The UPSC Interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This stage evaluates candidates’ personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in civil services. In this comprehensive guide by IAS Next, we provide all the essential details about the UPSC Interview 2024-25, including its schedule, process, and expectations.

What is the UPSC Interview Round?

The UPSC Interview, often referred to as the Personality Test, is designed to assess candidates overall personality, intellectual traits, and communication skills. Unlike the written exams, which primarily evaluate knowledge, this round focuses on attributes such as decision-making, ethical judgment, and presence of mind.

Key Features:

Panel Composition: The interview panel comprises senior bureaucrats and subject experts who ask questions related to general knowledge, current affairs, academics, hobbies, and life experiences.

Duration: The session typically lasts 20-30 minutes.

Marks: It carries a maximum of 275 marks, which significantly influence the final ranking.

Focus Areas: Emotional stability, leadership potential, ethical understanding, and ability to handle complex scenarios.

UPSC Interview 2024-25 Date

The UPSC Mains results were announced on December 9, 2024. The official dates for the UPSC Interview are yet to be disclosed, but the Personality Test is provisionally scheduled for January 2025.

Important Details:

Sessions: Interviews are conducted in two shifts—morning (9:00 AM) and afternoon (1:00 PM).

Dress Code: Formal attire is recommended to maintain a professional appearance.

Travel Reimbursement: Candidates are reimbursed for second-class or sleeper-class train fares to attend the interview.

Why is the UPSC Interview Conducted?

The UPSC Interview goes beyond testing academic achievements and evaluates candidates suitability for administrative roles.

Objectives:

• Assess communication skills, leadership qualities, and decision-making abilities.
• Evaluate emotional intelligence, ethical values, and integrity.
• Confirm a candidate’s awareness of global and domestic issues.
• Ensure compatibility with the diverse and dynamic responsibilities of a civil servant.

Complete Details of the UPSC Interview 2024

Venue and Timing

Location: UPSC Office, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069.

Schedule: Conducted in two sessions—morning at 9:00 AM and afternoon at 1:00 PM.

Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes per candidate.

Marks

• The Personality Test carries a maximum of 275 marks, which can significantly impact the final selection and service allocation.

Dress Code

While there is no strict dress code, candidates are advised to dress professionally:

Men: Formal suit or shirt and trousers with a tie; leather shoes.

Women: Saree or salwar kameez; closed-toe flats or heels.

A neat and well-groomed appearance creates a positive impression.

Registration for the UPSC Interview

To appear in the interview, candidates who have cleared the Mains examination must complete the Detailed Application Form 2 (DAF 2).

Steps to Fill DAF 2:

1. Visit the UPSC official website at upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the “DAF 2” link.
3. Register using your UPSC roll number, OTP, and date of birth.
4. Complete the form with details such as service preferences, cadre choices, hobbies, and personal information.
5. Review and submit the form.
6. Take a printout of the completed DAF 2 for future reference.

UPSC Interview Process

1. DAF 2 Filling and E-Call Letter Issuance

• Candidates must fill out and submit the DAF 2 form online.
• After submission, the UPSC issues an E-Call Letter containing the date, time, and venue of the interview.

2. Arrival and Document Verification

• Candidates must arrive at the UPSC venue as per their call letter instructions.
• Original documents such as educational certificates, identity proof, and caste certificates (if applicable) are verified.
• Biometric verification and passport-sized photographs may also be required.

3. Seating and Interview Session

• Candidates wait in the designated area before being called into the interview room.
• The interview is conducted by a panel that evaluates various aspects of the candidate’s personality and decision-making skills.

4. Assessment and Marks Allocation

• The panel assigns marks out of 275 based on performance.
• These marks are combined with the Mains score to determine the final ranking.

After the Interview

Final Results and Ranking

• The UPSC releases the final merit list after completing all interviews.
• The cumulative score of the Mains and Interview determines the final selection.

Service Allocation

• Based on merit and preferences indicated in DAF 2, candidates are allocated services such as IAS, IPS, or IFS.

Prepare for the UPSC Interview with IAS Next

To excel in the UPSC Interview, proper guidance and preparation are crucial. IAS Next offers:

• Expert-led mock interviews.
• Personalized feedback from experienced panelists.
• Comprehensive interview guidance programs.

Achieve your civil services dream with the right preparation and expert mentorship. For more details, visit IAS Next.

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