Physics Wallah

UPSC Interview Questions, List of Top 50+ IAS Interview Questions

UPSC interview questions will guide you through the 2024 IAS personality test preparation. Discover the top 50+ IAS interview questions and learn how to answer effectively.
authorImageGaurav Soni17 Dec, 2024
Share

Share

UPSC Interview Questions, List of Top 50+ IAS Interview Questions

UPSC Interview Questions: The UPSC interview 2024 also known as the Personality Test will be conducted soon. UPSC Interview is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination and holds significant weight in determining your final rank.

With a weightage of 275 marks , the interview stage could be the deciding factor between getting your desired post or not. Unlike the written exams, UPSC interview questions focus more on your personality, opinions, and how you handle stress, making it essential to practice them well. Keep reading to explore the key UPSC interview questions, including a list of the top 50+ IAS interview questions, strategies to answer them, and how to prepare for this stage effectively.

UPSC IAS Interview

UPSC IAS Interview 2024 will commence soon at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Headquarters in New Delhi. Candidates shortlisted in the UPSC Mains stage will be assessed by an expert panel with a variety of questions, ranging from personal interests to current affairs and situational problems. Therefore, practicing with UPSC interview questions is crucial as it helps in:
  • Understanding the Format: Practicing helps you familiarize yourself with the types of questions frequently asked in UPSC interviews.
  • Improving Communication Skills: Rehearsing answers to common UPSC interview questions helps in refining your communication skills.
  • Boosting Confidence: The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel during the actual interview.
  • Handle Pressure: Practicing with UPSC interview questions prepares you to think quickly and accurately under pressure.
Hence, all aspirants must go through common upsc interview questions to be prepared well in advance.

List of Top 50 UPSC Interview Questions

The following is a curated list of the top 50 UPSC interview questions that have been frequently asked or may appear in your personality. These questions test your confidence, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities:
  1. Tell us about yourself.
  2. Why do you want to join the civil services?
  3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  4. What is your opinion on climate change and its impact on India?
  5. How do you manage stress and pressure?
  6. What are your views on the current state of India’s economy?
  7. Can you name some communication cables disrupted recently?
  8. What is India's position in international relations?
  9. What challenges do you foresee in the education sector in India?
  10. Explain your role in your current job and its significance.
  11. What are your hobbies, and how do they reflect on your personality?
  12. How do you think India can improve its healthcare system?
  13. Why did you choose this particular optional subject in UPSC?
  14. How would you handle corruption if you faced it as a civil servant?
  15. Do you think India’s foreign policy is effective? Why or why not?
  16. What recent Supreme Court judgment impacts Fundamental Rights?
  17. What do you think are the major hurdles to achieving gender equality in India?
  18. What’s your vision for yourself as a civil servant in the next five years?
  19. How do you balance development and environmental conservation in policy-making?
  20. How would you address unemployment in India?
  21. How would you improve India’s public transportation system?
  22. Why do you want to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)?
  23. How would you handle a situation where you face public criticism as a civil servant?
  24. What do you think about India’s space exploration programs?
  25. What role do you see the United Nations playing in global peacekeeping today?
  26. What’s your opinion on the privatization of public sector units (PSUs)?
  27. How do you think technology can help in improving governance in India?
  28. What do you think about the current state of India’s judicial system?
  29. How do you see India’s role in combating global climate change?
  30. What do you think are the major challenges for India’s rural development?
  31. What is the role of NGOs in India’s development?
  32. How would you handle a crisis situation like a natural disaster if you were in charge?
  33. What career opportunities do you foresee in the IFS?
  34. How do you see the role of women in Indian society today?
  35. Can you explain India's position on the Quad alliance?
  36. How do you think India can improve relations with its neighboring countries?
  37. What’s the importance of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution?
  38. What are the major causes of poverty in India, and how would you address them?
  39. How can India improve its defense strategy in the current geopolitical climate?
  40. What is your opinion on the reservation system in India?
  41. Can you name some recent government schemes aimed at empowering women?
  42. How would you address the issue of fake news in the country?
  43. What are the major threats to national security in India today?
  44. What do you think of India’s handling of cross-border terrorism?
  45. What are your thoughts on India’s relations with China?
  46. How can India improve the standard of living in rural areas?
  47. How do you view the role of social media in shaping public opinion in India?
  48. What do you think about the concept of “One Nation, One Election”?
  49. How would you tackle the issue of pollution in major cities in India?
  50. How do you see the role of civil servants evolving in the next 20 years?
These questions provide a broad scope of what might be asked in the UPSC interview. Aspirants should ensure to practice them by reading editorials and attempting UPSC Mock interviews.

Most Asked UPSC Interview Questions With Answer

While it’s impossible to predict the exact questions, most asked UPSC interview questions tend to appear year after year. Some of these IAS interview questions along with how to answer them are: Why do you want to join the IAS? Answer: Frame this answer around your desire to serve the nation and bring positive changes to society. Make it personal but grounded in your motivations for choosing public service over other careers. What are your hobbies? Answer: Be honest and prepared to discuss your hobbies in-depth. The panel will often ask follow-up questions to test how serious you are about your interests. How would you handle a particular situation? Answer: Mention the situation you would gather all relevant information and understand the context. Brainstorm potential solutions or actions you could take. Choose the best course of action and implement it. What is your view on the XYZ issue in India? Answer: Briefly explain what the XYZ issue is and its relevance in the Indian context. Discuss both sides of the argument and provide examples or data that highlight the positive impacts. Can you name a recent government policy that you think has made a significant impact? Answer: Choose a current policy (e.g., National Education Policy 2020) and back your statement with facts on how it is affecting different sectors.

Section Wise UPSC Interview Questions

UPSC interviews often include a variety of questions from different sections such as current affairs, hobbies, and situational responses. For example:
Section Wise UPSC Interview Questions
Section Sample Questions
Current Affairs
  1. What is India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict?
  2. How has the global pandemic affected India's economy?
  3. What are the implications of India’s recent trade agreements with foreign countries?
  4. How is India addressing climate change, particularly in relation to its commitments under the Paris Agreement?
  5. What role does India play in regional security issues in South Asia?
Hobbies
  1. You like photography. What is your favorite subject to photograph?
  2. How has badminton evolved in recent years?
  3. What is your favorite book, and how has it influenced your perspective?
  4. How do you balance your hobbies with your preparation for civil service?
  5. Can you share an experience where your hobby helped you in a challenging situation?
Situational Questions
  1. What would you do if you were the District Magistrate and faced with a severe flood?
  2. How would you tackle corruption in your district?
  3. If you were tasked with improving education in a rural area, what steps would you take?
  4. How would you handle a protest in your district demanding immediate government action?
  5. If you discovered a major public health issue in your area, how would you respond?
Personal Experience
  1. Describe a challenge you faced during your education and how you overcame it.
  2. How has your current job helped you develop your leadership skills?
  3. What is a significant achievement in your life, and what did you learn from it?
  4. How have your extracurricular activities contributed to your personal growth?
  5. Can you share an experience where you had to work in a team and how you contributed to its success?
General Knowledge
  1. What is the significance of Article 21 in the Indian Constitution?
  2. Can you name the fundamental duties listed in the Constitution?
  3. What are the main features of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India?
  4. How does the Panchayati Raj system work in India?
  5. Can you explain the concept of secularism as enshrined in the Indian Constitution?

The Right Way to Answer UPSC Interview Questions

Answering UPSC interview questions isn’t just about what you say but how you say it. The interview panel is looking for clear communication, logical thinking, and confidence. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
  • Stay Calm: Even if you don’t know the answer, keep your composure. You can politely acknowledge that you are unsure and would like to research the topic further.
  • Be Honest: The panel appreciates honesty. If you don’t know something, it’s better to admit it rather than bluffing.
  • Provide Balanced Opinions: On topics like policy or social issues, make sure to consider both pros and cons. The interview panel is testing your ability to think critically.
  • Stay Updated: Brush up on current affairs regularly, especially on the topics related to your optional subject and Detailed Application Form(DAF).
  • Practice Mock Interviews: Rehearsing common UPSC interview questions in mock interviews will help you refine your answers.
?si=JIrWKgeYGG9OyZxm Hurry up, Explore PW UPSC Courses now!
UPSC Related Articles
UPSC Prelims Questions NCERT for UPSC Exam 2025 UPSC Interview Language
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern Things to Avoid UPSC Interview UPSC Result

UPSC Interview Questions FAQs

Que 1: What questions are asked in UPSC interview?

Ans: UPSC interviews cover a wide range of topics including your personal background, current affairs, hypothetical situations, and ethical dilemmas.

Que 2: What type of questions are asked in UPSC interview?

Ans: Questions range from your views on government policies to situational problems testing your decision-making and leadership abilities.

Que 3: How many questions are asked in UPSC interview?

There is no fixed number, but on average, candidates face about 20-30 questions during their interview.

Que 4: How long are UPSC interviews?

UPSC interviews typically last for 30-40 minutes, but the time can vary depending on the flow of the conversation.

Que 5: What are common UPSC interview questions?

Common questions include “Tell us about yourself,” “Why do you want to join the IAS?” and “What is your opinion on a recent government policy?”
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.