Every year, lakhs of young aspirants across India appear for the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission examination, but only a small fraction finally secure a place in the merit list. In the 2024–25 cycle, nearly 11 to 13 lakh candidates appeared across stages, while only 958 candidates made it to the final selection list.
Among those who succeeded this year is Shahrukh Khan, who secured All India Rank 575. In an exclusive interaction, he spoke candidly about one of the most anxiety-inducing stages of the civil services examination — the personality test, commonly known as the UPSC interview.
He explained that success in the interview depends not merely on knowledge, but equally on composure, clarity, restraint and presentation.
What Should a Candidate Say Before Entering the Interview Room?
When asked about the first few seconds before entering the interview chamber, Shahrukh offered a practical insight that many aspirants often overthink.
According to him, candidates generally do not need to explicitly ask for permission before entering, because once the door opens, one of the board members usually invites the candidate inside.
His suggested sequence
• enter calmly after opening the door
• greet all members together
• say Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Evening depending on timing
• wait for the board to offer the seat
He noted that in most cases, the board itself asks the candidate to sit, so there is usually no need to ask separately for permission to take the seat.
Is Wearing a Suit Mandatory in UPSC Interview?
A common perception among aspirants is that a suit is compulsory during the UPSC interview. Shahrukh clarified that there is no official rule requiring candidates to wear a suit.
He explained that candidates choose formal wear primarily to maintain professional decorum.
What matters most
• clean formal clothing
• professional appearance
• simplicity
• comfort suited to weather
He added that during warmer months, many candidates skip the blazer and attend only in a formal shirt, while still maintaining full formality.
Formal Dress Is Preferred, Not Prescribed
Shahrukh stressed that interview boards do not judge fashion choices but do notice whether a candidate appears disciplined and serious.
The goal is not expensive clothing, but appropriate presentation.
Knowing What Not to Say Matters More
One of the strongest observations he made was that interview performance often depends more on restraint than on speaking too much.
According to him, many candidates make mistakes by expanding unnecessarily on answers.
His advice
• answer directly
• stay to the point
• avoid over-explaining
• do not introduce unnecessary controversy
He said candidates must understand where to stop speaking.
Questions Depend on DAF, Subject and Personality
Shahrukh explained that interview questions usually emerge from three major areas:
Primary sources of questions
• academic background
• hobbies and interests
• Detailed Application Form (DAF)
At the same time, he cautioned that the interview board has complete freedom to ask anything beyond predictable areas.
Interview Is Also About Tone and Thought Process
He said content alone is not enough.
The board also observes:
• how calmly you speak
• whether your thoughts are structured
• whether your tone remains balanced
• whether your argument carries maturity
Always Try to Find a Positive Angle
A major suggestion from Shahrukh was that even difficult or sensitive questions should be approached constructively.
He believes candidates leave a stronger impression when they identify a balanced or positive perspective rather than reacting negatively.
Why UPSC Interview Remains the Toughest Stage for Many
Unlike prelims and mains, the interview tests personality in real time.
This includes:
• confidence
• administrative temperament
• communication discipline
• emotional balance
For many aspirants, this unpredictability makes the interview the most psychologically demanding stage.
Why His Advice Matters
Coming from a successful candidate who has recently gone through the process, these insights offer realistic preparation guidance for future aspirants.
His emphasis is simple: professional conduct, concise answers and mental composure often matter more than rehearsed speeches.
