Is English Necessary for the UPSC Interview? | UPSC Interview Medium

Language Options for the UPSC Interview

• As per a notification by the UPSC in 2011, candidates are allowed to opt for English or any regional language listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution for the UPSC interview.
• The language chosen for the interview doesn't necessarily have to be the same as the one chosen for the written examination. Candidates who have not taken the compulsory Indian language papers can opt for either Hindi or English for the interview.
• The candidate must specify their choice of interview language while filling out the Detailed Application Form (DAF).
• Candidates who have opted for an Indian language for the written part of the Civil Services (Main) Examination can choose the same language, English, or Hindi for the interview.
• Candidates who have chosen English for the written part of the Civil Services (Main) Examination can opt for English, Hindi, or any other Indian language chosen by them for the compulsory Indian Language Paper for the interview.
• However, candidates who are exempted from the compulsory Indian Language Paper must choose either English or Hindi as the medium for the Interview or Personality Test.

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The Role of Language in the UPSC Interview

• It's crucial to attain fluency in the language you choose for the interview. Your fluency in the language of your choice can significantly influence your performance in the interview.
• Many candidates can craft excellent answers in written format but struggle to articulate their thoughts during the interview. To address this issue, the UPSC allows candidates to take the interview in English or any regional language listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• So when a candidate applies for the UPSC panel, they have the freedom to choose English, Hindi, or any other regional language as their medium of communication.

Some aspirants worry that using an interpreter might hinder effective communication and negatively impact their score. However, it's important to remember that the UPSC interview is not a test of language skills. The panel evaluates qualities such as mental alertness, critical thinking, clear and logical exposition, balanced judgement, depth and variety of interests, social cohesion and leadership skills, and intellectual and moral integrity.

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