IAS interview round is the final stage of cracking the exam and becoming a civil services officer. You need to work hard and put dedication into your studies for clearing the pre and mains exams. For completing your UPSC mission, you must be prepared for the interview and avoid common mistakes most IAS aspirants make before and during the interview round.

The aim of the interview is to test your analytical skills, communication skills, presence of mind, personality, and ability to cope with specific situations.

Things to Avoid in IAS Interview

Below are some of the primary IAS interview mistakes made by a majority of candidates. These mistakes stand between you and the candidates who have cleared the interview. We have created the key points based on the experiences of aspirants who have become IAS officers and insights from experts.

• Getting panic

It is understood that it is not an easy task to face the IAS interview round. During the interview, there will be questions that you can’t answer. However, getting anxious and nervous is not the solution. It is okay if you don’t have the answer to all the questions. But you have to deal with it confidently without panicking.

For this, you can do exercises for breathing because when you get nervous, your breaths become heavy. Practice more mock tests to get an idea about the type of IAS interview questions to expect.

• Starting the preparation late

After the mains exams, you can take a break and then start your interview preparation. Don’t wait for the results to prepare for the interview. You must have a positive attitude because this is a thing that is tested in your interview also.

This is a common mistake that many aspirants make. The people who have cleared the interviews suggest that you must prepare yourself for the IAS interview right after the written exams.

• Lying

Sometimes, the candidates create the answers during the interview and lie to the panellists. This is a huge mistake. They are experts who are sitting on those chairs for a reason. They will catch your lies by asking tricky questions that you won’t be able to justify. Be honest and avoid lying about anything.

• Not being yourself

UPSC board members want real and honest candidates. What many candidates do is try to hide their real side and try to show things that they are not.

You must be your real self to ace the interview. Don’t portrait someone else through your personality. Be real.

• Blabbering

In the interview, when interviewers ask some personal questions, many candidates start chattering and blabbering unnecessary things. This shows that you are immature and don’t have enough knowledge about what is being asked.

You should analyze your answers and speak only the factual things in an organized manner. Your way of presenting the answers matter. This comes from effective communication skills. For this, you should practice and work on your communication skills before the interview.

• Arguments

This is the last thing in the world that you would do in the UPSC IAS interview round. The board members can ask you anything to test your skills and qualities on various fronts. They can trick or trigger you to start an argument, but you have to answer calmly and flexibly.

If you indulge in unnecessary arguments or discussions, it will not be appreciated.  Additionally, when panellists are speaking, don’t interrupt them. Wait for them to complete, and they say what you have got to say.

• Casual attire and look

You can’t attend the interview in jeans and a T-shirt. It is not acceptable to wear casual clothing and attend the interview in sports shoes or sneakers.

While this may not be a common mistake, you must avoid it. Instead, wear formal trousers and a shirt with a tie and formal shoes beneath. Also, take care of grooming and having a professional look.

• Poor body language

Sitting as if you are tired and having your legs and hands crossed is one of the most common IAS interview mistakes. It shows your nervousness and that you are not a lively person.

Instead, sit with your back straight, keep your hands on your lap, and your legs straight on the floor. You can use your hands for gestures while answering.

• Being negative

When you are asked questions to know your opinion about things, don’t share negative views based on politics, race, or religion. Answer with a balanced point of view and talk about both the pros and cons.

Wrapping:

You can’t afford to make mistakes in the interview because you have worked so hard for it. Before appearing for the UPSC interview, make sure that you prepared well and have an idea about these common mistakes made by a majority of candidates. 

Also read – IAS Selection Process