The interview is the final round of the selection process for UPSC candidates. This round consists of 275 marks and plays a significant role in deciding the future of the candidates. Most of the questions are asked from the DAF (Detailed Application Form) which the candidates fill out.  Along with the DAF, questions are also asked about current affairs. The questions are very dynamic and it is the presence of mind and smartness of the candidates and the way they present their answers that decide the results of the candidates.

• You have to clear the Prelims & Mains stages to be shortlisted for this Personality Test.
• The interview test comprises a 20-30 minute discussion with the interview panel.
• The interviews of various candidates are conducted in 2 sessions per day which occurs every month.
• The candidates are notified of the same in their call letters.
• They should carry the interview call letter on the day of the UPSC IAS Recruitment interview.
• Outstation candidates have to make arrangements for themselves in terms of travel. This is because the IAS Interviews only take place at UPSC Bhawan - Dholpur House in New Delhi.
• Interview Timings will be Forenoon – At 9:00 am & Afternoon – At 1:00 pm.

Successfully clearing the IAS Interview will result in your name appearing in the final merit list and you shall achieve your desired rank/cadre. The Indian Administrative Services is a prestigious service that requires a lot of focus, hard work, & Dedication- but in the end, it is all worth it! Read this article to ace the IAS interview. 

UPSC Interview Date 2024-25

The UPSC Interview 2024 has commenced on 7th January 2025 and will conclude on 17th April 2025, as per the official UPSC Calendar. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the Mains Result 2024 on 9th December 2024. A total of 2,845 candidates have been shortlisted for the final round, which is the UPSC Interview cum Personality Test. Each day, the Interview sessions are divided into two slots: the forenoon session begins at 9:00 AM, and the afternoon session starts at 1:00 PM. Candidates are advised to report accordingly to the UPSC office located at Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069. The Personality Test carries a weightage of 275 marks which will be cumulated in the final merit list and determine the final rankings for service allocation. Candidates should ensure timely submission of the Detailed Application Form-II (DAF-II) to receive their e-summon letters, which will be available on the official UPSC website. Also, those attending the interview are eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses, limited to second-class or sleeper-class train fares.

UPSC Interview Schedule PDF

The UPSC Interview Schedule PDF is out on the official UPSC website. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the detailed interview schedule for the Civil Services Examination 2024. The Personality Tests (Interviews) are scheduled from January 7, 2025, to April 17, 2025. Candidates can access the date wise Interview schedule, which lists roll numbers, dates, and session timings, in the official PDF available on the UPSC website. The e-Summon Letters for these interviews will be released shortly and can be downloaded from the same portal. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates and to obtain their interview call letters.

Download UPSC Interview Schedule PDF

IAS Interview Details

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Personality Test, commonly known as the interview, as the final phase of the Civil Services Examination. The UPSC Interview 2024 is being conducted from 7 January to 17 April, 2025. In this stage, the panel will assess candidates' personality traits, communication skills, and overall suitability for a career in public service. Go through the below table to familiarize with the key points about the IAS Interview 2024-25

UPSC Interview Process

The UPSC Interview is a test of the personality of the candidates. The panel asks questions from the candidates from their DAF (Detailed Application Form) and some questions of national and international affairs. The interview lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes. Candidates might get scared and nervous but if they prepare themselves well they can clear the interview round. Candidates need to have a calm mind and prepare well. 

• Candidates need to reach the venue of the exam hall earlier for their security verification by the members at the UPSC Interview session. 

• After a security check at the gate candidates is then made to sit in the waiting hall and conduct another round of verification. The staff is quite helpful and polite. There are also refreshments available for the candidates.

• After verification candidates are given the number of the panel and the sequence in which the candidates will appear for their interview before the panel. The name of the board members of the interview panel is kept confidential. 

• The candidates are then grouped 5 and the panel takes their interviews one by one. 
• In the meantime, the other candidates fill up the travel reimbursement form.

• The interview takes around 20 to 40 minutes. The staff members escort the candidates all the time.

Candidates should reach the interview venue prior to their interview call time. They should have taken a proper sleep and meal and should not appear tired. Candidates need to keep themselves calm and confident. 

Top 5 IAS Interview Preparation Tips 

The UPSC Interview is the last and the final stage that candidates have to clear in order to obtain a final rank on the merit list. You have to successfully clear the UPSC IAS Mains Examination to be shortlisted for the UPSC interview round & hence make sure to give your best. However, there are certain points that you should keep in mind for cracking the UPSC IAS 2024-25 Interview. They include: 

Take Mock Interviews -

Candidates should make sure to start their preparation as soon as the UPSC Mains are over. This will help to maintain the flow & you can be in constant touch with the news and stay updated as you had been for the Mains. You might get a slot for the UPSC interview in the very beginning or in the first week itself and last-minute preparation will cause unnecessary stress. To avoid that, begin your IAS interview preparations early & with a lot of mocks. And, get constructive feedback with the help of panel experts to prepare yourself better for the real test. 

Review Your Detailed Application Form -

The panel members will have your detailed application form in hand and can ask all kinds of questions pertaining to areas like your education, hobbies, interests, past job experiences, and current affairs connecting to your concerned field of study like engineering, law, etc. Make sure that you read your application form thoroughly. You should be well-versed with the answers to any kind of questions that might be put in front of you in the IAS interview. 

Keep a Relaxed Body Language -

The way you handle yourself in front of the civil services examination interview panel also plays a significant role. They will surely judge you on the basis of your body language as well as your personal appearance. Make sure to maintain eye contact, be polite and take care of your body posture too. Maintain calm and composure throughout the UPSC interview and greet the interviewers as soon as you enter. Be a patient listener & ace the Indian Administrative Services Personality Test! 

Be Top Notch With Current Affairs -

It is very important to keep yourself updated with happenings around you for the UPSC IAS Interview Round. You should brush up on your knowledge of all the important current affairs of the past few months. The IAS Interview panel might quiz you on any news from anywhere like last week’s newspaper, important events that took place 3 weeks ago, etc. Make sure to thoroughly read & revise notes from the Indian Yearbook, Yojana, economic surveys, government policies, elections, etc. Trying your level best to be up-to-date with UPSC Current Affairs till the day of your IAS Interview; should be your only goal as an aspiring candidate. 

Maintain Confidence -

The most important factor which is required to help you sail through is your confidence. Face the panel members without a hint of nervousness and answer all questions to the best of your ability. It is okay to not know some answers as it is not possible for every individual to know everything. Let them know that you are not aware of the answer and just relax. Answering maximum questions confidently & correctly with a smile is the key! 

If you are preparing for UPSC Civil Services, you should also check CSAT For UPSC IAS Online Coaching here to boost your chances of selection.

UPSC Interview Questions

This round mainly tests the candidate’s general awareness, social etiquette, mental keenness, and/or personality. Unlike other rounds, this interview round does not include all the mugging-up questions; this will be testing how spontaneously a candidate can handle a question in a stressful situation. Here are some of the model questions so that the candidates can prepare themselves for it. 

IAS Interview Questions on Introduction

• Tell us about yourself
• Tell us about your hometown and family background.
• Do you know the meaning of your name/ surname?
• Introduce yourself without using your name/educational details.
• Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses
• One thing which you are proud of or your biggest achievement to date. 

The answers to these questions should be 20-30 seconds and the interviewer will ask you a follow-up question based on your answers. These are self-introductory, open-ended, and straightforward questions. Candidates should prepare these types of questions in advance so that they don’t fumble in front of the panel. 

Interview Model Questions on Education

1. Where did you do your schooling and college and why did you choose this specific school/college?
2. Why did you choose this particular subject and how do you think it will be relevant and helpful in the life of administration?
3. Would you call yourself an average student? If yes/no, why?
4. Which are your favourite and your least favourite subject during school and college?
5. Why did you choose civil services if you are good at your own graduate subject?
6. Details about the school or college (like establishment year, the motto of the school, etc) like if a candidate is from Kendriya Vidyalaya questions about Kendriya Vidyalaya’s establishment and why was it established might be asked, or questions regarding schemes or policies about the education sector, etc
7. Why did you choose a different optional other than your graduation subject?
8. Questions based on any extra-curricular activities undertaken at school/college.

To apply for the UPSC civil service examination the basic eligibility criteria are to complete the graduation. Graduation can be in any major or subject. The interviewer can also ask questions about the current trends and affairs on the subject of your graduation, and be updated about it. Be honest and truthful about your answers; do not try to bluff the interviewer, it is advisable, to be honest. Besides, candidates must be well aware of the latest schemes, policies, or any event going on at the present time in the country. 

Enrol for UPSC CSE Online Coaching here!

Interview Questions on Current Affairs

• Few important events or issues about your current place, your hometown, and the country in the last few months.
• Present day’s headlines. 
• Questions can be asked about any global issues, global meetings, and national and international affairs. 
• Stating the example of any present situation going on in the world, the interviewer might ask what would the candidate do or ask for their opinion about the same. 

Reading the newspaper is one of the vital tasks of UPSC Aspirants. Keeping yourself updated on current affairs will help you with a lot of questions. The interviewers are more likely to question you about the latest news, events, and issues. 

Practical Situation-Based Questions

Q1. How will you be able to lift an elephant with one hand?

Ans: I can never find an elephant with one hand, so it won't be a problem for me to lift it. 

Q2. If a wall is built in ten hours by 8 men how many hours will it take four men to build it?

Ans: It will take no time as it is already built.

Q3. What will you do when one fine day you wake up and you get to know that you are pregnant?

Ans: I’ll be so happy to share this good news with my husband and I’ll take a day off to celebrate this news.

Q4. You are pushed out of an aeroplane without a parachute and yet you survived how?

Ans: Only if I'm pushed from an aeroplane that was on the runway. 

Q5. The twin's named Grace and Becca are born in May but their birthday is in June. How is it possible?

Ans: May is a town in the United States where twins are born in the month of June. 

IAS Interview Questions on Job/Work Profile

1. Why do you want to become an IAS/IPS/IFS officer if your current job is well-paying and you are good at it?
2. Tell us about the roles and responsibilities of your job?
3. How do you think your current job's experience will be anywhere relevant and helpful for the civil services?
4. If the candidate has any prior work experience then reasons for leaving the job could be asked.
5. Questions based on the profile and the role the candidate worked in can be asked.
6. What experience or learning did the candidate gain from their previous work?
7. For some candidates the question might be, the salary of the civil servant officer is less than your previous salary. How will you manage or tackle this?

If you aren’t a student or just passed out, interviews are more likely to ask these questions to you. Always be prepared to answer anything related to any gaps in your work history. Research well and be thorough with the workplace where you worked earlier, the designation you had, and the main reasons for leaving the previous job and choosing civil services. 

IAS Interview Questions on Optional Subject

• What is the reason to choose this specific subject as your optional?
• Why didn’t you pick this subject as your graduation subject if you are really good at this optional subject?
• Some issues, events, and headlines related to your optional subject.

Interviewers are more likely to ask you about your hobbies. The questions from this are solemnly based on different people's answers. If someone says that they like to dance and it's their hobby, the interviewer might ask questions about the dance cultures of India, your residential city, and your hometown.

IAS Interview Model Questions on State/District/Village

• Questions based on the index can be asked like- population, sex ratio, or if any present situation is there because of which the particular area is in news.
• a number of districts in the state, any alternate name the state have (like why Rajasthan is also known as ‘Rangeela Rajasthan’).
• Questions on any historical monuments, fights/protests that took place during the freedom struggle, and famous personalities from that state/area.

Candidates should be well-aware of their place of birth, current residential place, workplace, and if they migrated to any different state/city for educational purposes. Candidates should have complete knowledge of the cities, towns, and states he/she has any connection with.

IAS Interview Model Questions on Hobbies

• What are your hobbies?
• Questions related to particular hobbies like- if someone’s hobby is dancing the panel may ask various questions on the forms of dance. 
• Why did you choose this particular hobby?
• If you are a part of any clubs or NGO questions could be based on that.

Candidates should be well aware of the hobbies they are writing in their DAF. They avoid mentioning any unnecessary hobbies. If the candidate is a part of any club/ NGO they should have complete knowledge of that particular organization and how being a part of the organization helped the candidate. 

IAS Interview General Model Questions

• Questions could be asked on the dress the candidate is wearing if a female candidate is wearing a cotton saree or a saree with Warli print on it questions may be asked on the growth, import/export of cotton, or the origin and significance of Warli paintings or any similar form of painting prevalent in India.
• What will you do if you don’t clear this exam(could be asked especially from candidates having their last attempt)?
• To test the presence of mind of the candidates the panel could give certain situations and ask questions about them, like- what will you do if you were a Collector/Magistrate of a particular district and there is a riot in our area or what will be your steps to improve health, sanitation or education in your area of dominance? 

Such general questions could be asked from the candidates. Candidates should use their presence of mind to tackle such questions. 

Do's and Don'ts for UPSC Interview

While appearing for the IAS Interview, candidates must keep certain do's and don'ts in mind in order to appear for the Interview confident and leave a lasting impression of the panel -

IAS Interview Do's 

There are certain things that you should keep in mind as a civil services aspirant. The UPSC Interview can be a smooth ride if you follow these pointers as mentioned below: 

• Panelists will deliberately ask you trick questions to test how you react under pressure. They might ask you around 3-4 questions in a row & you might not know the answer to any! Politely reply with an “I do not know ma’am/sir” but do not lose your cool. Always remember that honesty is the best policy. Answer the rest of the questions with a positive attitude. 
• While questioned about government politics, you might be interrupted by any of the panel members. Patiently listen to them before you continue and always present the government’s perspective before you add any possible challenges or ways on how to go ahead in the situation. Listening to the IAS interview is as essential as speaking! 
• Once all the panelists are done questioning you, you will be informed by the panel chairperson to leave. Take note that your exit should be as graceful as your entry. So, greet the panel chairperson followed by the rest of the panelists with a smile before you leave the UPSC Interview room. 
• Last but not least, you cannot go back to the waiting area where other candidates are present after your IAS interview is over. You are advised to collect your belongings, submit the travel reimbursement form and vacate the civil services exam building immediately. Here are the UPSC IAS 2019 Toppers!

Note: You will be informed about your medical test on the same day as your IAS interview. It is usually scheduled at well-reputed hospitals in Delhi on the very next day. 

IAS Interview Don'ts

The IAS Interview is the last stage that shall help decide whether you have made it to the Indian Administrative Services merit list or not. To obtain a good rank, you should be mindful of not committing any mistakes and hence clearing the IAS Interview. Take a look at the pointers below for better clarity. 

• Candidates are always advised to stay calm & composed on the day of the examination. Also, do not revise too much a day before as well as on the day of the UPSC interview test. Remember that they do not aim at testing much of your theoretical knowledge. But more of how you handle each question to the best of your ability & if you have an honest approach.
• Your dressing sense is also of importance. Avoid wearing heavy makeup on the day of the interview. Do not put on very strong deodorants/perfumes. Also, avoid wearing newly stitched clothes as they can make you uncomfortable.
• Don’t get nervous if you meet candidates who seem to have more knowledge or expertise than you. Every one of you who is in the same IAS Interview center deserves to be there because you are a meritorious candidate. 

Download UPSC Civil Services Exam Previous Year Papers to boost your exam preparation!

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