UPSC Interview Questions

by Vajiram & Ravi

UPSC Interview Questions can help you develop a framework on how to prepare for your UPSC IAS Interview. UPSC Interview Questions are based on knowledge assessment, critical thinking, and suitability for Civil Services roles. The Interview process lasts about 30 minutes and is worth 275 marks out of the total 2025 marks. This short meeting can have a big impact on your life, helping you achieve your dream of becoming a civil servant. The final merit list considers marks from both the mains exam and the Personality Test. Doing well in the Interview can greatly benefit candidates, improving their rank and chances of getting a better government service position.

UPSC Interview Questions

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is recognized for its demanding selection process, involving various phases like the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and UPSC Interview (Personality Test). The Interview phase evaluates a candidate's aptitude for a civil services career and addresses diverse subjects such as current affairs, general knowledge, ethics, and personal experiences. Although the specific questions may differ, the following are some categories of questions that have been commonly posed during UPSC Interviews.

List of Top 50 UPSC Interview Questions

Here is a list of 50 common questions that can be asked in a UPSC IAS Interview:

Tell me about yourself.
What motivated you to appear for the UPSC exam?
Discuss a current national or international issue that interests you.
Explain the significance of the Indian Constitution.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.
How do you manage your time effectively?
What is your opinion on the role of the media in society?
Discuss a recent government policy that caught your attention.
Explain the concept of inclusive growth in economics.
What was the Panipat War and between whom was it fought?
Why was the war fought in Panipat?
You are posted as district collector and tasked to oversee a project in a village. The village has a rigid caste hierarchy and this is interfering with your project. The lower caste workers are not being allowed to work in the same areas as the higher caste workers. What action would you take?
This is a paper weight. Give me 5 ways I can use this.
Does India have a population problem? Should it follow China’s lead in controlling population growth?
You have listed playing the violin as an interest. What wood is used to make a violin? The violin bow has fine threadlike hairs. Where do these come from? What is the process of making a violin bow?
Philosophy as an optional. What are the major differences between Indian and Western philosophy?
Why is Buddhism almost not present in India at present although India is its birthplace but having a significant presence in east and Southeast Asian countries?
Which country is known as the land of midnight sun?
Norway and other Scandinavian countries though small in area, population and present in hostile climate (low temperature) but still highly developed Why?
What is an ombudsman in India?
Assuming you become a prophet and establish a new religion, give me its important characteristics. Can you also give a name for it?
Do you think there is still a bright future for the IT industry considering the current crisis it is facing?
Compare Ancient silk road and present OBOR project?
Do you think the RBI role is as important today as it was 20 years ago?
Why is the 21st century called the Asian Century?
Give some reasons why Bollywood will supersede Hollywood in the 21st century.
How many Nobel prizes have been awarded in the field of game theory.
I will give you a hypothetical situation.solve it. Sudden overnight influx of madhesis from Nepal in up/Bihar. Being dm of a border district how will you handle it?
Do you know about the different stages through which the budget reaches the final stage?
Do you know about NPS? If yes, how is it different from OPS?
What are the alternative forms of energy?
Tell me how a plant of biogas functions.
what is the cost at which govt. supply biogas to consumers?
Tell me which would be more cost-efficient and suitable in the longer run, biogas or solar in rural areas?
What do you think about technology taking jobs? I think we must stop adopting new technology and create jobs. What's your opinion?
What is the source used by the chatgpt for answering the query?
Are traditional knowledge and modern sciences in contradiction?
please tell me the amount of energy NTPC produced and what are its functions other than energy production.
Tell me about MNCs working in India and Indian MNCs working abroad.
Which is the first Indian MNC?
Tell me what blockchain technology is and what its applications are.
How would you explain blockchain technology to a layman?
What qualities do you have that you think will make you a good civil servant?
What is the place of medical ethics in todays world of commercial medicine, medical insurance, etc etc etc(a lot of big words)?
In the future of education, what do you think will succeed more? B2B or B2C
What is the report that RBI releases on a regular basis?
Tell me some positives and negatives of snooping
Suppose you are posted as a DM in a village school and asked to address students of Class VIII-XII, what would you speak about for promoting Maths which students don't like?
What is the need of high end R&D when our basic skill needs are unmet?

UPSC Interview Questions Section Wise

Check the section wise UPSC Interview Questions given below:

Current Affairs and General Knowledge

What are the recent developments in your state/region/country?
Discuss the major national and international events from the past year.
What are the key challenges currently facing the Indian economy/polity/society?

Ethics and Values

How would you handle a situation where your personal values clash with your official duties?
Describe an ethical dilemma you faced and how you resolved it.
How would you deal with corruption if you were in a position of authority?

Governance and Administration

What reforms would you suggest to improve the efficiency of public service delivery?
How can technology be leveraged to enhance governance and transparency?
What measures can be taken to ensure accountability in government departments?

Policy and Decision-making

How would you approach policymaking for addressing climate change/education/healthcare?
Discuss the pros and cons of the recent policy implemented in your state/country.

Personal Background and Experiences

Tell us about yourself and your journey so far.
How have your educational and professional experiences prepared you for a career in the civil services?
Discuss a situation where you displayed leadership skills or worked effectively in a team.

Opinions on Socio-political Issues

What are your views on reservation in educational institutions and government jobs?
How can the government promote gender equality and women’s empowerment?
What are your thoughts on the balance between economic development and environmental conservation?

Role of a Civil Servant

What do you think is the most important quality for a civil servant to possess?
How would you ensure that government policies are implemented effectively at the grassroots level?
How do you perceive the role of a civil servant in a democratic society?

International Relations and Diplomacy

What are the key foreign policy challenges facing India?
How can India strengthen its relations with neighboring countries?
What is your perspective on India’s role in global governance?

It’s important to note that the UPSC IAS Interview is not about rote memorization but rather assessing a candidate’s depth of understanding, analytical skills, ethical values, and ability to think on their feet. As such, while these questions provide a general idea, candidates should be prepared to discuss a wide range of topics and demonstrate their thought processes and clarity of expression.

Tips to Successfully Crack IAS Interview Questions

Here are the top ten tips recommended by experienced mentors and previous toppers:

DAF Elements: Review your Detailed Application Form (DAF) thoroughly. Be ready to answer questions about your name, hometown, and everything you’ve mentioned.
Contemporary Topics: Stay updated on current affairs from the last three months. Be concise and positive when discussing current issues.
Situational Questions: Understand the legal powers of your profile (IAS/IPS/IFS) and answer situational questions within those limits.
Behavioral Questions: Stay calm, be confident, and admit if you don’t know the answer.
Articulate Speech: Focus on how you speak and choose your words carefully.
Honesty Matters: Never lie during the Interview; honesty is crucial.
Mock Interviews: Practice with mock Interviews to avoid common mistakes.
Dress Professionally: Dress neatly and comfortably in formal attire.
Document Check: Verify all required documents well in advance.
Get Adequate Rest: Prioritize a good night’s sleep to stay efficient and reduce stress.

FAQs

Which questions are asked in UPSC Interview?

The UPSC Interview questions cover a wide range of topics, including current affairs, general knowledge, ethics, personal experiences, and situational judgment. The Interview aims to assess the candidate's suitability for a career in civil services and gain insights into their personality, communication skills, and decision-making abilities.

Is the UPSC Interview difficult?

The difficulty of the UPSC Interview varies for each candidate. It can be challenging due to the broad range of topics covered, including current affairs, ethics, and personal experiences. Preparation and confidence play crucial roles in facing the Interview successfully.

What questions are asked to toppers in UPSC Interview?

The UPSC Interview is a critical stage for aspiring civil servants, and it involves a diverse range of questions. Here are some common questions asked to UPSC toppers, along with tips on how to answer them effectively:

Why Do You Want to Become an IPS/IAS Officer?
- This question aims to understand your motivation and purpose behind choosing a career in civil services.
- Provide a meaningful and expressive answer that reveals your commitment to public service. Highlight your desire to contribute to society and make a positive impact.
If Given an Appropriate Opportunity, What Would You Like to Innovate Today?
- Be creative in your response. Innovation doesn’t have to be scientific; it can be related to social change or addressing specific issues.
- Show your strong will to improve current situations and contribute positively to society.
What Are Your Perspectives on the Countless Human-Made Discoveries Reported Between the 19th and 20th Century?
- Research thoroughly and understand the significance of these discoveries.
- Explain how these discoveries have revolutionized humanity and impacted various aspects of life.
What Is the Fine Dissimilarity Among Militancy, Insurgency, Terrorism, and Fundamentalism?
- Understand the precise meanings of these terms.
- Provide a satisfactory answer by differentiating between them based on their characteristics and contexts.