The Civil Services Examination consists of a Written Examination followed by an Interview/Personality Test.
- Marks obtained in all the compulsory papers (Paper I to Paper VII) and the Interview/Personality Test are counted for the final ranking.
- Candidates who score minimum qualifying marks in the written part (as fixed by UPSC) will be called for the Interview/Personality Test.
- Approximately twice the number of vacancies will be called for the Personality Test.
- The Interview/Personality Test carries 275 marks. There is no minimum qualifying mark in this stage.
- The final ranking is based on marks obtained in the written examination and the personality test.
- Service and post allotment is done as per final rank and preferences given by the candidate.
The Interview Board will have access to the candidate’s career record. Questions will be asked on general interest topics to assess personal suitability for public service.
The Personality Test evaluates:
- Mental alertness
- Critical powers of assimilation
- Clear and logical exposition
- Balance of judgment
- Variety and depth of interests
- Social cohesion and leadership
- Intellectual and moral integrity
This test is not merely a test of knowledge, but of overall personality traits and suitability for administrative responsibilities.