Interview Discussion-Think Rethink & Perform (TRP)
Understanding Self-Awareness for the Civil Services Personality Test: IASbaba’s Think, Rethink, and Perform (TRP) Initiative
As you prepare for the final step of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), you might wonder, what’s more important – knowing a lot of information or understanding yourself deeply? Today, we’re going to talk about that.
Don’t worry; we’re not diving into deep philosophy here. We’re focusing on the practical importance of knowing yourself better, especially for the upcoming interview.
You’ve already proven your knowledge and skills in the Prelims and Mains. The interview, however, is different. It’s not about what you know, but who you are and how you think and react.
Remember, the UPSC isn’t looking to test your academic knowledge again. They want to get to know YOU. Your personality, how you handle situations, and if you can stay calm under pressure – these aspects are under the spotlight.
The fact that UPSC conducts this exam shows they’re looking to select a small group of qualified individuals for civil services. But is the exam perfect? Not really. If it were, issues like corruption and inefficiency wouldn’t touch India’s bureaucracy.
The interview is the UPSC’s chance to look beyond the exams and understand the person you are. It’s not just about your knowledge or intelligence but about your self-awareness and how you connect your inner values to the outside world.
Being yourself during the interview isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your responses in the past exams might have been influenced by various sources. But in the interview, you’re on the spot. If you’re not self-aware, it can show, leading to vague or irrelevant answers.
The solution? Get in tune with yourself. Understand your values, what makes you happy or sad, and your life goals. Reflect on these aspects, away from the daily noise and distractions. You’ll start to see your true self, unaffected by outside influences.
Being self-aware also helps you respond to external situations consistently with your internal values. If there’s a mismatch, it can shake your confidence. So, align your responses with your true beliefs.
Now, we’re excited to introduce our Think, Rethink, and Perform (TRP) Initiative to help you prepare for the UPSC Personality Test. Starting from November 13th, every third day, we’ll post two sets of questions:
- Set 1: Questions aimed at deep self-exploration, prompting you to delve into your regrets, evaluate the dynamics of your relationships with family and friends, and reflect on your aspirations for contributing to the happiness of your loved ones. These inquiries extend beyond surface-level introspection, inviting you to probe your core values, mores, and innermost thoughts. They encourage a journey inward to assess the principles that guide your decisions, the ethical frameworks that shape your actions, and the intrinsic motivations that drive your pursuits. It’s an opportunity to confront, understand, and embrace the complex tapestry of your inner world, weaving together your strengths, vulnerabilities, achievements, and failures. These are personal, so no need to share your answers publicly.
- Set 2: A question on current topics to help you hone your ability to articulate well-informed and balanced opinions. We encourage an interactive discussion to enrich your perspective, offering a platform to analyze, evaluate, and refine your viewpoints amidst diverse thoughts. This process isn’t just about sharing your thoughts on the forum; it’s about understanding different view points, adapting, fostering a blend of critical thinking and empathy. Each debate serves as a pathway to align your internal convictions with external expressions, shaping you into a more informed, balanced, and adaptable individual, ready to embrace the multifaceted challenges of civil service with grace and competency. Consider practicing your answers aloud in front of a mirror, utilizing it as a tool for self-assessment and improvement. Alternatively, engage a family friend to listen to your responses, allowing their feedback to hone your articulation and delivery. This practice is integral to enhancing your confidence and communicative clarity.
The idea is to sync your inner and outer selves. As you explore and understand yourself better, expressing your views on external issues will become more natural and confident.
In the next few weeks, we’ll tackle a variety of topics. By the end, you’ll be able to face any question from UPSC without compromising your values. All we ask for is your honesty, discipline, and regular participation.
Are you ready? Let us know in the comments!
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All the best!
IASbaba
