UPSC Mock Interview 2023-24: Know the Preparation, Benefits and Fees

UPSC Mock Interview Institutes (City Wise)	UPSC Mock Interview Fees	Free Mock Interview Availability
99notes Mock interview institute in Delhi (Recommended by Toppers)	100% Free + Free DAF analysis by Bureaucrats	Yes upto 100 Students
Drishti IAS Mock Interview	2 to 2.5 lakhs	No

About UPSC Interview & Panel:

The UPSC interview, or “Personality Test,” is a vital component of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in India. It is the last stage of the CSE and evaluates a candidate’s personality, character, and suitability for a career in the civil services.

• The interview assesses a candidate’s qualities like mental alertness, clear and logical thinking, communication skills, leadership potential, and emotional intelligence.
• It also tests a candidate’s knowledge of current affairs and their ability to integrate this knowledge into their responses.
• The interview carries 275 marks and significantly impacts a candidate’s final ranking in the merit list.
• A strong performance in the interview can help a candidate secure a top rank, even if their written exam scores are not exceptionally high.
• The interview marks, when combined with Mains Examination marks, determine a candidate’s position in the final merit list.
• The UPSC interview is crucial for identifying well-rounded individuals with the qualities needed to serve as effective civil servants.
• Aspirants should approach the interview stage with dedication and preparation, recognizing its importance in achieving their goal of joining India’s civil services.

The Indian Public Service Commission (UPSC), which was founded in 1926, runs the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to choose applicants for jobs in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other sectors.

The amount of practice and information applicants have, will determine how effectively they can respond to “out of the box” interview questions. This is why IAS mock interviews are held by UPSC coaching Institutes, Every year & 99notes – Best IAS coaching institute organize Free UPSC IAS Mock Interviews.

Aspirants will be able to prepare for UPSC mock interviews, the fees associated with UPSC mock interviews and other facts by reading this article.

Mock Interview UPSC Explained Step-by-Step:

What is a Mock Interview UPSC?

Mock interviews are invaluable for UPSC CSE candidates, offering realistic practice, DAF evaluation, and expert feedback to help them prepare for the actual UPSC interview.

In an ongoing mock interview, the aspirants participate in a practice interview performed by subject matter experts or skilled professionals who operate as interviewers. The session aspires to imitate the setup and atmosphere of the true interview, incorporating the interview board and the classifications of questions inquired of.

These mock interviews propose several advantages for UPSC candidates:

• Firstly, they benefit aspirants by improving their confidence levels by equipping an opportunity to rehearse and acquire feedback. This permits candidates to introduce themselves with the interview procedure and construct self-assurance.

• Secondly, mock interviews contribute to the growth of the intellectual qualities of an aspiring candidate by putting on real-life tactics, candidates can hone their essential strengths, and analytical description, and keep a symmetry of determination. Mock interviews furthermore help candidates enhance their communication and analytical proficiency, as well as their abilities of assimilation.

• Overall, mock interviews assist in the development of social characteristics. Candidates can comprehend how to introduce themselves effectively, demonstrate expressive intellect, and give a glance of leadership skills. Likewise, mock interviews provide neutral spectators who can evaluate the candidate’s body language, confidence, and all-around appropriateness for a public service role.

Mock interviews UPSC help you get real interview technique & assist candidates in evaluating their stability and weaknesses, elevating their confidence levels, enhancing philosophical qualities, and formulating sociable qualities that are integral for victory in the Civil Service examination.

Importance of UPSC Mock Interview:

Best UPSC Mock Interviews have following benefits:

1. Realistic Experience: Mock interviews familiarize candidates with the interview environment, reducing the risk of surprises during the actual UPSC interview.
2. Intense Practice: Candidates engage in intense conversations, improving their ability to express thoughts clearly.
3. DAF Evaluation: Mock interviews help identify strengths and weaknesses in a candidate’s Detailed Application Form (DAF).
4. Expert Suggestions: Experienced interviewers offer valuable insights and suggestions to enhance interview strategy and presentation

How to Prepare for UPSC Mock Interview?

Getting prepared for a UPSC mock interview is important for aspirants who aspire to become civil servants. It is a tremendous opportunity to imitate the exact interview procedure and earn a practical understanding of the anticipations of the UPSC interview board. To achieve excellence in a mock interview, candidates should concentrate on sharpening their intellectual qualities, subject matter expertise, and confidence levels.

They should introduce themselves with the interview structure, the sorts of queries they will be inquiring about, and the evaluation benchmarks. Mock interviews likewise convey a medium to enhance candidates’ skills in communication, body language, and analytical knowledge. Pursuing advice and guidance from professionals and taking part in mock interview programs can be remarkably advantageous. By getting ready with diligence and patience for a UPSC mock interview, candidates can formulate the essential skills and elevate their opportunities for victory in the real interview scene.

The Preparation Steps that candidates should follow are:

1) Analysing the Fundamental Elements of UPSC CSE Preparation and Choosing the Optional Subjects

Several essential factors demand careful consideration when getting ready for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)–

i) Choosing an optional subject is one of these factors. Understanding the syllabus, exam format, and sample questions from past years’ exams requires extensive research. A thorough comprehension of what is required of them in the exam can be obtained by hopefuls by thoroughly exploring these materials. 

ii) Choosing the appropriate optional subject is also of utmost importance. It ought to be determined by aspects like interest, accessibility to study materials, and the likelihood of success. Candidates can make an informed judgement and choose the optional subject that best fits their tastes and strengths by researching the numerous options.

Candidates can optimise their plans and position themselves for success in this renowned exam by doing thorough research on the essential components of UPSC CSE preparation and the selection of optional subjects.

2) Candidates Should be Familiarized with Actual Interview Formats and Interviewers

Aspirants must be properly prepared for the genuine UPSC interview by participating in mock interviews. Mock interviews imitate genuine interview formats and allow applicants to assess their performance and find areas for development. One important part of mock interviews is being familiarised with the interview panel and board members.

Subject matter specialists, former civil employees, and those with extensive expertise in the field make up the UPSC interview panel. These members of the board have been carefully chosen and are qualified to evaluate the applicants. They are quite knowledgeable about the exam’s requirements and syllabus. Candidates might improve their preparation by being familiar with the interview methods and the backgrounds of the board members.

It can be helpful for candidates to prepare their replies and provide their best effort during the real interview by researching the prior experiences and areas of expertise of the board members. To individually customise their responses appropriately, candidates might use this information to understand the board members’ expectations.

In conclusion, thorough knowledge of actual interview formats and the backgrounds of the interview panel is essential for successful interview preparation. Candidates should put time and effort into researching the interview panel to boost their self-confidence and increase their chances of succeeding in the IAS Interview.

3) Understanding the Various Assessment Criteria Used by the UPSC Board

During the interview phase, the UPSC Board evaluates candidates using a variety of assessment factors. These standards are essential for judging a candidate’s suitability for the civil service and assessing their potential as future civil employees.

1. Mental attentiveness is a crucial requirement. The hiring committee assesses how quickly applicants comprehend and reply to interview questions. Mental acuity represents the candidate’s capacity for fast, analytical thought on the spot. The crucial powers of assimilation are another requirement. The selection committee evaluates candidates’ comprehension and interpretation skills. This entails their ability to consider various viewpoints, synthesise data, and draw logical conclusions after careful consideration.
   
   The UPSC Board also takes into account impartiality of judgment. This criterion assesses a candidate’s capacity for rendering impartial and fair judgements. It evaluates their ability to balance various considerations, take into account various points of view and make an informed decision.

2. Another crucial factor is variety and depth of interest. The selection committee seeks applicants with a broad base of knowledge and a sincere interest in a variety of topics. Candidates are thought to be more likely to offer a well-rounded viewpoint to their employment as civil servants if they exhibit a real interest and passion in a variety of fields.
3. Last but not least, one of the main evaluation criteria is moral integrity. The selection committee seeks applicants who exhibit honesty and integrity in their acts and thoughts as well as strong moral and ethical principles.

In conclusion, the UPSC Board uses a variety of evaluation criteria to rank candidates. These include integrity of character, critical assimilation abilities, judgmental balance, diversity and depth of interest, and mental acuity. To more effectively prepare for the UPSC interview and demonstrate their potential for civil services, aspirants must comprehend these requirements.

4) Preparing for Questions and Replaying Responses for a UPSC Mock Interview

It’s essential to foresee the kinds of questions that might be asked to perform well in a UPSC mock interview. Candidates will be better able to create thoughtful and succinct responses with this preparation. Here are some typical questions that might be asked along with advice on how to successfully prepare and practise your responses:

1. Educational Background: Be prepared to talk about your educational background, accomplishments in school, and any specialisations you may have. Regarding how your educational experience has prepared you for a career in public service, be prepared for inquiries.

2. Leadership Skills: Be prepared for questions that test your leadership prowess. Examples of these questions include situations in which you have shown effective leadership, managed teams, or shown initiative. Think back on your experiences, and be prepared with concrete instances.

3. Communication Skills: You may be asked about your capacity for crystal-clear concept expression, attentive listening, and interaction with a variety of stakeholders. Develop your ability to speak succinctly and clearly.

4. Analytical Ability: Be prepared for questions that will put your capacity for critical analysis and problem-solving to the test. Create a methodical analysis process for complex issues, and practise outlining logical solutions.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Prepare for questions that assess your emotional intelligence, such as how you handle stressful situations or demonstrate empathy towards others. Reflect on personal experiences that highlight your emotional intelligence.

Research typical interview questions and practice answering them aloud to effectively practise answers. Put your attention towards organising your responses, highlighting relevant experiences, and demonstrating your knowledge and abilities. The balance between being well-prepared and keeping spontaneity during the interview is crucial. Candidates can confidently demonstrate their skills and improve their chances of success in the UPSC mock interview by predicting and practising their responses.

5) Practising in a Simulated Environment with Friends or Professionals in Advance

A significant part of preparing for a UPSC mock interview is practising beforehand with friends or professionals in a controlled setting. Candidates can get a better understanding of the interview procedure from this practice, as well as useful feedback on how they performed. Candidates are allowed to experience a simulated interview setting that closely resembles the actual UPSC interview by participating in mock interviews with friends or professionals. As a result, their fear and anxiousness may be greatly reduced as they get used to the interview’s format, structure, and environment.

Candidates receive helpful feedback on their performance when practising with others as well. The candidate’s comments, body language, and overall presentation might be evaluated by friends or experts who are familiar with the UPSC interview procedure. This feedback enables candidates to hone their interviewing techniques by enabling them to discover their areas of strength and areas that want improvement.

Additionally, candidates can improve their responses to typical interview questions by practising ahead in a simulated setting. Candidates might prepare intelligent, straightforward  responses to various types of inquiries by practising with friends or professionals. This preparation makes sure that applicants can successfully demonstrate their expertise, capacity for critical thought, and eligibility for the civil service.

Lastly, candidates preparing for a UPSC mock interview can benefit much from practising in advance with friends or experts in a mock session. In addition to acquainting them with the interview procedure, it offers insightful criticism and encourages the development of their interviewing abilities

Candidates can boost their self-assurance; sharpen their responses, eye contact and positive body language and increase their chances of success in the real interview by participating in mock interviews.

Preparation for UPSC Personality Test:

To excel in the UPSC Personality Test, it takes:

1. Mental Alertness:

Candidates must exhibit quick thinking and a sharp mind. The interview panel often poses challenging questions that demand immediate and well-thought-out responses. Mental agility is essential to tackle these curveballs effectively.

2. Critical Powers of Assimilation:

The ability to grasp and understand complex issues quickly is a crucial quality. Candidates should showcase their analytical skills by efficiently breaking down intricate topics and presenting them coherently.

3. Clear and Logical Exposition:

Communication skills are vital. Candidates must express their thoughts with clarity, coherence, and logical reasoning. A well-structured and articulate presentation of ideas is highly regarded.

4. Balance of Judgment:

The UPSC judges seek candidates who can make informed, balanced decisions. The ability to weigh pros and cons, evaluate options, and reach reasoned judgments is an essential trait.

5. Variety and Depth of Interest:

Curiosity and a broad range of interests are key. Candidates should demonstrate that they are well-informed and have diverse areas of curiosity, showcasing their enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

6. Ability for Social Cohesion and Leadership:

Future civil servants should be capable of interacting and collaborating with diverse groups. Leadership potential, teamwork, and social adaptability are qualities that the UPSC seeks to identify.

7. Intellectual and Moral Integrity:

Candidates should uphold strong ethical standards and moral integrity. The UPSC looks for individuals who can be trusted to act in the best interests of society, with unwavering honesty and ethical values.

The UPSC interview introductory questions asked by interviewers

Benefits of Practising a Mock Interview for the UPSC Exam 

For the UPSC exam, students might gain several advantages by participating in a mock interview. Those are:

• The first benefit is that it boosts candidates’ self-assurance and intellectual abilities. Mock interviews help candidates get vital experience and practise in a supervised setting by simulating the actual interview procedure. Candidates can get a feel for the interview process by taking part in practice interviews and learning coping mechanisms for anxiety and uneasiness. 

• Second, practising for interviews helps applicants strengthen their social skills. Experts in the field who serve as the interview board conduct these interviews. Candidates’ knowledge, analytical capabilities, body language, emotional intelligence, and assimilation abilities are all taken into consideration when evaluating them. Candidates can pinpoint their areas for development and work on honing their social and interpersonal skills by participating in mock interviews.

• Third, candidates receive objective feedback and performance evaluations from the mock interviewers, who are present throughout the actual interview. Candidate understanding of their strengths and shortcomings is made possible by this feedback, which is vital. Candidates can concentrate on areas that need development and adjust their preparation as a result of knowing this information.

Finally, participation in mock interviews as part of your UPSC exam preparation offers a variety of advantages. It assists candidates in developing their social skills in addition to boosting their intellectual powers and sense of self.

Additionally, the candidates can identify their areas for growth and adjust their preparation tactics for the feedback given by objective observers. Mock interviews are a useful tool for preparing applicants for the difficulties of the real UPSC interview, all things considered.

1) Helps to Gain More Confidence

For the UPSC interview to go well, confidence needs to be built. To increase their confidence throughout the interview preparation process, candidates can use a variety of ideas and techniques

• Having self-confidence is crucial in the first place. The knowledge, skills, and preparation of the candidates should inspire confidence. A good attitude and the ability to respond to any problems during an interview with poise and tenacity can both be greatly aided by self-belief.

• To develop confidence, practice is another important component. To gain a sense of the real interviewing process, candidates should take part in numerous mock interviews. Candidates can improve their interviewing abilities by choosing a respected IAS institute for their mock interviews because they will receive insightful advice and criticism from seasoned professionals.

• Positive attitude maintenance is essential. Candidates should go into the interview confident and unafraid of failing. Being accurate and sincere in their responses will provide authenticity, and speaking clearly and concisely will leave a positive impression on the interview panel.

Candidates may boost their confidence levels and provide their best effort during the UPSC interview by putting these tactics into practice. In addition, a crucial and successful interview relies on a candidate’s confidence as confidence reveals a candidate’s character and commitment to working for the public good.

2) Increasing Intellectual Capabilities

The UPSC interview panel rates applicants on a variety of intellectual traits that are important for a civil servant. These characteristics are crucial for the work as well as the nation’s general growth and social cohesion. Candidates can develop these intellectual skills and increase their chances of success through the mock interview procedure.

Here is the process of improving intellectual qualities through the UPSC Mock Interview process-

Step- 1 Critical thinking is an important intellectual trait. A balanced viewpoint and good judgment are qualities that are expected of civil workers. Candidates get the chance to practise logical presentation and develop their critical thinking skills in mock interviews. They gain the ability to evaluate difficult circumstances, take into account many points of view, and make well-informed decisions. Candidates can improve their analytical skills and mental sensitivity through regular practical application.

Step- 2 Intellectual confidence is yet another essential intellectual trait for balanced feedback. Candidates can assess their knowledge and experience in feedback sessions chosen optional areas and current events by participating in mock interviews. Candidates improve their confidence and their knowledge in a variety of topics by presenting their interview material to an esteemed panel of subject matter experts who make an expert panel during mock interviews. Additionally, by identifying their areas for improvement through mock interviews, candidates may strengthen those areas of their intellectual competency.

Step- 3 A good sense of judgement is a must for a civil worker. Candidates get the chance to properly communicate their ideas and opinions during mock interviews. When applicants participate in mock interviews with objective; observers deliver comments, they are eager to learn how their balance of judgement is viewed by the candidates and adjust it accordingly. Candidates benefit from this greater sense of judgement, which is crucial in professions that require decision-making and unusual preferences, for this, appreciation to this ongoing feedback circle.

A mock interview process is a crucial tool for grinding the mental skills needed to pass the UPSC interview board. The mock interview process equips applicants to be capable public officials by cultivating critical thinking, intellectual confidence, and improved judgment. Candidates who actively participate in the mock interview preparation will not only do better during the interview stage but will also have the hypothetical skills needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently.

3) Recognising the Interview’s General Process and Structure

Candidates preparing for the actual interview must comprehend the general flow and structure of the UPSC mock interview. The purpose of the mock interview is to provide candidates with realistic experience and help them identify areas for growth.

The mock interview usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. During this period, candidates must demonstrate a thorough mastery of their academic performance of their Administrative Exam, optional subject and current events. The interview panel is made up of skilled and experienced UPSC Civil Services Interview Board Members with backgrounds in a variety of fields. The members of the panel evaluate the applicants based on their emotional intelligence, leadership potential, communication abilities, and analytical strength. During the mock interview, a broad variety of questions are posed. Questions concerning the candidates’ educational history, mental capacity, assimilation skills, and subject-matter expertise may be posed. The interview panel may also enquire about the applicant’s social skills and endurance for public service. 

Candidates get a great chance to show off their knowledge and abilities during the mock interview. They need to upgrade their communication skills, practise the basics of body language, and gain confidence throughout the interview process. By taking part in many mock interviews candidates may whet their replies and improve their overall performance. This will increase their chances of succeeding in the actual UPSC interview.

4) Getting Ready for Subject Matter Expert’s Questioning

The UPSC CSE interview preparation process must include practice of questions from subject area experts. Candidates should concentrate on studying and researching the essential components of preparing for the UPSC CSE and their selected optional topic if they want to succeed in this area. 

Step- 1 First and foremost, it’s important to get a thorough comprehension of the optional subject’s curriculum and study materials. By consulting standardised reference books, research papers, and other pertinent resources, candidates should strive to have an in-depth understanding of the subject. They ought to be up-to-date on the most recent innovations and advances in the industry they have chosen.

Step- 2 Candidates should also become familiar with the board members and actual interview processes. This may be accomplished by reviewing the interview transcripts of successful applicants, viewing recordings of practice interviews, and reading up on previous candidates’ experiences. They will receive a better understanding of the questions which may arise and as a result, the degree of expertise that they want will be required.

Step- 3 More useful are the coaching and mock interview programmes which are provided by reputable institutions. Candidates get the chance to speak with subject matter experts and get feedback on their performance through these programmes. Candidates can develop their valuable feedback, self-assurance, critical thinking skills, logical explanation, and balance of judgement by taking part in mock interviews.

Step- 4 Studying the basic components of UPSC CSE preparation as well as the selected optional topic in-depth is necessary to prepare for subject matter expert questions. To build the abilities and confidence needed to handle such queries successfully, becoming familiar with interview procedures and board members is equally crucial. Civil Service Aspirants can improve their interview score and chances of doing well in the interview portion of the UPSC CSE test by diligently preparing and practising.

5) Building Important Social Skills in a Professional Interview Setting

Having certain social skills might be important for success in a formal interview environment for the UPSC test. These characteristics are highly valued by the UPSC interview panel since they speak to a candidate’s general personality and civil service enthusiasm.

i) Being able to handle pressure is a crucial social skill. Candidates are frequently put through difficult scenarios during interviews, which may be daunting. The UPSC interview panel places a great priority on keeping stillness under pressure and exhibiting a cool attitude.

ii) Agility is another key quality. In the fast-paced world of public service, the capacity to react swiftly and effectively to insisting requests is essential. Candidates with a strong sense of initiative and the capacity to change with the times are in great demand.

iii) Another characteristic that is constantly monitored is mental acuity. The UPSC interview panel seeks candidates with keen critical thinking skills. They should be able to analyse current issues, historic issues, difficult issues, reason clearly, and offer well-thought-out solutions. In an interview environmental emotional intelligence is also necessary. Candidates who can show empathy, comprehend other people’s viewpoints, and successfully express their feelings are highly treasured.

iv) Eventually, the civil service places a great value on leadership abilities. The UPSC interview panel seeks out candidates by experts who can inspire and motivate others. They should have the courage to handle difficult situations, great interpersonal skills, and effective communication skills.

v) To succeed in the UPSC interview, it is compulsory to have certain social skills. Candidates should improve their ability to handle pressure, keep cool, respond quickly, remain mentally awake, display emotional intelligence, and develop excellent leadership qualities. Candidates can more effectively demonstrate their civil service fit during the UPSC interview process by buffing these qualities.

IAS Tina Dabi Mock Interview

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A post shared by Tina Dabi IAS (@tina_dabi_ias)

In the year 2015, at the age of 22 Tina Dabi secured the first rank in the UPSC CSE 2015 exam. At that time, in her interview (UPSC Interview), she had told the strategy to pass the UPSC exam (UPSC Exam Tips). 

In a previous interview with media personnel, IAS Officer Tina Dabi spoke out that most of the interview questions asked by the panel members consisted of queries from Political Science and International Relations as she had done her graduation in Political Science and her optional subject was also Political Science.

Also, read this related article: Tina Dabi’s IAS Exam Strategy: A Guide for Future Aspirants

IAS Tina Dabi worked harder on those subjects in which she was weak. She used to practice writing, such as Hindi. Tina Dabi started preparing for the UPSC exam in the first year of graduation. When she felt that she would not be able to pass the exam, she put up a poster of ‘Never Quit’ in her room.

She used to keep a section of books for each subject, such as a separate section on current affairs and general knowledge. Due to this, there was no problem in finding books. According to Tina Dabi, the candidates preparing for the UPSC exam should give 6-7 hours to different subjects.

Also, one should read the newspaper for 1-2 hours every day. UPSC aspirants should also study from old question papers and mock tests. With this, they will get an idea of the questions asked in the examination.

The interview questions are not disclosed. Most questions that are asked in the interview are about current affairs and daily news to check the candidate’s awareness towards society and sometimes several tricky questions are asked by the interviewers. But we can provide the candidates with some tricky questions that could be beneficial for the aspirants.

Dress Code for UPSC IAS Interview:

Your attire should be formal and dignified, for Men they can wear dark blue coloured pants and a light-designed shirt. The belt and Polished shoe should be formal. In the interview of the Union Public Service Commission, it is expected that the female candidates should give more priority to wearing formal attire like a saree. A female candidate can also opt for a suit, then she should take care that the colour and design of the suit should be formal.

If a female candidate wants to appear in the interview wearing a shirt and trousers, that option is also not bad. In the interview with a State Public Service Commission, this experiment may seem awkward, but in the interview with the Union Public Service Commission, such an experiment can be done.

The general rule of thumb for the colour of the saree is that it should not be bright, there should not be too many colours present in it. As far as possible, the colour of the saree should be dark blue, dark green, light pink, beige, maroon or black. Both Female and Male candidates wear a blazer in winter.

The most important thing is that you should be comfortable and confident with your dress on the day of your interview. Wear the dress two to three times before the interview. 

UPSC Mock Interview 2023-24 :  15 Proven Tips to Crack IAS Interview

The IAS Interviews or UPSC Interviews are a 30-minute exercise that has the power to alter your course. A good score in the UPSC interviews can occasionally separate a candidate from other candidates by more than 100 points in just under 30 minutes. It will provide you with a score in India’s most difficult competition, the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), as it is the final round.

15 Proven Tips to Crack IAS Interview are:

1. Get Started As Soon As Possible!

No time should be wasted by the candidate. Starting early will help with interview preparation. Waiting for the UPSC Mains Examination results is not advised. As soon as possible, you ought to begin developing your personality.

2. Recognize Yourself

The biggest issue with us is that we do not fully understand ourselves. The human body is made up of several skins, all of which cover the heart’s inside. We are quite knowledgeable, yet we are not aware of our Actual Personality. Consider getting to know all of your personality traits, especially the obscure or hidden ones. Try to eliminate any personality flaws that may make you unsuitable for an IAS officer.

3. Repeatedly Read Your Bio-Data

The majority of the interview questions from UPSC will be focused on the candidate’s bio-data. Each Board member will receive a copy of the Detailed Application Form (DAF) of the candidate. It is crucial to avoid focusing on particular issues. Make several revisions to your CV, and be well-prepared for queries about your interests, qualifications, professional background, preferred services, etc.

4. Adopt a Positive Mentality

There are a lot of misconceptions and rumours about the IAS Personal Interview. Even if you may have had unpleasant interview experiences in the past, do not let them spoil your chances. Do not stress about things that are out of your control, such as the interview panel, interview slot, the job, the questions, etc. Good and optimistic thinking is the key.

5. Be Sincere at the UPSC interview

Take the procedure and the questions seriously. Board members who conduct personality tests should be respected. Never underestimate the interview panel members. They have an extensive amount of knowledge and experience. Take serious inquiries with a grain of salt.

6. Boost Your Confidence

Everyone appreciates people with confidence. If you are confident in your opinions, solutions, or answers, say as much. But at the same time, watch out for overdoing it. Keep in mind that the difference between confidence and arrogance is very subtle.

7. Avoid lying

Never tell an untruth to the UPSC interview panel. Never include false information in your bio. These issues frequently come to light.

8. Develop Your Communication Skills

Become more language-fluent before the UPSC interview. You may not have enough time to fully convey your opinions if you start looking for words within 25 to 30 minutes of the UPSC personality exam. A useful technique to enhance communication skills is to participate in debates and watch the news on television. Start a discussion on any medium with your friends about how to prepare for a UPSC interview.

9. Be Direct and to the Point

Become an expert at providing point-by-point responses. Long replies can frequently be condensed into brief yet compelling comments. Read our article on 7 tips to ace UPSC Interview where we have listed some tips that aid in UPSC interview preparation. 

10. Keep Reading Your Newspaper

After passing the UPSC Mains Exam, candidates frequently quit reading the newspaper. However, just like in the UPSC Mains test, current event awareness is crucial for the IAS interview. Know the significant occurrences from the previous year in broad strokes. Additionally, on the day of the interview, be attentive to the newspaper headlines and stories.

11. Make Your Hobby Ready

For your hobbies, be well-prepared. It frequently comes up first in a conversation. Occasionally, the interview panel will ask you to create a strong opening. Avoid giving cliched responses. Hobbies aid in the interviewer’s understanding of each candidate’s personality. Up till a week before the UPSC interview, engage in your interest.

12. Do Revisions of Your Optional Subject

After UPSC CSE Mains, it has been noticed that many students overlook their optional subject; however, the UPSC interview panel may inquire about your optional subject on the interview day. shed some light on the most recent occurrences associated with your optional subject.

13. Review Your Graduation Textbooks

The applicants should take their graduation very seriously, according to UPSC.  The interview panel considers candidates with knowledge in this area. Consequently, deeper inquiries may originate from this area.

14. Develop a Balanced Response Style

You ought to have fair and impartial thinking. This does not imply that you should not express your opinion. Ideally, you should not have any political or social prejudices. Once you have expressed an opinion on an issue that is controversial, be prepared to defend it. Without a solid foundation, avoid making unjustified generalizations.

15. Be Aware of Your District and State

About the district and the state, questions may be raised. Gather information on the birthplace. Understand the city’s or the village’s difficulties. Be prepared with the answer at the centre of the exam as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for the UPSC Personality Test through mock interviews is a pivotal step in achieving success in the Civil Services Examination. Selecting the right institute is essential, and 99Notes is a standout choice. With its experienced panel, realistic simulation of the UPSC interview, and personalized feedback, it provides candidates with the best possible preparation.

What sets 99Notes apart is its commitment to making this essential preparation accessible by offering mock interviews for free, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder an aspirant’s journey to becoming a civil servant. In your pursuit of success in the UPSC CSE examination, 99Notes can be your guiding light, providing you with the necessary tools and resources to shine in the all-important Personality Test.