The UPSC Personality Test, commonly referred to as the interview stage, is the final and arguably most challenging hurdle in the civil services examination. It evaluates a candidate’s personality, analytical thinking, decision-making skills, and composure under pressure. Based on a real interview transcript, this detailed guide aims to provide UPSC aspirants with insights into the topics covered and strategies to excel in the interview.
An overview of a candidate’s UPSC interview details and personal background
Interview Details:
- Date: The interview took place on 9th January, during the afternoon session.
- Board: The interview was conducted by a panel headed by Dr. Dinesh Dasa Sir, a member of the UPSC interview board.
Candidate’s Background:
- Home State and Places:
- UP: Uttar Pradesh.
- Amroha: The candidate’s native or district.
- Varanasi: Another place associated with the candidate, possibly due to education or other personal reasons.
- Optional Subject: The candidate chose Sociology as their optional subject for the UPSC Mains exam.
- Educational Qualification:
- The candidate studied at IIT BHU (Banaras Hindu University).
- They have a degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering.
- Work Profile: The candidate is working as an SDE (Software Development Engineer), showcasing their transition from pharmaceutical engineering to a software-related role.
Hobbies and Interests:
- Mindfulness Meditation: A practice reflecting the candidate’s focus on mental well-being and personal growth.
- Watching Test Cricket: Shows an interest in traditional formats of cricket that require patience and strategy.
- Volleyball: Indicates a preference for physical sports and teamwork.
Key Insights:
- The combination of technical education, work experience in software, and hobbies like mindfulness and cricket creates a diverse personality.
- Sociology as an optional subject ties well with mindfulness meditation and interest in human behaviour, suggesting the candidate’s alignment with societal issues and governance.
- The transition from engineering to software development might be explored by the interview board, along with questions about their hobbies and home state.
The following breakdown of the transcript highlights the pattern and nature of the questions asked:

1. General Knowledge and Current Affairs
In the interview, the chairperson began with questions related to cricket, specifically the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Questions such as why India lost, whether a particular player should have been included, and the candidate’s ideal team reflected the board’s interest in testing the aspirant’s ability to analyze current events critically.
This segment highlights the importance of staying updated on recent events, particularly those that capture the nation’s interest. While questions may start with a specific topic, the conversation often moves to broader themes, such as leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking. The aim is to gauge not only your knowledge but also your ability to present a balanced and logical perspective.
Preparation Tips:
- Stay informed about recent sporting events, political developments, and cultural milestones.
- Analyze the broader implications of these events, such as their impact on society or governance.
- Practice discussing such topics concisely yet insightfully.
What to Expect:
Expect to be asked about ongoing events and their relevance to national interests. The board may also test your ability to think hypothetically, such as forming your ideal cricket team or suggesting strategies to improve performance.
2. Social Sciences and Analytical Ability
The interview then transitioned into social sciences, with questions about sociological theories and political ideologies. Candidates were asked to explain functionalism, conflict theory, and the political spectrum, including the positions of Indian political parties within it. These questions tested conceptual clarity and the ability to connect theory with practical situations.
Social sciences form a vital part of the UPSC syllabus, and the board expects aspirants to have a deep understanding of foundational concepts. However, the focus is not just on definitions but on how well candidates can relate these concepts to current issues and governance. For example, discussing the political spectrum requires knowledge of party ideologies, policies, and their impact on society.
Preparation Tips:
- Review key sociological theories and understand their practical implications.
- Familiarize yourself with the political spectrum, party ideologies, and historical developments in Indian politics.
- Practice connecting theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, such as welfare policies or economic reforms.
What to Expect:
Questions in this segment aim to test your critical thinking and analytical skills. The board values candidates who can articulate clear, logical, and balanced arguments on complex topics.
3. Economics and Policy Discussions
Economic policies often form a significant part of the interview. In this case, the board discussed rail privatization, focusing on issues like cherry-picking profitable routes. The aim was to assess the candidate’s understanding of privatization’s pros and cons and their ability to present a balanced view.
Rail privatization is a contentious topic that requires a nuanced perspective. While privatization can improve efficiency and service quality, it also raises concerns about accessibility, affordability, and cherry-picking. The board tests candidates on their ability to evaluate such trade-offs and propose practical solutions.
Preparation Tips:
- Study the rationale, benefits, and challenges of privatization in various sectors, particularly railways.
- Understand concepts like cherry-picking and exploring alternatives, such as public-private partnerships (PPP).
- Be prepared to suggest innovative solutions to address concerns about equity and access.
What to Expect:
The board is likely to test your ability to think critically about policy decisions and their implications. Expect follow-up questions that delve deeper into your arguments or challenge your stance.
4. International Relations
India’s relations with neighbouring countries, such as Nepal and Bhutan, were also discussed in the interview. Questions focused on why these countries are drifting away from India and what steps could be taken to improve relations. This segment highlights the importance of understanding regional geopolitics and the ability to propose practical solutions to diplomatic challenges.
India’s foreign policy with its neighbours is shaped by cultural ties, economic cooperation, and strategic interests. However, challenges such as China’s growing influence, border disputes, and stalled projects often strain these relationships. The board evaluates candidates on their understanding of these dynamics and their ability to propose policies that foster goodwill and mutual benefit.
Preparation Tips:
- Stay updated on India’s foreign policy and bilateral relations with neighbouring countries.
- Understand the major challenges, such as hydropower projects or border issues, and propose practical solutions.
- Be prepared to discuss the role of cultural diplomacy, trade, and regional cooperation in strengthening ties.
What to Expect:
Questions in this segment test your ability to analyze complex issues and propose actionable solutions. The board may also explore your understanding of India’s role in regional and global geopolitics.
5. Technical Knowledge and Sectoral Awareness
For candidates with a technical or professional background, the board often asks domain-specific questions. In this case, questions were related to the pharmaceutical industry, such as why India lags in R&D for new drugs, the role of PETA, and the ethical implications of using animals in clinical trials.
This segment emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges and opportunities in your field of expertise. The board values candidates who can think critically about these issues and propose innovative solutions.
Preparation Tips:
- Review key concepts, challenges, and recent developments in your field.
- Explore cross-disciplinary connections, such as how your expertise can contribute to public welfare or governance.
- Be prepared to discuss ethical and regulatory issues, such as those related to animal testing or intellectual property rights.
What to Expect:
Domain-specific questions aim to test your depth of knowledge and ability to apply it to real-world challenges. The board appreciates candidates who can connect their expertise to broader societal or policy issues.
6. Personality and Behavioral Assessment
Behavioural questions, such as those about mindfulness meditation, hobbies, or personal interests, are designed to assess self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and stress management. The board values candidates who demonstrate clarity of thought, authenticity, and the ability to relate personal practices to professional goals.
Preparation Tips:
- Reflect on your hobbies and interests, and be prepared to discuss how they shape your personality and approach to challenges.
- Practice articulating your thoughts on personal practices, such as mindfulness or meditation, and how they contribute to your well-being.
- Be honest and genuine in your responses. The board values authenticity over-rehearsed answers.
What to Expect:
These questions test your ability to remain composed under pressure and your readiness to take on the challenges of civil service. The board appreciates candidates who demonstrate a balanced personality and a growth-oriented mindset.
7. Unconventional and Hypothetical Scenarios
Hypothetical questions, such as developing a drug with $1 billion or analyzing changes in volleyball, test creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These questions challenge candidates to think on their feet and provide structured responses.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios by structuring your thoughts logically.
- Relate your responses to broader societal or administrative contexts, such as public health or sports development.
- Be innovative and think outside the box while maintaining practicality.
What to Expect:
The board uses hypothetical questions to test your creativity and ability to handle unfamiliar challenges. These questions often reveal how you approach problem-solving and decision-making.
A structured approach to answering these UPSC interview questions based on the transcript:
Chairperson
1. Why did India lose in BGT?
India lost in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) due to a transition phase where senior players were being phased out and younger players were adapting to the international stage. Additionally, injuries, team combinations, and adapting to varying pitch conditions contributed to the loss.
2. What type of transition?
The transition involves integrating new players into the team, changing leadership dynamics, and redefining roles to balance the experience of senior players with the energy of emerging talent.
3. Would you have played Pujara instead of Gill?
Pujara’s defensive approach provides stability, especially in challenging conditions. However, Gill’s attacking mindset is an asset for scoring quickly. The decision depends on pitch conditions and the opposition’s bowling strength. In certain matches, Pujara’s experience could be invaluable.
4. What would be your Test XI for BGT?
- Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill
- Middle Order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane
- Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
- All-rounder: Ravindra Jadeja
- Bowlers: Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
5. Thoughts on Jaiswal’s playing style?
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive yet calculated style is refreshing. His ability to adapt to situations and play long innings is promising for India’s future.
6. Players to watch in the next 5 years?
- India: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma.
- Other countries: Harry Brook (England), Cameron Green (Australia), Tristan Stubbs (South Africa), and Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan).
7. Functionalism and conflict theory in sociology?
Functionalism views society as a system of interrelated parts working to maintain stability. Conflict theory emphasizes power struggles and inequality as drivers of societal change.
8. Explain the political spectrum and its representation in India.
The political spectrum ranges from far-right (conservative, nationalist) to far-left (communist, revolutionary). In India:
- Far-left: Maoist groups.
- Right-of-center: BJP, Akali Dal.
- Left-of-centre: INC, AAP.
Shiv Sena’s ideological position has shifted from a right to a centrist stance in recent years.
9. Rail privatization: Should we do it?
Rail privatization could improve efficiency, infrastructure, and services. However, concerns about affordability, cherry-picking profitable routes, and social obligations need to be addressed. A public-private partnership model might balance these aspects.
10. India’s relations with Nepal and Bhutan.
Relations have been strained due to issues like hydropower project delays, border disputes, and China’s influence. Strengthening cultural ties, improving project execution, and addressing mutual concerns can improve relations.
Member 1
1. Cherry-picking in rail privatization?
Cherry-picking refers to private players selecting profitable routes, leaving non-profitable but essential routes unserved. A regulatory framework can ensure equitable access.
2. Why does India lag in pharma R&D?
Limited funding, risk-averse investors, lack of collaboration between academia and industry, and regulatory hurdles deter R&D.
3. Why do companies copy drugs?
High costs and risks in drug discovery make generic manufacturing more viable. Strengthening intellectual property rights and offering incentives can encourage innovation.
Member 2
1. What is NIPER?
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) is a premier institute in India for advanced pharmaceutical studies.
2. PETA’s impact on pharma research?
PETA advocates for animal-free alternatives in research, which can delay drug trials but encourages ethical practices. Common animals used: mice, rats, rabbits, and primates.
3. What is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness is focusing on the present moment without judgment. It helps in stress reduction and mental clarity.
4. How do you practice it?
I practice mindfulness through deep breathing and focusing on tasks without distractions.
Member 3
1. Sudarshan Kriya and Art of Living?
Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing technique by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living, promoting mental well-being and stress relief.
2. Developing a new drug with $1 billion?
Yes, I would invest in advanced research facilities, talent acquisition, and global collaborations to innovate and develop a novel drug.
Member 4
1. Changes in volleyball over two decades?
Key changes include the introduction of the jump serve, rally scoring system, and enhanced technology for better umpiring.
2. Political changes in Bhutan and their impact on India?
Bhutan’s transition to a constitutional monarchy and diversifying international relations impact India’s influence. Strengthening cooperation and respecting sovereignty can ensure continued goodwill.
This approach ensures you deliver concise and relevant responses during the interview.
Conclusion
The UPSC interview is not just a test of knowledge but a comprehensive evaluation of your personality, analytical ability, and decision-making skills. By understanding the interview pattern and preparing strategically, aspirants can approach this stage with confidence. Remember, the key is to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the board, demonstrate clarity of thought, and present balanced, well-reasoned arguments.
Good luck to all aspirants striving to achieve their dreams of serving the nation!