How to Speak Confidently in UPSC Interview?

The IAS interview is a life-altering activity that takes around half an hour to complete. In the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a high score on the interview can occasionally produce a gap of more than 100 marks between candidates in just under 30 minutes. Due to the fact that this is the last round, it would grant one an unassailable lead in India’s most difficult competition, the UPSC Civil Services Exam. (CSE).

Even though the final rank list is generated by adding the scores obtained on the UPSC mains exam and the interview, it is not uncommon for candidates who performed very well in the interview to end up at the top of the final selection list.

In order to successfully complete the application process for a position in the civil service, you will need to pass the UPSC Personality Test, which is also referred to as the UPSC board interview. The interview for the UPSC is less of a test of your knowledge and more of your personality. (which has already been assessed in the written exams). Even for the most self-assured individuals, appearing before the UPSC board can be a terrifying experience that might cause them to freeze up. Continue reading for some helpful advice on how to speak with self-assurance during the UPSC interview.

In this post, we provide vital pieces of advice for achieving success in the IAS interview.

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Why is proper speaking important in an IAS Interview?

During the interview for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), it is essential to speak with confidence because doing so gives the impression that you are a decisive person who is certain of himself or herself. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) searches for future officials to possess this attribute. It’s quite fine for someone to be reserved by nature, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of their ability to carry out their daily responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. There are situations when a person’s timidity can hinder them from showcasing their talents. Don’t be anxious about the UPSC interview if you naturally have a reserved personality yet have dreams of becoming an IAS officer and are worried about it. Increasing your self-assurance when you are speaking can be accomplished through the use of a few different strategies.

First and foremost, it is important to realize that even the most self-assured candidate would feel frightened when facing the intimidating IAS interview board. Prepare yourself for the fact that you will feel anxious and work on developing healthy coping mechanisms for it. You can conquer your uneasiness by engaging in soothing activities like deep breathing exercises and practicing relaxation techniques.

Tips to become a confident speaker

1. Start Early!

It is of the utmost importance to not squander any time. Get an early start. You shouldn’t hold your breath while you wait for the results of the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam. When you’re young, you should get a head start on developing your own personality.

2. Know Yourself

The fact that we do not have a complete understanding of ourselves is by far the most significant issue that we face. A human being has an incredible number of skins on the inside, each one protecting a different part of their heart. There are a lot of things we are aware of, but we are not aware of ourselves. Make an effort to become familiar with the various facets of your personality, including those that are hidden or unknown. You should work hard to improve any aspects of your character that might prevent you from being selected as an IAS officer.

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3. Read your Bio-Data Multiple Times

The majority of the questions that will be asked during the interview with the UPSC will be based on the candidate’s biodata. The detailed application form, also known as the DAF, will have several copies distributed to each individual board member. It is of the utmost importance to answer personal queries without stumbling. Make multiple passes over your biographical data, and make sure you’re well-prepared to answer inquiries on topics such as your hobbies, schooling, work experience, preferred area of service, and so on.

4. Develop a Positive Attitude

There are numerous false beliefs and urban legends around the IAS interview. It’s possible that you’ve had negative encounters during earlier job interviews as well. However, you shouldn’t let negative ideas destroy your opportunities. Do not stress about aspects of the interview that are outside of your control, such as the panel, the position, or the questions. Keep your fingers crossed.

5. Don’t take UPSC Interview in a Light Spirit

Take the steps and questions in the process seriously. Show respect to the members of the board who are participating in your personality test. Always make sure you don’t underestimate the people on the board. They possess a wealth of experience as well as information. When dealing with weighty issues, avoid acting overly flippant.

6. Develop Self-Confidence

People who exude self-assurance are universally admired. You should convey your opinions, answers, or solutions with self-assurance if you are certain about them. But at the same time, you need to make sure you don’t go too far with it. Keep in mind that the line between having self-confidence and acting arrogant is a very fine one.

7. Don’t Lie

If you want to impress the interview board for the UPSC, you shouldn’t tell lies. Never put any fabricated information in your bio-data. They will almost always manage to catch you.

8. Improve your Communication Skills

For the purpose of the UPSC interview, you should work on improving your command of the language. If you are searching for words during the UPSC personality exam that lasts between 25 and 30 minutes, you may find that you do not have enough time to fully convey your ideas. One useful strategy for improving one’s communication abilities is to tune in to various television channels and pay attention to the various discussions and news broadcasts. Additionally, to prepare for the UPSC interview, you could begin conversing with your acquaintances in the medium.

9. Get Straight to the Point

Learn the skill of providing replies that are succinct and to the point. In many cases, lengthy explanations can be simplified into remarks that are brief yet still fascinating. Read our piece on the civil service interview process if you want further advice on what to do and what not to do when it comes to the IAS interview. In that piece, we also discuss the books that are helpful in preparing for the UPSC interview.

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10. Don’t Stop Reading Newspapers

Once the main exam for the UPSC has been over, many candidates quit reading newspapers. However, knowledge of recent events is crucial for the interview portion of the IAS application process, just as it is for the main exam portion of the UPSC. Get yourself familiar with the significant events that have taken place during the past year. Also, be conversant with the headlines and stories of the newspapers on the interview day.

11. Prepare well on your Hobbies

This is typically the first question that the interview board for the UPSC asks, and many times they ask it in a humorous tone. Be careful to get off to a good start. Don’t respond with tired old platitudes. The interviewer might have a better understanding of the candidates’ personalities by asking about their hobbies. Maintain your interest in your hobbies right up until the final week before the interview with the UPSC.

12. Revise your Optional Subject

It has been observed that a significant number of applicants have a propensity to ignore their optional subject following the UPSC CSE Mains. On the other hand, the UPSC interview panel might ask you questions about your optional subject when you go in for the interview. Refresh yourself on recent events that are relevant to your optional subject.

13. Go through your Graduation Textbooks

Candidates for the UPSC are expected to give their graduation the attention and care it deserves. mostly due to the fact that the interview panel considers the candidates to have some level of knowledge in this particular area. Therefore, this is a good place to go for more in-depth questions.

14. Learn to give Balanced Answers

Your perspective need to be objective and well-rounded. This in no way absolves you of the responsibility to express your opinion. In an ideal world, you shouldn’t hold any political or social prejudices or beliefs. After you have decided where you stand on contentious issues, be sure to have a rationale ready to back up your position. Avoid making sweeping generalizations without providing an adequate basis.

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15. Know your District and State

Concerning the county and the state can be brought up in the interrogation. Find out as much as you can about your birthplace. Learn about the issues that plague your town or city. Additionally, be ready with potential solutions.

16. Keep Calm

It is possible that the questions will cover a wide variety of subjects and topics. There is a possibility that you might not always know the answers to many questions. If you do not know anything about the subject that you are being questioned about, then admit that you do not have any idea about the matter. Try not to freak out. Try to stay calm. It is important that you have emotional intelligence. Nobody knows everything there is to know about anything under the sun. The UPSC board most certainly is aware of this.

17. Don’t Compromise your Moral Integrity

Not only does UPSC evaluate a candidate’s intellectual capabilities, but also their social characteristics. Take care to maintain a high level of moral integrity.

18. Maintain a Positive Body Language

Reinforce your spoken words through your body language. Avoid gestures which do not suit the occasion.

19. Understand the Real ‘IAS Interview Questions’

The majority of the questions that are posted on the internet and referred to as “IAS interview questions” are not questions that are asked in the UPSC interview.

According to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), “The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialized or general knowledge of the candidates which has already been tested through the candidates’ written papers.”Not only does UPSC evaluate a candidate’s intellectual capabilities, but also their social characteristics. Take care to maintain a high level of moral integrity.

20. Don’t be Swayed by Rumours

The rumors surrounding the personality exam are thought to be dragging around a lot of UPSC aspirants. While some boards are viewed as conservative in their mark distribution, others are recognized as liberal. Even though there can be little differences, in practice all boards assign high and low marks based on how well a candidate does on the day of the UPSC interview.

21. Use Common Sense

Members of the UPSC occasionally ask problems that can be resolved simply by applying common sense. However, the anxiety of the interview day could impair your ability to think clearly. Recognize that common sense is not universal. Expect some puzzles that call either quick-thinking or lateral thinking.

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22. Dress Neatly

First impressions are important. But for the UPSC interview, it’s not required to wear pricey blazers or suits. Wear something that you feel at ease in. Dark pants and a light-colored shirt for men should convey professionalism. For women, a straightforward saree or churidar is advised. In that dress, you should appear poised and assured no matter what you’re wearing.

23. Re-check your Documents

To avoid last-minute anxiety, we advise thoroughly double-checking the paperwork in advance. Make sure you have all the required paperwork on hand. To learn about the documents that must be presented to the IAS interview, see our article, “Checklist for UPSC Interview.”

24. Take Mock IAS Interviews

Practice helps you steer clear of common errors. Good friends and mentors are able to identify your skills and weaknesses and make the required recommendations. Gaurav Agarwal (2013 All-India Rank 1), an IAS top performer, has claimed that mock interviews are beneficial. They also assist in enhancing your consistency. Nevertheless, it’s important to take care not to lose your true self in the muddle that diverse people’s perspectives might bring.

25. Be Yourself

Avoid attempting to project a false personality onto the UPSC board. Don’t memorize answers for the UPSC interview. Be authentic and voice your viewpoint.

Conclusion

The UPSC CSE Interview is the last and most important part of the exam because it evaluates a candidate’s personality in its entirety rather than just their knowledge. A significant difference of more than 100 marks can be made in just 30 minutes with a strong performance in the UPSC CSE interview. This would give one an unbeatable lead in India’s hardest tournament, as this is the last round.

The UPSC Civil Services Exam interview preparation is mostly regarded as psychological training. The objective is to get ready so that you may portray your fundamental personality in the most cooperative way possible.

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