Interview is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination and carries 300 marks out of the total of 2300 marks.
It is a comprehensive personality test and not an abominable cross-examination. You will be interviewed by a Board which will have before it a record of your career. Questions will be asked on matters of general interest.
The Board comprises competent and unbiased servers, who are familier with the nature and working of civil services and the possible demands on officers in the services. The prime objective of the interview is to check and confirm your suitability for a career in public service.

The interview is not a test of specialised knowledge or general general knowledge as that has already been tested in written examination. The idea is to see the social traits of a person and his personality as suited to a career in the Civil Services. If a person gives the impression of being a bookworm, the chances of his selection are reduced. The candidate must exhibit an intelligent interest in events happening around him so that he appears to be a complete personality.

The Kothari Committee of the UPSC, has listed the qualities that should be rated in the interview as, ''clarity of expression, grasp of narrative and argument, reasoning ability, appreciation of different points of view, awareness and concern for socio-economic problems, ranges and depth of interests and personal attributes relevant to interaction with people.

Preparation for the Interview is a continuous process. This involves a wide reading of books, journals, magazines and at least two newspapers. One should try to improve his/her conversational skills with the right pronunciation. The candidate should be prepared to answer questions on his background, hobbies and extra curricular activities. It is a good idea to discuss current affairs and recent issues with friends. One good way of rehearsing possible questions would be to have mock interviews and group discussions. The candidate should make a self analysis of his strengths and weaknesses and make a conscious effort to play on his strengths.