Know about the UPSC Interview 2024-25: A 275-mark Personality Test assessing leadership, ethics, and decision-making skills. Begins January 7, 2025
theIAShub | 21 Apr, 2025 | 8993 | 0 |
UPSC Interview, often referred to as the Personality Test, is the final step in the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This stage decides the selection and ranking of candidates for coveted roles such as IAS, IPS, and IFS.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the schedule for the Personality Tests (Interviews) of the Civil Services. As per the schedule, the UPSC interviews will begin on January 7, 2025.
In this article we will explore the key aspects of the UPSC Personality test, offering insights into its format, preparation tips, and essential details.
UPSC Interview evaluates a candidate’s personality, mental alertness, and suitability for a career in public service. It focuses on interpersonal skills, ethical values, and the ability to handle real-life administrative challenges. Unlike earlier stages, the interview is not a test of academic knowledge but of judgment and behavior.
UPSC Interviews have the purpose of testing the decision-making ability of candidates his/her judgment and behavior. Here are some key details about it:
UPSC Interview covers a wide range of topics, from personal information to hypothetical scenarios. Common categories include:
| Personal Background | Questions about your upbringing, family, and education.
Example: What inspired you to choose civil services as a career? |
| Optional Subject | Inquiries related to the optional subject selected for the Mains.
Example: How does your optional subject contribute to governance or policy-making? |
| Current Affairs | Analysis of national and global events.
Example: What is your opinion on India’s renewable energy initiatives? |
| Ethical Scenarios | Hypothetical situations to assess your moral judgment.
Example: What will you do if you witness corruption in your department? |
| Hobbies and Interests | Questions about your hobbies, especially those mentioned in the DAF.
Example: You’ve mentioned photography as a hobby. How can it help promote tourism? |
Cracking the UPSC Personality Test requires a well-rounded strategy. This stage decides the future of candidates before the final results and it bears 275 marks which are the most crucial to decide which candidates will get which services. So here are some practical tips:
Most of the time candidates underestimate and overestimate themselves with the myths and facts about the UPSC Interview. So here we are presenting some common myths about the UPSC Interview:
Over the years, several candidates have scored exceptionally high marks in the UPSC Interview. Zainab Sayeed who holds the record for the highest marks in the UPSC interview round over the years. Zainab achieved this milestone in 2014 when she passed the UPSC Civil Services Examination, securing 731 marks in the mains examination and an impressive 220 out of 275 marks in the interview round, earning her the 107th rank overall.
After Zainab, Gaurav Agrawal holds the record for the highest interview score—212 marks out of 275—achieved in 2013. This highlights the importance of excelling in this stage, as it significantly impacts the final ranking.
The duration of the IAS Interview usually ranges between 20 to 40 minutes. Each panel operates differently, focusing on the depth and quality of interaction rather than its length.
Since the weightage of the UPSC Interview is no less than the main examination here are some tips and suggestions to clear UPSC Personality Test:
The UPSC interview panel consists of experts from various fields, including:
The UPSC interview venue is typically located in New Delhi, although it may vary depending on the location of the candidate. For the last few years, UPSC conducted interviews at the Union Public Service Commission venue on Shahjahan Road, New Delhi.
The UPSC interview dress code is formal and professional. Candidates are expected to dress in formal attire, including:
The UPSC interview results are typically announced within a few weeks of the interview. The results are published on the UPSC’s official website, and candidates can check their results online.
There are no specific minimum marks required to pass the UPSC Interview; however, a strong performance in both the mains and interviews is essential for final selection.
The UPSC Interview is not merely an examination; it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and suitability for a career in public service. With proper preparation and a confident mindset, you can excel in this critical stage and move closer to achieving your dream of becoming a civil servant. Remember, it’s not just about knowledge but about demonstrating the qualities that make a good administrator.
The interview typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the panel and the discussion.
Focus on understanding your DAF, staying updated on current affairs, practicing with mock interviews, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Zainab Sayeed scored the highest marks in the UPSC Interview, securing 220 out of 275 in 2014.
Questions range from personal background and current affairs to hypothetical scenarios and hobbies.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
