12 Dec UPSC Interview 2024-25: Date, Process and Complete Details
The UPSC Interview round, also known as the Personality Test, assesses candidates’ overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in civil services. In this article by plutusias.com, we will discuss the UPSC Interview 2024-25: Date, Process and Complete Details. It is also known as the UPSC Civil Services Personality Test 2024, which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The interview round is the final and third stage of the complete selection process. It focuses on a candidate’s intellectual traits, general awareness, decision-making, and ethical understanding, with questions related to their background, current affairs, and values.
What is an Interview Round in UPSC?
The UPSC Interview round, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. It assesses candidates’ overall personality, intellectual traits, and suitability for a career in civil services. Unlike the written exams, which test knowledge, the interview evaluates a candidate’s communication skills, presence of mind, decision-making ability, and ethical judgment.
The interview panel, typically consisting of senior bureaucrats and subject experts, poses questions related to general knowledge, current affairs, the candidate’s academic background, hobbies, and life experiences. It aims to gauge the candidate’s emotional stability, leadership potential, and ability to handle complex situations.
The Personality Test typically lasts for about 20-30 minutes, and marks obtained in this round play a crucial role in determining the final ranking of candidates. While knowledge is important, the primary focus is on demonstrating a balanced and well-rounded personality suited for a civil services role.
UPSC Interview 2024-25 Date
The results for the UPSC Mains were announced on December 9, 2024. However, the official dates for the UPSC Interview have not yet been disclosed. The UPSC Personality Test is provisionally set to occur in January 2024. Candidates should arrive by 9 AM for the morning session and 1 PM for the afternoon session. The dress code will be Formal for candidates. Furthermore, candidates will be eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses related to attending the interview, this reimbursement, however, is restricted to second-class or sleeper-class train fares only.
Why UPSC Interview is Conducted?
The UPSC Interview, commonly referred to as the Personality Test aims to evaluate candidates beyond their academic achievements and to determine their suitability for a career in civil services. While the written examinations assess knowledge and analytical abilities, the interview emphasizes a candidate’s personality traits, communication proficiency, leadership qualities, and decision-making skills.
This interview enables the panel to assess how effectively candidates can navigate complex situations, interact with others, and perform under stress. It also looks at emotional intelligence, ethical values, and integrity—traits fundamental for civil servants who make critical decisions influencing public welfare. Additionally, the interview helps confirm the candidate’s understanding of global issues, their background, and their compatibility with the diverse and dynamic responsibilities of a civil servant. Ultimately, the UPSC Interview ensures that only well-rounded and competent individuals are selected for high-level administrative roles within the government. You can check Plutus IAS’s exclusive and well-researched Interview Guidance program. Plutus IAS has expert and experienced Panelists for mock interview practice, which will excel in your preparation for the interview round.
UPSC Interview 2024 Complete Details
Place and Time for UPSC Interview 2024
The venue of the UPSC Interview is the Union Public Service Commission Office, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069. It is conducted in two daily sessions. The morning session is at 9:00 AM and the afternoon session is at 1:00 PM. The time duration of the UPSC interview round is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Other required details of the UPSC Interview will provided to candidates by the candidate’s call letter.
Maximum Marks for UPSC Interview 2024
The UPSC Interview has a maximum score of 275 marks. While this might appear to be less than the Mains, obtaining a strong score in the interview can greatly enhance the likelihood of attaining the preferred service or cadre. likelihood of attaining the preferred service or cadre.
Dress Code of UPSC Interview 2024
There is no strict, formal dress code for the UPSC Interview, but candidates are expected to dress professionally and in a manner that reflects respect for the seriousness of the occasion. A smart and well-groomed appearance helps make a positive first impression. Here are some general guidelines:
For Men:
Dress: A formal suit or a well-fitted shirt with trousers and a tie is ideal.
Footwear: Leather shoes or formal shoes in neutral colours like black or brown.
Grooming: Neat haircut and trimmed beard (if applicable).
For Women:
Dress: A saree or a salwar kameez is appropriate.
Footwear: Closed-toe flats or heels, keeping comfort in mind.
Grooming: Well-combed hair, minimal makeup, and conservative jewellery.
The goal is to look polished, confident, and respectful, without drawing unnecessary attention.
Registration of UPSC Interview 2024
Candidates who have cleared the UPSC Mains, need to fill out the DAF 2 to appear in the final interview round. In this form, candidates have to fill out their personal, and professional information, service preferences, cadre choices, hobbies, interests, and other relevant details.
Here are step-by-step process to fill the UPSC DAF 2:
- Go to the official website of the UPSC at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the Detailed Application Form 2 or DAF 2.
- Complete the registration process as directed on the UPSC website.
- Log in by using the UPSC roll number, OTP, and date of birth.
- A pre-filled DAF will appear on the screen. Now complete the remaining modules by providing information about your service preferences, cadre choices, hobbies, etc.
- Review all the information provided in the DAF 2 form carefully. Once you are satisfied with the details, submit the form.
- All candidates must take a printout of the DAF 2 that will be required for the preparation of the UPSC interview.
Interview Process of UPSC 2024
DAF 2 Filling and E-Call Letter Issue:
DAF 2: After the UPSC Civil Services Mains result is announced, candidates who qualify for the Interview are required to fill out DAF 2. This form asks for detailed personal information, educational background, service preferences, and other relevant details.
Submission of DAF 2: Candidates need to fill out the form online on the UPSC portal. Once completed, they must submit it, ensuring all details are accurate.
E-Call Letter: After submission, the UPSC issues an E-Call Letter to eligible candidates. This letter contains essential information such as the date, time, and venue of the interview.
Arrival and Document Verification:
Arrival at the Venue: On the day of the interview, candidates must reach the UPSC interview venue (often the UPSC headquarters in New Delhi) as per the instructions mentioned in their e-call letter.
Document Verification: Upon arrival, candidates go through a rigorous document verification process. They must bring original copies of all documents listed in their e-call letter, including educational certificates, identity proof, caste certificate (if applicable), etc. Candidates are also required to bring multiple photocopies of these documents for submission.
Biometric and Photograph: Some candidates may also undergo biometric verification and may be asked to provide a recent passport-sized photograph.
Seating Arrangement
Seating in the Interview Room: Once the verification is complete, candidates are assigned seats in the waiting area. The seating arrangement is organized based on a first-come, first-served basis or any other system determined by UPSC.
Role of Panel and Confidentiality: Each candidate is assigned to a specific interview panel, and the seating arrangement inside the room is carefully designed to ensure fairness and confidentiality.
Interview Session Commence:
Introduction and Instructions: When the interview session begins, candidates are called into the interview room one by one. They are introduced to the interview panel, typically consisting of senior bureaucrats, academicians, and experts in various fields.
The Interview Process: The interview itself is a formal and structured process. It typically lasts for 20-30 minutes, where the panel asks questions on a wide range of topics including the candidate’s educational background, current affairs, general knowledge, and personality.
Focus Areas: The focus is on assessing the candidate’s suitability for the civil services, based on their general awareness, leadership qualities, decision-making abilities, and moral integrity. They may also ask situational questions to test the candidate’s problem-solving and communication skills.
UPSC Interview Conducted:
Interview Completion: After the interview, candidates are allowed to leave the room. There is no immediate feedback from the panel. The UPSC maintains strict confidentiality regarding the results and evaluation process.
Assessment and Marking: The panel members provide their feedback and evaluate the candidate based on the interview, which is assigned marks out of 275. These marks are later combined with the candidate’s written examination score to generate the final rank.
After the Interview:
Final Results and Ranking: After all interviews are completed, the UPSC releases the final results based on a cumulative score of the Mains and the Interview. The marks obtained in the interview process are crucial for the final selection.
Service Allocation: Based on the final merit list and preferences indicated by candidates, UPSC allocates services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.
FAQs Related to UPSC Interview 2024
Q1. What is the complete interview process in UPSC?
Ans. The UPSC interview assesses candidates’ overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for civil services through a 20–30-minute interaction with expert panellist of the interviewer board.
Q2. What are the interview marks for UPSC 2024?
Ans. The interview carries 275 marks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Q3. Is the UPSC interview round tough?
Ans. Yes, it is tough but the difficulty level of the UPSC interview depends on the candidate’s subjective and objective knowledge.
Q4. When will the UPSC interview be conducted?
Ans. UPSC interview round is usually conducted between January to February every year.
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