
Tips to Clear the Indian Economic Service (IES) Final Interview
- The Indian Economic Service interview is conducted at UPSC, New Delhi.
- Interview is the second and final stage to become an IES Officer.
Clearing the Indian Economic Service interview is the final stage to become an IES officer, here are some tips to gain success in this stage. Every year the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Economic Service examination to select economics experts for inter ministry/ departmental deployment. First stage is a written examination of 1000 marks followed by an interview of 200 marks.
Understanding Indian Economic Service (IES) Interview
The cutoff for UPSC IES examination changes from time to time, but a candidate must obtain a minimum of 20% marks in each of six subjects. Considering the total marks in 1000, a candidate must secure around 60% to be eligible for the interview. The board then appoints competent and unbiased observers to conduct the final interview of maximum 200 marks.
The final goal here is to access and examine the suitability of the candidate for the IES. Moreover, this procedure supplements the written examination and is aimed at testing the general and specialised knowledge plus the ability of the candidate. A candidate is believed to be well versed in the current affairs and knowledge of the surrounding. The IES interview is more of a conversation than a strict session.
The future IES officer is required to present the intellectual curiosity, how well he/she can soak up the knowledge, how balanced is the judgement and alertness of the candidate. They also wish to know about a candidate’s ability for social cohesion, the integrity of character imitativenessm, and leadership qualities. All these aforementioned qualities are judged in the interview process.
Prerequisites for Indian Economic Service Interview
After clearing the examination a candidate must focus on certain things. Detailed Application Form (DAF) is of utmost importance, an application form containing every detail about a candidate’s background. More like a resume, but specifically designed for the task. Panel would like to know more about the candidate to better assess the abilities.
A candidate is expected to know oneself and about his/her surroundings better. Detailed knowledge about the surroundings, like the state one belongs to, about the school and college attended, past jobs, if any, and self journey is an added plus. It should be understood that a deep knowledge of subjects and self is expected out of an IES officer.
Clearing the written exam is not the end of the road, it’s just a milestone. Hence a thorough revision after clearing the exam is a must. Revision of concepts and theories could make the difference. Panel can ask random questions, at any unforeseen time, a brushed up knowledge can help in avoiding any curveball and project oneself as a worthy candidate.
Mock Interviews – The Net Practise before the Final Match
It is strongly recommended for the selected candidates to enroll with a good platform for mock interviews. Giving mocks would enhance the confidence and make the candidate habitual with the upcoming event. Ecoholics can be the best option, as our team is dedicated to helping candidates.
But before signing up for a series of mock interviews, a candidate is suggested to brush up on the current economy. Stay updated with the latest information in the realm of economy, gather current information from trusted sources. Divide the information into subtopics titled agriculture, industry, service, fiscal policy etc for better understanding.
Subscription to monthly magazines, and bulletins shall suffice in building the current knowledge for the interview. Customarily the interviews are scheduled over a single week, and each candidate is allotted a date & time slot. The interview is conducted at the Union Public Service Commission, (UPSC) Dholpur House New Delhi.
Candidates are often afraid or nervous before the interview, they should not. Panel would love a confident & a smiling candidate, as the job requires one to perform under pressure. Also, an interviewer often shy away from asking any question they might have, but they can ask a few questions. Moreover, the IES interview is more of a conversation.
Posting and Profile of an Indian Economic Service Officer
An Indian Economic Service Officer works at an executive level, undertaking responsibilities for economic analysis. They also provide advice in designing and formulating development policies and plans, along with implementing projects, scrutinising public benefit programs, and enhancement of delivery systems.
IES officers will have to serve in a diverse range including finance, the social sector, rural development, health, agriculture, education, industry, trade & transport, and information technology. Also, they have to deal with developmental issues and leverage their prowess to contribute in policy making in various departments, agencies and services of the Central Government.
The posting is done across different ministries and departments of the Central Government, specifically dealing in economic and sectors. The list includes, the Planning Commission, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), the Department of Economic Affairs, the Department of Expenditure, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Investment & Public Asset Management.
Officers are also deputed to serve in certain domestic and international organisations like the United Nations bodies, foreign and state governments, and select regulatory bodies. At the entry grade of Indian Economic Service is Junior Time Scale (Grade-IV), 60% of the posts are filled via direct recruitment, and the other 40% are done via promotion of feeder post holders.
Following are the authorised strength for various posts and grades of the Indian Economic Service.
No. | Grade/ Designation | Pay Structure | Strength(may change) |
1. | Higher Administrative Grade + (HAG +)/ Principal Adviser (Apex) | INR. 80,000 fixed. | 5 |
2. | Higher Administrative Grade (HAG)/ Senior Economic Adviser/ Senior Adviser | INR. 67,000 (annual increment of 3%) – INR. 79,000 | 15 |
3. | Senior Administrative Grade (SAG)/ Economic Adviser/ Adviser | Pay Band 4: INR. 37,400 – 67,000 Plus Grade Pay: INR 10,000 | 89 |
4. | Junior Administrative Grade (JAG)/ Joint Director/ Deputy Economic Adviser. {Including Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG)/ Director/ Additional Economic Adviser} | Pay Band 3: INR. 15,600 to 39,100 Plus Grade Pay: 7,600 {Pay Band 4: INR 37,400 to 67,000 Plus Grade Pay: INR 8,700} | 148 {111 or 30% of Senior Duty Posts} |
5. | Senior Time Scale (STS)/ Deputy Director/ Assistant Economic Adviser/ Senior Research Officer | Pay Band 3: INR. 15,600 to 39,100 Plus Grade Pay: 6,600 | 114 |
6. | Junior Time Scale (JTS)/ Assistant Director/ Research Officer | Pay Band 3: INR. 15,600 to 39,100 Plus Grade Pay: 5,400 | 107 |
We at Ecoholics wish you all the best for the IES Interview. We also provide guidance, coaching for the Union Public Service Commission Indian Economic Service examination.