Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the result of the UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, on November 11, 2025, and shortlisted candidates will soon be called for the final stage of the Personality Test (Interview). The official interview schedule for the UPSC CSE Interview 2025 has not yet been released, and the timing will be announced once the mains result list is finalised.
Table of Contents
Interview Date and Schedule for UPSC CSE 2025
- The exact dates for the Personality Test have yet to be published by the UPSC.
- Indicative timeline (from credible preparatory sources): likely to be held between January and April 2026 for candidates cleared in the mains.
- Session timings for each day are two-fold:
- Forenoon session: report by 9:00 AM
- Afternoon session: report by 1:00 PM
- Venue: headquarters of the UPSC, typically at Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069.
- Maximum marks: 275 for the Personality Test/Interview stage.
Read More: How to Prepare for the UPSC CSE 2025 Interview
Key Interview Details for UPSC CSE 2025
The Personality Test is not merely an academic quiz but an assessment of the candidate’s suitability for public service. The UPSC has specified evaluation criteria such as mental alertness, critical assimilation, clear exposition, balance of judgement, leadership, and moral integrity.
The steps and formalities to expect:
- After the main result is declared, shortlisted candidates will receive an e-Summon letter (e-call) specifying date, session, time, and instructions.
- Document verification will be carried out on the interview day; candidates must bring original certificates, photo ID, and self-attested copies as specified.
- The interview board will engage in a on-the-spot dialogue, examining both background (through DAF) and current knowledge/application of public policy, ethics and administration.
- Suitable formal attire is expected. While the exact dress code is not rigidly specified by UPSC, common guidance suggests formal wear: for men, shirt-tie or formal pant-shirt; for women, formal Indian wear (saree/salwar-suit) or suit in sober colours.
Dos for UPSC CSE 2025 Interview
To maximise performance in the Personality Test, candidates should follow these guidelines:
- Do revisit and know your DAF entries thoroughly: Every detail you provided can be probed—education, optional subject, work experience, hobbies, and district details.
- Do present structured answers: Begin with context, move to analysis, mention alternatives, and provide a clear recommendation/outcome.
- Do maintain genuine composure and good body language: Make eye contact, speak clearly, pause before answering tricky questions, rather than rushing.
- Do admit when you don’t know: If a question falls outside your knowledge, it is better to say you are not fully certain, rather than guess wildly. The board assesses honesty and the thinking process.
- Do link your answers to service-mindset, constitutional values, and public welfare. Show how you, as an administrator, would approach real challenges.
- Do arrive early (at least one hour before reporting time): Have all documents ready and adhere strictly to the instructions in the e-Summon.
Don’ts for UPSC CSE 2025 Interview
Avoiding common mistakes is as important as preparation itself. Some major pitfalls:
- Don’t over-rehearse to the point of sounding mechanical: Authenticity matters. If you sound scripted, the board may assess a lack of spontaneity.
- Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent facts: If the board finds inconsistencies with your DAF or documents, it can severely affect your suitability evaluation.
- Don’t get defensive or argumentative: If a follow-up question challenges your viewpoint, remain composed, listen, and respond with clarity rather than an adversarial tone.
- Don’t neglect current affairs and application: The board may move from your background into policy or recent issues; mere textbook knowledge is inadequate.
- Don’t dress in flashy or overly casual attire: Formal appearance conveys seriousness; strong perfumes or distracting accessories should be avoided as per standard guidance.
- Don’t ignore the small details: Arriving late, missing a document, or failing to follow instructions in the e-Summon may disqualify you before the substantive interview even starts.
Final Notes for Candidates
- Once a candidate’s roll number appears in the mains qualified list, the next step is the interview; hence, continuous monitoring of the UPSC website for the e-summon is vital.
- Since the official interview date is not published yet, it is prudent to keep one’s schedule and travel logistics flexible and ready.
- The final merit list will be based on the combined marks of the mains written exam and the personality test (275 marks). So, excelling at this stage can significantly influence service and cadre allocation.
