Interview intelligence
Having scored the 197th rank in the civil services examinations this year, Ravinder Maini of Ropar shares his experience of the personality test. What preparation did you make for the interview? "One has to be clear-headed and should have strong base of subjects opted in the IAS examinations. Besides, a candidate must be aware of the synthesis and analyses of current events and also be aware about the problems and growth of his home state. I read newspapers and magazines for current events besides doing in-depth study of my optional subjects. I also worked hard to present myself in a better way before the interview panel. Is coaching necessary for clearing this test/interview? "Coaching helps you in preparation and focussing on selective study. In the coaching centres, you have be appear in different mock tests that help you to evaluate yourself and then improve. Coaching definitely helps you to improve your personality. Is the interview more an assessment of your personality or your knowledge? "The interview is basically meant to check your personality. Besides it, the interview panel also checks your in-depth knowledge about current events and your ability to tackle difficult situations and crisis. What were the main questions you were asked? "The questions mainly pertained to the problems of education in India, the human error in the interpretation of remote-sensing data, poverty in India, should be give money directly to the poor to remove poverty in India instead of government schemes. I was also asked question related to my hobbies. Any unexpected questions and how did you handle them? "I was asked by the interview panel how I would explain to a rural illiterate person what a computer is. I said that I would compare the computer with the human body and explain its various functions, e.g likening the monitor of the computer to the human face, key board to the hands, and then also explain the way utility of computers in the present era. What kind of body language should one have while facing the interviewers? "Body language is very important as it creates the first and last impact. Its importance is such that it could make or mar one’s chances of getting selected. The appearance should be pleasant, confident besides being attentive. One should not be appear very relaxed Any tips for students aspiring for the IAS? "I have done B.tech in Production and had chosen Geography and Psychology as my optional subjects. Those who have been planning to appear in the IAS should make a good choice of subjects. They must read newspapers and magazines thoroughly, besides acquiring in-depth knowledge of their subjects. Candidates require to undertake planned study. Candidates should also work hard to improve their writing skills to be able to answer questions in specific words with the help of graph and diagrams wherever required."
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