Importance of UPSC IAS Mock Interview
Personality Analysis: Mock interviews help you analyze your personality. You will know about your strengths and weaknesses in and out. With a mock interview, you will know how not to fall into the personality question traps set by the interviewers.
Expert Guidance: Mock interviews are conducted by a panel of experts. They are domain experts, eminent Civil Servants, and probably ex-UPSC interview board members. Thus, by attending mock interviews, you will get expert guidance on how to get a good score in the actual interview.
Ambiance Akin To Actual Interview: Mock interviews replicate the ambiance of the actual UPSC interview. As such, there will be a five-member panel conducting mock interviews. The main aim here is to familiarize you with the UPSC way of conducting an interview and make you less fearful of the actual interview.
Questioning Diversity: It is futile to guess what the panel member might ask you during the actual interview. But, preparing yourself for the challenge will help. A mock interview thus prepares you in advance for any adversity you might face in front of the interview board.
The Feedback: The key element of mock interviews is the feedback that you receive. After an interview session, through the panel discussion, the panel members will share their feedback. You will get to know about the areas where you need to improve.
About UPSC CSE/IAS Interview or Personality Test
The Interview for the civil services exam also known as the Personality Test. It is aimed at assessing the candidate’s personality and suitability for the services. The candidate is tested for his/her intelligence, personality, attentiveness, presentation, communication skills, body language towards different issues, answering technic, balance of judgement, honesty, integrity and leadership. Thus, preparation for the UPSC CSE Interview requires a proper planning.
The selectors look out for some attributes in the candidate and decide whether they are suited for a career in civil services. The candidate should have a positive attitude, should have an alert mind with quick reflexes, should be free from any sort of prejudice, should be good at making quick decisions and should have the ability to act under stress.
Preparation for the IAS Interview involves a wide reading of books, journals, magazines & newspapers. One should improve their conversational skills with proper pronunciation. The candidate should be prepared to answer questions on his/her background, hobbies and extra curriculum activities. It is always better to discuss current affairs and recent issues with family & friends prior to your final interview date.
One good way of rehearsing possible questions would be to have UPSC mock interviews and discussion groups. The candidates should make a self assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and make a conscious effort to lead the interview on his strengths.
How can I practice for the UPSC CSE/IAS interview?
Have a positive body language
Have a good personal turnout and ensuring the right posture
Answer questions clearly and confidently
Eye contact should be maintained to show that you are listening attentively
Try to remain calm and composed even when faced with provocative questions
Try not getting into long winded explanations and answer to the point.
Things To Avoid at the UPSC CSE/IAS Interview
Avoid the phrase like, ‘I am sorry.’
Avoid phrase, like: ‘as you know’, ‘that’s correct’, ‘of course’, ‘indeed’, ‘obviously’, etc.
Avoid technical jargon. However, if a member continues to probe you in any technical field, you can use technical expressions.
Maintain a cheerful disposition. Now and then you can appear serious according to the situation and answers. if the board laughs, you should only smile. It is only when you maintain some amount of distance that the board begins to wonder about the depth of your personality.
Do not give long introductions. Should be straight to the point.
Show human concern in the answers when needed.
One should be logically consistent and analytical in answering.