Interview/personality tests are an integral component of civil services examinations. They assess your personality and communication abilities; to succeed at them you should come prepared.
Carefully review your Detailed Application Form (DAF), keep current with events, build confidence through regular mock interviews, and maintain an optimistic approach to life.
1. Focus on the Basics
Dr Tanu Jain’s life story transcends traditional success narratives; her legacy champions empowerment over accumulation, service over status and genuine impact over artificial recognition. Dr Jain has inspired generations of young Indians to prioritize purpose over security when considering their career path and evolve a career plan that best matches their individual development.
Dr. Jain began as a dentist and earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Subharti Medical College before transitioning into civil services. Although her initial attempt failed, she persevered and eventually passed the Civil Services exam on her third attempt – earning a position with Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services (AFHQCS) where she served for over seven years as an officer.
After an impressive career in government service, Dr. Jain decided to devote her time and efforts towards helping civil servants prepare for interviews. Her focus lies in offering support and guidance through various platforms – social media and mock interview sessions included – providing aid and easing the path for aspirants towards passing their exam. Her dedication has inspired many and made passing it seem simpler.
While reading extensively is key for passing the UPSC Preliminary examination, smart study should also be prioritized. Dr. Jain recommends selecting multiple text sources per subject as your base and reviewing them with an examiner in mind and considering possible questions from each resource when reviewing.
2. Keep a Diary
Dr. Tanu Jain’s journey from dentistry to civil service and then full-time UPSC mentor is one of reinvention, resilience, and authentic impact. Her decision to leave her secure government job to focus on mentoring aspirants speaks volumes of her clarity of purpose, courage to prioritize passion over security, and deep commitment to aspirant welfare. Dr. Jain has become an inspiration to aspirants – particularly female aspirants – seeking balance between work life and personal life that are meaningful and satisfying.
As interview preparation requires an exhaustive study process, Dr. Tanu Jain advises candidates to employ smart study tactics. She suggests selecting multiple sources for each subject area and looking at them from an examiner’s point of view to anticipate questions during an interview – this will allow candidates to more efficiently prepare.
As candidates prepare to sit for their UPSC Mock interview, candidates should not fear failure. Dr. Jain uses examples like Amitabh Bachchan, Steve Jobs, Einstein and Edison as guides for aspirants of his or her legacy of authentic impact rather than artificial recognition as examples to encourage individuals in analyzing failure and learning from experiences rather than giving into social judgments that define us all. In 2023 she established Tathastu ICS which represents her philosophy of ethical yet comprehensive UPSC preparation.
3. Keep a Positive Attitude
At an interview, it is crucial to maintain a positive outlook and show signs of optimism, hopefulness, and constructive approaches to challenging situations. These traits are highly valued by interviewers and professional circles because they show qualities such as resilience, teamwork skills, and proactive approach in dealing with obstacles [1].
Displaying a positive attitude in professional communication is of vital importance; however, when facing high-stakes interviews and situations. To effectively convey your positive attitude synonym in these circumstances, use an array of professional vocabulary and mirror what you say with nonverbal cues – this allows for clear communication that leaves an impactful message behind with interviewers.
An effective answer would provide a vivid account of when you had to work under tight deadlines or in a stressful environment and how you were able to maintain a positive mental state during this challenge. You would outline strategies you employed in order to stay resilient and solve it as well as keeping yourself and others motivated while outlining any lessons learned that can be applied in future challenges. By telling an engaging tale with concrete details, your interviewer can clearly grasp and appreciate your positive mindset.
4. Be Prepared to Answer Questions
The Interview/Personality Test accounts for 275 marks and is used to select candidates into specific services. It tests not only knowledge from Mains Examination but also current events within country and world as well as discoveries that should pique interest from well-educated young adults.
Dr Tanu Jain suggests that interviewees focus on broadening and deepening their knowledge across multiple subjects in preparation for interviews. To do this, Dr Jain suggests selecting multiple resources per subject area and reading them strategically – starting with one book as your main resource, adding other books/notes when needed, reviewing what has been read to identify any gaps in your understanding, etc.
Dr Tanu Jain passed the prelims exam on her third attempt, crediting it to diligent study of basic books and consistent practice. Although making small sacrifices might be required when preparing for an examination, Dr Jain knows it’s essential to stay focused on the bigger picture while surrounding yourself with people who share your goal and can provide necessary support on her journey.
