First of all, if you reached this stage, you did a great job. For those who are in the preparation stage, they will reach this stage with determination, discipline, and guidance. UPSC is one of the toughest exams; It’s a universal fact that clearing every prelims and mains to reach the interview stage is a long journey. However, this stage is a crucial stage that can add to your rank or reduce it. So, candidates need to prepare for the interview with utmost precautions and discipline. When it’s time for the interview, the judges look at how candidates act, what they know, and how well they manage different situations. So, candidates should get ready for the interview in a way that shows their best qualities. If you’re thinking about planning your interview preparation, this guide will help you get ready.
Interview Stage- UPSC
Interview in UPSC is the final stage of selection with a weightage of 275 marks. Candidates are tested over various parameters and allotted marks out of 275. The candidates can take a jump of more than 100 marks from fellow aspirants during the interview. So, candidates must prepare for exams effectively.
Here is the list of ways you can prepare for an IAS interview :
Know yourself
The interview stage is conducted to test the personality of aspirants. So, it’s important for candidates to start early and brush up their knowledge and skills. You can only present yourself when you know your strengths, weaknesses, and skills when required. So, begin with learning about yourself, read more books, explore yourself, and develop your hobbies to know who you are. It will allow you to showcase your personality better, sometimes perspectives change when you explore things differently. So, as soon as you take your main exam, start with your interview preparation and know yourself. Find out your strengths and weaknesses, and try to overcome these weaknesses that are negative traits as an officer.
Thoroughly read your detailed application form (DAF)
When you register for UPSC, you fill out detailed application forms. These forms are used as a base for taking your interview and testing your personality. So, when you are starting your preparation for the UPSC interview, make sure you thoroughly check your application form. Make notes of important points, what possible questions the panel can ask you on your application form, what highlights of your form, what are weak points, and more. The panel can ask you questions about your personal details, make sure you don’t fumble on such questions. Oftentimes, candidates get nervous or confused when asked about personal questions from the application form.
Improve your communication skills
Many candidates have answers to questions, but they spend time searching for words to describe their point of view. If you spend more than 50% of the interview i.e. 15 minutes searching for words for every other question, you will waste time. Having good communication skills, and vocabulary can help you put your answers in brief yet the best way to ensure you do not find ways to search for words and waste time elaborating on unnecessary things in an interview.
So, it’s important to begin working on your communication abilities early on. Try various methods like reading books and using different words to explain the same thing; this will help you practice how you talk. You can chat with other candidates or people about different subjects. Also, watch TV debates to improve. If you’re looking for guidance, consider joining an IAS coaching institute in Delhi. They can also assist with mock interviews to train you. In Delhi NCR, there are some really good options like First IAS, Drishti IAS, and Vajiram and Ravi. These places understand your character and get you ready accordingly.
Block all the negative noise
It’s easy to get influenced by all the negative information related to interviews on the internet. There are a range of myths and misconceptions about IAS interviews that might have a negative impact on candidates preparing for interviews. It is important for candidates to not focus on these negative aspects and to stay positive throughout their preparation and interview. You might feel dejected and reduce your preparation for the interview, but that’s where you need to protect your mind from such distractions and demotivation. So, when you start your preparation, avoid these things.
Develop your confidence
If you do not have confidence, even if you have answers to the questions, you might not get good marks. To give your answer with all the valid points, you need to develop good confidence. It’s common for candidates to feel nervous, but realize that this is your final shot for selection. A good IAS interview can take you on a higher rank, so make sure you give your answers with confidence. To develop your confidence, start preparing for an interview in front of the mirror. Every day practice your introduction, and common answers in front of the mirror. Regularly involve yourself in group discussions, talk to other individuals over significant topics to gain insights, and practice regularly with mock interviews.
Also Read: 5 Habits of Successful Law Students
Prepare to answer about your hobbies
Many times interviewers use light tones to start the interview, and they might ask basic hobby-related questions. However, do not give cliche, textbook answers, be concise, but talk about your hobby in your own way. You have a hobby for a reason, for instance, if you play cricket as a hobby, you might have endless things to talk about, and your answers should depict this interest and passion. In addition, don’t give long answers, use concise ways to answer their questions or you can give some interesting statements.
In addition to these, make sure you brush up on your optional subject, go through your textbooks in graduation, read the newspaper every day to stay updated about current affairs, and more.
Conclusion
You can follow these helpful methods to get ready for your interview. However, when you join an institute, you get guidance from experts. Try practicing with pretend interviews and take advice from pros, along with using these methods to improve how you prepare for the UPSC interview. Also, begin early and keep a positive attitude during your preparation journey to reach your goals.
