IAS Interview: Specific tips for the IAS Personality Test

In the IAS interview, a candidate’s confidence, personality and understanding of the things and happenings all around the society and the world as a whole are judged. The interview round is quite subjective in nature rather than objective. Questions asked to a candidate by the interview board are well framed to judge the candidate’s overall personality. Thus, answers to the questions should be provided taking into consideration all possible views. A candidate should make a balanced approach while answering any question.

•    The UPSC interview board is highly experienced and knowledgeable. In case, a candidate is not aware of something about which he/she was asked, it is always better to admit the non-awareness with politeness.
•    A candidate should proceed answering only after understanding properly about the question he/she is asked. If the question put in front of him/her is not clear enough the candidate should politely ask for clarification. It is not the factual knowledge; but the interviewee’s views which are on test in the interview.
•    Interview etiquette should be maintained. One should be honest, polite, convincing and modest. The candidate’s focus on the issue on which he/she has been asked is immensely given importance. So, arrogance, rigidity, flicking round the issue should be avoided.
•    A candidate’s confidence and honesty are also judged along with his/her general awareness about the world. It is better to say no if the candidate is not aware of something, than to bluff around.
•    In the process of preparation for the interview, group discussion is a must. Though, Personality is a life time asset, yet, efforts can be made to overcome major deficiencies and polishing of views and opinions of the candidate.
•    One can take part in the mock interviews held by friends, seniors and teachers. One can also approach some IAS coaching institutes where they are guided by experienced teachers. In the institutes, candidates can also polish up their views and opinions regarding various topics with the help of group discussions.