Archive · 20 Jul 2025
Jaishankar Recalls UPSC Interview During Emergency's End
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared memories of his civil service interview from 1977.
He remembers it was the same day the Emergency was over, and the interviewers didn't seem to know what was going on in the country.
He learned that people in charge sometimes don't understand what's happening in the real world.
He encouraged new civil servants to help India become a developed nation and to be ready for big changes like AI and green energy.
He also mentioned how important it is to be able to explain things clearly under pressure and to represent India proudly.
Jaishankar recounted his UPSC interview, which took place on March 21, 1977, the day the Emergency was lifted.
He noted the election results reflected defeat of Emergency rule and influenced the interview.
Jaishankar recalled learning about communication under pressure and how some important figures can be out of touch.
He described the UPSC exam as an 'Agni Pariksha' and spoke of the privilege of representing India.
He emphasized the need for civil servants to contribute to India's development, particularly by 2047.
- Who
- S. Jaishankar, a veteran diplomat and the External Affairs Minister, shared experiences with new civil service entrants.
- What
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reminisced about his UPSC interview and shared insights with new civil service entrants.
- When
- The UPSC interview took place on March 21, 1977, the day the Emergency was lifted.
- Where
- The interview was in Delhi and the address to the new entrants was in New Delhi.
- Why
- To share insights and encourage new civil servants in their roles, reflecting on his own career and the importance of representing India.
The Interview Experience
Perspective During Emergency
Perspective
The Interview Experience
Jaishankar highlights the differing perspectives between students, who understood the popular wave against the Emergency, and those in Delhi who were shocked by the election outcome.
Perspective During Emergency
The differing perspectives in Delhi during the emergency outcome
- Event
- UPSC Interview and address to new civil servants
- Speaker
- S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister
- Interview Date
- March 21, 1977
- Emergency Lifted
- March 21, 1977
- Jaishankar's Age (1977)
- 22