What are today’s headlines? :- Few important issues in the news about India/your state/your hometown in the last few months Reading newspapers and following the daily news is important from the Interview perspective as well. The interview questions can refer to the latest news topics. Try to avoid giving one-dimensional opinion/information unless the question is relatively straightforward. (for e.g., What does the term ‘Petrodollars’ mean?)
Interview questions on Work profile
1. What were your roles and responsibilities at your job?
2. Why do you want to become a Judicial Services officer?
Be prepared to answer questions about any gaps in your work history and how your previous experience is going to help in your career as an administrator.
Interview questions on Optional Subject
1. Why did you choose ‘xyz’ optional?
2. Why didn’t you pick your graduation subject as your optional?
Also, you might face some questions in the interview related to topics/theory/contemporary issues based on your optional subject.
Interview questions on Hobbies
Here, the nature of the questions varies depending on the hobbies you have listed. For those who have listed sports as a hobby, the Panel has asked questions about famous sports persons or/and the latest results.
Interview Preparation Strategy
1. Keep following current affairs
2. Prepare a list of possible questions that can be asked based on your Resume /Information provided to the Board
3. Practice answering questions in front of a mirror
4. If possible, record yourself as you answer questions during the practice session
5. Brush up your knowledge on your graduation subject
Key points to avoid in the interview (Points to remember before the Interview)
1. Don’t stress out on the day before the Interview. Better be rested and calm.
2. Don’t try to bluff your way out. The interview is unlike any other interview you have encountered before, so don’t try bluffing strategies.
3. Don’t be concerned about theoretical questions. It is more about how you approach any question which is being asked to you.
4. Don’t argue with the panel members. It is a discussion but candidates should maintain decorum at all times.
How to prepare for questions on current Affairs?
Broadly, the type of questions asked in the general awareness section can be divided into two:
- Static
- Dynamic
The static portion pertains to that section of the PCS-J syllabus or other exams syllabus that doesn’t change. For instance, the Revolt of 1857, the physical features of India, etc.
The dynamic portion pertains to current affairs. The best bet to cover current affairs is the daily newspaper and following credible sources like Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Yojana Magazine.
A good understanding of Current Affairs is central to success in the exam, Government exams, or any competitive exam. The current affairs span subjects like history, geography, economy, environment and ecology, polity, science and technology etc.
Candidates should remain updated on current affairs that create headlines nationally as well as internationally. In fact, recent trends have shown that the static and dynamic portions of current affairs syllabus have significant overlap. The probability of encountering unexpected questions from current affairs in the traditionally static portions of the syllabus is quite high.
