Home country residency

I returned to India from USA on August 15, 2018. Before that I was on J-1 visa in USA. Now I am planning to go back to USA again in September, 2020. I am subjected to the 2 year home country residency requirement. I complete this requirement on August 15, 2020. But if I want to go for a US visa interview for my upcoming US visit, does that interview date also has to be after August 15, 2020 or can I appear for the interview before my 2 years are completed?