This announcement follows the declaration of the UPSC Mains examination results on November 11, 2025. The interviews are scheduled to commence on Monday, December 8, 2025, and will continue until Friday, December 19, 2025, offering a defined window for all qualified candidates to appear.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released an important notification regarding the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 – Personality Test, commonly known as the UPSC Interview. As the final and most decisive stage of the examination, the Personality Test evaluates a candidate’s overall suitability for a career in the All India Services and Central Civil Services. In this blog, we break down the key highlights of the notice, important instructions, and essential preparation tips for candidates appearing for the CSE 2025 Personality Test.

What is the UPSC Personality Test?

The UPSC Personality Test is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination, a ~30-minute interview designed to evaluate a candidate's suitability for public service beyond their academic knowledge. The interview assesses traits such as mental alertness, clarity of thought, logical reasoning, balance of judgment, integrity, leadership potential, and social aptitude through a directed conversation.

The Personality Test is the third and final stage of the Civil Services Examination after the Preliminary Examination and the Mains. Unlike the previous stages that focus on academic knowledge, this round aims to assess a candidate’s:

Intellectual and moral integrity
Clarity of thought and decision-making skills
Communication abilities
Leadership qualities
Awareness of socio-economic and political issues
Overall personality, attitude, and suitability for a responsible administrative role

The test carries 275 marks, making it crucial in determining the final merit list.

Key Highlights of the UPSC Important Notice (CSE 2025 – Personality Test)

The key highlights from recent UPSC announcements are that the UPSC CSE 2025 Personality Tests will start on December 8, 2025, and the UPSC CSE 2026 notification will be released on January 14, 2026.

1. UPSC Interview Schedule and Venue

UPSC will release the detailed schedule of Personality Tests on its official website. The UPSC Civil Services interview schedule for 2025 began on December 8, 2025, and will continue until December 19, 2025. The interview venue is the Union Public Service Commission Office, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069. Interviews are held in two daily sessions, with the forenoon session starting at 9:00 AM and the afternoon session at 1:00 PM. Candidates must check the allocated date, session, and time and report at the Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi, the designated venue for the interviews.

2. Mandatory Document Verification

For the UPSC interview, you must bring original and self-attested copies of your e-summon letter, a valid photo ID (like an Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID), your Class 10th marksheet (for date of birth proof), your graduation degree certificate, and recent passport-sized photographs. Candidates must carry original documents along with self-attested photocopies. Key documents include:

Educational certificates
Age-proof documents
Category certificates (if applicable)
Detailed Application Form-II (DAF-II) printout

Failure to produce valid documents may lead to cancellation of candidature.

3. UPSC Interview Dress Code and Presentation

For the UPSC Interview dress code, both men and women should wear professional, modest, and comfortable clothing in light, sober colors. Men should opt for formal shirts with trousers and polished formal shoes, with a tie as an optional professional touch. Women should wear formal Indian wear like a saree or salwar kameez, or a formal suit, and comfortable flats or low-heeled shoes. UPSC recommends that candidates maintain a formal and neat appearance.

Men: Light-colored shirt, dark trousers, polished shoes, optional tie
Women: Saree, salwar suit, or formal western wear

Professional attire reflects seriousness and respect for the process.

4. Health & Security Guidelines

The UPSC interview process involves specific security guidelines for the day of the personality test and comprehensive health/medical guidelines that candidates must meet as a mandatory post-interview procedure. Candidates must comply with any health advisories or security protocols implemented at that time. It is advisable to stay updated via the official UPSC portal before the interview date.

5. Prohibition of Gadgets

Yes, electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) premises during the Personality Test (Interview). Possession of any banned item, even if switched off, can lead to disciplinary action, including debarment from future examinations. Mobile phones, smartwatches, earphones, and any electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the UPSC premises.

How to Prepare Effectively for CSE 2025 Personality Test1. Know Your DAF Thoroughly

The phrase "Know Your DAF Thoroughly" is a crucial piece of advice for the UPSC interview because the Detailed Application Form (UPSC DAF Form) is the foundation for the vast majority of questions asked. To prepare, candidates should be ready to discuss every detail of their background, such as birthplace, education, and hobbies, and connect them to current events and administrative roles. Your Detailed Application Form is the foundation of the interview. Be ready to answer questions on:

Education
Hobbies
Work experience
Achievements
Home state & district
Service preferences

2. Update Yourself on Current Affairs

Staying updated on current affairs is a critical component of preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Interview Personality Test. The panel assesses candidates' general awareness, depth of understanding, and ability to form balanced, logical opinions on contemporary national and international issues. Interview boards test your balanced opinion on national and international events. Read newspapers daily and practice structured responses.

3. Improve Communication Skills

To improve communication skills for the UPSC interview, focus on practicing clearly and logically, using a calm and polite tone, and refining both verbal and non-verbal communication. IAS Mock interviews are a key tool for developing these skills by providing real-time feedback on clarity, confidence, and structure, as well as allowing for practice under pressure. Speak confidently, maintain clarity, and keep answers crisp. Mock interviews help in refining your delivery.

4. Demonstrate Administrative Traits

To demonstrate administrative aptitude in a UPSC interview, you must display specific qualities through structured, ethical, and practical responses to hypothetical scenarios. The panel is looking for evidence of your problem-solving skills, integrity, and adherence to the rule of law. Qualities like integrity, empathy, leadership, problem-solving, and emotional maturity make a strong impression on the board.

5. Stay Calm and Natural

A calm mind allows you to think clearly and answer questions logically. Your demeanor is as important as your answers. Staying relaxed showcases confidence and self-assurance. UPSC values authenticity. A composed, honest, and self-aware candidate is always appreciated.

Conclusion

The Personality Test is not just another exam, it is a conversation that determines your readiness to serve the nation. With thoughtful preparation, confidence, and a genuine approach, candidates can make a lasting impression on the interview board. Prepare for your UPSC interview with expert-curated UPSC Interview Questions for 2025 . Get section-wise IAS interview question.

As UPSC moves forward with the CSE 2025 Interview process, aspirants are advised to carefully follow the official notice, stay updated with the schedule, and prepare diligently for the most crucial stage of the journey.

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