Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission has declared results of the Civil Services Mains Examination and now shortlisted candidates will be appearing in the Personality Test. Having spent last years of my service as a Member and Interim Chairman of the Public Service Commission, some aspirants approach me for counseling and mentoring. In order to provide a general guidance this brief write up might be useful to all the aspirants who have made it to the interview stage.
From my experience as someone who has been associated with selection of Human Resources for the Government , I believe that while knowledge and skills are important, attitude, integrity, determination, and humility are far more critical in building effective organizations, especially in public service. These are the qualities that will be explored by the experts and Board Members in the Personality Test.
Knowledge and skills are visible and measurable, which is why recruitment systems naturally emphasize them. However, skills can be taught, upgraded, and even replaced over time. Attitude, on the other hand, is deeply shaped by upbringing and values, and it determines how a person uses his or her skills. Two individuals with similar competence can produce very different outcomes depending on their mindset. Therefore expect the Board to test your attitude.
Integrity is particularly crucial in the civil services because officers operate in situations where it is tested. A technically efficient but ethically weak officer can cause long-term institutional damage, whereas an officer of integrity builds trust, which is the real currency of governance. You could be put in a situation where integrity is tested.
Determination is equally important because public administration rarely works under ideal conditions. Limited resources, procedural delays, and competing pressures are common. Determination enables an officer to persist, innovate, and work towards long term public interest rather than short term results. Board may like to know how determined you are.
Humility, though often overlooked, is essential for leadership. It allows an officer to listen, learn, and correct course. Humble officers are more approachable, take better decisions, and create a healthy work culture. Therefore you will be expected to be humble.
Therefore, while skills and knowledge may help one clear examinations and perform tasks, it is attitude, integrity, determination, and humility that transform authority into service and make institutions effective and humane that public offices to be manned by you in future are expected to be.
Some Tips for Delivery in the Interview
Maintain a calm, reflective tone.
Avoid sounding preachy or absolute.
Make eye contact with the Board Members when speaking .
Bedside the General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Geopolitics etc expect questions to test your local knowledge about Jammu and Kashmir, your District, Town or Village.
Your academic background and optional subject will surely invite exploration, hence be prepared in these specific core areas.
Above all maintain your natural self and don’t try to overdo anything. Having made upto this stage itself signifies your potential,interest and suitability for the job. Unless it turns out to be a real bad day, there is nothing to worry about.
Good luck and best wishes.
The writer is a distinguished former civil servant and Chairman J&K Public Service Commission
