How should I prepare for UPSC CSE Interview?

Crucial to the success of an interview is the level of confidence a candidate displays in front of the admissions committee. This shows that the candidate is in control of himself and the interview. A thorough preparation of various topics of current affairs, optional areas of study at the college level and details specified in the DAF helps the candidate gain enough confidence and self-control. Adequate level of mock interview sessions will further help in improving the above qualities.

How do I prepare for UPSC IAS Interview?

Criteria that can help a candidate develop his/her personality for an IAS interview include: good manners (i.e., socially and culturally acceptable behaviour), a strong value system, and a balanced personality (i.e. fairness, empathy, sensitivity to the problems of the depressed person) honesty, purposefulness, willingness to take responsibility etc. Preparing answers to various interview board questions that reflect the above personality traits will create a good impression on the candidate in the mind of the board members.

Types of Questions asked in UPSC CSE Interview

IAS Interview is conducted in a cordial and friendly manner. Mentoring makes the candidate feel comfortable and encourages him/her to attend the interview. It is a focused and formal interview with the members where the candidate is expected to be polite, respectful and formal towards the members. The interview committee members do not have a ready list of questions for screening candidates. You slowly start a conversation with a candidate and build up an interview based on his or her answers. This is not a quiz show. It is extremely difficult to predict questions and determine the so-called "best" questions. Essentially, the candidate leads the interview with their answers.

Also Read - Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Is it necessary to answer all the questions in IAS interview?

It does not matter if the candidate cannot answer some questions. In fact, it is unlikely that any candidate will be able to answer all the questions. If you don't answer any of the questions, remember that you didn't ruin the interview. Continue answering the following questions. For other questions the quality, originality and clarity of the answers is more important. There were cases when candidates who secured two-thirds of the marks answered only one-third of the questions. However, if you don't answer a question at all, it's best to politely and respectfully say you don't know the answer.

Is it important to have excellent communication skills to crack UPSC CSE interview?

You don't have to have "great" communication skills to get good interview grades. You can score more than 70% with "average" communication skills but with deep understanding of issues, clear thinking, clear opinion on various controversial issues, poise of person, alertness and poise. Remember this is a test of your personality, not a contest of elocution.