Who Takes UPSC Interview: Get Panel Info, Significance and Location

UPSC interviews are an important part of the Civil Services Examination, serving as the final stage for candidates on their journey to becoming a Civil Services Officer. These interviews are conducted to evaluate a candidate’s personality, knowledge, and suitability for administrative roles. One common question that often plagues the minds of aspirants is, “Who takes UPSC interviews?” This article will explore the key aspects of UPSC interviews, including the individuals responsible for conducting them.

Interviewing Panel That Conducts UPSC Interview 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination, which includes the interview stage. The interviewing panel consists of five members:

• Four experts from various fields and a chairperson. These experts are individuals with significant experience and expertise in fields such as science, defence, academia, and administration. 
• The chairperson is typically a senior member of the UPSC.

The presence of experts from diverse backgrounds on the interview panel is deliberate. It allows for a well-rounded evaluation of candidates from different streams and disciplines. The experts are not just there to ask questions related to their own areas of expertise; they also assess the candidate’s overall knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to handle a wide range of topics.

Must Read: UPSC Exams: 2023 List, Eligibility & Selection Process

Where UPSC Interview is Conducted ?

UPSC interviews are conducted at Dholpur House in New Delhi. Candidates from all over the country travel to Delhi for this crucial phase of the examination. Delhi serves as a hub for UPSC-related activities and resources.

Significance of Civil Services Interview

In the Civil Services Exam, the UPSC interview can make or break your chances of getting in. It carries a weightage of 275 marks out of the total of 2025 marks. This implies that how well you do in the interview will have a big impact on both your overall ranking and your chances of getting the service or cadre you want. 

What Are the Interviewers Looking for in an Aspirant?

Interviewers are searching for several key qualities and attributes in aspirants that indicate their suitability for a particular role or position. These attributes can vary depending on the nature of the job and the organization, but some common traits include:

1. Personality Traits: The UPSC interview aims to assess a candidate’s personality traits. It is not just about what you know but also how you present yourself. Maintaining a composed body posture and making good eye contact are essential.
2. Mental Calibre and Spontaneity: The interviewers create challenging scenarios to evaluate a candidate’s mental alertness and spontaneity. Confidence in one’s answers is crucial.
3. Academic Preparation and General Awareness: A candidate’s depth of knowledge in areas such as general awareness, politics, economics, and current affairs is assessed. UPSC interviews go beyond mere conversation; they delve into your understanding of various subjects.
4. Social Skills: Given that civil services involve serving the country, qualities like integrity and patriotism are highly valued.

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC 2024 at Home: Best Study Plan & Tips

Tips to Be Interview-Ready for UPSC Interview

For UPSC interviews, prepare thoroughly on current affairs, national issues, and your DAF. Practice mock interviews, stay composed, and exhibit clarity, confidence, and honesty in your responses. Below we have mentioned some tips in detail:

1. Create concise and well-structured notes.
2. Stay updated on current affairs, as they constitute a substantial part of the interview.
3. Watch mock interviews for practise. Additionally, reading about the success stories of IAS toppers is beneficial.
4. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills by attempting challenging questions.

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