IAS Interview And How to Clear it in 2022

General Overview

IAS interview is a 30 minutes exercise and carries 275 marks out of the total 2025. A high score in UPSC interview can create a massive difference. This interview is not a test of knowledge per se but your intrinsic personality. Being the last round, this would give one, an invincible lead in India’s most challenging competition – UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE).

IAS Interview Details

• Venue: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069
• Timing: It will be mentioned on the candidate’s call letter.
• Maximum Marks: 275
• Vacancies: 896 (as per UPSC 2019 notification)

11 Preparation Tips for IAS interview

1. Never stop preparing

   Don’t wait for the mains result (last minute) to start preparing for the IAS interview. The more the better. Start off early.

2. Check your routine

   While you are preparing, make sure to eat healthy as it highly necessary for you to stay fit to grasp more. Incorporate a balanced diet and avoid junk and oily food. Furthermore, apart from foods, developing a certain level of concentration is advantageous. Meditate daily before starting with your routine.

3. Be acquainted with you Bio-Data

   The greater part of the UPSC interview questions will be founded on bio-data of the aspirant. The Detailed Application Form (DAF) or bio-data form should be thoroughly read and prepared well for questions from areas like hobbies, education, work experience etc. It is extremely important to handle your personal questions with exactness.

4. Stay calm

   Questions in the IAS interview are formed from a broad range subjects. You are likely to not know all and that is FINE. Although, if such situation comes up, don’t lose your cool. Have a positive outlook by acknowledging your lack of knowledge on the particular topic.

5. Practice on your hobbies well

   All the time, this is the principal question UPSC interviewers care about to know the aspirant’s personality. Ensure you know yourself well. Try not to offer usual responses. Keep up with your hobbies till the last day. Understand, it is your hobby, which means it is something you’d do with utmost passion and willingness.

6. Have in-depth command on optional subject

   Board members are quite fond of this territory. Brush up recent happenings related to your optional subject. Also, have knowledge about your state and district. Undoubtedly they like to question you about your native land and its prominent features. So gather information about everything related to you.

7. Be mentally alert

   Some questions just require your common sense. Nervousness may hinder your thinking. Keep yourself relaxed and careful. Give yourself ample night’s sleep the day before exam. It will keep you refreshed and present minded.

8. Keep Reading Newspapers

   Keep yourself acquainted with the current affairs on any given day and not just till the UPSC main exam. Newspapers are best source to get highlights on almost every significant topic. It is well advised to have a general idea on major activities in the previous one year.

9. Improve communication skills

   Have to the point communication. Learn to formulate a crisp reply. Your perspective should be unbiased. In case you have a firm viewpoint regarding certain matter, be ready with your reasonable explanation. Note that the integrity should not be put at stake while you answer.

10. Have a positive body language

    Allen Ruddock truly said, “Your body communicates as well as your mouth. Don’t contradict yourself.” Therefore have an optimistic demeanor. Keep your back straight and comfortable to the wall of the chair. Make sure to sit trustfully without making unnecessary movement.

11. Take mock interviews

    Last but not the least, it is best to rehearse as much as you can before the final IAS interview. Also watch previous interviews and carefully analyze the questions asked. Also try to seek assistance or a feedback from some mentor during those mocks.

Interview Dress Code

Keep it simple. For men, a light shaded shirt and dark pants should give a proficient look. A basic churidar or saree is suggested for women. Whatever you wear, feel confident.

Important documents for IAS Interview

Do’s and Don’ts

• Re-check and verify all your documents beforehand.
• Know the board members prior to interview and greet them properly.
• Take your time before you answer.
• Don’t take the interview casually but also do not worry or panic.
• Don’t lie or bluff in the interview. Hence intimate the board members politely about the lack of knowledge on the topic. Admission exhibits your honesty which is equally important.
• Don’t get overwhelmed by over thinking about the interview.
• Keep yourself calm and make the most of this opportunity.

Conclusion

UPSC interview in most cases is a friendly exercise. Just be yourself and stay confident in the entire process. The UPSC Civil Services Interview can be thought to be one of the most stressful processes. However, it is also a golden opportunity to interact with some highly-experienced and knowledgeable people. True intentions and efforts pay back sooner or later. All the Best!