Candidates who are selected for the personality test are usually 2.2 times, the candidates who appeared for the main exam. This depends on the vacancy, notified in the UPSC’s advertisement every year. The maximum marks for interview are 275. A score over 200 is considered a high score.

Interview according to UPSC is described to be a test of 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 caliber 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 interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

Interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation, which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate. The board tests a candidate on integrity, the depth in understanding, awareness about issues happening around and how well a candidate is able to analyze and apply these issues in his/her answer.

The interview is a two months long process that usually begins 2 weeks after the declaration of the main exam results. It is usually in the period between January to March. It is conducted at the UPSC located at Shahjahan Road, New Delhi. The schedule usually consists of two slots per day. The Forenoon slot begins by 9AM while the afternoon slot begins by 2 PM .

The board usually consists of 5 people. The chairperson sits in the center while the other members are seated two on either side of the chairperson. The chairperson begins with the questions and will guide the other members to continue the interview.

The duration of the interview is typically 30 minutes +/- 5 minutes. The range of questions will include questions on hobby and their practical application, why he/she wishes to join the civil services, candidate’s opinion on current/historic issues, knowledge about candidate’s education, optional subject, issues of the state candidate belongs to, international relations, current affairs etc. They may also provide situation based question and seek the candidates’ opinion/response on the same.

We conduct an interview guidance lecture on “How to prepare for the interview” in the first week of November every year for the students who have written the Main exam in September. The main interview programmes begin a week after the Main exam results are announced. The programme consists of 4 classes, 2 Mock interviews and a personal sitting session. A candidate can opt to join the entire interview programme or opt for any one depending on his interview date scheduled by the UPSC.

GROUP – I Interview Guidance

Candidates who are selected for the personality test are usually 2 times, the candidates who appeared for the main exam. This depends on the vacancy, notified in the GROUP 1’s advertisement every year. The maximum marks for interview are 100. A score of 75 marks out of 100  is considered a high score.

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 interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity. Interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation, which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate. The board tests a candidate on integrity, the depth in understanding, awareness about issues happening around and how well a candidate is able to analyze and apply these issues in

• The interview usually begins 2 weeks after the declaration of the main exam results. Usually it is conducted at the TNPSC Office located at VOC Nagar, Park town, Chennai -3. The schedule usually consists of two slots per day. The Forenoon slot begins by 10AM while the afternoon slot begins by 2 PM but Candidate’s should be Present earlier by 8.30 AM for Certificate Verification.
• The board usually consists of 5 people. The chairperson sits in the center while the other members are seated two on either side of the chairperson. The chairperson begins with the questions and will guide the other members to continue the interview.
• The duration of the interview is typically 20 minutes +/- 5 minutes.
• The range of questions will include questions on hobby and their practical application, why he/she wishes to join the Group I services, candidate’s opinion on current/historic issues, knowledge about candidate’s education, issues of the District candidate belongs to, current affairs etc.

Special Sessions
During this Mock Interview Program number of Special sessions are organized for the benefit of aspirants called for interview by the Group I . Among them a few are:

1. Districts:
Candidates called for interview are from different Districts. Candidates registered with Madurai IAS Academy for interview guidance are practically coming from all the Districts. As such number of sessions are organized Districts -wise to give them enough exposure on the topography, culture, heritage, tourism potentiality, culture, economy and other factors which are directly and essentially related to the common people of the Districts.

2. Educational Background:
Group I Services aspirants come from various educational background Educational background is an essential and indispensable part of the interview. Candidates need to be clear and prepare well to face any kind of queries about their educational background. All possible questions and ways to prepare for it are briefed in this session.

3. Current Affairs:
Since Current Affairs are an important matter for the interview, to sharpen the information and knowledge among the aspirants, Madurai IAS Academy during the interview guidance Program organizes seminar/lecture Programs on Current Affairs. Eminent persons/social activists in their lectures on Current Affairs topics analyses the issues objectively and also keep the aspirants informed being discussed from different angles.

4. Session on hobbies:
Many questions are asked by Board Members on these particular issues. The aspirants are equipped to face any question and give convincing reply on this aspect.

5. National Issues:
Contemporary issues related to Social, Economic & Environmental Matters are discussed in a lecture & question answer session.

6. International Issues:
Events happening in International arena which directly or indirectly influence us or the living being at large are also taken up in lecture programs by experts. Aspirants are given to ask questions & clarification on the related topics.

Group – II Interview Guidance
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