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Importance of Mock Interviews for UPSC Interview Preparation

The interview stage of the UPSC selection process, although the last, is by no means the least. With a total of 275 marks up for grabs, the interview can make or break a candidate's chances of securing a spot in the final selection list. The preliminary exam only serves to qualify candidates for the main written examination. The interview, however, can make a significant difference to the candidate's final rank.

For a candidate who may not have performed well in the written examination, the interview presents a golden opportunity to score high and make it to the final list. On the other hand, a candidate with high written exam marks but poor interview performance may see their rank drop significantly or even be eliminated from the list altogether. Hence, the interview plays a pivotal role in determining a candidate's final rank, job, and cadre.

This underlines the importance of thorough preparation before the UPSC interview. Mock interviews serve as a valuable practice tool, helping candidates avoid common mistakes and assess their performance. They also aid in enhancing the candidate's consistency.

The Role of Mock Interviews in UPSC Preparation

Here are some reasons why mock interviews are beneficial for UPSC aspirants:

  • Familiarity with question types: Mock interviews provide a better understanding of the questions likely to be asked in the interview. These questions could be related to the candidate's profile, current affairs, or could be behavioural or situational.
  • Improvement in body language: Body language, which includes non-verbal cues such as posture, eye contact, and other actions, can play a significant role in the interview. Mock interviews help candidates improve their body language and eliminate inappropriate gestures. Candidates can also practice in front of a mirror to improve their sitting posture, appearance, and behaviour.
  • Development of balanced responses: The candidate should be able to provide unbiased and balanced views on various topics. Mock interviews help in honing this ability, enabling candidates to provide balanced responses without any bias.
  • Boost in confidence: It's crucial for candidates to appear confident before the panel members. Mock interviews help in identifying common mistakes and working on them, thereby improving confidence levels.
  • Enhancement of communication skills: Fluency in the language chosen for the interview is vital. Mock interviews can help improve a candidate's ability to express their thoughts clearly and communicate effectively.

However, candidates should be cautious about the sources of their mock interviews. Several institutes offer mock interviews but may not have a clear understanding of the actual interview process. Relying on such sources could lead to confusion and a distorted understanding of the interview. Therefore, it's advisable to choose mock interview sources wisely and rely on expert advice from reputable sources.

Recommended Reads:

Is Proficiency in English required for the UPSC interview? Can the UPSC interview be given in Hindi?
What is the Minimum Score Requirement in Mains to Qualify for UPSC Interview? Tips to Achieve a High Score in the UPSC interview
UPSC Syllabus IAS Salary Structure
UPSC General Knowledge MCQs UPSC 2022: Updates and Guidelines
 
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