Hobbies in BPSC Interview: Complete Guidance Based on Real Interview Experience
Introduction
In the BPSC Interview (Personality Test), questions related to hobbies play a very important role. Many aspirants underestimate this area and treat hobbies casually, which often leads to unnecessary trouble during the interview. Based on real interview guidance programs and practical experience, it is clear that hobbies are not asked to test talent, but to test honesty, consistency, depth of interest, and personality traits.
This article is drafted to guide BPSC aspirants on how to handle questions related to hobbies in the BPSC interview, what mistakes to avoid, and how the interview board actually evaluates answers related to hobbies.
What Is a Hobby? (Interview Perspective)
The Oxford Dictionary defines a hobby as: “An activity done regularly in one’s leisure time.”
For the interview board, a hobby is not something you claim, but something that is reflected naturally in your personality, behaviour, and experiences. The board is not interested in theoretical definitions or superficial knowledge of hobbies. It looks for authentic engagement.
Biggest Mistake Aspirants Make About Hobbies
One of the most common mistakes aspirants commit is choosing or modifying hobbies after the declaration of the Mains result. This approach is fundamentally flawed. Key points to understand:
- Hobbies cannot be chosen strategically for interviews.
- Hobbies must be intrinsic, not manufactured.
- Preparing a hobby just to impress the board is counter-productive.
The interview board can easily distinguish between:
- Answers based on real experience, and
- Answers based on theoretical or rehearsed preparation.
Do Not Choose Hobbies Based on Imaginary Interview Questions
Many candidates think: “If I choose this hobby, the board may ask easy questions.” This thinking is dangerous.
- The board does not follow a fixed hobby question list
- Questions are framed dynamically, based on your responses
- Any hobby—simple or complex—can lead to deep questioning
Choosing a hobby based on imagined questions often exposes candidates when follow-up questions are asked.
Honesty Is the Only Safe Strategy
One golden rule for BPSC interview: Never lie to the interview board about your hobby.
If you believe that:
- You can prepare the theoretical part of a hobby
- You can mislead the board with memorised answers
then you are on the wrong path.
The board members are experienced administrators and academicians. They are trained to assess: Fake or exaggerated hobbies are quickly exposed.
- Depth of involvement
- Practical exposure
- Emotional attachment
- Consistency in answers
How the Board Evaluates Hobby-Related Answers
When a hobby is discussed, the board observes:
- Whether your answers are experience-based
- Whether you use natural language or bookish language
- Whether your body language supports your claims
- Whether you enjoy talking about the hobby or feel stressed
Hobby questions often act as a stress-free entry point, but can quickly turn into a personality assessment tool.
Common Hobbies Mentioned by BPSC Aspirants
Based on interview experience, the following hobbies are commonly mentioned by candidates.
- Reading books
- Writing / blogging
- Photography
- Painting
- Yoga
- Watching movies or documentaries
- Music
- Gardening
- Dancing
- Sports
- Numismatics
- Philately
- Travelling and sightseeing
- Net surfing
- Shopping
- Biking
- Trekking
Important:
There is no good or bad hobby. What matters is whether the hobby is genuine.
How to Prepare for Hobby-Related Questions (Correct Way)
If you have mentioned a hobby, prepare it in this manner:
- Reflect on personal experiences, not theory
- Be ready to explain why you like it, not definitions
- Prepare simple examples, not technical jargon
- Accept limitations honestly if asked deeper questions
For example:
- If your hobby is reading → be ready with books you genuinely read
- If your hobby is sports → be ready with personal participation, not statistics
What Happens If You Get Stuck on Hobby Questions?
If you are unable to answer a hobby-related question:
- Accept it politely
- Do not bluff
- Do not change your hobby mid-interview
- Stay calm and composed
The board values honesty over artificial brilliance.
Why Hobbies in BPSC Interview Matter
Hobby-related questions help the board assess:
- Work-life balance
- Stress management ability
- Emotional intelligence
- Consistency of personality
In administration, officers are expected to remain balanced and grounded. Hobbies provide insight into these traits.
Conclusion
Hobbies in the BPSC interview are not a decorative part of the bio-data, but a powerful tool for personality assessment. Aspirants must understand that hobbies cannot be chosen, created, or manipulated for the interview. Only genuine, regularly practised hobbies should be mentioned.
A truthful, experience-based approach to hobby questions not only keeps you safe but also creates a positive impression of honesty, maturity, and self-awareness—qualities that the BPSC interview board deeply values.
About the Author
Shahid Eqwal is a BPSC-qualified candidate (Rank 39, 63rd BPSC) and (Rank 207, 60-62nd BPSC) with experience in BPSC Prelims, Mains, and Interview guidance. He shares exam-oriented, experience-based strategies to help aspirants avoid common mistakes and prepare smartly. Read full author profile
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