UPSC Civil Services Personality Test – What You Need To Know

The UPSC Civil Services Personality Test, also known as the interview stage, is crucial in determining a candidate’s rank and, frequently, their selection.

The weightage of the interview is 275 out of 2025, while each Mains paper carries just 250 points. Thus, the interview offers the opportunity to earn good scores in 30-35 minutes, while the Mains need a lot of effort and preparation.

At National IAS Academy, a well-known IAS coaching in Bangalore, we understand that the goal of the interview is to gauge the candidate’s general orientation toward administrative services, according to the UPSC notification.

As a result, there is no prescribed syllabus for interview preparation; instead, candidates must display their personalities to the interview panel. Additionally, this leads to subjectivity in interview scores and makes it challenging for candidates to do well.

If you do an excellent job of preparing for the interview, you will do well on the test. Read on to learn some tips to help you prepare for the crucial stage of the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Personality Test

At the National IAS Academy, often hailed for providing the Best IAS Coaching in Bangalore, we frequently remind our students that the most crucial preparation starts with getting rid of negative thoughts and caring for your health and mind.

Be ready for some common questions

You will be asked general questions to understand your dedication and commitment to civil services, like

• What motivates you to apply for civil services?
• Did you always aspire to join the IAS?
• Why have you decided to shift to civil services after pursuing medicine?
• How would you define yourself as an individual?
• Would you take up a post in Arunachal Pradesh?

… and so on

Know the field you graduated in

Although even students with a weak academic record can be bright when appearing for the UPSC exams, you need to know the basics of the subject you graduated in.

• If you are a design engineering graduate, you should be able to explain what it is in layperson’s terms without using unnecessary jargon.
• If you are an Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) graduate, you should know about the software and hardware aspects of a mobile phone.

Follow the basics of current events

Let’s say a lot is being written about Indore, the cleanest Indian city in 5 years; you may be asked questions like,

• What do you think contributes towards Indore’s ranking as the cleanest city for 5^th year in a row?
• What can you suggest for improving waste management?

If you do not know the answer, be honest about it

• Saying, “I don’t know,” for factual questions that have only 1 correct answer is alright. Say it politely with a subtle smile.
• Do not start shifting in your seat or show that you are nervous.
• If the question is an easy one, you can say that you should have had knowledge about that but are not able to remember it.
• Do not make excuses saying you forgot about it as you graduated many years ago.

Do not answer with unverified information

Adding to the earlier point, candidates sometimes make the fatal mistake of ‘answering’ a question they have little or no knowledge about. This can turn things against your favor very quickly.

Understand that there is no shame in being honest and admitting that you have limited or no knowledge about a particular event or matter. It is better than stating something you may have only heard by word of mouth or hearsay.

Being honest will save you from digging a hole if asked to elaborate on a matter you do not know about but have started answering as though you did.

Take a stand on topics that matter

You may be asked questions that are very important socially or environmentally; for example, you may be asked about your opinion on religious shrines where a particular gender (either only men or only women) is allowed. Or you may be asked for your opinion about climate change.

Do not try and skirt the question by saying that you agree with whatever the government says. These matters are very relevant to society and our quality of life.

So take a stand on these matters and answer what you genuinely believe and your reasoning behind it. Also, acknowledge that different people have different views and opinions and that every individual is entitled to their reasoning.

Believe in yourself

Have confidence in yourself and your goals. This is possible primarily if you have chosen this path due to your own aspirations and determination and not due to peer or family pressure.

If you are passionate and confident about serving the nation as an IAS officer, it will show through your answers, demeanor, and personality. Your genuine confidence, passion, and belief will go a long way in gaining the trust and faith of the interviewers.

Conclusion

Being a part of the UPSC team is a dream of millions of Indians, but very few get through the exams. While there is no ideal age to start preparing for the exams, if you aspire to be an IAS officer, then the sooner you begin preparing, the better it will be for you.

Remember, it is a matter of great importance that you get the right mentorship to support and guide you through your journey.

The way candidates prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Exam has been reimagined, revolutionized, and simplified by National IAS Academy. In terms of providing top-notch information, advice, and instruction for the IAS Exam, our mentors strive to provide the most innovative and dynamic UPSC Coaching in Bangalore.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for free counseling, and let us set your IAS journey rolling.