UPSC Interview (Personality Test) plays a crucial role in the selection process for candidates aspiring to join prestigious services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. One of the most common questions that candidates ask is about the language in which they can give their UPSC interview. The interview is meant to assess the personality, clarity of thought, communication skills, and depth of knowledge of the candidate.

How Many Languages in UPSC Interview

UPSC Interview allows candidates to appear in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. These include languages from across India, ranging from Hindi and English to regional languages like Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Urdu.

In the interview, candidates may be asked questions in their chosen language. However, some questions may also be posed in English, depending on the panel’s composition and the nature of the conversation. The candidate should be ready to switch between languages if required, especially if they have selected a bilingual approach.

UPSC Interview Language List

UPSC provides a list of languages that candidates can use during the interview process. These languages are taken from the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and include the following:

Candidates are allowed to choose any of the above languages for the interview. However, the panel members should be proficient in the language chosen by the candidate. If the candidate is not fluent in their chosen language, they may face difficulty in expressing themselves clearly, which can impact the overall assessment of the interview.

It is important to note that although UPSC allows candidates to choose from these languages, English remains a common choice for many aspirants due to its widespread usage in government and administrative functions.

UPSC Interview in Which Language

UPSC Interview offers flexibility in the choice of language. The candidate can opt for any of the official languages of India. As mentioned earlier, these languages include Hindi, English, and the 20 other regional languages that are part of the Indian Constitution’s Eighth Schedule.

Candidates are expected to communicate effectively in the language of their choice. The UPSC interview panel generally consists of experienced members who are proficient in multiple languages. If a candidate selects a regional language, the panel is supposed to accommodate the request if the language is available, but this depends on the availability of experts in that language. In practice, many candidates prefer choosing Hindi or English, as these languages are more commonly understood by interview panels.

When filling out the Detailed Application Form (DAF), candidates must indicate the language they wish to opt for the interview. It is essential that they are fluent in their chosen language to ensure that they can communicate their ideas effectively, as the focus is on evaluating their personality and communication skills rather than their linguistic abilities.

Which Language is Best for UPSC Interview?

The best language for the UPSC interview is the one that the candidate is most comfortable with and can express their thoughts clearly. There is no fixed “best” language for the interview; the focus is on the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively. Many candidates choose Hindi or English, as these languages are widely understood, especially in the context of the UPSC interview panel.

However, if a candidate is more comfortable with a regional language and feels that they can express themselves better in it, they should not hesitate to opt for it. The main criterion is to choose a language in which the candidate can convey their ideas confidently, without hesitation, and with clarity.

It is also essential to consider the language proficiency of the interview panel. If a candidate selects a less commonly spoken language, they should ensure that the panel has members who are proficient in that language. Otherwise, candidates may face difficulty in getting their responses across, which could affect their performance.

Is English Compulsory for UPSC Interview?

No, English is not compulsory for the UPSC interview. The UPSC allows candidates to choose from any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for the interview. The primary criterion is that the candidate should be fluent in the chosen language to communicate effectively and express their thoughts clearly.

While English is commonly used due to its widespread familiarity, especially in administrative functions, it is not a requirement for the UPSC interview. The focus of the interview is on evaluating the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and knowledge, not on their proficiency in English. Therefore, candidates should choose a language in which they feel most comfortable and confident. Additionally, the availability of the desired language depends on the proficiency of the interview panel, so candidates must ensure the panel can support their language choice.

Conclusion

UPSC Interview offers flexibility in the choice of language, allowing candidates to choose from 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The key is to select a language in which you are most comfortable and can express yourself clearly. While Hindi and English are commonly used, regional languages like Punjabi, Marathi, and others are also accepted. The focus of the interview is on assessing the candidate’s personality, knowledge, and communication skills, not on linguistic proficiency. Ensure that you are fluent in your chosen language and prepare accordingly for a successful interview.

UPSC Interview Language List FAQs

Q1. Can I Give UPSC Interview in Punjabi, Marathi or any other language?

Answer: Yes, you can choose any regional language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, provided you’re fluent in the language and the panel has members proficient in it.

Q2. Can I Give UPSC Interview in Bilingual?

Answer: Yes, you can give the UPSC interview in a bilingual format. You may switch between two languages, such as Hindi and English, as long as you’re fluent in both. The key is to communicate clearly and effectively without losing clarity.

Q3. Is English compulsory for the UPSC interview?

Answer: No, English is not compulsory. You can choose any language you are comfortable with for the interview.

Q4. Can I switch between languages during the UPSC interview?

Answer: Yes, candidates can switch between languages if they are fluent in both, especially in a bilingual format.

Q5. What if my preferred language is not available for the interview?

Answer: If your language choice is unavailable, you may need to opt for another language, but the UPSC tries to accommodate as many languages as possible.