What is the Medium of Language in an IAS Interview?

The IAS (Indian Administrative Service) Personality Test, commonly referred to as the UPSC Interview, is a key final step in the Civil Services Examination. Candidates frequently ask if they have to communicate solely in English or if they can select Hindi or even their native dialect.

Being aware of the choices, the official guidelines, and what fits you the best can help you to feel less nervous and to make better choices. The post will cover the official medium regulations, medium choice in IAS, what the regulations permit, practical pros & cons of different media, and tips to decide confidently based on your strengths.

Also Check - What Level of English is Required For UPSC?

Official Rules for Interview Medium in UPSC

UPSC has clear rules about what media candidates can use during the Personality Test (Interview). These depend on what medium you used in the written exams, whether you took the compulsory Indian Language paper, and whether you were exempted from that. The Detailed Application Form (DAF) is where you must declare your UPSC interview language option.

• Choice in DAF: At the time of filling the DAF for UPSC Main and Interview, you must indicate in which language you wish to appear for the Personality Test.

• If the written medium is an Indian Language: You may choose the same Indian Language, Hindi, or English as the medium of the interview.

• If the written medium is English: If you took the Main written part in English and also opted for the compulsory Indian Language paper in the written exam, then the interview medium can be English, Hindi, or the Indian language you had chosen in that compulsory paper.

• If exempted from the compulsory Indian Language paper: In that situation, you can only choose between English and Hindi for the Interview. You cannot select an Indian language apart from those in the compulsory Indian language category.

Language Options in UPSC & How Many Candidates Use Them

While the rules offer flexibility, many candidates still choose English because of familiarity, resource availability, and perceived advantage. But regional media are being used more, especially when candidates feel more confident in them.

• Usage statistics: According to Times of India reports, most candidates still choose English as the medium of interview. A smaller number opt for Hindi or regional languages.

• Recent policy updates: The official UPSC instruction documents for 2022 and 2025 confirm the above options as options candidates must lock in at the time of filling DAF.

Also Check - Should You Start UPSC Preparation from Class 11?

How to Decide the Best Medium for Your IAS Interview?

Since the rules allow flexibility, you must choose what gives you the best performance, not just what sounds prestigious.

• Assess Fluency

Record yourself (video/audio) answering sample interview questions in English, Hindi, and your regional language. Compare fluency and comfort.

• Practice Relevant Vocabulary

Especially for topics like politics, economy, science, and environment, where English words are extensively used. If using a regional medium, make sure you are familiar with both the English and local terms.

• Mock Interviews

Do mocks with panels in each medium. Get feedback on clarity and coherence.

• Check Resource Availability

Check if mentors, peer groups, and reference books are more abundant in English or Hindi/regional.

• Consider Future Posting and Communication

If you expect to work in diverse or English-speaking environments, fluency in English can help. But if your career path is more regional, comfort in regional/Hindi may give confidence.

For personalised mentorship on medium choice and interview preparation, platforms like CollegeDekho can guide you based on your language background and communication style.

Also Check - Why Failing UPSC Prelims Can Sometimes Guarantee Mains Glory

Common Misconceptions about Language Medium in UPSC

There are several misconceptions about the interview medium that people tend to believe. Knowing what is true helps alleviate unwarranted stress.

• Myth: English medium always gives an advantage

Truth: Clarity, confidence, and content are the key points more than the language prestige.

• Myth: Choosing regional means poor scoring

Truth: If you present your ideas clearly and with assurance, regional tongues are allowed according to UPSC regulations.

• Myth: The Medium of the written exam mandates the interview language

Truth: Not always. It depends on whether you took the compulsory Indian Language paper or were exempt.

The official policy allows a UPSC aspirant to choose the medium of interview among English, Hindi, or an Indian language from the Eighth Schedule. It depends on how your Main examination was written and whether you have taken the compulsory Indian Language paper.

What matters most is comfort, clarity, and the ability to express your ideas well. Choose the medium where you can think, communicate, and convince the panel best. After all, personality and substance carry far more weight than merely the language you speak.

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