The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the UPSC for recruitment to various civil services posts in the Government of India. Here’s an overview of the UPSC interview process:
- Selection of Candidates: Candidates who clear the UPSC Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination are eligible to appear for the interview.
- Issuance of Interview Call Letter: Candidates who qualify for the interview receive an interview call letter indicating the date, time, and venue of the interview.
- Interview Panel: The interview panel usually consists of UPSC board members, including a chairman and other members who are experts in various fields.
- Interview Duration: The UPSC interview typically lasts for about 30-40 minutes, although it can vary depending on the candidate and the panel.
- Documentation Verification: Before the interview, candidates are required to submit various documents for verification, including educational certificates, birth certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.
- Detailed Application Form (DAF): The panel members have access to the Detailed Application Form (DAF) filled by the candidates during the Main Examination. The DAF contains details about the candidate’s educational background, work experience, hobbies, interests, etc.
- Interview Questions: The interview panel asks questions to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, knowledge, and suitability for a career in civil services. Questions can cover a wide range of topics, including current affairs, national and international issues, the candidate’s optional subject (if applicable), and their personal background.
- Assessment Criteria: The panel assesses various aspects of the candidate’s personality, such as intellectual curiosity, analytical ability, communication skills, leadership qualities, integrity, and ethical values.
- Final Selection: The marks obtained in the UPSC interview are added to the marks obtained in the Main Examination to determine the final merit list. Candidates are then selected for various civil services posts based on their rank in the merit list and the availability of vacancies.
- Result Declaration: The final results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, including the marks obtained in the interview, are declared on the UPSC website. Successful candidates are then allocated to different services based on their preferences and merit rank.
The UPSC interview is a crucial stage in the selection process, and candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly, stay updated with current affairs, and demonstrate confidence and integrity during the interview.
