The personality test/IAS interview round is the last phase of the UPSC Civil Services examination. The purpose of this round is for the UPSC board to evaluate a prospective IAS officer’s personality and way of thinking. You will advance to the final round after giving your best effort in the UPSC Mains exam, and for those with a can-do attitude, here are the top 10 tips to clear UPSC Interview.
Top 10 Tips for UPSC Interviews
The following are the top 10 tips for UPSC interview rounds:
Uphold good personal hygiene
Present yourself neatly and cleanly to the UPSC interview panel. Make sure you maintain neat nails, well-combed hair, a smooth-shaven face, and a good haircut. If you have a beard, trim it to keep it in place. Additionally, cleansing your face is advised to get rid of sweat, oil, and dirt and brighten your skin. Additionally, make sure you smell fresh and that nothing offensive is coming from your body.
Maintain good hygiene
You should not wear bright or flashy clothing. It is recommended that you wear a suit in a dark or sombre colour. Make sure your shirt’s collar is spotless, ironed, and stiff. Check the handcuffs on your shirt; they should not be frayed at the ends. Shoes and socks should be worn, and socks should be pulled up. Shoes should also be well-polished.
Ladies can choose decent traditional formal attire like a saree or salwar suit, preferably in a neutral colour. It is advised to wear minimal makeup and accessories that complement your outfit. Not to mention, it is a good idea to tie your hair up to look well-groomed. Keep your hairstyle well-maintained.
Act courteously and politely
Being courteous, gently knock on the door before entering and ask, “May I come in?” Do not rush in right away; instead, wait for the board members’ response before going in. Enter with confidence and calmness. When you enter the room, say “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon,” or “Good Evening” to each board member depending on the time of day and the interview session. It is recommended to stand up straight when addressing the board members. If there is a female board member, address her as “Good Morning Ma’am, afternoon.”
Steer clear of meaningless gestures
It is advised that you practise your gestures and body language. Always look at the board members while sitting upright. Do not continue tapping your feet on the floor or wagging your knees. Avoid frequent coughing, occasionally adjust the throat, and refrain from fiddling with your tie, collar, or coat buttons. Do not relax your elbows on the table while you are seated. Avoid yawning throughout the interview. In fact, you ought to eliminate all unneeded motions. You can and should maintain your composure.
Be audible and speak courteously
Avoid shouting or murmuring. Maintain a clear voice, say each word aloud, without skipping any, and emphasize each syllable when necessary. Speak to the board with energy and curiosity so that everyone can hear you without having to ask you to repeat yourself. Look into their eyes when talking to the Chairman or the other members; avoid looking at the ceiling, the table, the wall, or the floor. Avoid sounding robotic or uninteresting; instead, use a spirit-filled voice that will excite the board members when they hear you.
Pay attention and project attention
Another tip to clear UPSC interview is when the Chairman or a board member speaks to you, pay close attention to what they are saying and refrain from asking them to repeat themselves frequently. The board members may think you are rude if you close your eyes to concentrate on what they are saying, so avoid doing so. You should also not assume that they will realise you are concentrating. Do not interrupt them while they are speaking and pay close attention until they have finished the question. Even if you must break the conversation, be polite and say, “Sorry to interrupt,” then go back to listening.
Prevent Disputes
To avoid being duped by the board’s argumentative questions, challenge the board members’ opinions and attempt to refute their claims. Instead, be careful and thoughtful when expressing your opinions. When expressing your opinions, refrain from attacking others or endorsing a specific person. Instead, be objective and offer suggestions. Do not point out other people’s mistakes. If you are incorrect, own up to it right away and apologise. Your conclusions should be logical and supported by solid arguments. Avoid being arrogant and overconfident in yourself.
Rather than being overly smart, be wise and intelligent
When the interview panel inquiries about your bio-data or accomplishments, be sure to answer all questions truthfully and courteously. You cannot fool the board members by lying, so be honest and have the guts to admit when you do not know the answer. Never generalize or hazard an educated guess. Do not ramble, and you must be able to hold your audience’s interest as you speak. Be careful not to monotone the board.
Be assertive and show your attitude
Be assured and present your attitude in a way that will make the board members think well of you. Never forget that the board member will pay more attention to what and how you say than to how much you say. If you do not respond to a question, the board cannot comment on it. Therefore, be careful with your words and your delivery. Do not let doubts sabotage your chances. Do not stress about things like the UPSC interview panel, the position, the questions, etc. that are out of your control.
Keep it up and smile
From the moment you walk into the interview board room until you leave, present a pleasant appearance, carry yourself with assurance, and maintain that hypnotic ‘smile’ on your face. Give the board members the impression that you are observant, pleasant, and passionate. Turn the tables in the interview round by using your smile to succeed in the UPSC Civil Services Examination Interview.
CONCLUSION
To succeed in the UPSC Interview Round, comply with these golden rules, and we bet you will win over the board members’ hearts in addition to getting your name on the list of final candidates.