IAS Interview Questions That Will Make You Think Hard!

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IAS Interview Questions That Will Make You Think Hard!

UPSC CSE is one of the most sought-after examinations in India. The exam mainly consists of 3 stages - Prelims, Mains, and Personal Interview (PI). Candidates who are able to qualify for the first 2 stages of the exam have to undergo a personality test which can be intense and tricky at times.

UPSC Interview Tricky Questions That The Candidates Faced

While one may be asked several questions based on the subjects they studied during IAS preparation, the panelists are sometimes known for asking unconventional and tricky questions that may sweep the candidates off their feet. This article will help you explore some interesting UPSC interview questions of toppers. So let's start.

Atul Roy, UPSC Interview 2013

Atul Roy, a UPSC expert, and educationalist, who appeared for a UPSC interview in 2013 shared his interview experience in which he was questioned about his hobby of rock climbing. The interviewer asked, " So when you go to a rock, what do you see in it?” Atul answered that he looks at the folds first and explained them one by one. He feels such questions are asked not to get a perfect answer, but to test the presence of mind, application, and ability to think on one’s feet.

IAS Shubham Bansal, UPSC Interview 2017

Shubham Bansal was stumped by the question that one of the panelists posed to him during the IAS interview. He shared on Quora, "Back in 2017, when I went for my first interviews, as soon as I sat down, the chairman asked me if I liked stories. I was a bit taken aback and he repeated the stories which are often heard from our grandmothers and the ilk. I said yes sir, I do. He then asked me if I had heard the one with the hare and the tortoise, to which I replied in affirmative. He asked me how would the story pan out in the contemporary world. I was surprised at the unexpected line of the questioning." Shubham kept a cool mind while dealing with this question and handled it to the best of his abilities.

IPS Akash Patel, UPSC Interview 2018

Akash Patel, an IPS officer from Delhi, was asked about the origin of ties, as he was wearing one at the interview. He admitted that he knew nothing about their origin. “Right after this, I was asked, why are you wearing a tie? It’s so hot outside. I couldn’t control my smile again and explained that as today was an important and formal occasion for me, I wanted to dress accordingly to which the interviewer seemed satisfied” he posted on Quora.

Subsequently in 2018, Akash appeared for a personal interview again for the role of an IRS officer. He said that this time, he was underprepared and didn’t even feel like wearing a tie. “Why are you not wearing a tie? [The] whole world except you is wearing one,” he was asked. Akash honestly replied that he is not very comfortable about wearing one, as his attention would keep going back to his throat, where the tie has been knotted. Akash cleared that interview with 201/300 marks. “Don’t fret. Be calm and composed. Tie or no tie, suit or no suit, sky blue or any other color shirt- these things don’t matter at all” is his advice to UPSC aspirants.

UPSC Interview 2016

A candidate who is now an IPS officer shared his unexpected interview experience on an online platform. He was asked what he feels when he sees a switchboard! Thanks to his presence of mind, the candidate didn't fumble and said, "Sir, I can only control the lights above with this switch but not my life. Sir, Life is as complex as your question." This was a good one indeed!

UPSC Interview 2020

Another UPSC enthusiast from New Delhi who had her interview in 2020, was asked about the benefits of ‘snooping’ to which she skillfully answered, “Back in school, my mother would snoop [on] me to check whether I am studying well. I believe her intentions behind snooping were only for my good!” and tied this answer with discourse on state surveillance and the balance between national security and individual privacy.

UPSC Interview Questions of Toppers That Test Presence of Mind

How can a man live up to 8 days without sleep?
How do you leave a raw egg on a solid surface, so it does not crack?
How can you make seven an even number?
What is such a thing that dies after drinking water?
What happens if you throw a red stone into the Blue sea?
Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday?
A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

Tips to crack UPSC Interview Questions

A candidate may face any of the following types of UPSC interview questions in the PI round:

Profile-based UPSC Interview Questions
Current Affairs-related Interview Questions
Situational UPSC Interview Questions
Behavioral UPSC Interview Questions

You must remember that more than your theoretical knowledge, UPSC interview questions test your common sense and presence of mind. Therefore, the candidate must keep a calm mind and understand the intention of the question that the interviewer is asking. Also, since profile-related questions are quite common, one needs to be thorough with what one writes in their DAF or Detailed Application Form.

If the questions are directly related to a particular subject, you may go into the theoretical details. However, look out for questions that are tricky and demand witty answers. An intelligent response to these questions will surely impress the interview panel.

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Edited by

Shreeya Thakur

As a biotechnologist-turned-writer, I love turning complex ideas into meaningful stories that inform and inspire. Outside of writing, I enjoy cooking, reading, and travelling, each giving me fresh perspectives and inspiration for my work.

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