Challenging IAS Interview Questions and Their Answers

The IAS interview is a crucial step in the civil services examination, known for its challenging questions that test candidates' confidence and knowledge. This article presents a selection of intriguing IAS interview questions along with their answers, designed to assist candidates in their preparation. From questions about unique animals to tricky logic puzzles, these queries can help candidates navigate the interview process more effectively. Understanding these questions can provide valuable insights and enhance your readiness for one of the toughest interviews in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 15:57 IST

IAS Interview Questions and Answers

IAS Interview Questions and Answers: The IAS examination is regarded as one of the toughest assessments. Candidates who successfully clear the written test are invited for an interview. Confidence is crucial during the IAS interview. Many questions are commonly asked across various competitive exams, but the IAS interview is the final stage of a prestigious civil service examination, making it essential to pass. A significant number of candidates falter at this stage. The IAS interview often features perplexing questions that can leave candidates pondering, even if they know the answers. A minor mistake can lead to immediate rejection. Here, we present some questions and answers from the IAS interview that could be quite beneficial for you.

IAS Interview Questions and Answers

Question: Which animal has three eyes?
Answer: The correct answer is the tuatara. This unique creature is found only in New Zealand.

Question: Who can remain in office only at the pleasure of the President of India?
Answer: The answer is the 'Governor.'

Question: How is iron made?
Answer: Iron is produced from ore. It is extracted from the earth as a mineral and is the fourth most abundant mineral found within the planet.

Question: You have five chocolates in your pocket, and if you take out two, how many chocolates do you have left?
Answer: The answer is quite simple. Many people overthink this question, but if you look closely, the correct answer is 'five.' Even if you take out two, you still have five chocolates in your pocket.

Question: A woman was born in 1935 and died in 1935, yet she was 70 years old at the time of her death. How is this possible?
Answer: The answer lies in the fact that '1935' refers to a room number, not a year.

Question: What is the Hindi term for cigarette?
Answer: In Hindi, a cigarette is referred to as 'धूम्रपान दंडिका.'

Question: What is something that cannot be seen even in daylight?
Answer: The answer is 'darkness,' which remains invisible even in the light of day.

Question: Just as a calf is to a cow, what is a kid to a goat?
Answer: The correct answer is 'lamb.'

Question: What do Japanese people do with banana peels after eating?
Answer: The simple answer is that they 'throw them away.'

Question: Name the substance that heats up instead of cooling down when added to water?
Answer: The answer is 'quicklime.'