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The UPSC Personality Test (Interview) is the final and one of the most crucial stages of the Civil Services Examination. The interview is not just a test of knowledge but a test of personality, presence of mind, and decision-making skills.
There is no fixed pattern for the questions. However, over the years, certain trends and types of questions have emerged. In this article, We will guide you through the common types of questions asked in a UPSC interview and how to answer them effectively.
Duration: 25-40 minutes
Panel: 5 members (1 Chairperson + 4 Members)
Total Marks: 275 (Final Rank Decider)
Focus Areas: Personality, Analytical Ability, General Awareness, and Decision-Making Skills
The board is not there to grill you, but to assess your suitability for a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other civil services.
(DAF - Detailed Application Form submitted before the interview)
The interview always starts with questions about you, based on the details mentioned in your DAF.
Examples:
Tell us about yourself.
What is the meaning of your name?
Why did you choose your optional subject?
Tell us something unique about your hometown.
You are from [your state]; tell us about its famous personalities, culture, and current issues.
Why do you want to join the civil services?
You are already in a well-paying private job. Why leave it for government service?
The board will ask questions related to your degree and academic background. If you have a gap year, be prepared to answer that.
Examples:
You studied engineering. Why do you want to become an IAS officer?
How will your degree help you in administration?
You have an MBA degree; how will you apply management principles in governance?
You studied Political Science—explain the doctrine of separation of powers.
Tip: If you are from a non-traditional UPSC background (like engineering, medicine, or commerce), expect questions about how your knowledge will help in administration.
UPSC expects you to be well-informed about national and international issues.
Examples:
What is your opinion on India’s economic growth post-COVID-19?
What are the key challenges in India’s federalism today?
Explain the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on India’s foreign policy.
What is India’s stand on climate change and global warming?
What do you think about the recent Supreme Court ruling on [any important case]?
What are the major challenges in India’s healthcare sector?
Tip: Read The Hindu, PIB, Yojana, and Kurukshetra regularly. Form your own opinion instead of memorizing facts.
These test your decision-making ability, integrity, and problem-solving skills.
Examples:
You are the District Collector, and a communal riot has broken out. What steps will you take?
As an SP (Superintendent of Police), how will you handle a protest turning violent?
A poor person comes to you for help, but bureaucratic procedures delay action. What will you do?
You are a foreign service officer in China. How will you strengthen Indo-China relations?
If your minister asks you to do something unethical, how will you handle it?
Tip: Answer these questions using a logical approach. Show that you can balance law, ethics, and public welfare in your decisions.
The board will ask about your views on controversial or debatable issues.
Examples:
Should India switch to a Presidential system instead of a Parliamentary system?
What are your views on privatization of government services?
Should the death penalty be abolished in India?
How can India reduce corruption in bureaucracy?
Should India legalize same-sex marriages?
What are your views on One Nation, One Election?
Tip: Maintain a balanced and diplomatic stance. Use factual reasoning to support your opinion but avoid extreme views.
Your moral and ethical values are assessed through real-life ethical dilemmas.
Examples:
What will you do if your senior officer asks you to manipulate government data?
You are a civil servant. A politician asks you to transfer an honest officer. What will you do?
If you find corruption in your department, how will you handle it?
What does "service before self" mean to you?
Why is ethical governance important in civil services?
Tip: Show integrity, honesty, and commitment to the Constitution while answering these questions.
If you mention a hobby or interest in your DAF, be prepared to answer questions on it.
Examples:
You mentioned that you like painting. Who is your favorite painter?
You play cricket. Who is the best captain in Indian cricket history and why?
You like reading books. Tell us about the last book you read.
You mentioned traveling as a hobby. Which is the best place you have visited and why?
Tip: Never fake a hobby. The board may ask in-depth questions on it.
These can be random, thought-provoking, or light-hearted questions to test your thinking.
Examples:
If you were the Prime Minister of India for a day, what would you do?
If you could change one thing in the Indian bureaucracy, what would it be?
If not IAS, what career would you choose?
Why should we select you and not the other candidates?
How will you handle work-life balance as a civil servant?
Tip: Be confident, relaxed, and genuine in your responses.
Be Honest – If you don’t know an answer, say, "I am not sure, but I will read about it."
Stay Calm – The board may challenge your views. Do not argue. Defend your points logically.
Use a Structured Approach – Follow Introduction → Explanation → Conclusion format in your answers.
Be Ethical and Neutral – Avoid political bias. Stick to constitutional values.
Improve Communication Skills – Practice speaking clearly and concisely.
Mock Interviews – Appear for multiple mock interviews to refine your responses.
Dress Formally – Wear professional attire to create a positive impression.
The UPSC Interview is not a test of knowledge but a test of personality, confidence, and decision-making skills. Answer questions logically, ethically, and calmly.
With the right preparation and mindset, you can excel in the UPSC Personality Test and secure a top rank. Best of luck!
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