UPSC Interview Questions: 5 Mind-Bending Questions That Test Thinking, Not Memory

The UPSC Civil Services Interview is not just about academic knowledge or current affairs. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s presence of mind, clarity of thought, creativity, logical reasoning, and calmness under pressure. Many aspirants with strong written exam scores find the interview challenging because the panel often asks unexpected and tricky questions.

These questions may sound simple at first, but they are carefully framed to see how a candidate thinks, not what they have memorised. The goal is to assess mental agility, originality, and the ability to respond confidently without panic.

Here are five popular UPSC interview questions that appear easy but can easily confuse candidates if they don’t think calmly and logically.

Question 1: Why do we drink water instead of eating it?

Answer: Because water cannot be chewed or eaten.

At first glance, most people respond instinctively, saying that we drink water because we feel thirsty. However, the interview panel is not looking for a biological or emotional answer. They want to see whether the candidate can think beyond obvious responses.

Water is a liquid and cannot be consumed by chewing, so drinking is the only logical way to consume it. This question checks creative thinking and the ability to approach everyday facts from a fresh perspective.

Question 2: What is something that keeps moving even without legs?

Answer: A clock.

A clock has no legs, yet it continues to “run” all the time. This question tests imaginative thinking and language interpretation. The word “moving” does not necessarily mean physical movement from one place to another.

UPSC interviewers often use such questions to observe how candidates interpret words and concepts logically rather than literally.

Question 3: What is something that a woman usually buys only once a year?

Answer: A Rakhi.

This question is rooted in social and cultural awareness. Rakhi is traditionally purchased during the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which occurs once a year.

Through such questions, the panel evaluates whether a candidate understands Indian traditions and can relate common social practices to logical answers.

Question 4: Which dress is something that cannot be worn?

Answer: Address.

This is a classic wordplay-based question. When we hear the word “dress,” we immediately think of clothing. However, “address” is something we write or speak, not wear.

The purpose of this question is to test presence of mind, linguistic clarity, and attention to detail, all of which are essential qualities for a civil servant.

Question 5: Which creature has its stomach located in its head?

Answer: Shrimp.

In shrimps, the digestive system is located in the head region. This question combines basic biological knowledge with observational ability.

The panel is not testing advanced science here but wants to see whether the candidate can recall simple facts calmly under pressure.

Why UPSC Asks Such Tricky Questions

The UPSC interview panel uses these questions to assess:

• Logical and analytical thinking

• Creativity and originality

• Ability to stay composed in unexpected situations

• Communication skills and confidence

There is no penalty for saying “I don’t know,” but giving a rushed or illogical answer can leave a negative impression.

Final Takeaway for Aspirants

UPSC interviews are not about giving “perfect” answers. They are about showing clarity, honesty, and balanced thinking. If you approach such questions with a calm mind and logical reasoning, even the trickiest questions become manageable.

Practising such questions helps aspirants build confidence and sharpen mental agility—qualities that matter far beyond the interview room.