Which Medium of Language is Best for UPSC Interview?

Medium of Language in IAS Interview is the language in which the candidate is comfortable with during the interview process. The IAS (Indian Administrative Service) is a highly competitive civil service exam in India. The interview is a crucial part of the selection process. The interview panel includes senior officials who assess the candidate’s personality, aptitude, and knowledge of various subjects. In this article we will discuss’ Which Medium of Language is Best for UPSC Interview?’.

Candidates can choose the language for the interview from the list of 22 languages recognized by the Constitution of India. The list includes English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, among others.

The candidate’s language proficiency is not the sole criterion for selection, but it can influence the outcome. The interview panel may ask questions in the chosen language to assess the candidate’s understanding, expression, and fluency. It is essential to choose a language in which the candidate can communicate confidently and accurately. This increases the chances of success in the IAS interview.

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Which Medium of Language is Best for UPSC Interview?

Aspirants can opt for English, Hindi or any other regional language when facing the interview panel. Only those individuals who are exempt from taking the compulsory Indian language paper must attend the interview in either Hindi or English. Contrary to what many think, there is no advantage in choosing any language as the medium of the UPSC interview. What matters is whether you are fluent in the language you choose. In fact, there have been toppers who took the UPSC interview in local languages.

As an IAS officers, the candidate would be trained in the language of his/her cadre while they are in training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie. As most IAS officers experience, while working in their state/cadre, their medium of communication would mostly be the regional language. Only when the candidates are given central deputation would they use English. So, English speakers have no particular advantage.

What is important is to develop eloquence in the language that the candidate chooses for the interview. They may have written the UPSC exam in English, but if they feel they are better off speaking Hindi or Tamil or any other regional language that is their native language, they can opt for it. In fact, there are many talented individuals in India who are well-versed in written English but hesitate when it comes to conversing in it. It is in the interests of those aspirants that the UPSC decided to usher in this change.

Some aspirants believe that since interpreters would be needed if you choose any local language, it can hamper their ability to communicate effectively. But again this is unverifiable. What the UPSC looks for in the personality test is the personality traits of the individual and not his language skills. So, if they are able to put across their points in any one language effectively, it would be sufficient. In fact, it is better to speak in their mother tongue well rather than stammer and stumble in an unfamiliar language.

There are many aspirants who have topped the IAS exam with Indian language as the medium.

Points to Keep in Mind While Choosing the Medium of Language for UPSC Interview

 Choosing the medium of language for the UPSC interview is an important decision. It should be done after considering the following points:

Comfort and fluency:

The candidate should choose a language in which they are comfortable and fluent. The medium of language should be selected based on the candidate’s proficiency and ability to express themselves clearly.

Language proficiency:

The candidate should have a good command of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in the chosen language. The panel may ask questions in the chosen language to assess the candidate’s language proficiency.

Regional language advantage:

If the candidate has a regional language advantage, they can choose a regional language as the medium of the interview. However, it is important to note that language proficiency alone is not the sole criterion for selection.

Relevance to the job:

If the candidate is aspiring for a job in a particular region where the regional language is widely spoken. Choosing that language as the medium of the interview may be advantageous.

Confidence:

The candidate should choose a language in which they are confident and can communicate effectively. Choosing a language in which the candidate is not confident may lead to communication problems and affect the interview performance.

Accessibility of resources:

The candidate should ensure that they have access to study materials, coaching, and other resources in the chosen language to prepare for the interview.

Conclusion

There is no one “best” medium of language for the UPSC interview. Candidates should choose the medium of language in which they are most comfortable and fluent. The choice of language should be based on the candidate’s proficiency, confidence, and ability to communicate effectively. It is also important to note that language proficiency is not the sole criteria for selection in the UPSC interview. The panel evaluates the candidate’s overall personality, knowledge, and aptitude for the civil services. Candidates should choose the medium of language that they are most comfortable with. They should be able to communicate effectively to increase their chances of success in the UPSC interview.

Which Medium of Language is Best for UPSC Interview? – FAQs

1. Can I choose a language other than those recognized by the Constitution of India for the UPSC interview?

 Ans. No, only the 22 languages recognized by the Constitution of India are accepted as the medium of language for the interview.

2. Does the medium of language affect the selection process in the UPSC interview?

Ans. No, language proficiency is not the only criteria for selection in the UPSC interview. The panel will also evaluate the candidate’s overall personality, knowledge, and aptitude for the civil services.

3. Is it mandatory to choose a regional language as the medium of the UPSC interview if I am applying for a job in that region?

Ans. No, it is not mandatory to choose a regional language as the medium of the UPSC interview. Candidates can choose any of the 22 languages recognized by the Constitution of India based on their proficiency and comfort.

4. Can I change the medium of language after submitting the application form for the UPSC exam?

Ans. No, the medium of language chosen during the application process cannot be changed later. Candidates must choose the medium of language carefully at the time of filling the application form.

5. How important is language proficiency in the UPSC interview?

Ans. Language proficiency is an important factor to consider while choosing the medium of language for the UPSC interview. However, it is not the only criterion for selection. The panel evaluates the candidate’s overall personality, knowledge, and aptitude for the civil services.