The schedule for UPSC Civil Services Examination for year 2019 has been recently declared for 1980 successful candidates. The stage of Interview test is the only obstacle between these aspirants and their dream of becoming an IFS, IAS or IPS officer. There are 275 marks for the interview and these marks carry much importance for the eventual selection or rejection of the candidate at this last stage of the long and drawn out examination process. Right focus and smart strategy at this stage of competition would ensure the success of the candidates in this most prestigious examination in India.

Interview Process – The UPSC Civil Services Interview is conducted by a board headed by a chairperson and four other members. The responsibility of the board is to assess the suitability of the candidate for these elite Government services. The candidates would be asked questions on matters of general interest and on the subject they had chosen for their Mains examination. However, this test is not intended to be a test of specialised knowledge — this was already tested in the written examination. This is rather a test of personality, mental alertness, power of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability of social cohesion and leadership as well as the intellectual and moral integrity. The technique that is being followed for UPSC Interview is not strict cross-examination but direct and purposive conversation, which reveals the mental attributes of the candidates. Rather than fluency in English, the persuasive body language, self confidence and the convincing ability of the candidate prove to be the true assets of the candidate for his success. The candidates should listen to the question properly before proceeding to answer it. If the candidate does not know the answer, it is wiser to admit to it rather than to make a wild guess. It is a question of intellectual integrity. The candidate who is found to be bluffing would create a poor impression about himself. Talking tangentially and changing the topic abruptly are also viewed negatively by the interview panel. Being rude, rigid, offensive, argumentative, and quarrelsome are fatal mistakes in the Civil Services Interview which must be avoided. Even if the candidate has not answered most of the questions, he need not get upset and exacerbate his nervousness. The candidate could still score decent marks if he remains cheerful and wind up the interview gracefully.

Smart Strategy for Success- The systematic approach towards preparation of Civil Services Interview ensures the success of the candidate. Decoding of DAF (Detailed Application Form) including specific focus on areas like SWOT analysis (Strength Weakness Opportunities Threats) of the candidate, their interests, service preferences, extra-curricular activities, their educational achievements, previous jobs, important selections, research work, etc. has to be worked upon by the candidates. The candidates should also brainstorm on the anticipated questions related to the gap in their studies or resignation of previous jobs and various situation-based psychological questions. Secondly, the candidates should focus upon preparation of different aspects of home state including its historic, demographic, geographical and socioeconomic perspective. The important current affairs of home state along with the important Government policies and schemes need to be focused upon. Thirdly, the candidates should also refresh their basic technical knowledge related to their graduation subjects. The candidates should give special emphasis upon latest developments in their technical areas and its specific significance upon socioeconomic development of the country. Lastly, the national and international current affairs need to be thoroughly analysed by the candidates in order to answer variety of questions asked during Interview stage. The balanced personality of the candidate alongwith the solution seeking behaviour would give an edge to the candidates in handling these questions.

The Civil Services Interview is a test of personality, mental alertness and suitability of the candidate as a civil servant. The candidates should opt for number of mock interviews under the guidance of experts or mentors to correct one-self based on SWOT analysis of the self. It is to be remembered that the ‘success mantra’ for Civil Services Interview is being oneself and not pretending to be someone else, so believe in yourself and fulfil your dream of becoming a civil servant to serve the society.

(The author of this article ,Lt Col (Dr) Satish Dhage, is an ex Army officer and has been qualified for IPS (Indian Police Services) through IPS LCE 2012. Presently, he is Director, MGM Institute of Competitive Exams Aurangabad.                                

 For any queries or feedback, he can be contacted on email id : drsatishdhage@gmail.com)