Tips for preparing for the IAS Interview

The final stage of the UPSC CSE is the UPSC Interview. A lot of candidates who clear the prelims and mains fail at this stage. As the IAS interview questions test the candidate’s general awareness, extent of thought and critical reasoning ability, a candidate needs to be well versed with Current Affairs and it’ll be beneficial if they develop the habit of debating and discussing about the events with other like-minded people.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful in framing their preparation strategy for IAS Exam.

The purpose behind the IAS interview

The idea behind the interview is to judge the candidate’s social traits and to see if his/her personality is suited to that of a Civil Services officer. If a candidate gives off an impression that is not up to the mark, then his/her chances of getting selected are reduced. He/She must exhibit interests in events happening around him/her and be able to have an intelligent and fruitful conversation with the board, along with bringing something new to the proverbial table.

While preparing for the IAS interview, a candidate needs to keep the following things in mind:

•  Have a positive body language
•  Ensure your posture and have a good personal turnout
•  Answer questions clearly and confidently
•  Remain calm and composed even when faced with provocative questions
•  Stay crisp and to the point while answering a question

Also read : 

1. Questions asked in the UPSC Personality Test/Interview
2. UPSC Interview Tips: How to Introduce Yourself?
3. Tips to Calm Your Nerves before UPSC Interview.
4. Why is Body Language Important for the IAS Interview?
5. What Not To Do In UPSC Civil Services Interview

Things to be avoided in the UPSC Interview:

• Avoid saying “I’m sorry”
•  Avoid conversational clichés like “as you know”, “that’s correct”, “of course”, “indeed”,“obviously”, etc.
•  Avoid using technical terms, unless probed into a technical field.

•  Maintain a cheerful disposition. You can appear serious but try and maintain a composed look and hold a smile. Even if the board laughs at some point, maintain your smile and composure.

•  Do not give a long introduction, keep it precise.
•  Show human concern wherever possible in your answers.
• Maintain consistency in what you’re saying, logically and rationally. Defend what you say, but with due respect to the views of the board. Do not defend an answer if it becomes difficult to do so logically and fairly.
•  Do not make hasty generalizations.

Candidates should go through the links provided below to do preparation for UPSC exam even better-

Frequently asked IAS Interview Questions:

1. Initial questions will be based on your bio-data, career choices and why you want to opt for civil services.
2. To start with, the board generally asks a candidate to give a description about themselves.
3. You need to research well on your hobbies as questions are asked on the reason why you pursue a particular hobby.
4. Questions will come from Current Affairs. So have an in-depth knowledge of current hot topics in the present world. While answering, put forward your views in a precise and analytical manner, with a logical backing to it.
5. Name your three positive and negative qualities. Keep in mind that it may not always be a set of three negative and positive qualities, it may vary, so prepare accordingly. While answering this question, always keep in mind that you provide a justification for the best qualities you mention, and while mentioning your negative qualities, always mention what you can do to improve on them.
6. Situational questions can be asked during the interview like for example; if you were the Collector/SP of Ahmedabad, Gujarat , what would you do after a bomb blast in the city?

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