I gave 4 interviews and got selected thrice. This is 1st post in the interview preparation series. Here, I will be sharing what according to me is important for interview preparation.

How To Prepare Current Affairs?

• Read 2 newspapers. Follow The Hindu and Times Of India to know different ideologies.
• Watch RSTV discussions. Do not go for sensationalist media.
• Make your own views and notes on the basis of reading and videos.
• Vision current affairs or insights secure compilations or any other magazine have almost 0 role in interview preparation.

How To Prepare DAF?

• Go through your DAF and mark important words therein.
• Focus on different aspects related to each such word.
• Summary sheet is the most important part of DAF. Ensure that you cover various things mentioned there.
• Frame multiple questions on summary sheet. Ask your friends too.
• Hobby, optional subject and graduation subject are most important aspects.

CSE 14 Example: Mimicry as one of hobby in my DAF, was a very big mistake. One of the member was like “Oh! So you like mimicry? You have to be careful”. This was the end of it…Choose very carefully what goes in your DAF and what should not.

• Revising optional is advised.
• Read interview transcipts of previous years to know questions on graduation background.
• Read interview transcripts of current year to know trends and questions that are being asked.
• Be aware of your service and cadre preferences and be crystal clear of why you opted for same.

Join Decode Civils Telegram Group For Free UPSC CSE Guidance From Mudit Jain, IRS CSE 2017 (Ex-IPS CSE 2014 & 2015), Author of Decode GS2 1.0, Decode Ethics 4.0 Part-A, Decode Ethics 4.0 Part-B, (Decode Ethics 4.0 Set) and Decode History 1.0 Books

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All My Notes

Sample PDFs of Decode Ethics 4.0 Part-A & Part-B Books, Decode GS-2 Book & Decode History Book:

decode-ethics-4.0-sample

decode-gs-2-sample

decode-history-sample

How To Practice?

• Polish your communication skills.
• Practice in front of mirror.
• Inculcate reading habit to widen your horizon.
• Communicate with people you hardly know. This is very important to open up, especially for introverts like me. This is of huge need as soon you will be talking with 5 complete strangers who will be deciding your future!
• Ask your friends to take mocks.
• Coaching mocks are handy but do not overdo.

Important Nuances:

• SORRY SIR/MADAM, I DON’T KNOW. Learn to say this line with confidence. Interview is not about how much you know but how you present yourself.
• Google the profile of various members. It decreases the element of surprise.

CSE 17 Example: As I entered the room  Bhosle Sir started praising me. He said I am the fittest choice for IAS and all. But then, this is his style! Knowing such things in advance help.

• Present your own views rather than mugged up views from newspaper.

CSE 13 Example: My 1st interview, marred by factual views mugged up from RSTV and Newspaper, fetched me a paltry 118. Do not repeat this mistake.

• Do not jump the gun as soon as the question is asked. Listen it carefully and take your time before answering.
• Do not try to lie or fool the interviewers. They are very very experienced people and will cravk your bluff. If you are unsure, ask “Can I make a guess?”
• Make proper eye-contact with all members on board. Focus on your body language and posture. This can’t be improved in a day, hence practice from today itself.
• Choose your words very very carefully. This is possible only if you think through before speaking and if you are stress free.
• Speak crisply. Do not speak too much.
• Practice how you enter and exit room and wish members.

First impression is the last impression. First few minutes of your interview are very important. 9/10 times, it is the chair who begins with interview. Creating a good impression is hence of core importance. This will be possible only if you get hold of your nerves and stay confident.

Those guys sitting there are no demons. They are as human as you and I are. Give them the due respect but don’t be overwhelmed by the occasion.

I consistently scored poor in interview (118, 110, 154 and 165). Mains Score got me my ranks (222, 207 and 173). Be better prepared than I used to be.

ATB!