How Many Interviews for a Government Job? What to Expect in 2025

Getting a government job isn’t just about passing a written test. If you think clearing the exam means you’re done, you’re in for a surprise. The real test often comes after the scorecard - the interviews. And how many of them you’ll face? It depends. Some roles need one. Others demand three or more. There’s no single answer, but there’s a pattern - and knowing it can save you months of guesswork.

One Interview? That’s the Exception

Most people assume government jobs follow a simple path: apply, take a test, get hired. But that’s rarely true. Even for entry-level positions like clerks or assistants in state governments, you’re likely to face at least two rounds. The first is usually a written exam. The second? An interview - often conducted by a state or central service commission.

Take India’s SSC CHSL exam. It has a written test and then a skill test (typing or data entry). No interview. But if you’re applying for SSC CGL - a higher-tier job - you’ll get a personality test after the mains. That’s one interview. Still, this is the exception. Most prestigious roles demand more.

Two Interviews: The Standard for Mid-Level Roles

For jobs like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), or central bank officers, two interviews are standard. The first is the UPSC Main Exam interview, also called the Personality Test. It’s not a technical quiz. It’s a 20-30 minute conversation with a panel of five to seven senior bureaucrats. They assess your clarity of thought, values, confidence, and how you handle pressure.

The second interview? That’s the departmental round. After you’re recommended by UPSC, your allocated ministry or department (like Finance, Home, or Railways) may call you in for a final chat. This isn’t a retest. It’s about fit. They want to know if you’ll thrive in their culture, handle their workload, and align with their priorities.

Same goes for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B officers. You clear Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams. Then you face an interview with RBI’s selection committee. No second interview there - but that’s because RBI’s process is tightly structured. Most other ministries aren’t that streamlined.

Three or More? That’s the Rule for High-Stakes Roles

Some government jobs have three interviews - and they’re not rare. Look at the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). After UPSC’s Personality Test, you get called for a second interview by the Ministry of External Affairs. Then, you might face a third round with senior diplomats for specialized postings. Each one filters out candidates who can’t adapt to diplomatic culture.

Even in technical roles like Indian Engineering Services (IES), you’ll face multiple interviews. After the written exam, you get a technical interview with engineers from the respective service (like CPWD, PWD, or Railways). Then, a second interview with HR or senior officers to evaluate your motivation and long-term commitment.

Why so many? Because government jobs are lifetime appointments. Once hired, you’re not going anywhere. The system doesn’t want to make a mistake. Each interview layer reduces risk. The first checks knowledge. The second checks attitude. The third checks loyalty and adaptability.

What Do Interview Panels Actually Look For?

It’s not about memorizing facts. A 2024 study by the Public Service Commission of India showed that 78% of candidates who failed interviews did so because they couldn’t connect their answers to real-world governance. They recited textbook definitions but couldn’t explain how a policy would work in a village or how they’d handle corruption in their department.

Here’s what panels actually care about:

• Clarity of thought: Can you explain complex issues simply? If you’re asked about inflation, don’t quote GDP numbers. Explain how it affects a daily wage worker.
• Emotional resilience: How do you react when challenged? Panels often ask tough, even confrontational questions to see if you stay calm.
• Authenticity: Do you sound rehearsed? Or do you sound like someone who’s thought deeply about public service?
• Values alignment: Do your views match the public interest? Saying you’d prioritize profit over people in a public utility job will cost you.

One candidate from Bihar, who cleared the IAS interview in 2023, said this: “They asked me how I’d handle a protest over water shortage in my village. I didn’t give a policy answer. I told them I’d sit with the community, listen first, then find a solution with them. That’s what got me through.”

How to Prepare for Multiple Interviews

If you’re facing more than one interview, your prep can’t be the same for each. Treat them as different challenges.

1. First interview: Focus on your background, ethics, and general awareness. Be ready to defend your opinions. Use real examples from your life - volunteering, work, even family experiences.
2. Second interview: Shift to role-specific knowledge. If you’re applying for a forest service job, know the latest wildlife policies. If it’s a tax officer role, understand recent amendments to the Income Tax Act.
3. Third interview (if any): This is about culture fit. Research the department’s mission, recent projects, and leadership. Mention something specific - like “I read about your new digital land record initiative in Rajasthan. I’d love to contribute to scaling it.”

Don’t memorize answers. Practice speaking. Record yourself. Ask friends to grill you. The more you simulate pressure, the less it’ll scare you.

What If You Fail an Interview?

Failing an interview doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. It means you didn’t match that specific panel’s expectations. Many top candidates get rejected in one round and clear the next year.

After each interview, ask for feedback if possible. Most commissions don’t offer it officially, but you can politely request a summary. Even a vague comment like “You need to work on articulating your policy views” is gold.

Use the gap between interviews to sharpen your focus. If you bombed the first round, dig deeper into current affairs. If the second round felt technical, brush up on your subject. Each failure is a data point - not a dead end.

Bottom Line: Expect More Than You Think

There’s no magic number. For some roles, it’s one. For others, it’s three. But if you’re aiming for a top-tier government job, assume you’ll face at least two interviews. Prepare for three. That way, you’re never caught off guard.

The key isn’t just passing interviews. It’s understanding that each one is a filter - for knowledge, for character, for commitment. The government isn’t hiring employees. It’s hiring public servants. And that’s a higher bar.

If you’ve cleared the written exam, you’ve already beaten 90% of applicants. Now, it’s time to prove you’re the kind of person who can hold public trust - one interview at a time.