UPSC Interview Myths

1. The UPSC interview is a test of knowledge.

Explanation: Many aspirants believe the interview (Personality Test) is another knowledge-based exam.

Counterpoint: The interview evaluates your personality, analytical ability, decision-making, and communication skills, not factual knowledge.

Example: If asked about GDP growth and you don’t know the exact figure, logically explaining trends is better than guessing.

2. Interview marks depend on how many questions you answer correctly.

Explanation: Some aspirants assume they must answer every question correctly to score well.

Counterpoint: The board evaluates confidence, reasoning, and composure more than factual accuracy.

Example: If unsure about an answer, saying "I am not aware, but I will read about it" is better than making up an answer.

3. Fluency in English is mandatory to score high.

Explanation: Many believe that speaking fluent English is necessary for high marks.

Counterpoint: You can give the interview in any of the UPSC-approved languages without affecting marks.

Example: Many toppers like Govind Jaiswal (AIR 48, 2006) and Anurag Pathak (AIR 61, 2018) cleared UPSC with Hindi-medium interviews.

4. Candidates from rural backgrounds score lower.

Explanation: Some believe candidates from small towns or rural areas are disadvantaged in the interview.

Counterpoint: UPSC values diverse backgrounds and assesses clarity of thought, not urban exposure.

Example: Govind Jaiswal, a rickshaw puller’s son from Varanasi, excelled in the interview despite his modest background.

5. Interviewers try to stress or trap candidates.

Explanation: Many aspirants fear that the panel deliberately asks tricky questions to fail them.

Counterpoint: The board tests how you handle pressure, not how they can trap you.

Example: If asked a provocative question like "Should India adopt dictatorship?", answering diplomatically with balanced arguments works best.

6. If the board is not smiling, you are doing badly.

Explanation: Some believe that a serious board means a bad performance.

Counterpoint: Interviewers remain professional and neutral; facial expressions do not indicate marks.

Example: Some candidates get high scores despite a serious panel, while others with friendly panels may score lower.

7. Coaching centers can predict actual interview questions.

Explanation: Many aspirants believe they can memorize expected questions and answers.

Counterpoint: The UPSC interview is highly dynamic, and questions vary based on your DAF (Detailed Application Form).

Example: If your DAF mentions "chess as a hobby," you might be asked about Indian chess players or strategy, not random current affairs.

8. An IIT/IIM background guarantees a high score.

Explanation: Many assume that being from a prestigious institution ensures higher marks.

Counterpoint: UPSC evaluates how well you think and express yourself, not your degree.

Example: Some IIT graduates score less than 140 marks, while rural college students score above 200.

9. Wearing a suit/blazer increases your marks.

Explanation: Some believe that dressing very formally impresses the board.

Counterpoint: Dressing neatly and appropriately is sufficient. Confidence matters more than attire.

Example: Many successful candidates wear simple formals (light-colored shirt, dark trousers for men; saree/salwar-kameez for women).

10. Women must wear a saree for better scores.

Explanation: Some believe female candidates must wear sarees to create a positive impression.

Counterpoint: A saree or a formal salwar suit is equally fine. UPSC does not judge based on attire.

Example: Many female toppers like Tina Dabi (AIR 1, 2015) wore formal suits and scored high.

11. You should keep talking to show confidence.

Explanation: Some believe that answering in detail for every question is a sign of intelligence.

Counterpoint: Being concise, to the point, and articulate is more important than talking excessively.

Example: If asked, "What is Article 370?", a crisp and structured answer is better than an unnecessary 2-minute explanation.

12. If you don’t answer technical questions, you will fail.

Explanation: Many assume that not knowing difficult or technical questions will cost them their selection.

Counterpoint: UPSC checks how you handle unknown questions, not whether you know everything.

Example: If asked about aerospace engineering and you are a Political Science graduate, saying "I am not aware, but I would love to learn" is acceptable.

13. Speaking in a loud and assertive tone shows confidence.

Explanation: Some believe that speaking in a dominant voice indicates leadership.

Counterpoint: A calm, composed, and clear tone is more impactful. Over-assertiveness can appear arrogant.

Example: Diplomacy and clarity matter more than volume in responses about controversial topics.

14. Giving an emotional story will impress the board.

Explanation: Some candidates try to emotionally appeal to the panel to gain sympathy.

Counterpoint: The board respects honest and logical answers, not dramatized responses.

Example: Sharing a genuine inspirational story is fine, but excessive emotional narratives may backfire.

15. Your interview duration decides your score.

Explanation: Many believe that a longer interview means better marks.

Counterpoint: Interview scores depend on quality of answers, not duration.

Example: Some candidates with 20-minute interviews score 200+, while others with 40-minute interviews score less.

16. If one board gives low marks, they always do.

Explanation: Some aspirants assume certain boards are always strict in marking.

Counterpoint: UPSC maintains fairness, and marks depend on individual performance rather than the board’s reputation.

Example: The same board may give one candidate 160 and another 205, based on performance.

17. The first impression in the interview is the most important.

Explanation: Some believe that the first few minutes decide the entire score.

Counterpoint: The whole interview is evaluated, and improvement in answers midway can still earn good marks.

Example: A nervous start but a confident recovery can still lead to high marks.

18. You must have an opinion on every issue.

Explanation: Many aspirants feel they must give an answer on every socio-political issue.

Counterpoint: Saying "I need more information before forming an opinion" is a valid response.

Example: On complex issues like "AI and ethics," admitting limited knowledge is better than guessing.

19. Giving diplomatic answers is always best.

Explanation: Some believe always taking a neutral stance impresses the panel.

Counterpoint: A balanced answer is good, but on policy issues, a well-reasoned stance is respected.

Example: Instead of "Privatization has pros and cons," saying "Privatization in key sectors like defense should be controlled" shows depth.