Candidate-to-board allocation is done through computerised randomisation that takes place just before the commencement of interviews for that day. This means the draw is not alphabetical, not based on Mains scores, not based on category, and not based on optional subject or home state.

The Government of India confirmed this formally in a written reply to a Parliament question on 4 December 2025 (answered by MoS Jitendra Singh in the Rajya Sabha). The reply stated that candidates are randomised while being assigned to interview boards just before the commencement of interviews/personality tests for the day.

Several anti-bias measures accompany the random draw:

• The board is not told a candidate's social category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS)
• The board is not given the candidate's written examination marks
• The board has access only to the candidate's Detailed Application Form (DAF), which contains academic background, work experience, optional subject, and other personal details relevant to personality assessment

Because of the day-of randomisation, candidates do not know which board they will face when they arrive at UPSC headquarters. Coaching institutes and candidates cannot game board selection in advance.