Challenging Questions in UPSC Interviews: A Test of Intelligence

The UPSC exam is known for its difficulty, especially the interview stage, where candidates face challenging questions designed to test their intelligence. This article explores a particularly tricky question posed to a female candidate and provides insights into other questions that have been asked in past interviews. With examples and answers, readers can gain a better understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for the UPSC interview process. Discover the nuances of these questions and the thought processes behind the answers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 2, 2026, 20:36 IST

UPSC Exam: A Tough Challenge

The UPSC examination is renowned as one of the most challenging assessments globally. Success in this exam demands immense dedication and hard work. Students often toil day and night to clear the IAS exam. Those who have attempted the IAS exam know that the interview stage can be even more daunting than the written test. Interviewers pose tricky questions that can leave candidates bewildered. These questions are designed to assess the candidates' IQ levels, often leading to some rather straightforward yet perplexing queries.

Tricky Questions Asked

A few years ago, a female candidate faced a particularly tricky question during her IAS interview that left her momentarily stumped. After some contemplation, she managed to provide the correct answer. The question posed was: 'What is something that both men and women prefer to take at night?' This question might seem baffling at first, but with careful thought, the answer becomes clear.

IQ Level Assessment

In IAS and IPS interviews, such questions are frequently asked to evaluate the candidates' IQ levels. The candidate took a moment to think before finally answering: 'Sleep.' This response pleased the interviewers, leading to her selection. Indeed, such tricky questions are common in interviews. With a calm and patient mindset, candidates can often arrive at the correct answers. Here are some additional questions that have been asked in UPSC/IAS/IPS interviews:

Question: Who was the first to read Ashoka's inscriptions?
Answer: James Prinsep

Question: When and where was the Congress's resolution for complete independence passed?
Answer: At the Lahore session in 1929

Question: What can a woman give to everyone but not to her husband?
Answer: A Rakhi

Question: In which country does the sun shine at midnight?
Answer: Norway

Question: Who invented the television?
Answer: John Logie Baird

Question: Which metal was first used by humans?
Answer: Copper