The UPSC Personality Test (commonly known as the interview) is the final hurdle before achieving the dream of becoming a civil servant. Unlike the written exams, which assess a candidate’s knowledge, the interview focuses on their personality, presence of mind, clarity of thought, decision-making ability, and depth of understanding regarding national and international affairs.

This article presents a detailed analysis of a UPSC personality test experience based on a real interview scenario. While we have maintained confidentiality and not used actual names, the content will help aspirants understand the dynamics of a high-pressure UPSC interview and guide them toward better preparation.

Understanding the Board and Its Role in UPSC Interviews

In this case, the board was chaired by Dinesh Dasa Sir, a distinguished personality known for his analytical and precise questioning style. Every UPSC board has a unique approach, but their core purpose remains the same—to test a candidate’s suitability for civil services.

The interview panel generally consists of five members:

1. Chairperson: Leads the interview, usually a retired bureaucrat or an expert in governance.
2. Member 1 (M1): Often focuses on international and national affairs.
3. Member 2 (M2): Asks questions related to governance, policies, and social issues.
4. Member 3 (M3): May explore state-specific issues and the candidate’s background.
5. Member 4 (M4): Generally tests a candidate’s motivations, ethical perspectives, and policy-related viewpoints.

Detailed Breakdown of the Interview

1. Chairperson’s Questions

👉 Q: Your hobby is public speaking. Speak on “Justice delayed is justice denied” for 2 minutes.

💡 How to Approach:

• Begin with a crisp definition: Justice delayed is justice denied, which means that when legal remedies are delayed, the effectiveness of justice is lost.
• Quote examples such as the pendency of cases in Indian courts (over 4.4 crore pending cases).
• Mention landmark cases where justice was delayed, e.g., the Nirbhaya case and the Babri Masjid case.
• End with a strong conclusion on judicial reforms and how technology, fast-track courts, and alternative dispute resolution can help.

👉 Q: Issues with the Commonwealth Secretariat?

💡 How to Approach:

• Explain what the Commonwealth Secretariat is and its purpose.
• Discuss criticisms like lack of enforcement powers, funding issues, and the influence of major nations like the UK.
• Relate it to India’s position—whether it should continue prioritizing it or focus more on organizations like BRICS and the G20.

2. Member 1 (M1): Disability Laws and International Relations

👉 Q: Disability accessibility issues in India and USA comparison?

💡 How to Approach:

• Explain India’s progress in disability laws (Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016).
• Mention challenges in public transport, employment, and education.
• Compared with the USA’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its strong implementation mechanisms.

👉 Q: How much will you rate India’s accessibility and how much will you rate the USA’s? And why?

💡 How to Approach:

• India: 6/10 due to lack of infrastructure and enforcement.
• USA: 9/10 due to better urban planning, workplace accommodations, and strict regulations.

👉 Q: Russia-Ukraine crisis—What will be Trump’s next action?

💡 How to Approach:

• Analyze Trump’s foreign policy style—America First, transactional diplomacy.
• Possible actions: more support for NATO, increased sanctions on Russia, and military aid to Ukraine.
• Relate to India’s position—balancing between the USA and Russia.

👉 Q: Why do you think Americans voted for Trump?

💡 How to Approach:

• Populist policies, economic promises, and anti-establishment appeal.
• His strong stance on immigration, China trade policies, and American nationalism.
• Impact on India-USA relations.

3. Member 2 (M2): Social Issues and Disability Rights

👉 Q: Subhadra Yojana—Empowerment of Women?

💡 How to Approach:

• Briefly explain Subhadra Yojana and its role in women’s empowerment.
• Discuss government schemes for women’s safety, education, and financial independence.

👉 Q: Why is mentoring Divyang children important? What are the challenges and outcomes?

💡 How to Approach:

• Challenges: Lack of inclusive education, social stigma, and employment barriers.
• Outcomes: Better self-reliance, increased opportunities, and social acceptance.

👉 Q: The USA hasn’t signed UNCRPD. How do you say the USA is disability-friendly?

💡 How to Approach:

• Clarify UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities).
• Even though the USA hasn’t signed, it has strong domestic laws like ADA.
• India’s role in advocating global disability rights.

👉 Q: Something related to the Child Marriage Prohibition Act?

💡 How to Approach:

• Explain the Act’s provisions and challenges.
• Debate on increasing the legal marriage age for women.

4. Member 3 (M3): Odisha-Specific Issues

👉 Q: Geography of Odisha?

• Coastal state, Bay of Bengal, Mahanadi River, mineral-rich.

👉 Q: Why is Odisha a poverty-driven state?

• Dependence on agriculture, natural disasters, and industrial backwardness.

👉 Q: Naxalism in Odisha and steps taken?

• Forest-based tribal insurgency, lack of development, and police response.
• Government measures: SAMADHAN strategy, surrender policies, and employment programs.

5. Member 4 (M4): Ethics and Civil Services Motivation

👉 Q: Why do you want to join civil services over judicial services?

• Civil services provide a wider scope for impact than judicial services.
• Opportunity to work on policymaking, governance, and development.

👉 Q: What were you doing since 2019?

• Be honest about any work experience, studies, or preparation phase.

👉 Q: How can UPSC Bhavan be more accessible?

• Ramps, elevators, braille signboards, and digital services for disabled aspirants.

👉 Q: Why do you want to settle in India?

• Strong cultural and emotional connection.
• India offers scope for contribution and growth.

👉 Q: The welfare state and freebies culture—should India remain a welfare state?

• Yes, but rationalize subsidies and focus on economic growth.
• Revenue sources: tax reforms, digital economy, and industrial growth.

Final Takeaway: How to Prepare for the UPSC Personality Test?

✅ Stay confident, maintain composure, and be honest in responses.
✅ Clarity in thought and balanced perspectives are crucial.
✅ Keep yourself updated on current affairs and government schemes.
✅ Mock interviews can improve presentation skills and structured answering.
✅ Ethical dilemmas and opinion-based questions require logical, well-reasoned answers.

The UPSC interview is not about checking knowledge but about understanding personality and decision-making ability. Keep refining your perspectives, be humble, and stay positive. Best wishes for your journey ahead! 🚀