Archive · 4 Jan 2026
UPSC Interview Tips: Expert Decodes Scoring High
Sharad Mallik, a retired officer and mentor for UPSC personality tests, shares his insights on what it takes to score high in the UPSC interview.
He explains that the interview board looks for personality, maturity, and emotional intelligence rather than just knowledge.
High scorers are calm, composed, and authentic.
They handle pressure well, stay respectful, and offer practical solutions.
Mallik advises aspirants to be themselves, stay relaxed, and avoid over-preparing.
Authenticity and calmness are key to building trust with the board.
High scorers in UPSC interviews exhibit calmness, composure, and emotional stability.
The interview board assesses emotional intelligence through behavior, reactions, and tone.
Authenticity and a relaxed demeanor are crucial for building trust with the board.
Candidates should handle pressure gracefully, stay respectful, and offer practical solutions.
Over-preparation and rehearsed responses are discouraged; being genuine is more important.
- Who
- Sharad Mallik, retired IRAS officer and mentor for UPSC personality tests
- What
- Tips and advice for scoring high in the UPSC personality test
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Not specified
- Why
- To help UPSC aspirants understand what the interview board looks for and how to improve their performance
- Expert Name
- Sharad Mallik
- Expert Background
- Retired IRAS officer, mentor for UPSC personality tests
- Key Strengths of High Scorers
- Calmness, composure, emotional stability, self-awareness, clarity, positive attitude
- Assessment Focus
- Personality, maturity, presence of mind, emotional intelligence
- Key Advice
- Be authentic, calm, and relaxed; avoid over-preparation and rehearsed responses
- Importance of Emotional Intelligence
- Assessed through behavior, reactions, tone, and choice of words
- Behavioral Traits Valued
- Respectful, empathetic, non-judgmental, citizen-centric, practical, thoughtful