Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Jaishankar Recalls Historic UPSC Interview Day
Imagine taking a super important test, like a big school exam, on a day when something really big changed in your country!
That's what happened to Mr. Jaishankar.
He took his interview for a job in the government on the day the Emergency ended in India, back in 1977.
The Emergency was a time when some rules were different.
Mr. Jaishankar felt good during the interview because he had been part of the election, helping people understand what was happening.
He said it's important for people in charge to know what regular people are thinking.
He told new government workers to think about how they can help make India even better in the future.
EAM Jaishankar shared his experience of taking the UPSC interview on the day the Emergency was lifted in India.
The 1977 election results, signaling the end of Emergency rule, were a significant factor.
Jaishankar, then a 22-year-old student, felt confident due to his involvement in the election campaign.
He noted the importance of understanding the public mood, contrasting it with the perspectives of those in power.
Jaishankar encouraged civil servants to think long-term about contributing to a developed India.
- Who
- EAM Jaishankar, a former UPSC candidate, and new UPSC candidates.
- What
- EAM Jaishankar shared his experience of taking the UPSC interview.
- When
- March 21, 1977, the day the Emergency in India was lifted.
- Where
- During his UPSC interview, and later addressing new UPSC candidates.
- Why
- To share a memory and encourage new civil servants to contribute to India's development.
Former Govt.
General Public
Public Sentiment vs. Official Perspective
Former Govt.
Did not fully grasp public sentiment during the Emergency.
General Public
People like Jaishankar, involved in election campaigns, were more attuned to the public mood during the Emergency.
- Event
- UPSC Interview
- Date of Interview
- March 21, 1977
- Event Significance
- Emergency lifted in India
- Jaishankar's Age at Interview
- 22
- Jaishankar's field
- Political Science