Everything about the IAS Interview process at UPSC Office

Those going for the IAS Interview (the first timers) have numerous questions about what all (and in what T sequence) happens on the day of the interview. This post attempts to give a step-by-step description of all the interview related formalities.

Entry for IAS Interview Program

You have to report at the time given in front of the UPSC gate. The candidates have to wait outside until the checking/verification process starts.

Suggestion: Please bring an identification proof (mains admit card/ voter ID/ Aadhar card/ PAN card etc – any one item will do) in addition to the documents called for.

After verification, you will be allowed to enter the UPSC gate. After the entry at the gate, you will be guided to enter the building from a specific entry point.

Submitting your mobile

You will have to submit your mobile in an envelope (which will be given to you). Write your name and roll number on the envelope, switch off the mobile and submit it to the concerned person. They will give you a token.
Suggestion: It’s better not to take a mobile with you.

Getting your table number

You will then be given a table number (like 1, 2, 3….13, 14 etc). This is the table where you have to sit.

Entry into the circular hall

After getting your table number, you will be guided in a circular hall which will have many tables, with chairs around them. Find your table and get seated there. Various newspapers will be kept there and you may read them if you want.
Group of 6: Along with you, 5 other people will be seated there. In last few years UPSC has been taking interviews in groups of 6. However, if the number of candidates is more, there may be a group of 7. This group means that all 6 (or 7) of you will be interviewed by one particular board in that session ( of course one by one).

Forms fill up

An attendant will come and hand you some forms that are to be filled. Fill all these slowly, carefully and without any hurry. You will also know the sequence in which the 6 (or 7) of you will be interviewed. You will also be given a paper that will contain details about your medical test. This is to be kept with yourself. A sheet containing some user id and password will also be given. This will be used only if you qualify finally.

Certificate Verification

You will have to submit the required certificates in original along with a photocopy of each to the attendant. He/She will examine it carefully. These will then be taken to the senior staffs sitting at the center of the hall. After verification, it will be returned to you (only the original, the photocopy will be kept). All this may take about half an hour to 45 minutes.

TA Bill, Questionnaire and Attestation form

You may submit your Travelling Allowance bill (if you are a non-Delhi candidate) to the staff sitting at the center. They will themselves ask. One person will come and collect the questionnaire. The attestation form that is given is to be submitted to the DoPT and not UPSC. So, you may not bring it with you for the interview. Further, you may submit the attestation form even after the result.

What if you don’t have the original certificate

Many candidates don’t have an original certificate or there might be some doubts regarding the certificate they possess. In all these cases, you will be given an undertaking form to be filled up. That undertaking form will contain a legal declaration that if you don’t submit your certificates within 15 days, your candidature will be canceled. Now PLEASE DON’T PANICK at this. Your candidature will not be canceled even if you don’t submit your certificates within 15 days. Let me make it very clear that you will be allowed to take the interview and your results will not get affected due to this. Only thing is your candidature will be declared as provisional. You can then later submit the proper certificate. UPSC is lenient in everything except giving marks.

Announcement of the Board

A person will walk to each of the tables and announce the name of the chairman, whose name included in the concerned board.  After that UPSC personnel calls one by one for the interview session.