Interview Guidance

INTERVIEW GUIDANCE

What UPSC says about the interview?

The objective of the interview is to access the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a board of competent and unbiased observers.
The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of the candidate. In broad terms this is an assessment of not only intellectual qualities but also social traits and interest in current affairs.
Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
The technique of interview is not that of a strict cross examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.
The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialized or general knowledge of the candidate which has been already tested through their written papers. Candidates are expected to take intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both within and outside their own state and country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well educated youth.

Filling up the Detailed Application Form (DAF)

You have to fill up the Detailed Application Form (DAF) after you clear the prelims and before you appear for the mains. This step is indeed the most important one.
You should start your preperation for interview from this step onwards. The DAF should be filled up carefully considering the fact that more than 60 % of the interview will be based on your DAF.
Questions are usually asked from the details given in the DAF hence you should fill up the DAF in such a manner that the interviewer may ask questions which you are confident to answer.
This method will help you to control the interview to an extent as the questions asked will be something which you have already prepared based on your DAF. This will also help in minimizing the out of the blue questions.
Don’t try to exaggerate while filing your DAF, fill up DAF honestly

Preparation Strategy for Interview after Mains

Don’t wait for the results of mains. Take a few days of break after mains and start analyzing your DAF.
Make a questionnaire based on your DAF
Try to answer those questions in front of a mirror or even you can video record it and analyze your body language and changes to be made in your body language to give better impression.
Be updated with current affairs and recent happening in and around the world
Brush up your knowledge about graduation subjects and optional papers
Revise Indian Polity by Laxmikanth at least once especially the chapters on Fundamental Rights, DPSP and Fundamental duties
We provide DAF Analysis to all the aspirants who have cleared the mains, we will provide you an extensive questionnaire based on your DAF.

General tips for Interview

Dress neatly and always wear a smile whether you are under pressure or not
Do make eye contact during the interview.
Do sit up straight. Good posture conveys professionalism and confidence.
Body language is very important even if you are not a good communicator.
Don’t try to get into an argument. If you have different opinions put across your opinion in a patent and gentle manner
If you don’t know the answer don’t try to beat around the bush, always, be honest! and tell the interviewer that you are unable to recall at this moment.

DAF ANALYSIS