Priya Purohit, AIR 89 Reserve List, IAS Mock Interview, Foundation Batch 2022
Anubhab Roy, WBCS Exec Gr. A Officer | Mock Interview | Interview Batch 2023
Candidates may wonder why there is a need to stress so much on the Interview Round after clearing the Prelims and Mains through excruciating preparation. The reason is that rather than testing your bookish knowledge, the IAS interview is intended to evaluate your attitude, analytical perspective and on-the-spot decision-making abilities with any prior guidance or any kind of remote hand-holding. The significance of the interview and methods for preparing for the IAS Interview Questions have been emphasised by the UPSC Toppers over the years.
As we know, UPSC Interview Marks total up to 275. The IAS Interview is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. To be called for the IAS interview, a candidate must achieve the minimum cut-off in the written part of the Mains exam, which carries 1750 marks. To determine if a candidate is qualified for a career in civil services is the purpose of the interview. To qualify for the UPSC interview, no minimum score is needed.
The percentage of marks given for the interview often ranges from 40% to 80%.
| Year | Candidate’s Name | Highest Marks In UPSC Interview |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Zenden Lingzerpa | 210 |
| 2022 | Yimkum I Ozukum | 210 |
| 2022 | Tenzin Yangki | 210 |
| 2021 | Ashutosh Kumar | 206 |
| 2021 | Kiran PB | 206 |
| 2020 | Apala Mishra | 215 |
| 2020 | Ankita Jain | 212 |
| 2019 | Jatin Kishore | 185 |
| 2018 | Kanishak Kataria | 179 |
| 2017 | Anudeep Dursihetty | 176 |
| 2016 | Nandini KR | 193 |
| 2015 | Tina Dabi | 195 |
| 2015 | Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan | 193 |
| 2014 | Zainab Sayeed | 220 |
The Civil Services Examination is one the toughest exams in India and is highly dynamic in nature. According to the UPSC Exam Pattern, the exam is conducted in three stages.
✅ UPSC Prelims: General Studies Paper and CSAT [Both 200 marks]
✅ UPSC Mains: Nine Papers [1750 Marks]
✅ UPSC Interview: [275 Marks]
Shruti Sharma, who secured AIR 1 in the UPSC Exam 2021, did not receive the highest marks in the interview. Ashutosh Kumar and Kiran PB received the highest marks in the UPSC Interview 2021. Out of a maximum of 275, they both received 206.
Every year, the Union Public Service Commission holds the fairly difficult Civil Service Examination, in which more than 7-8 lakh people take part but only a select few hundred are chosen for positions such as IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, etc.
In order to be summoned for the interview, a candidate must pass the UPSC mains examination with a minimum cut-off score. Every year, the UPSC cut-off for mains varies depending on the category. The mains cut-off for the previous three years is provided below so that you may have an idea of the minimum marks needed to appear in the interview.
| Category | 2021 Mains Cut-off | 2020 Mains Cut-off | 2019 Mains Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 745 | 736 | 751 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 713 | 687 | 696 |
| Other Backward Class (OBC) | 707 | 698 | 718 |
| Scheduled Castes (SCs) | 700 | 680 | 706 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 700 | 682 | 699 |
The final and most important step in the cycle of the exam is the UPSC Interview/ Personality Test. The interview is worth 275 marks, for a maximum possible score of 2025. The following are some of the attributes the panel looks for in a candidate while allocating marks to him/her during the personality test:
✅ Mental sharpness
✅ The critical power of analyzing
✅ Rationality of thought
✅ Variety and depth of interest
✅ Competence in risk assessment
✅ Capabilities in handling crises
✅ A propensity for leadership
✅ Moral and intellectual integrity
The UPSC IAS Interview round’s all-time highest scorer is Zainab Sayeed (2014). By achieving a score of 220 out of 275 during the 2014 Interview, she made history. She had a 25-minute interview and the secret to her success was perseverance and punctuality. She studied for 6-7 hours every day.
Candidates must constantly and intently study as they get ready for the Interview stage. Candidates are recommended to read the newspapers every day because current affairs-related topics are asked during the UPSC interview. It’s crucial for candidates to take breaks from studying and look after their mental health as they prepare for the UPSC CSE Exam.
#The IAS interview is often based on the candidate’s background, hobbies, educational history, and work experience.
Some candidates get high marks in UPSC Interviews despite their low Mains performance because they performed well under the stressful circumstances created during the personality test. To get the highest interview marks in UPSC interview, candidates should keep these TIPS in mind:
✅ When entering the interview room, ask for permission from the Chairman, greet the panel head, and ask for permission to sit.
✅ Dress Smartly and Appropriately (check out the dress code on the official website, including shoes. It is superfluous to mention that stilettos and pumps are inappropriate).
✅ While responding to questions, one should interact with the Interview panel.
✅ Be modest when responding. Ask them for more time if you don’t have the answer or are having trouble remembering it, or just mention that you’re not sure but will look it up.
✅ Never avoid the subject, instead Take Your Time to respond (ask permission first, don’t let the interviewers misunderstand you’re rude)
✅ Avoid Repetitive Phrases
✅ Continue Speaking, don’t stop suddenly. Let the interviewers know you’re done speaking.
✅ Avoid loaded questions that may lead you to make negative or biased statements. Stay composed and diplomatic in your responses, even when discussing sensitive issues.
✅ While filling out your Detailed Application Form (DAF), be selective about the hobbies and areas of interest you mention. Don’t list too many, so as to ensure that the questions asked during the interview are more focused.
✅ Be ready for ambiguous questions.
✅ Maintain the Right Sitting Posture
✅ Pay Attention to Your Body Language throughout the interview.
In conclusion, the UPSC interview round is not just a test of knowledge but a test of character. Your demeanour, posture, and responses play a crucial role in making a positive impression on the interview panel.
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