Candidates who clear UPSC Prelims round and get the required cut-off will be eligible to appear for the UPSC mains exam. On getting the cut-off needed in the mains exam, you will be summoned for the last hurdle to your IAS dream, i.e., the UPSC personality test/board interview.
The written exams and the face-to-face interview are like chalk and cheese. Both require totally different kinds of preparation and capacities to go through. While good study material and a lot of practice can pull you through the IAS prelims and the mains, clearing the interview requires something extra as well.
Here, you will be facing the daunting UPSC board who will question you on various aspects of your background, education, career, interests and of course, general awareness and situational response. Now, things can get quite complicated here if you are a shy person. Read on for how to face the UPSC interview if you are shy.
Shy people generally find it difficult to talk to strangers. Things can take a turn for the worse if they have to address a group of people. In the UPSC personality test/interview, a board of people will be there to assess you. How do you tackle your shyness and come across as a confident and positive person? It is important that you do because UPSC wants to appoint officers who are not only knowledgeable but also smart and confident.
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Tips to succeed in the UPSC interview if you are shy
- Rehearse
Practice with your friends or family the interview situation. Rehearse and be familiar with the process. Read IAS interview transcripts and be prepared. Don’t wait to be shocked at the interview hall.
- Imagine your success
Visualize your success beforehand. This gives you loads of confident and reaffirms your talents.
- Avoid touching your face or fidgeting with your hands
Avoid these gestures as they give a negative indication to the interviewers. You may be shy but don’t let the board know that.
- Sit up
Don’t slouch in the interview. It gives an impression of a dull and under confident person. Sit up straight and look up.
- Make eye contact
Always maintain eye contact with the interviewers. Since there is a group of people, look at the person who has asked a question while answering him/her. Move from one person to the next in a steady manner. Don’t ignore anybody in the board. Pay attention to every board member.
- Think positive
This is very important in the UPSC interview or any interview for that matter. Avoid negative thoughts. Be positive about your knowledge and intelligence. You have come this far using your own capabilities. Focus on your strengths.
Aspirants should read the article on Power of Self-Belief Can Help You Crack UPSC Civil Services.
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