UPSC Civil Services (IAS) Interview

The final stage of the UPSC Civil Services Exam is the Personality Test (Interview). It starts on January 7, 2025, and runs until April 17, 2025. The UPSC announced the Mains results on December 9, 2024.

What is the UPSC Interview?

• It’s the last step to become an IAS/IPS officer.

• Unlike the written exams, it focuses on your personality, not just knowledge.

• The panel checks qualities like honesty, communication skills, problem-solving, and dedication to public service.

• Lasts about 20-30 minutes per candidate.

• Worth 275 marks out of the total 2025 marks (Mains + Interview).

• A good interview score can significantly improve your final rank and service allocation.

Interview Schedule & Logistics

• Dates: January 7, 2025 – April 17, 2025.

• Location: UPSC Building, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi.

• Reporting Time:

  • Morning Session: 9:00 AM

  • Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM

• Travel Reimbursement: UPSC reimburses second-class/sleeper train fare for attending the interview. Details come with your call letter.

Interview Format & Process

1. Arrival & Check-in: Report early, go through security, and get your documents checked.

2. Waiting Area: Candidates sit in a hall grouped by their assigned interview panel.

3. The Interview: You’ll meet a panel of experts for a discussion. Expect questions on:

   • Your background (education, work, hometown)

   • Information from your Detailed Application Form (DAF)

   • Your chosen Optional Subject

   • Current affairs and national issues

   • Situational questions to test judgment and ethics.

4. Key during the Interview: Stay calm, confident, humble, and honest. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation.

Dress Code (Important First Impression)

• Keep it Simple & Professional: Dress neatly and modestly. Avoid very tight, loose, or flashy clothes.

• Men: Formal shirt, trousers, and a tie are recommended. Wear polished formal shoes.

• Women: Choose formal Indian wear (like a saree or salwar kameez) or a formal suit. Light, sober colours are best. Avoid high heels (opt for flats or low heels).

• Grooming: Hair should be neat and tidy. Avoid strong perfumes/deodorants and excessive jewellery.

Vacancies & Candidates

• Approximately 1105 positions are expected to be filled from the 2024 exam cycle.

• Around 2845 candidates have been shortlisted for the interview stage based on their Mains results.

Preparation Tips 

• Begin preparing as soon as you feel confident about your Mains exam, don’t wait for the result.

• Thoroughly review your Detailed Application Form (DAF) – questions will likely come from here.

• Revise your Optional Subject deeply.

• Stay updated on current affairs.

• Understand your background (education, work experience, hometown).

• Practice speaking clearly, confidently, and concisely. Focus on your overall personality – be genuine.

• Consider mock interviews for feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens in the UPSC interview?

   • You talk with a panel for about 30-40 minutes. They ask questions to understand your personality, thinking, communication, and suitability for a career in civil services.

2. Is the UPSC interview very difficult?

   • It can be challenging because it tests much more than just book knowledge. Your confidence, decision-making ability, and ethical reasoning are also evaluated.

3. What’s the lowest possible interview score?

   • The minimum score awarded is usually around 50 marks (out of 275).

4. When are the 2024 cycle UPSC interviews happening?

   • Interviews start on January 7, 2025, and end on April 17, 2025.

5. In which months is the interview conducted?

   • For the 2024 exam cycle, interviews run from January to April 2025.