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UPSC Interview 2023 Tips and Trick, How to Prepare for UPSC Interview

UPSC Interview Tips 2023

The Union Public Service Commission has announced the official UPSC Mains result 2023 on 8th December 2023. The UPSC Mains result pdf 2023 was available on the official website, upsc.gov.in. Alongside the UPSC CSE results, the commission will specify the dates for filling out Detailed Application Form – 2 in the result notice. Candidates must complete the UPSC DAF-2 and upload it with the required documents. The UPSC Mains took place on September 15, 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2023, in two sessions. The UPSC Interview Dates for 2023 will be disclosed by UPSC on it official website.

  • Thoroughly prepare for UPSC IAS Interview by understanding the process and common questions.
  • Practice answering questions with friends and family to build confidence.
  • Choose business attire that reflects your style and makes you feel comfortable.
  • Be genuine in your responses; avoid pretending and put your unique stamp on answers.
  • For UPSC Economics:
    • Focus on recent trends emphasizing application-based questions.
    • Understand topics like national income accounting, monetary policy, fiscal policy, inflation, and market structures.
  • For Polity:
    • Note the emphasis on application-based questions covering the Indian Constitution, fundamental rights, parliamentary structure, etc.
  • Be aware of IAS question trends:
    • Emphasis on current affairs.
    • Evaluation of personality traits such as leadership, empathy, and integrity.
    • Scenario-based questions related to governance, public policy, and social issues.
    • Interdisciplinary approach, connecting ideas from different fields.
    • Stress on critical thinking skills.
  • For behavioral questions:
    • Prepare for scenarios like difficult decision-making, team leadership, dealing with difficult people, overcoming challenges, and communicating complex information.
    • Provide specific examples showcasing decision-making, leadership, interpersonal skills, resilience, and effective communication.
    • Practice to impress interviewers with your personality and critical thinking skills.

UPSC IAS Interview Tips & Strategy

The questions in the UPSC IAS Interview are designed to assess a candidate’s suitability to live in administration. To get good marks in the UPSC Personality Test, it is not necessary to answer all of the questions. Often, it is not so much about knowing the exact answer to a question as it is about how you come across as an individual when under pressure.

Here are some important UPSC Interview Tips that will help you to crack the UPSC CSE exam:

  • Keep following current events religiously.
  • Prepare a list of potential questions to ask based on your DAF.
  • Experiment with answering questions in front of a mirror.
  • Record yourself answering questions during the practice session if possible.
  • Refresh your memory on your graduation subject.

UPSC Interview Guidance Program 2023

StudyIQ has launched an innovative initiative, the Interview Guidance Program (IGP), aimed at supporting candidates in their preparation for the UPSC Personality Test Board. This specialized program is designed for individuals who have successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 Examination. Our objective is not only to assist you in crossing the finish line but also to secure a coveted place in the final merit list. Building on the success of our past IGP programs, the IGP is an integral component of our comprehensive P2I offering, which will be provided at no cost to candidates who qualify for Mains 2023. Elevate your performance in the UPSC interview with StudyIQ’s expert guidance!

Interview Guidance Program (IGP)

Interview Guidance Programme Benefits

Using realistic and face-to-face mock interviews, candidates can refine their communication skills and thought-expressive faces.

  • It will help to boost the candidate’s confidence in front of the members of the Our Expert panel.
  • Taking our mock interviews will improve the candidates’ ability to respond objectively and without hesitation.
  • The candidate can improve his or her sitting posture, appearance, demeanour, and so on. These nonverbal elements are critical for the UPSC CSE interview in 2022.
  • A mock interview can help you understand the types of questions that will be asked during the interview.

How to Crack the UPSC Exam Interview?

  1. Thoroughly Understand Your DAF:
    • Study your Detailed Application Form (DAF) thoroughly.
    • Highlight key experiences, achievements, and skills.
    • Be ready to discuss any aspect in detail during the interview.
  2. Self-Reflection and Lessons Learned:
    • Reflect on experiences from dorm life, college, work, or preparation.
    • Identify lessons learned and personal growth.
    • Showcase how these experiences make you a strong candidate.
  3. SWOT Analysis:
    • Conduct a SWOT analysis of your situation.
    • Highlight your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
    • Use this analysis to tailor your responses to interview questions.
  4. Seek Information About Your Birthplace:
    • If not born in your birthplace, gather information from grandparents, parents, or family members.
    • Utilize this information to showcase your roots and connection to your heritage.
  5. Network and Gather Insights:
    • Talk to friends, family, coworkers about their experiences.
    • Gather insights on the interview process and potential questions.
    • Use this information to refine your responses and approach.
  6. Overcoming Interview Anxiety:
    • Understand that even high-scoring students can feel nervous.
    • Diligently prepare and practice for mock interviews.
    • Maintain composure during the actual interview.
  7. Learn from Successful Candidates:
    • Seek advice from those who have successfully passed the interview.
    • Understand their strategies and experiences.
    • Implement relevant insights into your own preparation.
  8. Be Concise in Responses:
    • During the interview, be concise in your answers.
    • Clearly articulate your points without unnecessary details.
    • Focus on showcasing your suitability for the civil service role.
  9. Demonstrate Strategic Preparation:
    • Emphasize diligent and strategic preparation.
    • Highlight your understanding of the interview process and expectations.
    • Showcase how your preparation sets you apart from other candidates.
  10. Final Reminder – Confidence and Diligence:
    • Confidence is key – believe in your abilities.
    • Approach the interview as the final step in your journey.
    • Emphasize your commitment and diligence in becoming a valuable civil servant.

UPSC Interview Questions

On Introduction: Most of the questions are asked from your DAF so prepare that well in advance and attend mocks. Aspirants should prepare 30-40 second coherent responses to open-ended and straightforward questions about self-introduction in the IAS interview. These questions are simply establishing a baseline; the illustrious UPSC Board will use the information you provide to ask follow-up questions. Here are some questions that would be asked to you by the panel.

  • Tell us about yourself.
  • Please tell us about your home town.
  • Please tell us about your family.
  • What does your name (first name/surname) mean?

Regarding Your Educational Background: The primary educational requirement for the UPSC CSE exam is graduation. The UPSC IAS Interview questions may be related to your graduation subject or the most recent trends in the field. However, if you don’t know the answer to a specific question, bluffing your way out is not recommended. It is preferable to be humble and truthful.

  • Which subjects did you study in school/graduate school, and do you believe they are relevant to a career in administration?
  • Which subject was your favourite and which was your least favourite?
  • What kinds of projects did you work on in high school, college, or graduate school?
  • Do you consider yourself an average student? Why?

Current Affairs IAS Interview Questions

Reading newspapers and keeping up with daily news is also important for the UPSC IAS Interview. The IAS interview questions may refer to current events. Unless the question is fairly straightforward, try to avoid providing one-dimensional opinions/information.  Here are a few questions they might ask you:

  • What are today’s top stories?
  • In the last few months, there have been a few significant issues in the news about India/your state/your hometown.

IAS Interview Topics for Hobbies

The nature of the questions here varies depending on the hobbies you listed in your DAF. For those who listed sports as a hobby, the Panel asked questions about famous athletes or recent results. During the interview process, a few candidates were also asked to sing. Be well-versed about the hobby you mention in DAF, If you list cooking as your hobby, know the ingredients and spices used while preparing your favorite dish.

Highest UPSC Interview Marks

The total marks for the interview round are 275, and Zainab Sayeed received the highest marks in UPSC history in the personality test in 2014. She received a perfect score of 220 out of 275 and was ranked 107 in the UPSC.

In 2021 Ashutosh Kumar received 991 marks out of a total of 2025 marks, including 785 marks in the Civil Services (Main) written exam and 206 points in the Personality Test, earning him the highest mark in the UPSC CSE 2021 interview round. He stated that his interview went well and that DAF asked the majority of the questions.

 Few critical points to keep in mind during an IAS Interview:

  • Be calm and composed.
  • Try not to bluff your way out. The IAS interview is unlike any other interview you’ve ever had, so don’t try to bluff your way through it.
  • Be true to yourself.
  • Don’t be concerned with theoretical issues. It is more about how you respond to any question that is posed to you.
  • Do not argue with the panellists. Although this is a discussion, candidates must maintain decorum at all times.

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UPSC Interview Tips

How should I introduce myself during a UPSC interview?

The first couple of sentences of your introduction should include your full name, education, work experience, and special interests. Be aware of what the UPSC is looking for: Highlight the characteristics you know the UPSC is looking for. Don’t bluff.

Is the UPSC Interview difficult?

The UPSC interview is one of the most difficult rounds to pass. It necessitates the use of mental acuity. A candidate can only develop if he or she has the aptitude and skill to absorb knowledge.

Do people get turned down for IAS interviews?

After passing the first two stages of the UPSC - Prelims and Mains - the interview round is the most important. The final list is based on the results of all three rounds. The interview round is usually where candidates are rejected.

How can I be confident and self-assured in a UPSC interview?

Concentrate on your strengths and maintain an entirely positive, never-say-die attitude. Be humble and recognise that you may not have an answer to every question.

Does height matter in UPSC interviews?

Unlike the technical services, there is no minimum height, weight, or chest girth requirement for IAS candidates.

What hobbies should I mention in DAF?

Many candidates believe they can prepare well for the theoretical portion of their 'hobby' and answer any related questions in the interview. There are some Hobbies such as:

Book Reading
Writing
Cooking
Blogging
Photography
Painting and Drawing
Yoga and Meditation
Movies
Music etc.

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