UPSC Mock Interview for CSE 2024 (IGP)

A UPSC Mock Interview, also known as a Personality Test for the Civil Services Examination, is a practice interview session designed to help candidates prepare for the actual interview stage of the UPSC examination. The UPSC interview, is the final stage of the UPSC selection process and plays a crucial role in determining a candidate's rank and, ultimately, their cadre allocation.

Interview according to the UPSC is described to be a test of a candidate’s overall personality which includes analytical ability, lateral thinking, logical decision making etc. The objective of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms, this is really an assessment of not only his/her intellectual qualities but also social traits and his/her interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interests, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.

The interview programme at Vajiram & Ravi will begin from 09th December 2024, with declaration of the Mains 2024 result. The duration of our UPSC Interview Guidance Programme is 3.5 months, till the last day of the scheduled interview of UPSC CSE. The Interview will be conducted for a duration of atleast 30 min/ +5 minutes depending on the requirement of the student.  The range of questions will include questions on personal traits including hobbies , why one wishes to join the civil services, the candidate’s opinion on current/historic issues, knowledge about the candidate’s educational background, optional subject, issues of the state to which the candidate belongs to, international relations, current affairs etc. They may also provide situation-based questions and seek the candidate’s opinion/response on the same. 

Our Interview Guidance Programme includes:

• Mock Interview Session : One mock interview, with an additional session available upon request at the office if required.
• Exclusive Classes: Five classes covering contemporary events and interview-relevant topics.
• Personalized Guidance: A one-on-one session (only offline) with Mr. P.S. Ravindran, Director of Vajiram & Ravi.

Program Fee: ₹1000 (inclusive of all taxes).

Vajiram & Ravi students can avail of this program free of charge by providing proof of enrollment in any of Vajiram & Ravi General Studies courses.

Vajiram & Ravi's Mock Interview Panel features distinguished senior civil servants with extensive experience in mentoring and preparing over 100+ aspirants for the UPSC Interview. The esteemed members of our Interview Guidance Programme include:

• Mr. Farooqui IAS (Retd.) Former Sec to GoI
• Mr. Sanajay Shrivastav IAS (Retd)
• Mr. Shankar Agarwal IAS (Retd)
• Dr. Vikram Singh IPS (Retd) DGP - UP Police 
• Mr. P S Ravindran and Many More

The key features of Vajiram & Ravi UPSC Interview Guidance Programme include:
• The programme of Vajiram & Ravi consists of 1 Mock Interview by an expert panel which can be extended to second mock upon request raised by the student to Vajiram and Ravi administration. 
• It also consists of a personal session with Mr. P.S. Ravindran, Director Vajiram and Ravi, known to be adding to the success of many aspirants. 

The Interview Guidance Programme at Vajiram & Ravi comprises of:
• A session on DAF-II filling by Mr. P.S. Ravindran, Director Vajiram and Ravi on 16th December, 2024 at 6:00 pm in Vajiram and Ravi, New Delhi. 
• 5 lectures on various topics of contemporary importance and having high weightage in Interview. 
• 1 Mock Interview by an expert panel and a second mock on request made to the Institute through email- contact@vajiramandravi.com
• 1 personal sitting with the Mr. P.S. Ravindran Sir (only offline)

The Interview programme consists of two stages:
• Stage 1: Scheduling Mock Interviews according to mutual convenience of student and institute. 
• Stage 2: A Personal one -to- one sitting with the Mr. P.S. Ravindran Sir before the actual interview date at the UPSC.

Students can book their UPSC Mock Interview Session through clicking on the given link above. 

Benefits of joining our UPSC Interview Guidance Programme:

• Simulation: In a UPSC mock interview, candidates are put through a simulation of the actual interview process. This includes sitting before a panel of experts who ask questions related to various subjects, current affairs, and the candidate's background.
• Panel of Experts: The panel conducting the mock interview typically consists of experienced retired civil servants, subject matter experts, and sometimes psychologists. They assess the candidate's personality, knowledge, and communication skills.
• Feedback and Evaluation: After the mock interview session, the panel provides detailed feedback to the candidate. This feedback may cover various aspects such as the candidate's posture, communication style, content knowledge, and ability to handle stress.
• Improvement: The primary purpose of a UPSC mock interview is to help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses and make improvements accordingly. Candidates can work on their weaknesses and enhance their interview skills based on the feedback received during these practice sessions.
• Subject Knowledge: Mock interviews also assess the candidate's depth of knowledge in their chosen subjects and current affairs. The panel may ask questions related to the candidate's optional subject, general knowledge, and their understanding of contemporary issues.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is a key aspect of the UPSC interview. Mock interviews help candidates practice articulating their thoughts clearly and concisely while maintaining a confident and respectful demeanor.
• Simulating Stress: The actual UPSC interview can be stressful, and mock interviews attempt to recreate this stress to some extent. This helps candidates become more composed and handle pressure effectively during the real interview.
• Time Management: Candidates are given a specific time frame for their responses in the UPSC interview. Mock interviews help them practice managing their time effectively and delivering comprehensive yet concise answers

Q1. What is the interview process in UPSC?
Ans. The UPSC interview assesses candidates' personality, communication skills, and suitability for civil services through a 30–40-minute interaction with a panel.

Q2. Is a UPSC interview hard?
Ans. The UPSC interview can be challenging as it tests not only knowledge but also confidence, decision-making, and ethical reasoning.

Q3. What is the lowest score in the UPSC interview?
Ans. The lowest score in the UPSC interview is typically around 50 marks out of 275.

Q4. When was the UPSC interview in 2024?
Ans. The UPSC interviews for the 2024 exam cycle will be conducted tentatively between January to April 2024.

Q5. In which month will the UPSC interview be conducted?
Ans. UPSC interviews are usually conducted between January to April every year.

Q6. What is the interview marks for UPSC 2024?
Ans. The interview carries 275 marks in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Q7. What is the interview program for UPSC 2024?

Ans. The Interview Program for UPSC 2024 prepares students for the final round of UPSC Personality Test. 

Q8. What is IGP in UPSC?

Ans. IGP in UPSC means Interview Guidance Programme.