Tips to crack the UPSC interview preparation

To crack the UPSC interview exam, you must have a comprehensive UPSC preparation strategy, which covers various things like developing verbal & non-verbal communication and building solid perspectives on the relevant subjects. To confidently ace the exam, you can follow the points shared below by Lead IAS, the Best Civil Service Coaching Centre in Trivandrum.

UPSC doesn’t offer any syllabus for the interview/personality test. However, as per the expert's past experiences, the question asked by the interview board is based on the following points -

●   About yourself

The UPSC interview starts with this fundamental question. A candidate should answer comprehensive answers to questions like introducing yourself, strengths & weaknesses, etc.

●   A detailed knowledge application form

The interview board expects the candidates to have complete knowledge about every necessary detail mentioned in the Detailed Application Form (DAF). One should prepare well for the questions based on work experience, educational background and hobbies.

●   Optional subjects & current affairs

The interview board asks specific questions based on the optional subjects. One must be well-versed in the fundamental theories & concepts regarding the optional subjects so that application-level questions can be resolved effortlessly. The candidate should also be aware of current affairs based on national and international news.

●   Situation-based questions 

These are the questions the interview board asks the candidates the most. These questions are asked to assess the decision-making abilities of the candidates. The questions are primarily similar to the case study questions.

Building effective verbal & non-verbal communication

The candidates should understand the importance of physical and verbal communication.

Following are a few tips by Lead IAS Academy’s exam experts in Trivandrum to enhance your interview preparation –

●   Understanding the importance of verbal communication is a primary way to present your knowledge. One should have the best command over the language and commendable articulation skills. Pay attention to the interview board and thoughtfully process the process to give them a response. 

●   You should maintain a good level of fluency while giving answers in front of the interview board.

●   Based on the situation, you should also modulate your tone to convey your mindful presence.

●   Candidates should maintain confident body language and attention to their gestures and postures. Maintain eye contact when interviewing with the board. 

Showcase positive attitude and behaviour

UPSC interview board expects the candidate to approach the interview team positively. The board constantly tracks your physical behaviour and mental ability while responding to the answers. 

●   Present yourself in a flexible and adaptable manner by adjusting the approach based on the question pattern.

●   If you say anything mistakenly, then accept it gracefully and move on to the next question confidently. Accepting your mistakes doesn’t make you feel like you are losing confidence, but it shows courage.

●   When answering the interview question, you should speak professionally. Use professional language instead of words like whatever, umm, cool, etc. Try to avoid negativities in your conversation. 

●   One should wear a professional costume because your first impression will be your last. Try appropriate costumes such as formal shirts & pants, formal shoes etc. 

The candidates must showcase their knowledge and apply it to real-life situations. During the interview process, the candidate should present balanced ideas. If you want to take a full-fledged IAS preparation in a proper IAS/IPS training institute or UPSC Coaching in Trivandrum, you can visit the Lead IAS Academy.