Tips to Handle Tricky Questions in the UPSC Civil Services Interview

UPSC Exam 2023

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.

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