Civil Services Main exam and Interview

Civil Services Main exam and Interview




The main examination of the Indian Civil Services consists of nine papers. The first paper carries 300 marks and is an Indian language the candidate chooses. The second paper is English, of 300 marks while the third paper is an essay paper of 200 marks.

Papers four and five are of general studies and is 300 marks each while papers six to nine are on two subjects the candidate chooses. Each subject is of 300 marks, and spans two papers each. The candidate has three hours to answer each paper while the total marks here are 2000.

The optional subjects the candidate can choose from are Agriculture, Botany, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Economics, Civil Engineering, Geology, Geography, Chemistry, Indian History, Political Science, Law, Botany, Electrical Engineering, Commerce, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Philosophy, Zoology, Public Administration, Medical Science and Sociology.

The interview

The interview of the Civil Services exam is also called a personality test that tests the overall personality of the candidate. It carries 300 marks and is not always a question answer session. The board members may ask anything during the interview to find out more about your personality.

If you don’t know the answer to any question, don’t hesitate to say ‘I don’t know Sir/Mam’. Say this confidently, with some cheerfulness as your intelligence levels have already been thoroughly tested in the preliminary and main exams.

Break up of questions

The interview is more of a natural and purposeful conversation and not a cross examination. It’s better to keep a photocopy of the form you fill for the main examination handy.

This is because most of the initial questions of the interview like your educational background, the meaning of your name, hobbies, your professional experience, etc come from this form. About 70% of the questions are based on your bio-data, 20 questions on your subject and 10% on current affairs. This is why you should be abreast with whatever happens in and outside the country.

If your home place has anything of historical importance or of tourist interest, its better to prepare on it. If you seem to be more of a bookworm to the interviewer, your chances for selection are considerably reduced. It is only if you show an all round personality do you have a better chance at passing the interview.

It’s always better to hold a few mock interviews for practice, with 4-5 other people before your actual interview. Have friends grill you so that you can confidently face the board.

Dress code

Make sure you dress well for the interview. Wear ironed, comfortable clothes of light colors, preferably white. Men should wear a light colored shirt and dark pants, with a tie if possible while women are best in a sari or salwar kameez. Wear convenient, polished, black or brown footwear. Remember that the first impression is always the best impression so create a positive impression at the interview.

You have to reach your interview about half an hour early so that you have time to relax. Knock before entering the board room, greet the members and don’t sit down till asked to do so. Lady members should be greeted first and all board members thanked before leaving the room. Be cool, transparent, truthful and predictable throughout the interview and don’t give hasty replies or be too argumentative with your answers.