On March 6, 2026, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the results of the Civil Services Examination–2025, sparking inspiration among aspirants nationwide.
The final interview round, a decisive stage in the selection process, tested candidates with challenging questions spanning Artificial Intelligence, history, cinema, ongoing conflicts, railways, socio-political issues, and international affairs.
Indian Masterminds spoke with several CSE-2025 toppers to reveal the insights, strategies, and experiences that helped them succeed in this critical stage.
Raghav Jhunjhunwala, Rank 4
Bihar’s Raghav cracked UPSC CSE 2025 with AIR 4. He scored 195 marks in the interview out of 275. He describes his interview as stressful and challenging.
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“My interview was very stressful and situation-based. Whatever answers I gave, the board kept rejecting them. They deliberately did that, I think,” he recalls.
The interview panel asked him several thought-provoking questions, including:
- Why doesn’t India print currency notes beyond ₹100 extensively, like the US widely uses $100 notes?
- How would you stop cheating in examinations in a state where even parents encourage it?
- What is the connection between Artificial Intelligence and photography?
- To what extent should the government regulate markets?
These questions tested his analytical thinking, ethical understanding, and policy perspective.
Yashaswi Raj Vardhan, Rank 11
Patna’s Yashaswi Raj Vardhan cracked UPSC with Rank 11 in his second attempt. He scored 209 marks in the interview.
Surprisingly, around 70% of the interview revolved around films, as he loves watching movies. The board started the discussion with movies and gradually expanded the conversation into broader themes.
They discussed:
- Historical films
- Film characters
- Social narratives portrayed in cinema
Yashaswi, who loves watching thriller films, was comfortable with the topic. Some of his favourite films include The Godfather, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Satya.
One interesting question he recalled was about two films – “Dhurandhar” and “21.” The panel asked whether the two films could be considered antidotes to each other.
Yashaswi responded thoughtfully, saying that although such comparisons are sometimes made due to the current climate, the two films are fundamentally different in terms of craft and storytelling, and therefore cannot be directly compared.
Astha Jain, Rank 9
Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli’s Astha Jain, who is already an IPS officer and currently undergoing training in Hyderabad, secured Rank 9 in her third attempt. She scored 198 marks in the interview.
The interview panel focused largely on opinion-based discussions rather than factual questions.
“Many questions were based on opinions. They asked what I think about certain issues and how I would approach them,” she said.
Her optional subject, Political Science and International Relations, also featured in the discussion.
Some questions were related to current affairs, while others connected to policing and governance due to her IPS background.
One interesting question asked during the interview was: “Whom would you vote for – Trump or Harris?”
The discussion that followed allowed her to explain her perspective and reasoning.
Ananya Sharma, Rank 13
Indore’s Ananya scored 206 marks in the interview. Her UPSC interview in 2025 was her first interview attempt, and she describes it as a pleasant and engaging conversation rather than an interrogation.
Most of the questions revolved around her academic background in Economics and issues related to international relations.
Some of the topics discussed during her interview included:
- The Russia–Ukraine War and its implications for India
- The ongoing situation in Syria
- Broader international relations and global political developments
- Questions related to economic issues, given her academic background
She described the interview board as friendly and said the overall interaction felt like an intellectual discussion.
Surabhi Yadav, Rank 14
UP’s Amroha’s Surabhi scored 165 marks in the interview. Her marks are among the lower ones in the top 20. Her interview was comfortable and academic.
Her questions came from History and International Relations. She did not face unusual or highly unexpected questions.
“My interview went quite well. Most questions were history-related and from International Relations,” she said.
Monika Srivastava, Rank 16
Bihar’s Monika scored 206 marks in the interview. The interview covered a wide range of topics, with most questions drawn from her DAF.
Her questions included:
- Why is the Indian economy said to be in the Goldilocks zone, and what does that signify?
- What is the operating ratio of the Railways, why is it so high, and how can inefficiencies in the Railways be addressed?
- What are the major causes of railway accidents?
- Questions related to Kota – dummy schools, coaching culture, mental health, and her personal experience
- Why has India not yet achieved self-reliance in defence, and why is private sector participation still limited?
- What is POSH, and has it been effective in practice?
- What does rupee depreciation mean, and should it be a matter of concern?
- Is reservation an opportunity or a privilege?
Chitwan Jain, Rank 17
Chitwan cracked UPSC in his third attempt. He scored 175 marks in the interview. His UPSC interview remained largely academic and balanced.
One memorable question asked was: “Should only educated individuals be granted the right to vote?”
A highly nuanced democratic question.
Apart from this, the board asked him about:
- Commerce (graduation subject)
- Philosophy (optional subject)
- Society and social issues
He described the interview as standard, without dramatic surprises.
Geetika Arora, Rank 22
Geetika scored 192 marks in the interview. She appeared for the UPSC personality test twice, and the second interview turned out to be far better than the first.
She said, “My interview this time went much better than the last one. The reason I didn’t make it earlier was because of a low interview score.”
Most questions revolved around her Detailed Application Form (DAF).
One interesting discussion revolved around her hobby of journaling.
“They asked me about the difference between journaling and reading a newspaper, and what the significance of journaling is,” she recalled.
Another set of questions was related to her association with the Satyarthi Foundation and the work of Kailash Satyarthiin combating child labour.
“They asked whether his work genuinely makes a difference or if it is just media publicity. I tried to answer such questions using my understanding and judgment.”
Having a job and more life experience also helped her perform better.
Ifra Shams Ansari, Rank 24
Ifra from Bhadohi, UP, scored an impressive 209 marks in the UPSC CSE-2025 interview. She described her personality test as brief yet highly engaging.
She was the last candidate before the board that day. Most questions were based on her DAF (Detailed Application Form).
Some Interview Questions She Faced –
- Questions on contemporary relevance of different states
- Meaning and interpretation of her own name
- Questions related to college background
- Architecture and heritage sites
- European football vs South American football
- Why is child labour prevalent in Bhadohi carpet industry ?
- What are important maritime chokepoints?
Harsh Nehra, Rank 74
Harsh Nehra from Meerut, who secured the All India 74th rank in UPSC CSE-2025, shared insights from his interview. He got 155 marks. The panel asked about his age, fitness routine, and personal strengths. He explained his daily physical training and calm nature, emphasizing problem-solving over anger.
Questions also focused on Meerut’s development, where he highlighted improved connectivity through the Rapid Rail and its impact on education and travel. The interview maintained a pleasant and engaging atmosphere throughout.
Tanya Singh, Rank 200
Tanya Singh scored 184 marks. She is from UP’s Deoria.
She says, “During the interview, I was asked a slightly off-beat question: If you had to write the President’s speech for Republic Day, which three issues would you like to mention?”
Shubham Singh, Rank 378
Shubham Singh secured 175 marks in the interview. He is from UP.
During the interview, when the panel learned this, they asked: “How will bulldozer justice improve law and order in UP and benefit the one trillion dollar economy target?”
He said, “States that have law and order issues do not receive investments. Where law and order is good, investors’ perception changes, they feel secure, and bring investments.”
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