Think about standing on the precipice of a dream, your laborious work and perseverance paving the way in which to the ultimate frontier — the UPSC Civil Companies Examination. After tackling the prelims and mains, the final word problem lies within the make-or-break UPSC interview.
This pivotal section determines your coveted rank, the place every further mark can tip the scales in your favour, propelling you in direction of the cherished title of an IAS officer.
Listed here are 10 invaluable insights shared by seasoned IAS officers, unlocking the secrets and techniques to mastering the formidable UPSC character take a look at.
1. Be your self
Retired IAS officer Ramesh Kumar Khanna advises aspirants to take part in mock IAS interviews with skilled civil servants to achieve observe and examine the extent of your preparation.
“However hold your character intact, and be your self. You should additionally focus in your perspective and confidence stage,” he writes in Quora.
He additionally advises aspirants to pay attention to socio-economic issues and happenings of nationwide and world significance.
2. Know your DAF
IAS officer Apala Mishra, who secured AIR 9 in UPSC CSE and obtained the best marks within the interview spherical, says that probably the most necessary issues to recollect for the character spherical is the DAF (Detailed Utility Type).
She says, “Make sure that you place in solely these attributes and strengths that you just want to spotlight within the DAF. Don’t put down any achievements or hobbies that you just can’t clarify. The interviewers are prone to see by it. Revise no matter you have got talked about and have solutions to every thing you place down.”
3. Don’t go unprepared
Dr Apala says that one of many largest myths is that you just don’t want to organize for the interview spherical as it would solely take a look at your character.
“Nevertheless, we have to perceive that data, too, types the idea of our character. It requires equal quantities of labor that one places in on the prelims and mains stage,” she provides.
4. Concentrate on what you already know
Jitin Yadav, a 2016-batch IAS officer, says that having confidence in what you already know is extra necessary than worrying about what you don’t know.
“Don’t really feel underconfident imagining how a lot you have no idea. Concentrate on gaining confidence from how a lot you already know. In case you are a critical aspirant, then that’s greater than sufficient,” he says.
15 Golden Ideas for #UPSC Civil Companies Examination Persona Check/Interview –
#1 At all times permit the interview board member to interrupt you however by no means interrupt the board member.
#2 Reply one query at a time. By no means combine the earlier query with the brand new one.
— Jitin Yadav (@Jitin_IAS) March 29, 2022
5. Study to be a very good listener
Jitin advises aspirants to be good listeners and take a pause earlier than replying to a query. “Some aspirants begin framing their solutions earlier than the query is completed. By no means do this, we find yourself giving incomplete solutions,” he provides.
Jitin factors out that your capacity to bounce again is examined within the character take a look at. “Too many factual questions could be requested, and it’s utterly regular if not all might be answered,” he says.
6. Watch out whereas responding to questions
“Interview just isn’t a data take a look at, which has already been examined within the mains. Interview checks your character traits through oblique strategies; your response to questions will give them hints to evaluate your traits,” says Jitin.
7. Hold your gown code easy
Regardless that aspirants fear about what to put on in the course of the character take a look at, IAS Jitin says that what you select to put on does matter whereas showing for an interview.
“Many questions might come up relating to the model or design. In my view, it’s higher to maintain the outfit so simple as attainable,” he provides.
#7 Optimum quantity of nervousness is definitely good for interview. If anxiousness is in extremes, both too excessive or too low, then solely it is a concern.
(Learn Yerkes-Dodson Legislation – particular person performs finest with optimum quantity of arousal)— Jitin Yadav (@Jitin_IAS) March 29, 2022
8. Hold a examine in your behaviour
Jitin says that aspirants ought to by no means interrupt the board members, however as an alternative, be open to being interrupted by them.
“Additionally, reply one query at a time. By no means combine the earlier query with the brand new one,” he provides.
9. Study to handle anxiousness
Jitin says that an optimum quantity of nervousness is definitely good for the character take a look at. “If anxiousness is in extremes — both too excessive or too low — solely then it’s a priority,” he provides.
He suggests aspirants examine Yerkes-Dodson Legislation, which explains how efficiency will increase with physiological or psychological arousal, however solely up to a degree.
10. Don’t be determined
Jitin emphasises that in the course of the character take a look at, it’s essential to prioritise skilled conduct over emotional reactions. “By no means present you’re too determined for getting chosen,” he says.
Edited by Pranita Bhat