IAS Interview: A Journey Inward

It is the season of IAS interviews; ‘Personality Test’ (PT). The season of preparing and appearing for the final performance in the hallowed corridors of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Civil Services Examination (CSE) at the end of a year long exercise. Millions of young candidates rehearse, make fun of the exercise, sweat, stumble and try to reach the ‘last mile’ of the journey. In fact a decent amount of marks obtained in PT can give you a helpful push on the anti-gravity zone of the selected group if you have barely cleared the hurdles of Mains. On the other hand, in case of very good performance in the main exam, PT marks can literally launch you into the Moon’s orbit.

last stage

The interview stage is really important, as is the last stage of CSE. It is demanding and quite a breathless journey, as you physically sit in UPSC, which is around the COVID varieties. However, I’m in no rush to point out that this session can be simple and relaxing, depending on how you handle it. To believe this, you must first remember that you have massively strengthened your information base and ability while preparing for Prelims and Mains. You’ve never read so much in your life, or maybe at some point in your life. Secondly, you have literally set up your ‘question paper’ for the PT by filling out the Detailed Application Form (DAF). We’ll talk more about that, a little later.

But first, let us admit that PT preparation requires a lot of reading, fighting the criss-cross current of information flow, endless mock interviews, various evaluations by different mock panels, resulting confusion and in dire need of fresh air. As a candidate here by the name of AM said, preparing for PT is worse than preparing for another GS paper, and all this after clearing prelims and mains! Yes indeed, in the absence of practical floor guidelines for conducting and facing interviews, and the tradition of panelists choosing their individual methods of interrogating candidates, add to the challenges. However, most of these content and uncertainty flow in any interview exercise.

It is very well known that candidates who have already proven their information base and analytical ability need not test bare facts and theorems. However there are occasions when an interviewer is questioned endlessly on facts and literary quotes, in mock interviews, and arguably in finals. I remember when a UPSC member asked an aspiring candidate about the distance to the Moon, the chairman elbowed him and said “let’s focus on Earth”. There are also occasions when a candidate is asked in detail why he chose civil services, and situational questions like: if you were the DM or the secretary of such a department…. This is followed by a number of supplementary questions.

So why choose Civil Services/IAS career? Well, it is simply a good career option, one of the best in fact. It calls for simple management roles to deliver rich and rewarding results. Intention to give one’s best in whatever task is at hand and the desire to bring about distinctive results.

How to get interested in a panel

It is equally important that the proceedings of the interview do not lead to conclusions as in favor of the debate. In fact, on most occasions, UPSC panelists, more easily come forward to help the chairman candidates, provide important clues to make the job really engaging and interactive. In fact, a helping hand in mock interview is more important as it is not only testing the stress and tolerance level of the candidate but also educating and developing him/her to handle various hurdles and informal moments. An unbiased and constructive response adds a lasting value to the personality development of the candidates.

UPSC’s comment on PT is brief. It is rather fanciful and esoteric. It could possibly be a bit illustrative and descriptive in the overall spirit of the UPSC Syllabus for Mains. As a result candidates mostly get stuck in one type of AD. Despite the ever growing coaching industry, there are no or only few formal capacity building programs in the market. In this process candidates struggle and keep gathering and collating a lot of histories and geographies. They also feed on a lot of vague idealism and unreality. A large number of candidates come from small towns and disadvantaged backgrounds and are especially at a big disadvantage.

It is important that candidates, first and foremost, remember that this is their personality test. Calling it an interview is for convenience; This is actually a misnomer. Their preparation should begin with this appreciation. Moreover, it is very easy to understand what makes a good personality. One’s training and preparation should start with the identification of the various ingredients and work on them. You need to realize and believe that if you consider IAS and other civil services as your elite dream, then you must be mentally and physically ready to dedicate the given work wholeheartedly. You should also know that the government and the people have a right to expect the best from these services. These sentiments should reflect in your responses to PT questions. Simply blurting out a worn-out cliché by saying that as an IAS/civil servant you want to serve the people, is not a conviction. One should have that self-confidence, that personality. A positive, forward-looking attitude should be part of your enduring nature. And of course, much of it can be achieved through your own noble cause, and training.

A decent personality takes you a long way in any area of ​​life. However, especially for you with a great performance in the CSE personality test, it is important to read as much as you can on various topics; Be well-versed with new research, achievements and values ​​of celebrities and their work across the board, technical assistance generally applied to domestic and international concerns, controversies, a comprehensive understanding of ongoing social development programs and public governance issues. Rational opinion and new ideas should be developed on important issues. In the context of what you said against each entry in the DAF, these aspects get additional importance. It is really important to be clear about the basic concepts of your subjects ahead of school and learning from the optional subject. As an inquisitive student must read, analyze and imbibe the utility of discipline and time-management in daily life, commitment to others, empathy and sensitivity towards marginalized people and issues related to them, love and pride for the country , must be impatient. Optimistic, display a sense of practice and urgency, maintain a constant desire to improve and grow, and very importantly be open to criticism and new ideas. How curious, attentive, innovative and adventurous you are should be clearly visible in your answers. In a larger perspective, your faith and respect for Indian constitutional values ​​should be above any personal views and prejudices.

do’s and don’ts

For an effective conduct in PT it is important that one should invest a serious interest in learning and practicing communication skills. Much of your homework by itself will give you unwavering confidence, and will reflect in your respectful demeanor and body language. Nevertheless, one must speak honestly and with conviction, taking into account the formal arrangements of the PT, and the presence of experienced panelists. It is very important to be really polite and respectful during the interview proceedings, while remaining calm even in stressful, annoying moments. One should really look for an opportunity for humor, some light moments that can be included in your answers, without being too casual. All of this, of course, requires a lot of practice by yourself, with friends, and in mock interviews. It is often seen that candidates walk into the interview hall with very little information related to their hobbies and other interests. It is useful to practice and enjoy your hobby and read up on related issues and latest developments even during the interview preparation period. In addition, one should attend seminars/webinars and workshops on topics of interest to them, attend some small value-adding online courses, watch sports and movies and try to review some of these and share with the public. Must be shared across domains. Giving yourself a day/half day break is like patting yourself for a good deed, which, apart from providing you physical and mental rest, motivates you to move forward.

It is better to avoid certain things, actually with conscious effort. Don’t be complacent or thug. Don’t rush into long answers even if you know more. Don’t pretend, throw names, like a candidate with a passion for cooking. When asked about her favorite dish, read a list of what was really on MasterChef Australia; Barely stopping to share some recipes! Strictly avoid abbreviations, slang and informal expressions like ‘yes’, ‘you see’ etc.

Avoid exaggerated, arrogant phrases and let the conversation turn into an argument. Avoid any worries due to unanswered questions: Actually request for an alternate question if required. Give guess-answer after taking permission.

Do not beat around the bush, otherwise as they say, snakes can leave! And one can be caught in the trap of supplementary questions.

Daily physical exercise in any form is a good component in your preparation for a personality test: since personality is as clear and physical as it is mental and emotional. One can make a daily timetable, and live according to it. Try not to compromise on that.

Anxiety is part of being human. Don’t get angry for more than a few moments and bear with it: talk to friends, teachers, your mentor.

Honestly believe in your ability, and dream big. This is not a sermon; It should be part of your personality.

A good, desirable personality is not the only need of the hour. It gives you a smooth, smooth ride everywhere. In fact, it gives you a ‘new you’ for a lifetime.

SC Nagpal is a former civil servant. He retired as Secretary to the Government of India. He can be contacted at subhashcnagpal@gmail.com