UPSC Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) 2025

The UPSC Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) 2025 by Vajiram & Ravi is a structured, comprehensive, and result-oriented initiative designed to prepare aspirants for the Personality Test (Interview Stage) of the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Interview is the final and most crucial stage of the examination process, as it plays a decisive role in determining a candidate’s final rank and cadre allocation

The UPSC Interview or Personality Test is not merely a test of knowledge but an assessment of a candidate’s personality, composure, mental alertness, and suitability for a career in public service. It evaluates qualities such as:

• Mental alertness and presence of mind
• Critical powers of assimilation
• Clear and logical expression
• Balance of judgment and moral integrity
• Variety and depth of interests
• Leadership and social cohesion

The objective is to assess the candidate’s overall mental calibre and personality — encompassing intellectual qualities, social traits, ethical reasoning, and sensitivity to public issues.

The Vajiram & Ravi Interview Guidance Programme 2025 will commence from 24th November 2025 , immediately after the declaration of the UPSC CSE (Main) 2025 results. The duration of the programme will extend for approximately 3.5 months, continuing until the final day of the UPSC Interview schedule.

1. Mock Interview Sessions

The Mock Interview replicates the actual UPSC Interview environment, providing aspirants with a realistic Personality Test experience.

• Duration: 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the panel’s evaluation.
• One full-length mock interview will be conducted before an expert panel comprising retired civil servants and subject experts.
• A second mock interview may be scheduled upon the candidate’s request, based on feedback and improvement requirements.

Interview questions cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Personal background, hobbies, and interests
• Academic and professional profile
• Optional subject
• Current affairs (national and international)
• State-specific and socio-economic topics
• Situation-based and opinion-based questions

2. Exclusive Lecture Series

The programme features 5 to 6 thematic lectures by expert faculty members, focusing on:

• Contemporary issues of national and international importance
• Ethical, social, and administrative perspectives
• Topics carrying significant weightage in the UPSC Interview
• International Relations

These lectures aim to equip candidates with a holistic understanding of critical issues and enhance their articulation and analytical approach for diverse interview questions.

3. DAF-II (Detailed Application Form) Guidance

DAF Filling Guidance will be available for students who have qualified the Mains examination. Aspirants can visit the Vajiram & Ravi campus and interact with experts during office hours (11:00 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.).

Expert Mock Interview Panel

The IGP 2025 Mock Interview Panel comprises distinguished former civil servants, diplomats, and academicians with decades of experience in governance and mentoring. Panel members include:

• Mr. Farooqui, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary to the Government of India
• Mr. Sanjay Shrivastava, IAS (Retd.)
• Mr. Shankar Agarwal, IAS (Retd.)
• Mr. K. J. Chaudhary, Former Chief Commissioner of GST (Retd.)
• Mr. Manoj Pant, IFoS (Retd.)
• Mr. Mahesh Sachdev, IFS (Retd.)
• Mr. Manoj kumar Chhabra, IPS (Retd.)
• Mr. Srivatsan, IRS (Retd.)
• Mr. Abhey Kumar (ICAS, IIT Delhi)
• and many other serving and retired bureaucrats

Each panel member provides valuable insights and feedback based on real administrative experiences, helping candidates refine their personality, communication, and overall presentation.

• Authentic Simulation: Experience the actual UPSC interview environment under realistic conditions.
• Comprehensive Feedback: Receive expert guidance on body language, tone, articulation, and thought structure.
• Knowledge Integration: Reinforce subject understanding with contemporary awareness.
• Confidence Building: Overcome stress and anxiety through exposure and constructive feedback.
• Behavioural Refinement: Develop balanced judgment, emotional intelligence, and communication effectiveness.

• ₹600 (Inclusive of all taxes)
• Free for Vajiram & Ravi students enrolled in any General Studies or Optional Course (proof of enrollment required).

For Offline Mock Interviews:

• Register through the Vajiram & Ravi office (New Delhi) after the declaration of Mains results.

For Online Mock Interviews:

• Send an email to [email protected] mentioning your preferred date and session (Forenoon/Afternoon).
• The office will confirm your slot and share the session details.

The Vajiram & Ravi Interview Guidance Programme 2025 offers a holistic preparation approach that goes beyond conventional mock interviews. It integrates structured evaluation, expert mentorship, and behavioural development — ensuring that every aspirant enters the UPSC Interview Room with confidence, clarity, and composure.

Through personalized guidance, simulated environments, and insightful feedback, the programme empowers aspirants to transform their written performance into final selection success — marking the culmination of their journey to becoming a civil servant.

Key Figures

• Total vacancies: 1,087
• PwBD vacancies: 42
• Category-wise breakup: SC 158, ST 73, OBC 306, EWS 104, UR 446

Service-Wise Highlights

Here are some of the service-specific figures from the table:

• IAS – 180 vacancies (SC 28, ST 13, OBC 47, EWS 18, UR 74) with PwBD 7
• IFS – 55 vacancies (SC 8, ST 4, OBC 15, EWS 6, UR 22) with PwBD 2
• IPS – 150 vacancies (SC 22, ST 11, OBC 42, EWS 15, UR 60) with PwBD 0
• IRS (C&IT) – 96 vacancies (SC 14, ST 7, OBC 25, EWS 9, UR 41) with PwBD 6
• And so on across other services like ICAS, IDAS, IP&TAFS, IRAS, etc.