From your point of view

Updated on: Monday, February 15, 2010

One interview, a few tough questions, some quizzical moments, prompt answers and you’ve grabbed a job. Sound like a cake walk? But it’s not. For this interview is very different. Yes, we are talking about the final hurdle of the UPSC Civil Service exam — the interview round scheduled for mid-March. So what should your strategy be? How do you work at body language or communication skills? Do you keep adding more information or brush up what you’ve already read? Interestingly, success lies in a mixture of all these, but in the right proportion.

You will be relieved to know that there is little requirement to read through your academic books now. You have already been tested for your comprehensive theory-based knowledge in the Main exam and that is why you are here. Now’s the time for its application.

“The interview is formless — more of a general conversation with the candidate than a test of knowledge. The panel seeks an opinion on an issue. It could be on gay marriages, the judiciary under the RTI scanner, Pakistani players not being part of the IPL — any subject which is in focus,” says P.S. Ravindran, Director, Vajiram & Ravi Study Centre. “The panel is not expecting to hear a popular view but what the candidate thinks and believes in. The answer could be unconventional but convincing. The idea is not to impress the board by giving a radical answer which you cannot support but to be honest and realistic.”

There is however some good news this year. The total number of seats has increased from some 600 to 965.
Interestingly, the secret of success lies in your resume. What many aspirants tend to overlook is that the interview panel takes a keen interest in what you write in your curriculum vitae. Corroborates V. P. Gupta, Director, Rau’s IAS Study Circle, “The most important part of the interview is “you”. Talking about oneself is not easy for any one in such a situation. Yet, that is precisely what you will be quizzed about in the interview. Your achievements, interests and vision are what you must be ready to talk about in a clear manner.” Adds Ravindran, “Study and analyse what you wrote in the application form. You should have an in-depth knowledge of your home state — its literacy level, population chart, industrial growth, agricultural produce. Then how the subjects that you chose in the Main examination will help you in difficult situations and help you become a better administrator.”

The priority of service will be the next vital point. If the IFS or the IPS is your first choice, then why? Over-generalised answers will not earn you any points, neither will extra smartness. If you are not confident about some issue, then politely say so.

From your point of view

More Education news