With the Karnataka Gazetted Probationers Mains exam having been concluded, and the results awaited, the only remaining part is the third stage, that is, the interview or personality test. Even though the interview marks have been reduced to 50 from the previous 200, a good score in the interview can make all the difference to give you a lead.
The number of candidates invited for the Personality Test will generally be three times the number of vacancies. The interview list will be prepared on the basis of merit with respect to the marks scored in the Mains examination, while ensuring reservation for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
The objective of the Personality Test is not to assess the specialised or general knowledge of the candidate as in the Mains exam, rather the interview would be a natural and directed conversation intended to assess the personality, suitability and intellectual ability of the candidate by a competent board of observers to determine the candidate’s aptitude for a career in Civil Services.
Points to be noted
The purpose of the interview is to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate. The interview is designed to judge the candidates’ alertness, ability to critically analyse when under pressure and ability for leadership. The interview shall also assess the acumen of the candidate.
Tips for KAS interview
Self-awareness: When it comes to the interview, it is important to know about yourself. There could be different dimensions to your personality that you may not be aware of. A copy of your biodata (Detailed Application Form) will be given to every member of the interviewing panel and hence many questions may revolve around your personal interests. Though it sounds simple, many fumble on simple questions and contradict the information provided when under pressure.
Self-confidence and attitude: Many do underestimate the seriousness of the personality test whereas some overcomplicate it due to fear. It is important to remain calm, composed and have confidence in yourself which are essential traits for a civil servant. Similarly, it is also important to develop the right attitude. If you are of the notion that a particular trait of yours does not suit a civil servant, then it is time to change it. Hence, start early and develop the right attitude.
Communication skills: It is not the accent or vocabulary that matters but your ability to articulate your points to the interviewers. Choose a medium you are comfortable in, keep the sentences short, to the point and do not fake your answers. Keep it simple and original.
Mock interviews: Mock interviews help you brush up on your weakness, improve your answers, give confidence and offer an opportunity to acclimatise to the interview environment. However, it is also important to not get carried away with too many mock interviews. Various opinions or suggestions will only leave you confused.
Current affairs: Continue to read newspapers and focus more on Karnataka and your district or place of residence. Identify local problems and develop solutions. The panelists generally tend to concentrate on recent issues. Hence, focus more on the State government’s schemes, programmes, and recent developments.
At the end of it, it is important to have a reality check and not to have too many expectations. Do not go to the interview with a rigid mentality and preconceived notions about the questions that will be asked. This will hinder your natural flow when the conversation does not go in the direction that you had imagined it would. Remember to be a FAN (Flexible, Alert and Natural), rest will follow.
(The author is a faculty at a coaching institute for Civil Services Exams)