INTERVIEW FAQ

The Indian Administrative Services (IAS) is a prestigious career path that many aspire to join. However, before becoming an administrator, one must pass the IAS Interview, the final and crucial stage of the selection process.

Moreover, the IAS Interview is an essential aspect of the selection process as it helps to evaluate the personality and character of the candidate. The questions asked during the UPSC IAS interview are more like a discussion between the aspirant and the UPSC board, covering many topics. The interview upsc lasts about 20 minutes, and candidates must be well-informed and confident.

In this article, we will cover the essential aspects of the IAS Interview, including the process of the personality test, the interview questions, and the UPSC Interview Strategy for the year 2023. With the right preparation and the appropriate soft skills, anyone can crack the CSE interview and pave their way to a successful career in administration.

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UPSC IAS Interview Frequently Asked Question

During the UPSC interview, candidates are tested on their mental sharpness, general knowledge, social behaviour, and overall personality. The interview questions in the IAS are not just based on theoretical knowledge, so candidates should not rely solely on memorisation. Instead, they should concentrate on developing their soft skills.

The IAS interview questions are mostly asked in a particular pattern that Civil Service aspirants should know. Below, we will discuss some of the Frequently Asked Questions in IAS interviews.

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1. What motivated you to pursue a career in civil services?

Ans: You can say like, I love to serve my country and make a positive difference in individual lives, which motivates me to pursue a career in UPSC. The desire to contribute to society’s betterment and be part of the decision-making process that shapes India’s future is very appealing.

The job’s diverse and challenging nature, which offers new learning opportunities daily, strengthened my desire to pursue civil services.

2. Tell me what qualities one should have to be a successful civil servant?

Ans: You can say like, To become a successful civil servant, one needs a variety of important skills and qualities. One must have strong ethics and values, which eventually help in a future career. Then good communication and social skills are crucial as it helps build relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Also, one must adapt to changing situations and work quickly as one often faces fast-paced environments.

Then, one must have analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and solve complex issues. One should also have a good understanding of public policies and their implications.

Lastly, successful civil servants should be multiple-taskers simultaneously while staying positive and dedicated to serving the community above their personal interests. Also, check for online mock interviews for upsc.

3. Tell me, what is the role of civil services in nation-building?

Ans: You may reply that civil service is essential to the progress of a nation. Since they are in the position of carrying out policies and programmes from both the national and state levels to enhance the socio-economic situation of the nation, the backbone of the administrative machinery, civil servants are in charge of ensuring that people receive government services effectively and quickly.

Through civil services, people and the government are connected. They facilitate communication and ensure that the government’s programs and policies align with public preferences. In addition, government employees play a crucial role in fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance, all essential for establishing a robust democracy.

4. Tell me the importance of the Indian Constitution in the present context?

Ans: You could answer by saying, As the Indian Constitution is the supreme law of the land, defining the principles for the functioning of the Indian democracy.” Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are there in this living document. The Constitution offers a foundation for ensuring that all citizens’ rights and freedoms are protected and that the government runs openly and honestly in the current setting.

Furthermore, it offers a method for resolving debates and ensuring that the perspectives of all groups are heard. The nation’s democratic principles cannot be upheld without the Constitution. Also check for online mock interview for upsc.

5. Tell me, What is your perspective on the growing population and its impact on India?

Ans: You may respond by saying India’s population growth is a reason to worry since it strains the nation’s limited resources and assets. Understanding the complex nature of population growth, which is influenced by various social, economic, and cultural factors, is essential. It is crucial to address the hidden reasons for population growth, like neediness, an absence of schooling, and lacking medical services foundation.

6. Can you explain the various stages of the Indian polity since independence?

Ans: You can respond by saying, Since India gained independence, numerous changes have occurred in its polity. The early years saw the establishment and consolidation of a parliamentary government, which established the democratic system. Coalition politics began in the 1960s and 1970s, and regional parties emerged. The 1980s saw the prevalence of egalitarian legislative issues, and the Congress party cemented its authority.

7. Tell me your perspective on the role of technology in governance?

Ans: You can answer like this, Technology can completely transform governance by improving its effectiveness, openness, and accessibility. It raises citizen engagement, promotes accountability, and improves service delivery. Also check for ias mock interview.

8. Tell me about a current social issue you are concerned about?

Ans: You can answer like, The rise in gender-based violence and discrimination is one current social issue that disturbs me. As Gender-based violence is a major problem in India, where females frequently face harassment, assault, and even murder.

9. How would you deal with civil service corruption if you were appointed?

Ans: You can answer like, If I got the opportunity to fight corruption in the civil service, I would use a multifaceted strategy. First, I would ensure that corruption is not tolerated and each incident is thoroughly investigated and punished.

I would also put in place measures to increase openness and accountability in the system, like using technology to monitor government expenditures and establishing a neutral ombudsman to take citizen complaints. Last but not least, I would concentrate on developing an ethical and moral culture within the civil services by offering ongoing training and programmes to increase capacity, praising good behaviour, and sanctioning bad behaviour.

10. Tell me your views on the rising instances of communal violence in India?

Ans: You can answer like, The rising instances of communal violence in India are a cause for concern, as they undermine the nation’s fabric and threaten social cohesion. Moreover, The spread of divisive ideologies, violence, and hate speech frequently contribute to community violence.

Laying out a climate of resilience and regard for variety is fundamental to advancing interfaith discourse, celebrating social variety, and authorising law and order.

Considering those liable for instigating violence responsible and guaranteeing casualties get equity and backing is essential.

Finally, we should promote inclusive policies that empower underrepresented groups and reduce social and economic inequality, often the root causes of communal tension.

UPSC Interview Process

The IAS Interview is nothing but a conversation between the UPSC board and the candidates. UPSC CSE Interview usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete, and the questions can be about anything. Interview experience might be scary to go through, but if you know your stuff and are confident, you can do well. Also, check for ias mock interview.

Here’s the process candidates have to face during an upsc interview:

• First, the candidates have to pass security outside the UPSC Building and leave their bags and mobile phones behind. Then, they have to go to a waiting area where their documents will be checked. It includes their educational documents and caste certificates. The staff members are friendly and offer refreshments like tea, water, and biscuits. Candidates got a form to fill out with basic information, which the UPSC uses for research and analysis.

• After submitting their documents, candidates receive a number and order for the panel interview. For instance, a candidate must appear before panel number 5 and be the third person to get an interview call. The panel chairperson’s name has yet to be disclosed, and it’s not helpful to ask for it.

• The candidates go to a big round hall in the centre of the building complex. Here, the candidates are seated with others with the same panel number. Staff members give forms for travel refunds to candidates who travelled by train in 2nd class.

• During one session, a panel interviews 5-6 candidates. Initially, the hall is crowded, with 30-35 candidates waiting for their turn. Interviews generally last around 20 minutes, but some candidates have reported being in interviews that lasted up to 40 minutes.

• After the candidates have submitted their documents, they wait for their names. When called, they go to their panel for the interview, but before that, they must go through another security check. A staff member will then escort them to the room of the panel chairperson.

Candidates usually arrive at the venue around 8:45 AM for the morning session. The first candidate will appear before the panel at around 10:15 AM. Depending on your sequence number, you can estimate your waiting time. It is important to arrive well-fed and rested.

The UPSC interview is a unique experience for everyone, even for experienced candidates. However, candidates can improve their chances by being polite, humble, calm, and confident. These qualities are more important than the panel chairperson, the language of the interview, or the number of questions answered.

Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)

Q1: How many hours is the UPSC interview?

Ans: Based on the candidates, the UPSC CSE interview typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes.

Q2: What actually happens in the UPSC interview?

Ans: Basically, candidates’ personalities are evaluated during the ias interview. Moreover, their communication skills, knowledge of current events, and ability to think critically and respond to questions are evaluated.

Q3: What are the lowest marks for the IAS interview?

Ans: The lowest marks for the IAS interview are not fixed as it depends on various factors such as the difficulty level of the interview, the other candidates’ performance, and the candidate’s overall performance.

Q4: What are the lowest marks for IAS interview?

Ans: There is no set minimum score for the UPSC interview. However, candidates must perform well in both the written and interview stages to be considered for selection.

Q5: Is UPSC interview hard?

Ans: Yes, the UPSC interview can be challenging as it evaluates a candidate’s overall personality and presence of mind. However, with adequate preparation and practice, candidates can improve their chances of success in the interview stage.