In the realm of UPSC interviews, a candidate’s educational background, be it from an elite institution or not, holds less weight than one’s overall personality and wisdom. This article explores the nuances of the UPSC interview process, debunking misconceptions about the importance of an individual’s background and emphasising the value of diverse experiences and perspectives.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the timetable for the Civil Services 2023 Personality Test, which will run from January 2 to February 16, 2024. A total of 1,026 candidates are set to participate in this important stage of the competition.
Importance Of The Personality Test: The Personality Test, also known as the Interview round, plays a significant role in the selection process. Candidates need to validate the information provided in their Detailed Application Forum (DAF), respond promptly to questions from a five-member panel, and demonstrate an up-to-date knowledge of current affairs. Each interview, conducted by one of several panels running in parallel, lasts about 30 minutes.
Understanding The Scoring System: Despite contributing 275 marks to the total 2025 marks, the Interview stage is a critical determinant of a candidate’s success. This round is designed to judge the candidate’s suitability for a career in public services.
Exam Trends: A Look At The Past Years
Recent UPSC reports indicate a decrease in the number of candidates qualifying in the interview round in 2022. Out of 2529 candidates, only 36.89% (933 candidates) cleared this stage. This percentage was slightly higher in 2021, with 41.09% (749 out of 1823 candidates) qualifying, while in 2020, 37.07% (761 out of 2053 candidates) qualified. The highest pass rate was recorded in 2019, in the pre-Covid era, with 45.58% (927 out of 2034 candidates) clearing the test.
The Interview Process
The interview process is a rigorous evaluation led by interviewers who are typically former civil servants or experts in their respective fields. These professionals scrutinise candidates in three main areas: educational/family background (based on the Detailed Application Form – DAF), their optional subject, and overall general knowledge. Candidates must be fully prepared in all these areas, as any deficiency can cause discomfort and a dip in confidence. As the interview is a balance of knowledge and self-assuredness, applicants must be proactive in cultivating these traits.
Filling The Detailed Application Form: Completing the DAF is a critical task that requires careful consideration. An ambiguous or incomplete DAF can lead to unwelcome complications for candidates. Therefore, it is crucial to fill the form with precision and clarity.
Tackling Current Affairs Questions
For most students, general knowledge questions pose the greatest challenge. Especially if the interviews occur after the Union Budget, candidates may be bombarded with questions on this subject. Therefore, candidates should ensure to read publications like the Economic Times, Business Line, The Hindu, and The Indian Express. These sources provide comprehensive coverage of international affairs as well as economic and national news.
Candidates may face questions on contemporary issues such as “Should India be renamed Bharat”, “Should India exit BRICS”, “What is dedollarisation”, or on topics like “One Nation, One Poll” and the G20 summit. To answer these questions effectively, students should offer diverse viewpoints and show balance, maturity, and tact, making sure to avoid extreme positions. The key is to stay informed and keep up with current affairs through various sources like newspapers, news channels, and online media outlets.
Understanding the Selection Parameters
The selection process in the elite services isn’t solely dependent on a candidate’s educational background or their status as engineers. The selection board is more interested in the overall personality of the candidate. It is crucial for aspirants to be well-informed about their home districts or the place of their education, and to be aware of the government’s perspective on contemporary and potentially controversial issues.
Beyond Knowledge: The Wisdom Factor
While extensive knowledge is indeed important, it accounts for only a part of the selection criteria. Approximately 60% of candidates with average or above-average scores in the UPSC Mains fail to qualify in the interview stage. This is because the board is not just looking for knowledge, but wisdom — a quality that enables candidates to be a part of the elite services.
The Role of Composure and Articulation
In the face of time constraints and high expectations, it is crucial for candidates to remain composed and express their thoughts with clarity. Over the years, the format of the Personality Test has evolved, aiming to assess candidates in a more comprehensive and holistic manner.
Urban Versus Small Town Candidates
Success isn’t determined by whether a candidate comes from an urban metro or a small town. Although urban candidates may have wider access to resources and diverse viewpoints, it doesn’t automatically translate into success in the interview. Candidates from small towns, with their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, bring valuable perspectives that can be equally appreciated and rewarded.