Interview Strategy

Strategy for Interview

Clearing Prelims and Mains stage of UPSC is a big achievement in itself. Now that one has entered into the final stage of the world’s toughest examination, this exercise of around half an hour time is to finally get to know you in person by the UPSC board. Here one is given the chance to show the kind of personality one has and whether it matches with the expectation of the board or not. A high score in UPSC interview can sometimes create a difference of more than 70-80 marks with fellow candidates in just under 30 minutes. Being the last round, this would give one, an unassailable lead and it helps them to get their favorite service or cadre. Getting your favorite service is important as it brings you out of the vicious cycle of UPSC.

Here are some of the pointers that has to be kept in mind, again all these points might not be relevant for everyone. But choose from it what best suitable for you and plan your strategy accordingly.

Strategy before the day of Interview:

• Never wait for the results of the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam. Start polishing your personality as early as possible.
• Read your DAF (Detailed application form) carefully. Focus on each and every word that you have written on your DAF . Google these words and look for any resemblance with current affairs.
• Read Current Affairs in detail. Try to read opinion of eminent personalities on important national and international matters.
• Try to be very specific with respect to the words written in DAF. Be thorough with your graduation subject and optional. Prepare your district and your state in detail.
• Give some mock interview to develop confidence , this is very important if you are giving interview for the first time. However don't overdo the Mock Interviews. Appear about 7-8 Interview get the feedback and try to improve upon it. Stop giving Mock Interviews one week before the exam.

At the day of Interview:

• Have no preconceived notions about any particular interview board. Tackle each question on its merit
• Don't lie in the interview. The board members are very experienced and will surely catch the lie being told.
• Answers should be neither too brisk, nor too protracted. When they ask opinionated questions, ideally you must state your opinion upfront and then give a brief reasoning of why you think so. There’s no ideal duration for an answer, because it varies from question to question. 
• Take a moment to think after they ask a question. It exudes calmness and also helps you collect your thoughts. Board members as having senior fellows with high experience in respective fields and so are patient listeners. 
• Don’t get carried away if board members are jovial, or flattering. And don’t lose your footing if they are confrontational. Stay calm. Balance must reflect in answers too.