Tackling the Interview Phase of the IAS Entrance

by Angeliicaa Maarianee Teacher

UPSC Civil Services is one of India’s coveted and highly aimed career options. Apart from job security and decent salary packages, it offers a sense of satisfaction that sprouts from serving the diverse society of India. However, if you want to reach that point, then you must pass several stages and face different challenges. The final stage is where you have to sit before a panel of interviewers. It is highly challenging, but you must pass it to secure your place on the final list. The interviewers will judge you based on your personality, communication skills, decision-making skills, and body language. Here are a few tips from experts that will help you to cross this stage.

Read the newspaper every day: The expert faculty members of some of the best IAS coaching institutes suggest you read the newspaper daily. As a civil service aspirant, you should be aware of the importance of a newspaper. It can provide you the information that you need to stay ahead in current affairs and the factual part of the test. If you follow newspapers regularly, then you can frame opinions of your own about various national and international events.
Work on your hobbies: The teachers of IAS coaching institutes also advise you to hone your hobbies. When you were a child, your parents used to motivate you to develop a constructive hobby and nurture it. Most people end up forgetting what they used to love when they were kids. Hobbies don’t necessarily have to be a pastime activity. Instead, it should allow you to explore a different dimension of your personality while fine-tuning your inbuilt talent and skill. It is the only reason why the UPSC interviewers prioritize hobbies during the interview.
Mock interviews: Experts say that mock interviews are crucial while preparing for the Civil Services personality test. A mock interview session will give you a sense of the real deal. It also aids your preparation for this quest. By facing an eminent panel from the Civil Services department, you will gain the confidence to speak professionally and keep your point forward efficiently.
Mental preparation: Aspirants who prepare for the Civil Services examination tend to fill their minds with the burden of information required to excel in the first two stages. The interview requires you to be calm, composed, and stable. If you have confidence in your knowledge and if you cleared all related concepts, then you shouldn’t have trouble in the interview round.
Go through your bio-data several times: Most of the questions that you will face in the UPSC interview round will be from the bio-data of the candidate. The interviewers will share copies of the Detailed Application Form or DAF among themselves. Therefore, you must not fumble while answering the questions asked by the interviewers.

To conclude

You should feel proud that you crossed the first two stages. Now, you must prepare yourself to face the final round. With the tips given here, you should be able to excel at the personality test. You must focus on the requirements mentioned here, and nothing will prevent you from securing your coveted career.

Resource: medium.com/@darrinheiin