By Sangita Jha

Saroj Bala is a retired member of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). An IRS officer from the 1972 batch, she was the first lady officer in the history of Income Tax Service to be adjudged as the Best All-Round Officer at National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur. 

During her esteemed career spanning over 35 years, she held the posts of assistant commissioner of income tax, joint commissioner of income tax, addl. commissioner of income tax, commissioner of income tax, director of income tax (RSP & PR), chief commissioner of income tax, and director general of NADT; she retired as a member of CBDT in 2009. 

She has also been an advisor on the interview board of UPSC and has thus been part of the process for selection of various IAS officers. Here's an excerpts from the book How to BECOME AN IAS

How UPSC’s interview round for IAS is different from the interview rounds for all other professions or jobs? 

Smt. Bala: The questions asked during the interview round of UPSC cover very vast subject areas. These are not aimed at judging knowledge but are focused at judging the personality of the candidate, his suitability for the administrative job, and his capability to work under pressure. 

 Many aspirants take the interview round very lightly, especially after clearing the Mains. What is your suggestion for such aspirants? 

Smt. Bala: Interview can make or mar your career and has to be taken most seriously. This is such an intensely competitive exam that a gap of two marks can keep you out of the selected candidates list, or it can land you into a Central service instead of IAS. Remember that your appearance as well as performance during interview can add or subtract even hundred marks from your score! 

Some aspirants, especially the first-timers, are intimidated at the thought of facing the interview panel. What can such students do to boost their confidence? 

Smt. Bala: They should meet some selected candidates and learn from their experiences; normally interview board members try to make aspirants feel comfortable. Taking up some mock interview sessions may also help. They must remember that the interview is not aimed at testing knowledge; rather it is aimed at judging the personality of the candidate and his capacity to work under pressure and difficult circumstances. 

Advice for the students who are reappearing for the interview after a few failed attempts. 

Smt. Bala: I do not see any point in making more than four attempts; after all there are so many other alternatives and opportunities. Next attempt should be availed after careful analysis of the earlier one. It should be aimed at removing the shortcomings that brought down your score. 

 Any specific dos and don’ts that aspirants should keep in mind during the interview round? 

Smt. Bala: Never go in a casual dress. Remember that interview board members are normally above sixty years of age, and they do not subscribe to the modern view of being dressed too casually on all occasions. The candidates should be respectful to all members and should reply to their questions after establishing eye contact. 

You have been a part of the esteemed interview board panel, and you have immense experience of interviewing IAS aspirants. Please provide your expert tips to the aspirants. 
Smt. Bala: Interview is not meant to be a test of your knowledge. It is a test of your personality, attitude, and articulation. If you do not know answer to any question, say so immediately so that valuable time allocated for your interview is not wasted and members immediately pass on to the next question. Give honest answers and do not say that you want to get into IAS with the sole objective of serving your country; state other reasons as well. 

Your message for the aspirants who will be appearing in this year’s UPSC exam. 

Smt. Bala: Select your optional subject after fully applying your mind, look into the question papers of earlier years carefully to understand the pattern, work hard and study for at least eight hours a day; have confidence in yourself and you will succeed. My best wishes as well as blessings are with you.

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