Out of the applicants' lacs, roughly 15,000 qualify for the mains, and nearly 3,000 are shortlisted for the interview. Out of that, around 1,000 candidates are selected for the jobs. Now get ready to face some tricky questions in the decisive final round. Here's a precise IAS interview guidance for you.
The types of questions asked in the interview round can be broadly classified into four types.
Profile Related |
Candidates can expect questions regarding their birthplace, educational and professional background, hobbies, and likes and dislikes. |
Situational Questions |
These questions are inquired to evaluate the candidate's credibility as a bureaucrat and their attitude in different situations. For instance, What will be your prime focus as a district collector in XYZ district. |
Behavioral Questions |
This category of questions is to evaluate the candidate's behavior or personality. They assess whether the candidate gets anxious or stays calm and confident while answering. |
Current Affairs Related |
Candidates are generally asked about current affairs over the last three months. For instance, what do you think about the efficacy of the containment of COVID-19 in India? |
Candidates should expect questions from the following fields.
Your Education
- What is the degree that you pursued?
- Why did you choose that degree?
Also, stay updated about any recent news about your stream.
Your Work Experience
You may be asked about your organization and your responsibilities as well.
Your Hobbies
- What is your hobby?
- Why did you choose this as your hobby?
So, you must have detailed knowledge of your hobbies.
Your State and District
You can be asked about your birthplace and the crises faced by its inhabitants. So prepare the solutions to those problems as well.
Your Purpose for Taking the UPSC Exam
- If you are working, then why do you want to switch your job?
- Why do you want to join civil services?
- How can job expertise be useful in civil services?
Importance of Detailed Application Form (DAF) for IAS Interview
Since the DAF is the primary source of data that the interview board has about the candidates, which serves as the basis for all the significant questions inquired in the IAS interview. Therefore the candidates need to know everything mentioned in your Detailed Application Form to deal with the IAS interview questions.
Here are some tips to follow for the IAS interview round.
- Use Your Common Sense- Get ready to face tricky questions that can be quickly answered using your common sense.
- Stay Calm- You will be questioned on various topics. You might not know the answer to any of those questions. In that case, admit that you don't know. Don't panic. Stay calm.
- Be Honest and Be Yourself- Never lie to impress the interview board. The board members are experienced and will catch you fabricating your answers. Do not mug up readymade answers or fake your personality.
- Work on Your Communication Skills- You must be fluent in the language for the interview. You cannot afford to lose time searching for words to express yourself.
- Wear Tidy and Comfortable Outfits- Candidates are suggested to wear formal clothes. So whatever you wear, make sure you look confident and professional.
- Take Mock IAS Interviews- Rehearsals are unquestionably beneficial. Taking mock IAS interviews deter you from making mistakes.
- Give Unbiased Answers- It is suggested to give unbiased opinions and answers to avoid controversy. However, if you give any controversial answer, provide proper justification along with it.
- Have a Positive Attitude- Maintain an optimistic mind and positive body language. Bolster your answers with suitable gestures.
- Double-Check Your Documents- Double-check all the required documents the night before the interview and keep everything ready.
- Revise the Optional Subject- Candidates are suggested to revise their optional subjects. You may face questions like "Why did you choose this as your optional subject" and other questions on that subject. Also, go through your graduation books.
Summing It Up
There is nothing to be worried about. Prepare well and be confident. Do not stress. So sleep tight the night before your interview and be yourself—all the best to all the aspirants.