The Importance of 10th and 12th Marks in UPSC Interview

Many prospective candidates often question whether their marks from 10th and 12th grades matter in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). It is a common misconception that these early academic achievements have significant influence during the interview stage. However, the reality is far less complex. In this article, we will discuss the importance of 10th and 12th marks in the UPSC CSE, focusing on how the last three stages of the examination truly determine your success.

UPSC and the Role of Academic Marks

When it comes to the UPSC Civil Services Examination, academic marks from your school and college years are not the only factor that determines your success. What truly matters is your performance in the three stages of the examination: the Preliminary (MCQ-based), Mains (written examination), and the Interview (personality test).

Performance in the Mains and Interview Stage

Your marks from the UPSC Mains and Interview are the primary determinants of your success in the examination. Even if you did not perform well in your 10th and 12th grades, cracking the Mains and clearing the interview reflects your problem-solving, decision-making, and overall assessment of your suitability for the IAS position.
For instance, many toppers in the UPSC examination, like Himanshu Kaushik, who ranked 77th, did not have stellar marks in their academic years. Despite their low marks, they managed to excel in the Mains and Interview stages, which speaks volumes about their capabilities.

What Interviewers Look for

During the interview stage, the UPSC panel evaluates your personality, intellectual integrity, general awareness, and your ability to handle situations. Your marks from 10th and 12th grades may not directly impact your interview performance, but they can provide a glimpse into your academic journey and help the interviewers form a holistic assessment of your capabilities.

During the interview, you may be expected to explain the reasons behind your low scores from 10th to 12th grades. However, if you can provide a satisfactory explanation, you may actually benefit from doing so. Acknowledging and explaining your academic struggles can demonstrate your resilience and your ability to learn from failures. Reflecting on these experiences and showing growth can make a positive impression on the interview panel.

Perceived Influence of Early Academic Achievements

The influence of early academic achievements is often overestimated. The UPSC interview assesses your decision-making, analytical skills, and overall suitability for the IAS role rather than your past academic performance. While some interview panels may inquire about your academic graph, it is not always a factor that decides the outcome.

For example, if you have sustained good performance from 10th to 12th grades, the panel may ask you what motivated you to maintain or improve your academic standing. Conversely, if there has been a significant drop in your scores, you might be questioned about the reasons behind this decline and how you addressed it. Despite these questions, it is important to remember that your academic performance is not the sole criterion for the interview.

Personal Reflection and Growth

Your academic journey is a part of your life's story, and your interviewers may be interested in understanding how you have grown and learned from your experiences. If you can demonstrate a clear understanding of how your academic performance has evolved, you can actively contribute to your case as a well-rounded candidate for the UPSC CSE.

As a personal anecdote, I can share that despite not having extraordinary marks in my 10th and 12th grades, I managed to achieve impressive scores in both my interviews. My marks were:

Class 10: 79 Class 12: 62.5 Graduation: 61 Interview Marks (IAS): 186/300 and 189/275

This experience underscores the fact that your academic performance should not be the sole focus during the UPSC interview. Instead, concentrate on showcasing your personal growth, intellectual integrity, and overall suitability for the IAS.

Conclusion

In summary, while your marks from 10th and 12th grades can provide insights into your academic journey, they are not the deciding factors for the UPSC CSE interview. The interview stage evaluates your decision-making, problem-solving skills, and overall suitability for the IAS position. Focus on your performance in the Mains and Interview, and be prepared to explain the reasons behind any academic challenges you faced in your earlier years. By doing so, you can demonstrate your resilience and growth, which can significantly enhance your chances of success in the UPSC CSE.

Additional Resources

Latest UPSC Notifications UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022 UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination UPSC Interview Process