#CareerBytes: Tips to prepare for UPSC CSE Personality Test/Interview
What's the story
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), also known as the IAS exam, is one of the toughest and most competitive exams. UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages; candidates must clear Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test or IAS Interview. The Personality Test, the final stage, is considered the most crucial. Here are some tips to prepare for the IAS interview.
#1
Start preparing for IAS Interview, don't waste any time
Candidates preparing for IAS Interview must ensure they don't waste any time before the final CSE stage. They must start preparing early, right after the Main examination is over. Most questions would be based on the candidate's bio-data and copies of Detailed Application Form (DAF) are shared with board-members. They shouldn't lie in their bio-data and prepare well for questions based on the same.
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#2: Be prepared for questions about your district and state
Candidates must be prepared to face questions about their city/town/village, district, and state too. They should collect relevant details, including latest developments, general knowledge, and socio-political scenario, etc. They should also know about the current problems in their city/town/village and be prepared with solutions too.
#3
Do not ignore newspapers, optional subject after Main Examination
Many candidates think that newspapers are important only until the UPSC Mains stage and often stop reading the newspapers once the Main Examination is completed. However, it is essential to know the current affairs and happenings to prepare for the IAS Interview. Even after the Mains exam is over, candidates must revise their optional subject as questions may be asked about the same.
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#4: Take mock IAS Interviews to get a good idea
Before attending the interview, apart from preparing, candidates must also practise for it thoroughly. They should practise mock IAS Interviews to prepare for the real one. They can take the help of their mentors and friends who can identify their strengths, weaknesses, and suggest improvements.
#5
Some tips to be followed on the day of interview
Candidates must work on building self-confidence before appearing for the interview. During the interview, one must be confident but they shouldn't be arrogant or overconfident. Also, the right body language and proper dressing sense are important. Apart from knowledge, mental caliber, reasoning ability, spontaneousness, etc., the interview also tests the candidate's personality. Questions are designed to help the board know about the candidate's personality.