UPSC Interview Marks – Minimum Marks to Qualify UPSC IAS Interview
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
UPSC Interview Marks total up to 275. The IAS Interview is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. To be called for the IAS interview, a candidate must achieve the minimum cut-off in the written part of the Mains exam, which carries 1750 marks. To determine if a candidate is qualified for a career in civil services is the purpose of the interview. To qualify for the UPSC interview, no minimum score is needed.
The percentage of marks given for the interview often ranges from 40% to 80%. The article discusses in detail the UPSC Interview Marks Distribution along with the highest marks obtained by the Toppers in the personality test stage over the years.
Table of content
UPSC Interview Marks
The Civil Services Examination is one the toughest exams in India. According to the UPSC Exam Pattern, the exam is conducted in three stages.
- UPSC Prelims: General Studies Paper and CSAT [Both 200 marks]
- UPSC Mains: Nine Papers [1750 Marks]
- UPSC Interview [275 Marks]
Shruti Sharma, who secured AIR 1 in the UPSC Exam 2021, did not receive the highest marks in the interview. Ashutosh Kumar and Kiran PB received the highest marks in the UPSC Interview 2021. Out of a maximum of 275, they both received 206. The Interview Marks for the 2022 cycle are yet to be declared.
Marks Required to Qualify for IAS Interview
Every year, the Union Public Service Commission holds the fairly difficult Civil Service Examination, in which more than 7-8 lakh people take part but only a select few hundred are chosen for positions such as IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, etc.
In order to be summoned for the interview, a candidate must pass the UPSC mains examination with a minimum cut-off score. Every year, the UPSC cut-off for mains varies depending on the category. The mains cut-off for the previous three years is provided below so that you may have an idea of the minimum marks needed to appear in the interview.
| Category | 2021 Mains Cut-off | 2020 Mains Cut-off | 2019 Mains Cut-off |
| General | 745 | 736 | 751 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 713 | 687 | 696 |
| Other Backward Class (OBC) | 707 | 698 | 718 |
| Scheduled Castes (SCs) | 700 | 680 | 706 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 700 | 682 | 699 |
UPSC Interview Marks Distribution
The final and most important step in the cycle of the exam is the UPSC Interview/ Personality Test. The interview is worth 275 marks, for a maximum possible score of 2025. The following are some of the attributes the panel looks for in a candidate while allocating marks to him/her during the personality test:
- Mental sharpness
- Critically analyzing
- Rationality of thought
- Competence in risk assessment
- Capabilities in handling crises
- A propensity for leadership
- Moral and intellectual integrity
Highest Marks in UPSC Interview
Rather than testing your factual knowledge, the IAS interview is intended to evaluate your attitude and analytical perspective. The significance of the interview and methods for preparing for the IAS Interview Questions have been emphasized by the UPSC Toppers over the years.
The list below covers the highest marks in interviews secured by candidates over the years.
| Year | Candidate’s Name | Highest Marks In UPSC Interview |
| 2021 | Ashutosh Kumar and Kiran PB | 206 |
| 2020 | Apala Mishra | 215 |
| 2020 | Ankita Jain | 212 |
| 2019 | Jatin Kishore | 185 |
| 2018 | Kanishak Kataria | 179 |
| 2017 | Anudeep Dursihetty | 176 |
| 2016 | Nandini KR | 193 |
| 2014 | Zainab Sayeed | 220 |
Zainab Sayeed: All-Time Highest UPSC Interview Marks Scorer
The UPSC IAS Interview round’s all-time highest scorer is Zainab Sayeed. By achieving a score of 220 out of 275 during the 2014 Interview, she made history. She had a 25-minute interview and the secret to her success was perseverance and punctuality. She studied for 6-7 hours every day.
Candidates must constantly and intently study as they get ready for the Interview stage. Candidates are recommended to read the newspapers every day because current affairs-related topics are asked during the UPSC interview. It’s crucial for candidates to take breaks from studying and look after their mental health as they prepare for the IAS Exam.
