UPSC CIVIL SERVICES (MAIN) EXAMINATION 2023: RESULTS AND INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the results for the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 on December 8, 2023. This was a big moment for many who had taken the exam.

The next step is the Personality Tests (Interviews) for the successful candidates, which will start from Tuesday, January 2, 2024. These interviews will run until February 16, 2024, and will involve 1026 candidates who passed the main exam. 

Phase I Schedule:- https://iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/CSM-2023_Intv_Phase1_Eng_19122023_(1).pdf

Understanding the UPSC CSE Personality Test

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Personality Test is commonly known as the interview stage.

It critically evaluates the candidate's

• overall personality,
• analytical abilities,
• decision-making skills, and
• suitability for a career in public service.

The interview is done by a group of fair and unbiased people.

Nature of the Interview

The UPSC interview is not like a tough interrogation. Instead, it's a talk with a purpose. It checks a candidate's smartness, social skills, and knowledge about current events. The board looks at things like how fast you think, how well you explain things, your judgment, social skills, leadership potential, and honesty.

Evaluation Criteria

The interview board checks candidates on different things, like:

• How well they can think and reason
• How much they know about politics, society, and economics
• How interested they are in different subjects
• How clearly they talk and argue
• If they're honest, upright, and show leadership potential
• How sharp and smart they are

Range of Questions

During the interview, they ask about a lot of things. They might talk about your hobbies and how they relate to real life, why you want to join civil services, what you think about current and past events, your education, the subjects you chose, things about your state, international relations, and what's happening now. They might also give you situations to see how you'd react and what you think.

Impact on Final Results

Even though it's only 20 to 40 minutes long, the interview's result can really impact the final marks by as much as 100 marks. This stage can either push someone into the final list or end their journey, even if they did well in the main exam. So, the interview is really important and can either confirm someone's place or change their path in the exam journey.

The UPSC CSE Personality Test is a big deal in the selection process. It shows how important it is to look at candidates in a complete way for a career in public service.

Interview Schedule Details

The schedule has details like Roll Numbers, Dates, and Sessions for the interviews. Candidates are split into morning and afternoon sessions. For the morning session, they need to be there by 9:00 AM, and for the afternoon session, it's at 1:00 PM.

Downloading e-Summon Letters and Instructions

Candidates chosen for the Personality Tests will get e-Summon Letters, which they can download from the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in and https://www.upsconline.in. It's important to know that usually, requests to change interview dates and times are not accepted.

Candidates must have submitted the Detailed Application Form (DAF-II) within the given deadline. Failing to do so will lead to their candidature being canceled, and they won't get the e-Summon Letter, as stated in the earlier notice.

Travel Reimbursement Details

Candidates attending the interviews can get reimbursed for travel expenses, but only up to Second/Sleeper class train fare (Mail Express). It's crucial to follow the Commission's rules for claiming travel expenses, which are applicable only for specified classes or modes of travel.

Steps to Download Interview Schedule

• Go to the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in.
• Look for the "UPSC Civil Services 2023 Interview Schedule" link on the homepage.
• Click on the link to access the PDF file with the interview dates.
• Download and keep a hard copy for future reference and ease of use.

Important Dates Recap

The UPSC Mains exam took place on September 15, 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2023. Following this, the results were announced on December 8, 2023. Now, candidates who cleared the mains exam can move on to the Personality Test phase.

This phase is super important for final selection in the Civil Services. The interview panel doesn't just check what you know; they also look at your personality, how you communicate, and if you're fit for administrative roles. As the interview time gets closer, candidates should keep an eye on any updates or notices from UPSC on their official website.

APTI PLUS Academy’s UPSC Mock Interview Guidance Programme: Gateway to Success

The UPSC Mock Interview Guidance Program by APTI PLUS Academy aims to help candidates prepare for the UPSC Personality Test. It offers exceptional guidance and support to aspirants. The academy focuses on giving practical guidance that matches what the system requires from candidates.

Unique Features

Panel of Experts

Highly experienced panel comprising senior retired bureaucrats, personality experts, and eminent professors. They meticulously assess candidates on personality, general knowledge, and ethical standards. The panel identifies major shortcomings and offers valuable suggestions for improvement.

Modes of Training

APTI PLUS Academy offers both offline and online mock interview sessions, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for aspirants across different locations.

Personalized Assessment and Mentorship

Aspirants receive personalized guidance and mentorship sessions tailored to their individual needs. The programme includes in-depth analysis of the UPSC Detailed Application Form (DAF) and provides interview-specific materials.

Unique Additional Resources

• Video Recordings and Transcripts: Successful aspirants' mock interview recordings and transcripts are shared on social media platforms and the academy’s blog.
• Webinar Sessions: Regular sessions by successful candidates aim to mentor and guide budding aspirants while addressing their queries.
• Free DAF Analysis and Interview Material: Aspirants receive complimentary DAF analysis and interview preparation materials.

Interview Material Overview

APTI PLUS is here to guide you until you succeed in the CSE. They provide Interview Materials designed to help you ace your interview.

Subject wise Modules:

Volume 1:

• Polity
• International Relations
• Economy
• Social Issues

Volume 2:

• Science and Technology
• Environment
• Art and Culture
• Security

State-wise Modules:

• West Bengal
• Odisha
• Delhi
• Haryana
• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka
• Telangana
• Rajasthan
• Kerala 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UPSC Civil Services Interview

Q1. What is the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for UPSC interviews, and how important is it?

The Detailed Application Form (DAF) is super important for the UPSC interview. It gives the interviewers details about you, and they might ask questions based on it. Ignoring the DAF is a big mistake because it often shapes the interview questions.

Preparing your DAF well is crucial for making a good first impression. APTI PLUS's UPSC DAF Analysis can help. Here are some areas from which you might get interview questions:

• Personal Details: Stuff like your name, birth details, where you're from, and questions about your parents.
• Education: Your achievements, schools/colleges you went to, why you want to be in civil services, and any academic challenges you faced.
• Work: They might ask about your job, why you left, and what's happening in your field.
• Hobbies: If you like cricket, for example, they might ask about cricket terms, recent games, or changes in the sport.
• Preferences: Why you picked one option over another, like choosing IPS instead of IAS.

To get a full list of questions based on your DAF, you can send it to [email protected].

Q2. How does APTI PLUS recommend preparing for the Personality Test?

APTI PLUS advocates several strategies to excel in the UPSC Personality Test:

Preparation Phase:

• Get to know your Detailed Application Form (DAF) thoroughly, including your hobbies, education, service preferences, background, and family details.
• Build a broad knowledge base by reading various newspapers like The Hindu, Times of India, and Indian Express to understand a wide range of topics.
• Review your optional subjects thoroughly and keep up with current affairs.
• Participate in mock interviews to improve your answering and presentation skills.
• Practice speaking in front of a mirror or record yourself to improve your communication skills.

During the Interview:

• Provide balanced responses; avoid extreme statements and ensure your answers are well-balanced.
• Show emotional intelligence by staying calm, truthful, and displaying moral integrity in your responses.
• Maintain positive body language and dress neatly.
• Be honest in your answers; authenticity often leaves a stronger impression than rehearsed or ideal responses.
• Exhibit clear and precise communication skills by showcasing clarity of thought in your answers.

Q3. What comprises each UPSC Board, and how many are there?

Each UPSC Board is headed by one UPSC Member and supported by four experts, which include retired civil servants, academics, and psychologists. Approximately, there are 7 boards conducting UPSC interviews.

Q4. Does fluency in English significantly impact the UPSC interview?

Fluency in English is not a strict requirement. What matters more is clear communication rather than just how well someone speaks English. Candidates can choose to have the interview in their preferred language.

Q5. What is the recommended dress code for the UPSC interview?

For boys, it's recommended to wear a well-ironed suit with polished shoes. For girls, wearing a Saree, Suit, or traditional attire of their state is customary.

Q6. Can you provide a checklist for documents required at the UPSC interview?

On the day of the Personality Test, make sure to bring all the necessary documents in their original form along with photocopies:

• For your Name & Date of Birth: Bring your Matriculation/Higher Secondary certificate or any relevant documents.
• For Educational Qualification: Bring your original degrees or provisional certificates.
• For Caste/Tribe Certificates: Make sure these certificates strictly adhere to specific conditions.

Q7. What's the process for the medical examination post the UPSC interview?

After the interview, you'll have a medical check-up at a hospital in New Delhi/Delhi, probably the next working day. The Department of Personnel and Training will tell you the date for the medical exam.

To become a civil servant, it takes commitment, persistence, and tough evaluations. The upcoming Personality Tests are an important step for these hopeful people to make their dreams of becoming civil servants come true.