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UPSC Interview Marks are the deciding factor for candidates as this stage is the last stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination cycle. UPSC Interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final and crucial stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). 

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, and will last till April 17, 2025.

In this article, we will look into the details of UPSC Interview Marks, including their distribution, significance, and tips for scoring well.

UPSC Interview Marks Distribution

Understanding the UPSC Interview marks distribution is essential for effective preparation. Here’s how the process works:

• Total Marks: 275 marks
  • These marks assess the candidate’s personality, ethics, and administrative acumen.
• Panel Evaluation:
  • A board of 4-5 members evaluates the candidate.
  • Marks are awarded collectively based on the candidate’s performance.
• Key Assessment Areas:
  • Communication skills
  • Logical reasoning
  • Leadership qualities
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Knowledge of current affairs and optional subjects

How Many Marks Are Allotted for UPSC Interview?

The interview stage is worth 275 marks, contributing significantly to the final score. Unlike the written Mains, which test knowledge, the interview focuses on:

• Personality traits
• Problem-solving abilities
• Ethical and administrative judgment

For example, a candidate scoring 200 marks in the interview has a considerable advantage over someone scoring 150 marks.

What are the Qualifying Marks for the UPSC Interview?

While there is no separate qualifying mark for the UPSC Interview, candidates must pass the Mains stage to be eligible for the interview. However:

• Final Selection: The final merit list is based on the combined score of the Mains (1750 marks) and the interview (275 marks).

• Competitive Benchmark: Candidates generally aim for 55-75% of the interview marks (roughly 150-200 marks) to secure a good rank.

How Many Marks Are Required for an IAS Interview?

To get an IAS posting, a high overall score in both the Mains and the interview is essential. While there is no fixed “required” score for the IAS interview, the following points offer clarity:

• Cut-off Trends: Candidates with a total score of 950+ (out of 2025) generally secure IAS.

• Impact of Interview Marks: Scoring 180+ in the interview significantly boosts the chances of getting IAS.
• Examples of Top Scorers: Toppers often achieve 200+ marks in the interview stage.

How UPSC Interview Marks Affect Final Ranking

UPSC Interview marks can make or break your rank. Here’s how:

• High-Scoring Candidates: Toppers like Gaurav Agrawal (2013) scored 212 marks in the interview, securing AIR-1.

• Moderate Scores: Even candidates scoring 150-180 marks can achieve respectable ranks if their Mains scores are strong.
• Low Scores: A low interview score (below 120) often makes it difficult to secure top services.

Key Attributes Assessed in the UPSC Interview

UPSC Interview evaluates the communication, thinking, and decision-making of candidates to evaluate the following key attributes assessed in the UPSC Interview:

• Effective Communication Skills: Clear and concise articulation of thoughts is critical. Candidates must convey their ideas confidently without appearing arrogant, leaving a positive impression on the panel.
• Ethics and Integrity Focus: Situational questions are posed to test honesty and moral values. For example, “How would you handle corruption in your department?” examines ethical decision-making.
• Strong Current Affairs Knowledge: Awareness of national and international events is essential. Questions like, “What are your views on India’s renewable energy policies?” test a candidate’s understanding of important topics.
• Practical Problem-Solving Abilities: Hypothetical scenarios assess decision-making and leadership skills. A typical question could be, “How would you manage relief efforts in a flood-affected area?”
• In-Depth Subject Proficiency: Questions about the optional subject chosen in Mains assess academic clarity and expertise. Candidates must explain concepts precisely and confidently.

Tips to Score High in UPSC Interview Marks

UPSC Interviews hold a good significance for marks for getting final selection and getting preferable services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc. So here are some tips to score high in UPSC Interview Marks:

• Master Your DAF: Be thorough with the details in your Detailed Application Form (DAF), including your hobbies, education, and work experience.
• Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Read newspapers regularly and follow credible sources to stay informed about recent developments.
• Practice Mock Interviews: Participate in mock sessions to refine your answers, improve body language, and build self-assurance.
• Polish Communication Skills: Speak clearly and avoid overcomplicating your responses. Simple, direct answers often have the most impact.
• Adopt Honesty in Responses: If unsure about an answer, admit it politely. Honesty is appreciated more than guesswork.
• Maintain Composure: Stay calm and composed under pressure to tackle tricky questions confidently and gracefully.

Myths About UPSC Interview Marks

There are several misconceptions about the UPSC Interview stage. Let’s clarify each of it so that you can get a clear picture and remove misconceptions about it:

• Myth: High fluency in English is mandatory.
  • Fact: The interview can be conducted in any of the scheduled languages.
• Myth: The panel is intimidating.
  • Fact: The board is professional and aims to assess your best qualities.
• Myth: Only knowledge matters.
  • Fact: The interview focuses more on personality and judgment than rote knowledge.

Importance of UPSC Interview Marks

UPSC Interview marks play a very important role in determining a candidate’s final ranking in the Civil Services Examination. This stage evaluates the personality traits, decision-making skills, and suitability of candidates for administrative roles such as IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), and IFS (Indian Foreign Service). Key points to note:

• The interview carries 275 marks, which are added to the written Mains marks (1750 marks) to determine the final merit.
• Even a slight edge in interview marks can significantly impact the overall rank.
• Candidates with a high interview score often secure top ranks and prestigious services like IAS.

Final Words for UPSC Interview 2024

The UPSC Interview marks are crucial in shaping your final result in the Civil Services Examination. With 275 marks at stake, it’s essential to approach the Personality Test with confidence, preparation, and a calm demeanor. By understanding the assessment criteria and practicing regularly, you can maximize your chances of securing a high score and realizing your dream of becoming a civil servant.

UPSC Interview Marks FAQs