What Do You Need for the UPSC Interview?
UPSC Interview at a Glance
The Personality Test is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. It assesses your suitability for a career in public service — not your bookish knowledge.
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mains (Papers I–VII) | 1,750 |
| Personality Test | 275 |
| Final merit total | 2,025 |
See also UPSC Civil Services, Prelims and Mains. Official rules are in the notification on upsc.gov.in.
What the Board Assesses
UPSC’s notification lists the qualities the board looks for. The interview is a purposeful conversation, not a quiz.
Mental alertness
Quick, clear thinking when a question is unexpected.
Critical powers of assimilation
Understanding a question fully and responding to its core.
Clear and logical exposition
Explaining your views in a simple, ordered way.
Balance of judgement
Weighing different sides before reaching a fair view.
Variety and depth of interest
Genuine knowledge of your hobbies, work and subjects.
Social cohesion and leadership
Working with people and taking responsibility.
Intellectual and moral integrity
Honesty — including saying “I don’t know” when you don’t.
From DAF to Final Result
The steps around the interview, in order.
Fill in the DAF carefully
After Prelims you fill the Detailed Application Form (DAF). The board reads it before your interview.
Mains result
Candidates who qualify in Mains are called for the Personality Test — usually about twice the number of vacancies.
E-summon letter
UPSC issues an e-summon letter with your date, session and reporting time.
Document verification
On the day, your original certificates are checked before the interview.
The interview
A board chaired by a UPSC Member talks with you, usually for about 30 minutes.
Medical examination and result
Recommended candidates undergo a medical examination; the final result combines Mains and Interview marks.
Where Questions Come From
Your Detailed Application Form (DAF) shapes most of the conversation. Prepare every line of it.
About you
Your name, hometown, district and state — their history, geography, issues and well-known people.
Education
Your graduation subject, college, and how it connects to public service.
Work experience
Your job, achievements and lessons — and why you want to move to civil services.
Hobbies and interests
Expect detailed questions. List only what you genuinely do and know.
Optional subject
Basic and current questions linked to your optional.
Service preferences
Why you ranked the services the way you did, and your cadre choices.
Expect questions on current affairs and situations too — especially issues linked to your state, field and optional.
Free Interview Resources
Material to help you think, speak and form balanced opinions.
These resources are being added. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
DAF Analysis Guide
How to list likely questions from each part of your DAF.
Coming soon →Question Bank
Common questions on hometown, education, hobbies and work.
Coming soon →Issue Briefs
Both sides of major current issues, in one page each.
Coming soon →Current Affairs
Daily news to stay updated until the interview day.
Read today →Situational Questions
Practise answering “what would you do” questions.
Coming soon →Interview Practice
Speak your answers out loud and get feedback.
Under development. The practice options below are planned and will open here when ready.
Mock Interview
DAF Question Drill
Opinion Questions
Situational Questions
How to Prepare for the Interview
Be yourself, be honest and be well prepared.
Know your DAF by heart
Write down likely questions for every line and prepare honest, short answers.
Follow the news daily
Keep reading until the interview day, especially issues in your state and field.
Form balanced opinions
Know both sides of an issue, then give a fair view with reasons.
Practise speaking
Answer aloud with friends or mentors; aim for clear, calm, short replies.
Be honest
If you don’t know, say so. Never bluff or invent facts.
Stay calm on the day
Reach early with all documents, greet the board politely and listen fully before answering.
Interview Schedule
UPSC publishes the Personality Test schedule and e-summon letters after the Mains result. We will post verified updates here.
UPSC Interview FAQs
How many marks does the interview carry?
275 marks, with no minimum qualifying marks. They are added to your Mains merit marks (1,750) for a final total out of 2,025.
Who conducts the interview?
A board chaired by a Member of UPSC, along with other experienced members. The interview is held at the UPSC office (Dholpur House) in New Delhi.
How long is the interview?
Usually about 30 minutes, though it can be shorter or longer.
In which language can I give the interview?
In English, Hindi or the medium you chose for writing Mains, as per the option you give UPSC.
What should I wear?
There is no prescribed dress code. Wear clean, comfortable, formal clothes.
What if I don’t know an answer?
Say so politely. The board values honesty; guessing or bluffing usually leaves a worse impression.
Is travel reimbursed?
UPSC reimburses travel costs for outstation candidates as per its rules. Details are given with the e-summon letter.