The UPSC Personality Test often feels like the most mysterious part of the civil services journey. UPSC Essentials of The Indian Express brings you a special three-part series of Expert Talks on the UPSC Civil Services Examination Personality Test. In conversation with Roshni Yadav, Sharad Mallik, former IRAS, addresses the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that concern candidates appearing for the interview. In Part 1, our expert prepares candidates for the questions they can’t ignore. What exactly does the test assess beyond academic knowledge? How can candidates turn their DAF entries, hobbies, or even gap years into strengths? And perhaps the trickiest of all — how should one answer the classic question, “Why do you want to join the civil services?”About our Expert today: Sharad Mallik is a retired officer of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), with over three decades of experience across Zonal Railways and the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board). He has also served for six years in the Department of Telecommunications. After retirement, he was re-employed as an Advisor to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited for five years. He mentors aspirants for their personality test stage of UPSC CSE through mock interviews. FYI: The UPSC Personality Test, also known as the UPSC Interview, is the final stage of one of the world’s most difficult examinations– UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is conducted by the various boards constituted by UPSC at the Union Public Service Commission office housed at Dholpur House in Delhi. It carries 275 marks. This year the UPSC interviews began on December 8 , 2025.Roshni: How should candidates view the UPSC Personality Test, and what qualities does the board assess beyond academic excellence?Sharad Mallik: A personality test is not a test of your knowledge. Your knowledge has already been assessed through the preliminary and main examinations. A personality test evaluates important traits of your personality suitable for a career in public service, such as:1. Balance of judgment2. Clarity of thought3. Social awareness4. Moral integrity5. Composure under pressureCandidates should ask themselves why these traits matter. Civil servants represent the state and interact with society at every level. UPSC wants to see whether you possess administrative temperament, sensitivity to diversity and public issues, decision-making ability, and, most importantly, empathy and emotional stability.My advice is that while answering questions, candidates should express their ideas clearly and lucidly, avoid ambiguity, and be focused and concise while maintaining politeness and confidence. Communication matters. The board will observe whether you can clearly convey your ideas. It also closely evaluates honesty, integrity of purpose, ethical orientation, and the absence of prejudice. Candidates should focus on their real self, not a rehearsed version.Roshni: The Detailed Application Form often becomes the roadmap of the Personality Test. Yet, despite extensive guidance on how to fill the DAF, many candidates still falter. What common mistakes do they make, and how can entries like hobbies, home state, or academic background be turned into real strengths during the interview?Sharad Mallik: The DAF is the most important document, and candidates should be very careful while filling it. The DAF should not contain too much information. Provide only simple details that you can confidently explain during the interview. Through the DAF and related questions, UPSC looks for qualities such as sincerity, self-awareness, curiosity, discipline, commitment, and leadership, directly or indirectly.Story continues below this adDespite being so important, candidates often make common mistakes while preparing the DAF.On Hobbies:Hobbies need careful thought, as generic answers don’t impress the board. Writing “music” is too broad. Be specific—mention the genre or type of music, such as Hindi classical, Western instrumental, or singing. This shows genuine engagement and allows meaningful discussion.Similarly, for “reading,” specify your interest: biographies, leadership books, fiction, or nonfiction. This enables thoughtful questions, like which book influenced you most or what leadership lessons you learned.For sports, instead of just “watching cricket,” highlight what fascinates you—strategy, individual performances, or team dynamics. Specific hobbies demonstrate authenticity, self-awareness, personal growth, and guide the board toward focused questions.On Home State:Story continues below this adMany candidates limit their knowledge to tourism, which is important but not sufficient. Also prepare for economic, social, and environmental issues and flagship schemes in the state.On Academic Background:Common mistakes include forgetting basics, failing to explain why a subject was chosen, or not linking it to administration. Clarity is key: know fundamentals, understand contemporary applications, and highlight administrative relevance. Engineering graduates, for example, often excel by breaking complex problems into simpler parts, which translates into effective administrative problem-solving.Roshni: A question that frequently surfaces in the interview room is deceptively simple: “Why do you want to join the civil services?” How can aspirants frame this answer with clarity and conviction?Sharad Mallik: This question is challenging, but clarity, sincerity, and depth are key. Avoid sounding rehearsed, idealistic, or cliché. Generic answers like “I want to serve the nation” without explanation, or dramatic stories, should be avoided. The board seeks self-awareness, maturity, a realistic understanding of the service, alignment with constitutional values, and a grounded yet inspiring purpose.A good answer can follow a three-part structure:1. Personal motivation: What shaped your interest? Draw from your own experiences—family, teachers, internships, personal challenges—and include experiences that shaped empathy or curiosity. Keep it authentic.Story continues below this ad2. Academic interest: Highlight curiosity about society, public policy, or development.3. Professional motivation: Show how your skills, like leadership, problem-solving, and policy interest, align with the service.Combining these three parts yields mature and convincing answers. Avoid mentioning power, job security, blaming others or previous organizations, vague idealism, or heroic claims. Be honest, ethical, and specific, aligning your answer with your strengths. Demonstrating genuine purpose and self-awareness makes your response memorable.Roshni: Candidates are often grilled about gap years in their academic or professional journey. How should an aspirant handle questions on gaps during the Personality Test?Sharad Mallik: When asked about gap years, remember the board isn’t judging the gap itself; they are assessing honesty, maturity, responsibility, and stability. Be truthful, crisp, and straightforward. Avoid hiding, exaggerating, or sharing emotional stories. Don’t say you “did nothing” or blame depression. Instead, take responsibility without self-pity and explain productively. For example: “I needed time to reassess my direction after graduation, which helped clarify my goals and improve discipline.” The board will appreciate your maturity.Story continues below this adHighlight learning, skill-building, volunteering, reading, or other constructive activities. Show emotional stability, personal growth, and purpose without self-pity. The board wants to know you didn’t stagnate mentally. Connecting the gap to meaningful development reflects maturity and responsibility.The board wants to know you didn’t stagnate mentally. That is about purpose. If you are able to explain that, then you are able to connect the gap to your personal growth.Stay tuned for Part 2 and Part 3Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.