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Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC Interview schedule starting from 7 January 2025 to 17 April 2025 against 1056 vacancies. The e-Summon Letters for the UPSC Interview of 2845 candidates will be available soon on the official UPSC website. Each candidate is assigned a time slot, either in the morning or afternoon. Read this article to know about the UPSC Interview Process and its Schedule.
UPSC Interview Schedule Out 2024
Based on the results of the Civil Services Mains Examination 2024, declared by UPSC on 9 December 2024, the UPSC Interviews will begin on 7 January 2025. The interview schedule for 2845 candidates, including roll numbers, dates, and session timings, is provided. The reporting time for the forenoon session is 9:00 AM, and for the afternoon session, it is 1:00 PM.
UPSC Exam Interview – Overview
Below are the important details regarding the UPSC Interview, check the table below:
UPSC Interview 2024 Overview | |
Name | UPSC Civil Services Interview Test 2024 |
Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
Round | Third and Final round |
Timings | Forenoon Session: 9:00 AM |
Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM | |
Total Marks | 275 |
Number of Vacancies | 1056(Approx.) |
Interview Date | 7 January 2025 to 17 April 2025 |
Candidates Invited | 2845 |
Venue | Union Public Service Commission Officer, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069 |
UPSC Interview Date
A link to download each candidate’s time slot is provided below. Candidates must submit their travel details during the interview, which will be reimbursed. Click the Link to download Interview Schedule.
How to Download the UPSC CSE Interview Schedule 2024
Below are the simple steps to download the Civil services Interview.
- Visit the official website upsc.gov.in
- On the homepage, click on the civil services 2024 interview schedule link
- The interview schedule will appear on the screen
- Check and download the schedule
- Take a printout for future reference
UPSC invited about twice the number of candidates for the interview. For example, if there are 100 vacancies, around 200 candidates will be called for the interview. This stage chooses the best candidates, as not everyone performs the same in interviews.
UPSC Interview Process 2024
Candidates who clear the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam must fill out the Detailed Application Form II (DAF II) for the interview round. This is part of the UPSC Interview 2024 Registration, where you provide details like service preferences, cadre choices, hobbies, and more.
Steps for DAF II Registration:
- Visit the UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
- Find and click the link for DAF II.
- Log in with your UPSC roll number, OTP, and date of birth.
- Complete the remaining sections with your details.
- Review and submit the form.
- Print a copy of the completed DAF II for your interview preparation.
Candidates who do not submit the DAF-II form on time will have their candidature cancelled, and no e-Summon Letter will be issued. Candidates appearing for the interview will be reimbursed for travel expenses, limited to Second/Sleeper class train fare (Mail Express). If traveling by other modes, the reimbursement will follow specific guidelines. Candidates must submit both-way tickets and a completed TA claim form, which can be downloaded from the UPSC website.
The UPSC interview, combined with Mains marks, determines the final ranking. It tests your character and personality, not just knowledge.
Interview Process: |
DAF II Submission & E-Call Letter: After submitting DAF II, candidates receive an E-Call Letter with interview details (date, time, instructions). Arrival & Document Verification: Candidates go through security checks and document verification at the UPSC office. Seating Arrangement: Candidates are grouped by panel numbers and receive travel reimbursement forms (if applicable). Interview Session: The interview lasts 20-30 minutes, conducted by 4-5 panels of experts. Each panel interviews 5-6 candidates. Interview Conduct: Candidates are called in, undergo final security clearance, and are evaluated on personality traits through a discussion. |
What Actually happens just before the UPSC Interview?
Before the interview, security will check your call letter and let you in. You will wait with other candidates, sometimes for two or three hours. Officials will verify your academic certificates, and you will fill out a form for travel reimbursement. A staff member will call you one by one and take you to the UPSC interview board, which is usually made up of retired officers or academicians. Waiting outside the interview room is the most stressful part. You will hear the candidate before you exit, but you can’t enter until the bell rings. If the board takes a break, the wait can feel even longer. But once the interview starts, the stress fades.
The objective of the IAS Interview
- The UPSC interview is a relaxed conversation, not a tough questioning session.
- It focuses on revealing your personality and mental traits, not just your knowledge.
- Your knowledge was already assessed in the Mains exam, so the interview looks at your character and thinking ability.
- The board is more interested in evaluating your mental ability to be a civil servant.
- Your answers reflect your personality, so support your views with your knowledge.
- They will refer to your DAF (Detailed Application Form), which includes your details, interests, and career history, so be prepared to discuss them confidently.
Dress code for UPSC IAS Interview
The UPSC interview is about showing your personality and behavior, not just your knowledge. A professional, humble, and calm outfit makes a strong positive impression on the panel.
For Male Candidates: |
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For Female Candidates: |
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How to Crack UPSC IAS Interview
Highest marks in UPSC Interview
These are the highest marks obtained by the candidates out of 275 marks from 2014 to 2022.
Highest marks in UPSC Interview out of 275 marks | ||
2022 | YIMKUM I OZUKUM, TENZIN YANGKI, and ZENDEN LINGZERPA | 210 |
2021 | Ashutosh Kumar and Kiran PB | 206 |
2020 | Apala Mishra | 215 |
2019 | Jatin Kishore | 185 |
2018 | Kanishak Kataria | 179 |
2017 | Anudeep Dursihetty | 176 |
2016 | Nandini KR | 193 |
2014 | Zainab Sayeed | 220 |
UPSC Interview Preparation Strategy for IAS Interview
If you have cleared the UPSC Mains, the interview is the final step. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Begin preparing as soon as possible. Focus on improving your personality and communication skills
- Be clear about your strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, achievements, and experiences. Confidence comes from self-awareness.
- The Detailed Application Form is the main source of interview questions. Go through it carefully, especially your background, hobbies, and work experience.
- Keep a calm, optimistic attitude. Avoid worrying about rumors or anxieties.
- Confidence is important, but overconfidence can hurt. Stay humble and clear in your responses.
- Always stick to the truth. The interview panel can easily spot dishonesty.
- Improve your language, body language, and posture. How you present yourself matters.
- Read the newspaper daily to stay informed on current affairs.
- Be ready for questions related to your optional subject.
- Wear formal attire that’s neat and clean. Keep accessories simple.