The UPSC interview, officially termed the Personality Test, is the final and most decisive stage of the civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The second phase of the interview process
is currently underway from January 5 to February 27, 2026, at Dholpur House. Carrying 275 marks, the interview, when combined with the 1,750 marks of the main examination, determines a candidate’s final ranking and allocation to services such as the IAS, IPS and allied services. Each interview panel typically comprises five members and is chaired by a senior member of the Commission.
The Personality Test is designed to assess a candidate’s overall suitability for a career in public service. The focus is on qualities such as integrity, depth of character, clarity of thought, honesty, and mental alertness. The interview usually lasts between 20 and 35 minutes, though the duration may vary.
There is no fixed number of questions, as the flow of the interview depends on the candidate’s responses and the board’s interest. Questions can range from personal details, such as the meaning of a candidate’s name, to complex issues of national and international importance. The emphasis is not on the volume of information, but on how effectively a candidate presents their views.
Q. How many questions are asked in the UPSC interview?
There is no prescribed number of questions in the UPSC interview. On average, candidates may face anywhere between 15-25 questions. If the board finds a candidate’s responses engaging, the discussion may continue at length. While some interviews conclude within 20 minutes, others may extend up to 45 minutes. In the UPSC interview, the relevance and depth of questions matter more than their number.
Q. What types of questions are asked in the UPSC interview?
Broadly, the questions asked during the interview fall into five categories:
1. Detailed Application Form (DAF)-based: Nearly 60-70% of the questions are drawn from the DAF. These include queries about the candidate’s name, place of origin, schooling, college education, hobbies such as cooking or sports, and even the professions of parents.
2. Educational background: Candidates may be asked about their graduation subjects and how their academic background can contribute to administration. For instance, an engineering graduate may be asked what value technical training brings to governance, or how historical knowledge can aid a district magistrate.
3. Current affairs: Questions often focus on recent national and international developments. The board is more interested in the candidate’s perspective and reasoning than in factual recall. Issues such as the India-China border dispute may be discussed in this context.
4. Situational or case study questions: Candidates may be placed in hypothetical administrative situations to test decision-making skills. For example, the board may ask how a candidate would respond to communal unrest in their district if faced with conflicting political instructions.
5. Optional subject: In-depth and analytical questions may also be asked from the optional subject chosen for the UPSC Mains examination.
Q. What does the board look for?
The interview board places strong emphasis on integrity and honesty. Admitting a lack of knowledge by saying, “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t know,” is not viewed negatively. The members also assess a candidate’s communication skills, humility, balance, and confidence.
Experts advise that thorough preparation of every detail mentioned in the DAF is essential for the interview. The UPSC board’s role is not to reject candidates, but to carefully evaluate their personality traits and overall suitability for public service.
