Master UPSC Interviews with These 10 Challenging Questions

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) interview stage is a critical component for candidates aspiring to prestigious positions such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). With the UPSC Mains Exam 2025 currently underway, candidates are gearing up for the personality test, which assesses not only academic knowledge but also practical understanding and critical thinking skills.

Preparing for the UPSC interview involves anticipating unexpected questions that may seem tricky but are designed to evaluate a candidate’s presence of mind and ability to think on their feet. While some questions may appear unusual, their answers often reveal insights into a candidate’s character, intelligence, and confidence.

Top 10 Tricky Questions and Insightful Answers

Here are ten thought-provoking questions that have been asked in past UPSC interviews, along with smart responses that reflect the candidates’ analytical skills.

1. **Question:** What’s bigger – a dream or reality?
**Answer:** A dream, because every reality starts as a dream. This response highlights the candidate’s understanding of ambition and vision.

2. **Question:** What would happen if the sun suddenly disappeared?
**Answer:** Earth would plunge into darkness, temperatures would plummet, and life would become impossible. This answer demonstrates an awareness of the fundamental principles of science.

3. **Question:** How would you react if you were told you failed the interview?
**Answer:** I would see it as a learning opportunity, correct my mistakes, and try again. This reflects resilience and a growth mindset.

4. **Question:** Suppose you find a bag of money on the road. What would you do?
**Answer:** I would turn it in to the police or the nearest police station, as it’s not my hard-earned money. This shows integrity and ethical decision-making.

5. **Question:** If it takes 5 minutes to boil one egg, how long will it take to boil 5 eggs?
**Answer:** 5 minutes, because you can boil all the eggs simultaneously. This illustrates the importance of efficient problem-solving.

6. **Question:** Who is the strongest person in the world?
**Answer:** Someone who can control their emotions and anger. This answer emphasizes emotional intelligence and personal strength.

7. **Question:** How do you drink water?
**Answer:** From a glass or a bottle. This straightforward response may prompt further discussion on basic habits or preferences.

8. **Question:** If you had two paths, one to success and one to money, which would you choose?
**Answer:** I would choose the path to success, because money follows success. This reflects a long-term vision and prioritization of values.

9. **Question:** What would happen if the Earth stopped rotating?
**Answer:** Earth’s gravity and life systems would change drastically, making it difficult for humans and animals to survive. This answer showcases a fundamental understanding of physical laws.

10. **Question:** If you had one wish, what would you wish for?
**Answer:** Wisdom and understanding to better serve society and my country. This response reflects a commitment to public service and social responsibility.

Preparing for the UPSC interview is essential for candidates to succeed in the highly competitive selection process. By practicing responses to these challenging questions, candidates can build the confidence needed to impress the interview panel. Ultimately, this interview is not just about intellectual capacity; it serves as a platform to showcase one’s personality and suitability for roles that serve the public interest.