The Secret to Cracking UPSC Interviews: Insights from IAS Vivek Atray

March 15, 2024

4 Minutes

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of the toughest exams in India, attracting 5-10 lakh aspirants each year. However, only 150 make it to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and a total of 800 to other services. Vivek Atray, an IAS officer who took voluntary retirement after 25 years of service, shares his insights on what it takes to succeed in this challenging journey, especially during the interview stage.

The Three-Layered Process

The UPSC exam consists of three stages: the Prelims, the Mains, and the Personality Test or Interview. While each stage is demanding, the interview is often considered the most challenging. Atray emphasizes that the key to a successful interview is not just about knowledge but also about showcasing a strong personality and communication skills.

During his service in the Haryana Civil Service and the IAS, he observed that many young people had the potential to succeed but lacked the necessary interview skills. He stresses that good communication skills are crucial and advises aspirants to work on them over time. Being well-prepared and mentally tough is essential, but it is equally important to be punctual and composed during the interview.

A Personal Experience

Atray shares a story from his own experience, where despite being well-prepared and mentally tough, his great communication skills faltered because he was late for an interview. This incident highlights the importance of being on time and maintaining composure throughout the interview process.

Preparing for the Interview

The UPSC interview is not just about assessing knowledge but also evaluating personality. Aspirants should focus on being calm, practising mock interviews, and preparing their subject matter thoroughly. He recommends using applications like Josh Skills to improve communication skills and connect with other aspirants. He tells us that one of the courses is by him, Vivek Atray, on effective habits. He has authored a book ‘safalta ki anatrik khoj’. 

Interviewers are looking for honest and balanced responses. He advises against giving idealistic answers just to impress the panel. Instead, it is important to be genuine and thoughtful in your responses. He also suggests incorporating creativity in answers, avoiding routine responses, and focusing on the positive aspects of topics. For example, if one is talking about industrial development and how can states and countries attract investment or if one is talking about Bangalore, what are the plus points of Bangalore? Do not talk about the traffic or weather. When we answer in the interview we have to be collected, organized and have to be balanced.

Staying Cheerful and Relaxed

Maintaining a cheerful and relaxed demeanour during the interview is crucial. He recommends regular meditation and physical fitness to stay calm and focused. He also emphasizes the importance of reaching the interview venue well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.

The Power of Preparation and Improvisation

Atray shares another story of Pedrevsky, a piano composer, who displayed remarkable calmness and improvisation skills during a concert. He was supposed to play in a concert. In his concert children were not allowed and a mother was trying to tactfully take her child with her to the concert. This is a story of Poland. The lady goes to get some water and the child runs towards the stage the child is playing the piano before Pedrevsky arrives. 500 people were watching and when Pedrevsky arrived, he started playing the piano with the child. He does not throw away the child off the stage. He improvises and remains calm. The mother who would have been thrown out before bringing in a small child becomes a celebrity, the child becomes a celebrity and Pedrevsky becomes a bigger celebrity than he ever was because of his coolness. This story illustrates the importance of being prepared, yet flexible and composed, in any situation. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, cracking the UPSC interview requires more than just academic knowledge. It demands strong communication skills, mental toughness, punctuality, and a balanced approach. Aspirants should focus on improving these skills, practising regularly, and staying cheerful and relaxed to succeed in this challenging journey.

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