• A candidate must have a detailed knowledge of each and every word mentioned in DAF. For example, in case of the candidate Name-Any famous personality with the same name, the meaning of name/surname.
• Be aware of the personalities for the sports or hobbies that the candidate wants to pursue. There is no need to do a Ph.D. in sports or hobbies but your interest must reflect your curiosity on the subject.
• It is always advisable to have a hobby that reflects the trait of your personality. For instance, doing yoga or meditation reflects your spirituality.

Do’s and don’ts of Interview

A. Ideal Etiquettes of Candidate:

• First and foremost, don’t pretend and be oneself in the interview.
• Some of the questions might be tricky and it’s better to reply respectfully and politely that you are not aware of the answer.
• Take time to answer every question and weigh in your opinions.

B. Bluffing Interviewer:

• When you don’t know the answer tell the interviewer clearly that you don’t know the answer and at the same time you can ask for permission to guess that answer. By doing these little things it will reflect honesty in your personality.
• Whatever you say, say it confidently. Do not lie. Even if you lie, do it confidently.

C. Maintaining Composure:

• It’s important to remain calm throughout the interview as a board member will check on your ability to deal with stressful situations. UPSC-GSI is more interested in your approach to the question rather than the answer. Maintain your smile intact as this will reflect your confidence and your positive nature.

Things to keep in mind during the interview:

• It is to be kept in mind that the candidate is not expected to answer all the questions. The UPSC – GSI interview is not going to be a quiz competition where you answer more questions to fetch more marks.
• As they say look before you leap, the same applies here. Don't answer the question that you are not aware as this will allow the interview panel to probe you with a further question.
• The answer by a candidate should reflect his clarity of thought, decision-making approach and it should be crisp and clear.
• While answering a candidate need to make eye contact with all the member and not only towards the member who has posed the question.
• A candidate should take a stand but that stand must not show his non-accommodative approach. He or she must display the willingness to hear the board.
• Do not fidget or throw your hands around, or shake your head. Less amount of movement does not mean you should sit unnaturally stiff. Your posture should be attentive and relaxed at the same time. Do not crouch/bend forward or place your hands on the table.
• Use a couple of words from the question while answering any question. It shows you have listened to the question carefully. But at the same time limit the use of technical jargon.
• It is your attitude rather than aptitude that will determine your success in the interview.
• Do not start evaluating your performance while still in the interview. Even if you have committed mistakes in the beginning, do not think that you have already lost the game. They are looking for warm, sensitive, respectful and attentive youngsters. They know you are good or you would not have come so far.
• Say less to convey more. Less is more these days as per the minimalist creed. Argue logically and generalize correctly. Do not try to read too much between the lines.
• The candidate must remain alert throughout the interview and must thank the board politely after the completion of the interview.
• Remember no one is perfect and perform your best with moral integrity.
• The candidate must remain alert throughout the interview and must thank the board politely after the completion of the interview.

UPSC – GSI interview is a test of your personality. So just try to be yourself and express your genuine opinions. Dress yourself in formal attire to look presentable. Make sure that you have all your relevant documents with you. Make a small group of your fellow aspirants for group discussion purposes and try to attend as many mock interviews as possible to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Take the feedback given during the mock interviews constructively and try to improve those areas. And finally, don’t stress too much about the interview and approach it with full confidence.