible only when the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) decision or result is published but not directly following the Personality Interview. Hence, IAS INTERVIEW GUIDANCE is a must.

The UPSC -IAS Interview or the Personality Test – Governing Boards

The boards established by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lead the Interview sessions. A panel os these boards are issued. However, this is done when the Interview dates are published. The applicants are required to examine the committee members.

The contest is more difficult than what you might observe in the start. The number of successful applicants that are invited for the Discussion round is twice the actual number of IAS job openings.

The UPSC -IAS Interview or the Personality Test – Marks and qualifying criteria

The highest score for the Interview round is 275 marks only. Moreover, it should be noted that a lion’s share of the prosperous applicants normally scores approximately 55 percent in the final round of the IAS examinations. Subsequently, the value of the final round must not be underrated.

A score of around 50 in the Personality interview is not sufficient. Also, you need to have IAS interview preparation. Thus, if you want to make it to the Final List of successful candidates, you need to have the best guidance.

In order to get make it to Class I list of the CSE examinations, the total should ideally be around 58 percent. It is noted that applicants with a sum of 60 percent normally join the organisation of their preference. It clearly indicates that in line to enter into the elite list of IAS officers plus all of the Group A list. Moreover, the applicants’ marks in the final should be 200 or higher. So, it’s well noted that a great score in the final discussion presents a final role in the applicant’s preference and enabling him to secure the organisation of his decision.

Besides, it is important to understand that the questions in the interview process can vary from one person to another. Likewise, a large part of the process is dependent on the DAF of the candidate. This is different for each candidate. Hence, each candidate gets individual attention from the board. Therefore, it is important to have a good IAS interview preparation.

Important documents that need to be submitted to the interview board

The candidates are required to present important documents at the time of the interview process. This is of prime importance for the final selection process of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) job profiles:

SC or ST category certificate and proforma
OBC category certificate and proforma
Physically handicapped category certificate and proforma
Undertakings
Attestation forms
Questionnaire
TA proforma
Proforma of hailing from particular exempted Category certificate

The TA form, questionnaires and attestation forms are available on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

All other certificates are to be presented in required format as available on the website – www.upsc.gov.in

Other important proforma –

Apart from the above, the following certificates are important for the interview process. Your coaching institute will guide you through the special IAS interview preparation process.

Hence, all candidates must carry the detailed information about themselves through the following –

Filled questionnaire – This questionnaire has 7 pages. This is used by UPSC to research the information given by the candidate. Also, it is important to analyze the background of the candidate. Hence, the same should be filled carefully. This further carries detailed information like –

Background of the candidate
Present employment status
Number of competitive exams attempted
Previous civil services examinations attempted
Educational background
Background of parents and guardians
Major reason for interest in services
Coaching classes undertaken
Optional subjects opted for
Source of information about the examination

Attestation form – This attestation form has details like –

Education
Nationality
Residential address

This needs to be countersigned by a gazetted officer. Also, it must be submitted at the time of personal interview.

Kinds of questions to expect –

This is one of the most sought after questions before the IAS interview preparation process.

The candidates will have a list of questions handed out that they need to fill and submit while appearing for the final selection round. This must be done with utmost care. Start from answering the questions that you are quite confident about.

For instance – Name a personality who shares same name as you

Or ,

Why do you want to be a civil servant?

Further, you have to give the order of your choice of services along with additional questions.

Likewise, if you are from IGNOU, IIT, IIM, etc. you can easily expect related questions. Alternatively, MBBS degree and its relevance to your future role can also be discussed.

Important qualities that are assessed during the UPSC IAS interviews –

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) assessment is on the basis of your overall experience and personality. Thus, you are judged on the basis of the overall personality to get an idea about your outcomes as an administrator. Thus, the candidate must be aware of all the issues associated with the field of study. Likewise, an analytical brain is always welcome. Hence, you need to be aware of the facts and figures to get upper hand on the process.

Furthermore, as per the Kothari Commission and its recommendations,the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lists few important qualities of an IAS officer. These include –

Clarity of expressions
Reasoning abilities
Grasp of argument and narrative
Idea of different points of view
Awareness for socio and economic problems
List of personal attributes required for interaction with different people

How to do the best IAS interview preparation ?

The IAS examination needs you to have good scores in the final stages of the selection process. An individual keeps on growing both intellectually as well as personally. However, for the best IAS interview preparation, the process requires you to understand the same in three major phases.

Stage 1 – Acquiring relevant knowledge

Stage 2 – Ability to communicate well with others

Stage 3 – Having a well groomed and pleasing personality

These tips can help you to get across the three stages as stated above. Similarly, these are an ideal way to prepare for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) personal interview sessions:

Revision of the final syllabus – While preparing for the purpose, it is important to revise the notes prepared for the mains examination.
Hone up your communication skills – The skills are highly important to get your message across. Your conversation should be polite and confident. This helps to draw in the members to your view and gain their interest in a positive manner. Thus, you appear both polite and respectful to the board.
Well maintained personality – A good personality is an important part of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) coaching. Board will try to find if you are a good match for the requirements of the job. Hence, you should be a good administration expert.
Analytical skills – The candidate should have an analytical bent of mind. As a result, you need to have positive traits that bring good results in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Indian Administrative Services Examinations.

Facing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Interview panel

An ideal interview panel has around 5 members. Hence, for the best IAS interview preparation, opt for a similar number of experts in the mock interview sessions.

In the actual interview, there are five members of board. These include the chairman seated at the center.

The entry to the room

When you enter inside, knock the door politely and greet all members in a polite manner. Likewise, you should appear confident before the panel. Do not take a seat unless asked to do so.

Moreover, your body language should be welcoming and positive. Maintain a positive impact and eye contact on the panel members. Your appearance should be smart and attentive. Be sure to be confident in your response and eye contact. Avoid glaring at the people.

Maintain body language

Avoid placing your hands at the table. Likewise, avoid unwanted bending and shaking. These do not sit well with the panel. The key is to appear attentive, confident and relaxed. Similarly, maintain a positive expression. Do not answer impulsively or interrupt the interviewer. Answer in a precise manner.

Disagree with confidence –

It is vital to remember that the panel is there to understand you. They would not mind if you present your views in a polite and confident manner. However, do not sound too assertive or rude. Use a balanced and analytical approach. This is what is expected from an IAS officer.

Avoid wild guesses –

Avoid making wild guesses. This will not work well in your favor. However, if your answer is not relevant or prepared, apologize for the same. It is not good to make self-assessment of the performance. It is best to be calm and confident during the process.

Assert positively

If you have slightly different opinion, do not hesitate to disagree. However, be polite and confident. Avoid bragging and boasting. Convey the message in easy to understand sentence and word selection. Do not chatter.

Making the perfect exit –

Like the entry, it is important to understand the best IAS interview preparation techniques. It is important to opt for a similar strategy as entry to exit.

Remember, you are judged at every step. If you have not got good entry, it is important to make the best exit.

Leave the place as and when asked by the senior officials. Even if some one is not asking a question, it doesn’t mean that they are not judging you.

During exit, make a confident exit by saying thank you. Also, shake hands with the final team members.

Personal traits required for interview –

Positive eye contact
Good attire
Well groomed formal dress
Maintaining attention to the point
Carrying yourself confidently
Avoid fiddling fingers and cross gestures
Avoid negative thoughts
Talk politely
Avoid bending sideways
Lots of positive and welcoming energy
Attention to detail
Avoid chattering
No long introduction
Be logical
Save your opinion positively
Wear the right garments

The venue for the examination –

The interview is held at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) office premises. This is located at Dholpur House, Delhi.

Each board has its own chairman. Likewise, there are numerous boards. However, the details of the same are available at the address given below –

Union Public Service Commission –

Service Commission

Dholpur House,

Shahjahan road,

New Delhi – 110 – 069

If the candidate has any questions, queries, they can easily reach to us. Likewise,the UPSC examination counseling can bring the best results in the process. Furthermore, information about the guidance, etc. Is available on the website of UPSC.