UPSC Interview 2025 is the final phase of the civil services exam. It does not just evaluate your knowledge but delves into your personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in public service. The interview panel consists of experienced professionals who probe the candidate’s knowledge, attitude, and problem-solving abilities. The interview is generally held for around 20-30 minutes, contributing 275 marks out of 2025. 

To perform well in the UPSC interview 2025, candidates must take mock interviews. Focus on developing your communication skills and problem-solving abilities. To secure a rank and enhance the prospects of securing a superior rank, performing well in the interview round is essential. 

What is UPSC Interview 2025? 

UPSC Interview 2025 is also known as the Personality Test. Conducted by the Public Service Commission, it is the final and decisive phase of the Civil Services Examination. It follows the prelims and mains exams and carries 275 marks, which are added to the mains score to determine the final merit list.

Given below is an overview of the UPSC Interview:  

UPSC Interview Date 2025-26

UPSC Interview Date 2025-26 has not been announced yet. The UPSC Mains Results are expected to be out in December 2025. The official interview dates will be declared once the Mains Results are declared on the official website. The interview will be held in two sessions. The forenoon session will be from 9 AM, while the afternoon session will be from 1 PM. 

Candidates who attend the UPSC Interview are eligible to receive travel expense reimbursement. This support is limited to the cost of a second-class or sleeper-class train ticket for their journey to and from the interview location. Check out the UPSC dates 2025-26:

What is the Objective of the UPSC Interview?

Through the UPSC interview, the panel selects candidates who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of handling the responsibilities and challenges of government service effectively. Given below are some main objectives behind why UPSC interview is conducted:  

• Assess the candidate’s overall personality beyond academic knowledge.
• To evaluate mental alertness, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Gauge the candidate’s communication skills and clarity of thought.
• To measure leadership potential, moral integrity, and ethical standards.
• Determine suitability for a career in public administration and civil services.
• To understand how candidates respond to pressure and complex situations.
• Examine the balance of judgment and intellectual curiosity.
• To verify the authenticity of information provided in the Detailed Application Form (DAF).
• To ensure the candidate’s values and attitude align with the ideals of public service.

UPSC Interview Details

UPSC Interview Details comprises the place and time of the interview, maximum marks, dress code, total number of vacancies generated, and other relevant information. Knowing these details prepares candidates accordingly. Since the official dates have not been announced yet, candidates must visit the official website for any updates and developments related to it. 

Place and Time for UPSC Interview

The UPSC Interview 2025 will be conducted at the Union  Public Service Commission venue on Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069. The interview will be held in two sessions. The forenoon session will be from 9 AM, while the afternoon session will be from 1 PM. Further details related to the IAS interview will be provided on the candidates’ call letter. 

Maximum Marks for UPSC Interview

The maximum marks for UPSC interview are 275 out of 2025. These marks are added to the 1750 marks scored in the UPSC Mains examination to create the final merit list. Here are the details of the Maximum Marks for UPSC Interview: 

UPSC Interview Dress Code

UPSC Interview dress code emphasizes professionalism and simplicity. Candidates are expected to wear clean, formal attire that reflects respect for the interview process and helps create a positive impression. 

• Simple, Appropriate, & Comfortable: Candidates must dress in simple clothes. Avoid tight or loose attire and keep them neat and clean. 
• Men’ Attire: Men should wear formal attire such as a well-fitted light-colored shirt. Wearing a suit and tie is optional but recommended. 
• Women’s Attire: Women aspirants can wear formal Indian attire, preferably light-colored cotton or khadi sarees or salwar suits. Avoid bright colors, heavy embroidery, or flashy patterns. 
• Footwear: Formal, polished shoes are essential. Avoid casual footwear like sandals or sneakers, and heels. 
• Hair and Accessories: Personal grooming is important. Neat hair (tied back for women), minimal or no makeup, and fresh breath. Avoid strong perfumes or fragrances and flashy jewelry. 

Number of Candidates Called for UPSC Interview

Each year, the number of candidates called for the UPSC Interview is typically around 2,800 to 3,000. These candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in the UPSC Mains examination. The total number of interviewees depends on the number of vacancies announced for that year, usually around 1,100 to 1,200. 

What is the UPSC Interview Process?

Once the UPSC Interview Date 2025 is announced, candidates receive their call letters specifying their session timings. Moreover, UPSC assists candidates by reimbursing travel expenses up to the cost of a second-class or sleeper-class train ticket. 

Key aspects of the UPSC Interview Process are as follows: 

UPSC Interview Preparation Strategy

Preparing for the UPSC Interview requires a focused approach that centers on self-awareness, current affairs, and effective communication. Stay updated on relevant national and international issues and practice through mock interviews. Here are some preparation strategies for the UPSC Interview 2025:  

• Thoroughly understand and review your Detailed Application Form (DAF), as many questions will be based on it.
• Stay updated with current affairs and practice expressing your informed opinions rather than memorizing facts.
• Develop clear and concise communication skills. Practice answering questions with confidence and calmness.
• Participate in mock interviews to simulate real interview conditions and receive constructive feedback.
• Maintain a positive mindset and professional demeanor throughout the interview.
• Be honest, authentic, and reflective about your experiences, motivations, and viewpoints.
• Focus on body language, eye contact, and appropriate posture to create a favorable impression.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

Do’s and Don’ts of UPSC Interview

Following certain dos and don’ts of UPSC interview can enhance your chances of making a positive impression on the interview panel, while avoiding common mistakes that could detract from your performance.

Here are some of them: 

Things To Keep In Mind During The UPSC Interview

Certain key points must be kept in mind when preparing for the UPSC interview. Candidates should be composed, attentive, and confident while answering.

The following are a few points to keep in mind:

• Know your DAF inside out because many questions are based on it.
• Keep calm, confident, and show good body language during the interview.
• Listen to each question carefully and then answer concisely, with candor.
• Keep yourself abreast of current affairs, including government policies and relevant national and international issues.
• Be polite and respectful. 
• Avoid memorized answers. Instead, think clearly and express yourself honestly.
• Manage your time well. Think before answering and keep responses structured.

Success Rate of UPSC Interview

The selection rate for UPSC Interview is relatively competitive, as only about 2,800 to 3,000 candidates are shortlisted for the interview stage from around 15,000 who clear the Mains exam.

Of these, about half are finally selected for different civil services. While the success rate of the entire UPSC examination process is less than 1%, the interview stage success rate is roughly 50%.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF