UPSC Interview Questions 2025
Personality Test of the selected candidates is likely to be announced soon. It will be held in the Office of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069.
After the written test, Interview is the final round which tests the personality, suitability of the candidate. So it is very important to start preparing for the interview along with the written test. Candidates should remember that the interview is not a test for checking the specialized knowledge, the idea is to observe the social traits of the candidate and his/her personality and its suitability to a career in the civil services.
The Personality test will be scored on the basis of the following factors:
- Mental alertness
- Critical powers of assimilation
- Clear and logical exposition
- Social traits
- Interest and knowledge of current affairs
- Balance of judgment
- Variety and depth of interest
- Ability for social cohesion
- Leadership skills
- Intellectual and moral integrity
Most Common UPSC Interview Questions & Assessment
The UPSC panel members can ask questions related to the detailed application form of the candidates. The questions can be on the candidate’s place of birth, interest, issues related to their home state, current national issues, and more. For example, if a candidate is from Chattisgarh or Odisha, questions could be asked a question related to tribal problems. If a candidate is from Jodhpur, a member can ask, What is Jodhpur famous for? What is the name of the Palace in Jodhpur? During the questions, the panel tries assesses whether the candidate answers like an Indian national or with a regional mindset. Hobbies and areas of interests also play an important role during interview. If the candidate's hobby is gardening. Then, questions related to soil, vegetables, herbs can be asked. Besides, questions related to the professions of the candidates could also be posed. For example, if the candidate happens to be an economics professor, he/she could be asked about International economics/ economy of the country. While the candidate answer the questions, the members of the panel observe how the candidate responds to each question.
Situational questions in UPSC interview
The Panel also creates questions based on certain situations. For example, they may give a situation like earth quake, floods and ask the candidate to respond to it in the role of a district collector. Members might also ask tricky questions in order to evaluate mental alertness and the ability to think logically. They also ask Ethics and integrity questions in the UPSC interview.
Views Based questions in UPSC interview
You will be asked about facts and your views on Constitution, governance questions in UPSC interview. Questions will also be related to Challenges facing India & your views on that.
List of probable UPSC Interview questions
- Tell me about yourself. What are your Strengths and Weaknesses
- Why do you want to join the civil services? / IAS
- Why to join the civil services if you can do well by doing social work?
- Why you want to join civil services and not Politics?
- Why do you want to join civil service even though the salary is limited ?
- Explain why you chose IAS as your first preference?
- What is your ambition in life?
- You have opted for arts subjects when you are an engineer. Why did you choose that subject?
- What is special about your date of birth? Any important event took place that year?
- What does your name mean? Any famous personality or god that is associated with that name?
- Would you like to change your name?
- What are your hobbies and how will they help you as an IAS?
Expected Current affairs topics UPSC interview 2025
Concise checklist of high-probability themes to prepare for the civil services interview.
Economy & Governance
- Post-pandemic recovery, fiscal consolidation & inflationary trends
- Union Budget highlights, public expenditure priorities
Geopolitics & Strategic Affairs
- India's neighbourhood policy, India–China dynamics, Indo-Pacific partnerships
- Energy security, defence modernisation, and regional security architectures
Environment & Climate
- National climate commitments, adaptation & mitigation measures
- Water security, air pollution policies, and sustainable agriculture
Society & Social Policy
- Health system resilience, public health campaigns, nutrition
- Education reforms, skill development, gender & social inclusion
Technology & Innovation
- Artificial intelligence governance, data protection, digital public infrastructure
- Cybersecurity, start-up policy, and manufacturing / semiconductor initiatives
Law, Policy & Ethics
- Judicial reforms, important Supreme Court judgments, and constitutional debates
- Data privacy law, Uniform Civil Code discussions, and electoral reforms
Sample Answers — Most Asked UPSC Interview Questions
Prepare with model answers for frequently asked questions in the civil services interview.
1. Tell me about yourself
Provide a concise personal introduction, highlighting education, work experience, achievements, and interests relevant to civil services.
2. What are your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Mention 2–3 key strengths with examples and a weakness you are actively working to improve, showing self-awareness and growth.
3. Why do you want to join the civil services / IAS?
Explain your motivation for public service, governance interest, and desire to contribute to national development and policy-making.
4. Why join civil services if you can do well by doing social work?
Show understanding of systemic impact, policy implementation, and how civil services allow you to scale your social contribution.
5. Why do you want to join civil services and not Politics?
Highlight impartiality, administrative responsibility, and long-term governance impact achievable through civil services rather than political career.
It is a good idea to follow our Weekly current affairs list of topics so that you may go through important stuff that has been happening and analyse all topics from your point of view.
