The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most challenging and demanding exams in the country as this prestigious exam aims to recruit the ideal candidates for leading government positions such as IAS, IPS, IFS, etc. The exam consists of three phases: prelims, main courses and personal interview. After the starters and main courses have been cleared, candidates appear for the round of Personal Interview (PI). This round is essential as it is the final selection round for recruiting candidates.
The PI round is a two-way communication between the candidate and the UPSC board members. Communication in this round generally takes about 30-40 minutes. However, an interview of less than 20 minutes does not mean that the candidate is unsuitable, and an interview of more than 40 minutes is not great either.
The candidate’s involvement with the board covers various topics such as current national and global issues, candidate personal data, service preferences and more. The PI round is more challenging as you get to write by cramming in written exams, but confidently answering the tricky questions in person to experts is a separate exercise. The ability to speak, communicate, defend points of view, admit a dignified lack of knowledge, express politeness, etc. is tested. The Eminence of the Board, life is both a blessing and a challenge.
Candidates may get nervous in front of five experts whose expertise lies in assessing the personality traits, attitudes, ability to hold their own and critically analyzing each phenomenon presented to them, etc. It is not necessary at all since the board can be friendly if the candidate is genuine. Some candidates excel because of their inherent values and strengths; some learn very quickly to emulate the best; and others have to put in a little more effort and rehearsal to catch up with the best.
Here’s an expert-led list of how candidates can successfully handle tough questions:
Acing UPSC PI round with confidence
A few tricky questions that candidates may face during the UPSC exam:
• What is your opinion on the US war in Afghanistan? What are China’s strategic interests in Afghanistan?
• Oil from Russia: is it blood money? Are we losing Russia because of the way Russia and China come together?
• What is the Supreme Court looking for when taking demonetization cases, and how far can its review, investigation, and conclusions go regarding demonetization?
• What are the respective roles of the Monetary Policy Committee and the RBI in the country’s economic and credit policy?
The way to answer these questions is in the hands of the candidates without supporting or opposing any question. For example, if someone believes that inflation is a bigger enemy than growth, inflation must therefore be tamed, they can say so, but must be able to convey arguments.
As for India’s policy towards Russia, candidates should not worsen the relationship, as Russia is extremely important to us. Weaknesses in the bilateral relationship should only be recognized as a peripheral issue. Most of what is said should be that India and Russia are good friends. They were and will be because of a compelling mutual interest.
When candidates are asked about RBI digital rupee, they cannot be theoretical about it. They have to pin the answer to reality. For example, candidates can discuss digital rupee. But they have to make the link, which can’t be bookish, followed by reasons why the digital rupee was launched.
Now suppose questions arise about bigotry in India and the rule of law in that country. Candidates should then remember that these are sensitive topics on which they should be very constructive. When asked to express their views on judicial reform, they must respond with particular regard to the masses. The focus should be completely on clearing the backlog of 5 crore cases instead of talking about NJAC collegium.
Specific questions may also arise to analyze a candidate’s personality. These are all philosophical questions and must be answered with remarkable tact, realism and ethics.
• What is the candidate’s purpose in life?
• How to handle organizational conflicts and handle employee disputes?
• What role do law and morals play in life?
• When are you going to lie in a life situation?
Candidates must never use words such as ‘of course’, ‘as I told you’ or ‘as I said’ and must not be pompous. is only 50 percent, having the right mind is a must. Candidates should also not feel complacent if you get some of the answers right in the early stages, as it detracts from their attention and can cost them. Second, reading at least two newspapers daily helps to have a balanced view of different aspects.
— Written by Sriram Srirangam, founder and director of SRIRAM’s IAS
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