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Every year, hundreds of thousands of aspirants in our country appear for the UPSC examination. To cite the 2024–25 cycle specifically, approximately 1.1 to 1.3 million candidates took the exam; however, only 958 of them were ultimately selected for the final list. From this, one can certainly gauge the immense passion that young people in India harbor for the UPSC exam, as well as the sheer difficulty level of this examination.

In this context, when we spoke with this year's topper, Shahrukh Khan—regarding the most challenging phase of the UPSC exam: the interview—several key insights emerged. It is worth noting that Shahrukh secured the 575th rank this year; in response to questions concerning the interview process, he shared some vital information, which is outlined below.

What should one say or do before entering the interview room and taking a seat?
When we first asked Shahrukh what actions one should take—and what permission one should seek—before entering the interview room and sitting down, his immediate and direct response was that, typically, as soon as you open the door to enter, one of the interviewers will explicitly invite you in. Consequently, in most instances, you do not need to ask for permission to enter.

Upon stepping inside, you should greet the entire panel of interviewers with a "Good Morning," "Good Afternoon," or "Good Evening," depending on the time of day. Following this greeting, the interviewers will usually invite you to take your seat. Therefore, in most cases, you do not need to explicitly ask for permission to sit down either.

Why does everyone wear a suit to the interview? Is there a specific rule?
When we posed another significant question to Shahrukh regarding the interview—specifically, why everyone chooses to wear a suit during the process—he clarified that there is no such specific rule or protocol mandating this attire. However, to maintain a consistent atmosphere, people typically wear suits; if the weather is particularly hot, they may opt to forgo the blazer or jacket worn over the suit, attending the interview in just a shirt. Nevertheless, everyone invariably dresses in formal attire.

Knowing what not to say is often more important than knowing what to say.
Shahrukh also shared with us, in conclusion, that the specific questions asked during an interview depend largely on your academic subject, your personal interests, and your self-introduction. However, the interviewers' own agenda—what *they* wish to ask—is another significant factor, as they are at liberty to ask about anything. Furthermore, beyond simply providing answers, an interviewee must remain mindful of not speaking excessively—and, specifically, of what topics or details to avoid mentioning.

Shah Rukh emphasized that one should speak directly to the point. Additionally, significant attention must be paid to *how* you articulate your thoughts. You should strive to identify a positive angle in every situation or response; doing so helps you make a favorable impression on the interviewers.
 

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.