HomeUP PSC Interview

UPPSC Interview

The UPPSC Interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Provincial Civil Services (PCS) examination. It is a crucial component of the selection process and carries significant weight in the final selection. Candidates who successfully clear the Mains Examination are called for the interview round.

Here is a detailed overview of the UPPSC Interview stage:

1. Overview of the UPPSC Interview:

  • Stage: Final stage of the UPPSC PCS examination.
  • Total Marks: 100 Marks.
  • Type: Personality test (face-to-face interview).
  • Duration: 20 to 40 minutes (can vary).
  • Language: The interview can be conducted in Hindi or English, depending on the candidate’s comfort.
  • Purpose: The interview panel assesses the candidate’s personality, mental aptitude, communication skills, decision-making abilities, and overall suitability for administrative roles.

2. Objective of the Interview:

The primary purpose of the UPPSC interview is not to test a candidate’s academic knowledge (as that has already been assessed in the Prelims and Mains) but to evaluate qualities like:

  • Personality Traits: Integrity, honesty, ethical standards, emotional intelligence, and confidence.
  • Leadership and Administrative Potential: Ability to lead teams, take responsibility, make decisions under pressure, and manage people.
  • Problem-solving and Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze situations and suggest practical solutions.
  • General Awareness and Current Affairs: Knowledge of national and international events, and how they impact society.
  • Communication Skills: Clarity of thought, articulation, and ability to express ideas effectively.
  • Behavioral Traits: Attitude towards work, willingness to learn, patience, and responsiveness.

The panel members are looking for candidates who can handle the responsibilities of civil service with professionalism, fairness, and a positive attitude.

3. Structure of the Interview Panel:

The interview is conducted by a panel appointed by UPPSC, which usually consists of:

  • Chairperson: A senior or retired bureaucrat or academic.
  • Subject Matter Experts: Specialists in different fields such as history, economics, polity, and science.
  • Psychologists: To assess the emotional and psychological traits of the candidates.
  • UPPSC Members: Commission members who evaluate based on the candidates’ overall personality and suitability for public administration.

The panel tries to make the interview more of a conversation than a grilling session, though the questions can be challenging and thought-provoking.

4. Nature of Questions in the Interview:

The questions asked in the UPPSC interview are wide-ranging and are meant to assess the candidate’s overall personality, critical thinking abilities, and understanding of contemporary issues. Here are the different types of questions that may be asked:

A. Personal Questions:

  • Questions about your family background, education, hobbies, interests, and work experience.
  • Reasons for choosing civil services as a career.
  • Why you want to serve in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Strengths and weaknesses.

Examples:

  • Tell us something about yourself.
  • Why do you want to join the civil services?
  • How will your background (academic or professional) help you in administration?

B. Educational Background:

  • Questions related to your academic qualifications and their relevance to civil services.
  • Questions on why you chose certain subjects, especially your optional subjects for the Mains.

Examples:

  • You have a degree in engineering, why not continue in that field?
  • What have you learned from your academic background that can be applied in public administration?

C. Current Affairs and General Knowledge:

  • Questions based on current national and international events, government policies, social and political issues.
  • Topics can range from politics, economics, environmental issues, sports, technology, to international relations.

Examples:

  • What are your thoughts on the current economic reforms?
  • Can you discuss the environmental challenges faced by Uttar Pradesh?
  • What is your view on India’s foreign policy with its neighboring countries?

D. Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh:

  • Since UPPSC is a state-level examination, the interview panel expects candidates to have a good understanding of the state’s history, geography, politics, economy, culture, and social issues.

Examples:

  • Can you discuss the major challenges Uttar Pradesh faces in terms of public health?
  • What are the key economic activities of the Bundelkhand region?
  • How will you address the issue of law and order in Uttar Pradesh?

E. Situational and Behavioral Questions:

  • Candidates are often presented with hypothetical situations related to administration and governance to gauge their problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and ethical reasoning.

Examples:

  • If you are posted as a District Magistrate in a flood-affected area, how will you manage the situation?
  • How would you deal with corruption in the department you are heading?
  • What steps will you take to improve the education system in a backward district?

F. Ethical and Moral Dilemmas:

  • Questions related to integrity, honesty, and ethical decision-making are common. The panel checks the moral compass of the candidate and how they handle tricky situations.

Examples:

  • What would you do if your superior asks you to carry out an illegal order?
  • How will you ensure transparency in the administration?

G. Optional Subject:

  • Some questions may also be asked from the optional subject chosen by the candidate in the Mains exam.

Examples:

  • If your optional subject was Geography, the panel might ask:
    • How does climate change affect agriculture in Uttar Pradesh?

5. Key Qualities Assessed in the UPPSC Interview:

The panel assesses the following key attributes during the interview:

  • Mental Alertness: How well the candidate responds to questions on the spot.
  • Clear and Logical Thought Process: Whether the candidate’s answers reflect sound reasoning and analysis.
  • Depth of Knowledge: Knowledge of important issues, especially related to current affairs and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Decision-making Abilities: Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and in difficult situations.
  • Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrates leadership skills, especially in administrative and crisis situations.
  • Balance and Judgement: The candidate’s ability to remain balanced, rational, and unbiased.
  • Emotional Stability: Whether the candidate can keep calm under stress and challenging situations.
  • Social Awareness: Awareness of societal issues, and empathy towards the problems of the common man.
  • Honesty and Integrity: Candidates are expected to show strong moral principles.

6. Dress Code and Body Language for the Interview:

The first impression during an interview often comes from your appearance and body language. Candidates should ensure:

  • Formal Attire: For men, this typically means a well-fitted suit, tie, and polished shoes. For women, a formal suit, saree, or salwar suit in subtle colors is preferred.
  • Posture and Body Language: Sit straight, maintain eye contact, and avoid nervous habits like fidgeting or tapping.
  • Confidence: Be confident but not overconfident. Speak clearly and respectfully.
  • Politeness and Composure: Even when faced with challenging questions, stay polite, composed, and answer to the best of your ability.

7. Preparation Tips for UPPSC Interview:

A. Know Your DAF (Detailed Application Form):

  • Thoroughly go through the details provided in your DAF. The panel often picks questions from your personal information, education, hobbies, and work experience mentioned there.

B. Keep Up with Current Affairs:

  • Regularly read newspapers (national and state-level), current affairs magazines, and government policy updates. Focus on both national issues and state-specific news.

C. Mock Interviews:

  • Attend mock interviews conducted by coaching centers or practice with peers to simulate real interview situations. This helps build confidence and improve communication skills.

D. Brush Up on Optional Subjects:

  • Be prepared to answer questions related to your optional subject. You don’t need to know everything but should be comfortable with basic concepts and recent developments in that field.

E. Be Clear About Your Career Goals:

  • Be prepared to explain why you want to join the civil services, what motivates you, and how you can contribute to the state and the nation.

F. Practice Speaking Clearly and Confidently:

  • Work on improving your communication skills and your ability to articulate your thoughts in a clear, concise manner.

8. What Happens After the Interview?

  • Final Merit List: The marks scored in the interview (100 marks) are added to the Mains marks (1500 marks) to prepare the final merit list.
  • Candidates who score above the cut-off in the combined total of Mains + Interview are selected for the various administrative posts offered by UPPSC.
  • Based on the ranks and preferences filled during the application process, candidates are allotted specific services such as SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate), DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police), BDO (Block Development Officer), etc.
Scroll to Top