Tips to Handle Tricky Questions in the UPSC Civil Services Interview
UPSC interview is a two-way communication between the candidate and the UPSC board officers. The interview could generally last for about 30 to 40 minutes. UPSC (CSE) is one of the most prestigious exams, as it recruits candidates for leading government positions like IAS, IFS, IPS, etc.
The exam is
divided into three phases: the Prelims, the Mains, and the Personal Interview.
Once the candidate clears the Prelims and the Mains, they will be asked to
appear for the Personal Interview (PI) round. This round is significant, as it
is the final selection round for recruiting candidates.
This round could
last around 30 to 40 minutes. However, if it lasts for less than 20 minutes
does not mean that the candidate didn't do well. Also, if it lasts more than 40
minutes does not mean that the candidate has done exceedingly well in the
interview.
This round is
challenging as one can write the written examinations and pass the first two
rounds, but answering tricky questions in the interview confidently is a
different exercise altogether. The UPSC board members will look for the
candidate's speaking ability, admitting lack of knowledge with dignity,
expression of politeness, communication skills, defending one's position, etc.
The eminence on the board is both a blessing and a challenge.
Sometimes
candidates might get nervous while answering the questions the UPSC board
members ask. Hence, we have provided an expert-guided list for candidates so
that they can handle the tricky questions in the interview round.
The UPSC board
members will ask questions on current national and global issues, candidates'
biodata, service preferences, and more. Basically, they will concentrate more
on these 4 areas: profile-related, current affairs, situational, and
behavioral-related questions.
Profile Related Questions
The UPSC board
members will ask questions from your DAF (Detailed Application Form), including
your name, educational background, why you are interested in civil services,
etc. They can also ask about your hobbies and interests. The best way to answer
them is through self-reflection. Do not create a false image of yourself, as it
will backfire on you. Following are some of the commonly asked questions, so
you can prepare them in advance:
- Introduce yourself or tell us something about
yourself.
- What is
the motto of your school?
- Why did
you choose this stream? What do you like about this stream?
- Tell us
something about your hometown? Things that you like and dislike about your
hometown.
- What is
the meaning of your name?
Current Affairs Questions
As an aspiring civil
servant, you should update yourself with the current news. Also, keep a
balanced view of that. It is very important to keep your answer balanced. Be as
neutral as possible while answering these questions. Avoid taking sides and be
politically correct with your views. Some of the questions that can be asked
about this topic are:
- Today's news headlines
- Questions
related to the news in your state. (Update yourself with the past 3 to 5
months' news)
Situational Questions
These questions
are tricky, and this is where they will assess you the most. Hence you should
have good crisis management skills and be positive while answering. Have a
generic thought, as it will help you answer these questions. Some common
questions that can be asked in this topic are:
- Suppose you are posted as a District Collector in
some state, and a riot happens. What will you do to resolve that?
- Questions
related to the job role of your service.
Behavioral Questions
These questions
are asked to check whether you get nervous easily or maintain your composure
while answering these questions.
As a general rule, do not beat around the bush. If you don't know the answer to any question or are unable to think about that, simply say, "I will have to pass this question" or "I will read more on this." The candidate should never use words like "Of course," " I told you," or "As I was saying," as it will not give a positive image of the candidate. Also, read two newspapers daily to have a balanced view about several aspects.