Mastering 30 Crucial IIM Interview Questions: Your Comprehensive Guide to Excel in MBA Admissions.

 

Welcome to the ultimate MBA Selection Guide! If you’re gearing up for the rigorous IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) admission process, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive article, we’re going to equip you with the Top 30 Must-Know IIM Interview Questions and reveal the secrets to acing your IIM Personal Interview. Whether you’re an aspiring business leader or simply looking to unlock the doors to success, our expert insights will be your roadmap to navigating one of the most challenging interviews in the world of academia. So, sit back, take notes, and get ready to make your dream of joining an IIM a reality. Let’s dive in!

Article Overview

1. Important facts about Personal Interviews at IIM A, IIM B, and IIM C in 2023

2. The Objective of the interview questions at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhihade, & IIM Calcutta

3. IIM interview process followed at top B-schools including IIM in India

4. Tips for answering questions in MBA interview

5. Commonly asked questions in personal interviews at IIMs

6. Top 30 questions that are frequently asked during IIM Interviews

7. Top IIM interview questions for freshers

8. Top IIM interview questions for working professionals

9. Top 10 topics to prepare for IIM  GDPI

10. The categories of topics for GDPIs are divided below

11. Here are the latest range of topics for  IIM GD-PI selections 2023-24

12. IIM Personal Interview Experience

13. Frequently Asked Questions around GDPI at IIM A, IIM B, and IIMC 

Important facts about Personal Interviews at IIM A, IIM B, and IIM C in 2023

A few points are to be noted while preparing yourself for any admission interview. Some of the major factors to be looked at or focused on while preparing yourself for an admission interview at  IIMs are mentioned below: 

• The admission interview at IIM is a crucial step in the selection process.
  
• The interview panel is made up of experienced faculty members and industry professionals.
  
• The interview focuses on assessing the candidate’s aptitude, attitude, and overall fit with the programme.
  
• It is important for candidates to be well-prepared and have a good understanding of their academic and professional background, along with your CAT grades.
  
• The interview may also include questions about current affairs, general knowledge, and ethical dilemmas.
  
• Confidence, clarity of thought, and effective communication skills are key to performing well in the interview.
  
• Candidates should also demonstrate their passion for learning, leadership potential, and ability to contribute to the IIM community.
  
• After the interview, candidates will be evaluated based on their overall performance and suitability for the programme.
  

These are the major key factors to be considered while preparing yourself for an interview at IIM or for any other MBA interview. The interview sessions are not just limited to bookish knowledge or limited subjects understanding; it’s beyond that, a student with high qualifications may fail the interview if they don’t know how to represent themselves. Interviews not only seek academic achievements but also personality enhancement. 

Also Read: IIM Bangalore and ISB Secure Top-5 Spots in the Asia-Pacific Region: Bloomberg’s 2023-24 Annual B-School Rankings

The objective of the interview questions at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode & IIM Calcutta & other top B-schools

The objective of the admission interview is to prepare the students for the bigger world, which doesn’t revolve around their limited knowledge and subjects. Some of its major objectives for the betterment of students are: 

• The main objective of the IIM admission interview is to assess the candidate’s suitability for the programme.
  
• The interview aims to evaluate the candidate’s communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall personality traits.
  
• The interview panel tries to gauge the candidate’s motivation and interest in the programme and their career goals.
  
• The interview also provides an opportunity for the candidate to express their unique perspectives and experiences.
  
• One of its objectives is to select candidates who will thrive in the programme and contribute positively to the academic and social environment of IIM.

To break the nutshell of the world we have been living in during our schooling and graduation. IIMs look forward to enhancing the personality and confidence of the students through their interview sessions. In these interviews, whether a student qualifies or doesn’t, each learns about their flaws and claws. 

IIM interview process followed at top B-schools including IIM in India

The interview process for the top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) typically follows a multi-stage selection process. While specific details may vary from year to year, here is a general outline of the interview process for the top IIMs:

1. CAT Score Screening:
   • The first step is the Common Admission Test (CAT), a nationwide competitive exam.
     
   • Candidates must meet the minimum CAT score cutoff to be considered for further rounds.
     
     
2. Shortlisting for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI):
   • Based on CAT scores, candidates are shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
     
   • Shortlisted candidates are usually informed through email.

3. Written Ability Test (WAT):
   
   
   • In the WAT, candidates are given a topic and asked to write an essay or provide written responses within a specified time frame.
     
   • The purpose is to assess a candidate’s written communication skills and ability to express ideas concisely.
     
     
4. Personal Interview (PI):
   • Candidates who perform well in the WAT are invited for the PI.
     
   • The PI panel typically consists of faculty members, alumni, and industry experts.
     
   • Questions can range from your background, work experience, academic achievements, and your motivation for pursuing an MBA.

5. Group Discussion (GD):
   
   
   • Some IIMs may include a Group Discussion round along with or instead of WAT.
     
   • In GD, candidates are given a topic for discussion and assessed on their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

6. Academic Performance and Work Experience:
   • Your academic performance, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, is taken into account.
     
   • Work experience is also considered, and candidates may be asked about their roles, achievements, and contributions.

7. Diversity Factors:
   • Many IIMs aim for a diverse student body, so factors such as gender diversity and non-engineering backgrounds may be considered during the selection process.

8. Final Selection:
   • The final selection is based on a composite score that includes CAT score, WAT/PI performance, academic background, work experience, and diversity factors.
     
   • Each IIM may have its own selection criteria and weightage for these factors.

9. Merit List Announcement:
   • Candidates who make the final merit list are offered admission to the MBA programme.
     
   • Merit lists are typically released on the IIM’s official website.

10. Acceptance and Enrollment:
    • If offered admission, candidates must confirm their acceptance and complete the enrollment process within the stipulated time frame.

It’s important to note that the interview process may vary slightly between different IIMs and can change from year to year. Candidates should carefully review the specific selection criteria and process outlined by the IIM to which they are applying and prepare accordingly.

Also Read: How to Crack IIM Ahmedabad Interview? Tips By IIM Converts – IIM Interview Questions and Answers, Ft. Personal Interview Experiences 

Tips for answering questions in MBA interview:

Here are a few tips that students may consider while preparing for the very first admission interview for an MBA. 

• Be prepared: Research the programme and understand its values, strengths, and goals.
  
• Practice common interview questions: Review frequently asked interview questions and prepare thoughtful and concise answers.
  
• Highlight your strengths: Emphasise your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the program’s goals.
  
• Be authentic: Be yourself and showcase your genuine interest in the programme and your motivation for pursuing an MBA.
  
• Demonstrate effective communication: Clearly articulate your thoughts, listen actively, and respond confidently and respectfully to the interviewers.
  
• Show your potential: Discuss your future career goals and how the programme can help you achieve them.
  
• Ask questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme to show your genuine interest and engagement.
  
  

If you’ve followed all the tips and tricks provided here to ace the IIM personal Interview, then you are ready to step into the big world of competition. Everything needs struggle and hard work, and so does getting an education from the top MBA colleges in India. 

Commonly asked questions in personal interviews at IIMs

List of frequently asked questions in the interview sessions at IIMs are: 

1. Why Pursue an MBA: This is one of the most crucial questions commonly posed during MBA admission interviews, seeking insights into the candidate’s motivation.
   
   
2. Introduction: Another frequently encountered question in MBA personal interviews is the classic “Tell us about yourself.
   
   
3. COVID-19-Related Queries: In recent times, one of the frequently asked questions during MBA personal interviews pertains to the pandemic’s impact. These questions may delve into a candidate’s perspective on COVID-19’s origin or even require an explanation of complex models like the Hidden Markov Model and R0 in the context of COVID-19.
   
   
4. Inquiries Based on Academic Background: The candidate’s academic history serves as a rich source of questions during personal interviews. For example, questions may revolve around the relevance of their undergraduate background to Business Analytics or their key areas of academic interest at the institution.
   
   
5. Work Experience-Related Questions: If a candidate possesses prior work experience, it becomes a pivotal area of discussion, generating a set of top questions in MBA personal interviews. Candidates should be well-prepared for such inquiries to excel in their interviews.
   
   
6. Questions Related to Hometown or State: Interviewers often seek to gauge a candidate’s familiarity with their place of residence. Consequently, there are notable MBA personal interview questions that relate to a candidate’s native region.
   
   
7. Why Choose a Specific Business School: Among the most common questions posed during personal interviews for MBA aspirants, the rationale behind selecting a particular business school stands out.
   
   
8. Expertise and Specialisation: Certain business schools expect students to outline their career goals post-MBA and specify their chosen specialisation for the second year of studies, accompanied by a rationale.

9. Questions About Recent Events: Staying informed about current events is essential for personal interviews. Questions may cover a range of topics, from pandemic updates to political developments to global issues.
   
   
10. Extracurricular Achievements: Candidates with exceptional extracurricular achievements, such as sports or other pursuits, should be prepared for questions that delve into their accomplishments and their relevance to their MBA journey.

Also Read: IIM Kozhikode Ranks #77 in Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2023

Top 30 questions that are frequently asked during IIM Interviews (general questions)

Here are the 30 most general questions asked during IIM personal interview rounds at IIM A, IIM B & IIM C. 

1. Would you like to share if you enjoy any extracurricular activities?
   
2. Walk me through your resume.
   
3. Which state do you come from? Who’s its governor?
   
4. What are the other examinations you have appeared in/ qualified for?
   
5. What are your current activities during this period?
   
6. As you have received calls from other business schools, which business school would you like to join?
   
7. Could you prepare a meal for me?
   
8. What’s integration?
   
9. So, can you please integrate “X^2 +2” from 0-2 without integrating but using summation?
   
10. What is leadership?
    
11. Name your favourite subjects from your last semester.
    
12. Can you explain why the figures of Nifty and Sensex keep fluctuating every hour, in fact, every minute?
    
13. Suppose you’re in a crowded café, and a random girl comes and proposes to you on her knees holding a flower, How would you react or say that would break her heart and make her happy simultaneously?
    
14. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected your life?
    
15. What’s the difference between commerce and e-commerce?
    
16. Any recent news that touched your sentiments, either positively or negatively?
    
17. What is bubble sorting? What is the time complexity of bubble sorting?
    
18. What are your expectations from an MBA?
    
19. Where do you imagine yourself after five years?
    
20. What are you motivated by?
    
21. How will an MBA support your life goals?
    
22. Mention any one life experience that you wish to change.
    
23. Who do you admire and wish to be like?
    
24. What did you learn from your failures till now?
    
25. What are the negative qualities that you are working on?
    
26. Who is your role model?
    
27. What differentiates a good manager and a good leader?
    
28. Would you rather work independently or in a collaborative setting?
    
29. Where else have you applied? What other calls have you received?
    
30. Tell us about your dream Institute.
    

Top IIM interview questions for freshers

IIM interview questions for freshers based on academic learning – engineers and non-engineers. 

1. What will you contribute to the class, as you have no working experience?
   
2. Have you ever faced any situation where you had to deal with a management issue?
   
3. What was your favourite subject, and what was your least favourite subject?
   
4. What was your moment of strength, and what was your moment of weakness?
   
5. Why not take a job that you have got in campus placement and then come for an MBA?
   
6. What are your hobbies?
   
7. What would you do if singing was the criteria to get into IIM?
   
8. What are the scenarios where you showed your leadership examples?
   
9. Does XYZ policy have any effect on our economy, Is it really helping?
   
10. Why in this particular semester your marks in not consistent?
    
11. You are a fresher. Why should we shortlist you over some other candidate who has pursued BCom and has relevant work experience?
    
12. With 3 years of work experience in the IT industry, do you think you will be able to adapt to a Sales Role?
    
13. State the law of thermodynamics
    
14. Explain the working of diesel and petrol engines.
    
15. What are SI engines? How are they different from CI engines?
    
16. What is an isothermic reaction?
    
17. What is a water hammer?
    
18. What is feedback? 

Also Read: How To Ace The GDPI Process at GIM? Tips By Goa Institute of Management MBA Converts | GD PI WAT Preparation Strategy & Topics List

Top IIM interview questions for working professionals

MBA interview questions for working professionals based on their learning. 

1. Tell us about your professional journey and career progression so far.
2. What motivated you to pursue an MBA after gaining work experience?
3. Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you handled it.
4. What is your leadership style, and can you provide an example of a leadership experience?
5. Discuss a major accomplishment or project you’ve been a part of at your workplace.
6. How do you handle conflicts and disagreements within a team?
7. What skills or qualities do you think make you a strong candidate for our MBA program?
8. Share an instance where you had to adapt to a rapidly changing business environment.
9. What do you believe are the most significant trends or challenges in your industry?
10. How do you plan to contribute to the diversity and learning environment at our institute?
11. Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision with limited information.
12. What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how does an MBA align with them?
13. How do you prioritise your tasks and manage time effectively in a demanding work setting?
14. Discuss a failure or setback in your professional life and what you learned from it.
15. Why did you choose our specific IIM, and what aspects of our programme appeal to you?

These questions are designed to assess a candidate’s professional experience, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the MBA programme and institution. It’s essential to prepare thoughtful responses and provide specific examples from your work experience to support your answers.

Top 10 topics to prepare for IIM  GDPI 

Here’s a list of the top 10 topics to prepare for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds at IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management):

1. Current Affairs and General Knowledge:

• • Stay updated on recent national and international events, government policies, and social issues.
    

2. Economic Trends and Budget:

• • Understand economic concepts, budgetary policies, and their impact on the country’s economy.
    

3.  Business and Industry Trends:

• • Be aware of the latest developments in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
    

4. Case Studies and Business Scenarios:

• • Practice analysing business cases, market trends, and problem-solving scenarios.
    

5. Personal Background and Achievements:

• • Be prepared to discuss your educational and professional journey, as well as significant achievements and experiences.
    

6.  Leadership and Teamwork:

• • Reflect on your leadership style, teamwork experiences, and how you contribute to a team’s success.
    

7. Ethical Dilemmas:

• • Be ready to discuss ethical issues and dilemmas that professionals often face in the workplace.
    

8. Social and Environmental Issues:

• • Understand critical social and environmental challenges and potential solutions.
    

9. Why MBA and Career Goals:

• Clearly articulate your motivation for pursuing an MBA and your short-term and long-term career goals.

10. Institute-Specific Questions:

• Research the IIM you are applying to and be prepared to answer questions about why you want to join that specific institution and how you align with its values and programmes.
  

Remember that while these topics provide a good starting point for preparation, the actual GDPI process may cover a wide range of subjects. It’s essential to stay updated, practice communication skills, and be ready to think critically and express your thoughts effectively during the interviews and discussions.

The categories of topics for GDPIs are divided below:

1. Business & Economy topics: These chats usually dive into the current wave of business and economic tendencies, critical policy amendments, and the latest shifts in the business world – all rounding to their effects on both global and national scales.
2. Current Affairs topics: Group conversations on this topic often revolve around timely political events, policies, and issues. They provoke extensive debates across media and even in society at large. 
3. Issues Discussions: Top-tier MBA schools are now putting a lot more weight on the growth of socially conscious leaders. This has resulted in a greater focus on digging into issues like gender equality, environmental consciousness, ethical behavior, and other pivotal societal matters.
4. The Abstract Discussions: This category contains topics with multiple interpretations. This gives candidates the opportunity to flaunt their creative side and critical thinking skills as they delve into different viewpoints.

Here are the latest range of topics for  IIM GD-PI selections 2023-24

1. CHAT GPT- Pros and Cons
   
2. Agnipath Scheme
   
3. India, as the G20 host
   
4. Work-Life Balance is a Myth
   
5. Innovation Vs. Invention
   
6. Do we need more entrepreneurs than managers?
   
7. How capable is India of leading the Solar Energy and wind Energy revolution?
   
8. Will India be able to double Farmers’ Income in the next 5 years?
   
9. Views on Retirement Homes 
   
10. Does India need a uniform civil code- For or against?

Also Read: Full-Time MBA vs. Global MBA Programmes, Ft. Dr. Christopher Abraham, CEO & Head – Dubai Campus, S P Jain School of Global Management

IIM Personal Interview Experience

Here are 5 interview experiences to help you prepare:

Experience 1: Candidate: Sweta Arora , Date: 15th March, Morning Slot

Panel Composition: 3 Panellists (2 Males, 1 Female)

Initially, the panel discussed my Statement of Purpose (SOP), focusing on my self-motivation claim. They asked for an example, and I shared a college experience. The conversation then shifted to my participation in an International Space Design contest during school. They assumed I had switched from science to commerce, but I clarified that the contest was in 8th grade.

They probed further about the contest’s challenges, which I struggled to recall. Subsequently, we discussed recent space developments and Elon Musk’s ventures. This led to a discussion on Musk’s entrepreneurship and his tendency to engage in various projects.

The panel questioned my favourite undergrad subject, marketing, and followed with marketing-related queries. I confidently answered these.

The female professor asked about the impact of branding, advertising, and packaging on consumer thinking. I explained their subconscious influence on choices based on recognisable brand elements.

The conversation shifted to accounting, where I initially mentioned branding expenses as an expense but later considered them intangible assets if they increased goodwill.

The panel pressed for specifics, and I struggled to answer clearly. We also discussed “money” and Bitcoin’s classification.

They questioned me on the backing of the rupee and currency notes. I couldn’t recall the exact wording.

They asked about the Nirav Modi case and recent banking instruments, which I partially addressed.

Lastly, they presented a statement involving Stephen Hawking, and I admitted uncertainty about its accuracy.

The interview ended with thanks and an offer of candy, leaving me with mixed feelings about my performance. I did not get in.

Experience 2: Candidate: Akansha Chatra, CAT Score: 98.55%

Akansha Chatra shared her inspiring journey to IIM Bangalore. Growing up in Jamshedpur, she was active in both academics and extracurricular activities, excelling in debates and mooting. Her love for economics led her to pursue an arts degree at Pune’s Ferguson College, where she notably managed a team of 31 individuals for the Wall Street Economics Fest.

Balancing work and CAT preparation, Akansha dedicated two hours every weekday morning and solved a daily CAT paper while also making time for gym workouts. She consistently practiced mock tests, which led to improved scores and a final percentile of 98.55.

Akansha excelled in the VARC section, achieving a percentile of 99.71 despite coming from an arts background. She focused on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math. She emphasised the importance of practicing the previous year’s questions and relied on online resources and YouTube during her preparation.

Her interviews with various institutions, including Lucknow and Bangalore, went well, with Bangalore being the most challenging. Her confidence and ability to maintain a smile even in tough situations proved beneficial.

Akansha’s hard work and determination paid off, and she secured admission to IIM Bangalore, fulfilling her dream. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring MBA candidates.

Experience 3: Candidate: Jhalak Mittal, CAT Score: 98.78%

During my interview experiences, I noticed some recurring themes and questions. These insights can be helpful for future applicants:

1. Favorite Subject: Interviews often kick off by asking about your favorite subject. Choosing a subject you are well-versed in and comfortable discussing is crucial. Be prepared to answer questions related to this subject and provide examples to support your choice.
2. HR Questions: Expect to be quizzed on HR-related questions, including “Why MBA?” and “Why pursue an MBA as a fresher?” It’s important to articulate your motivations, career goals, and why you are interested in joining a specific college. Confidence in acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses is key.
3. Hobbies and Interests: Be ready to discuss your hobbies and interests. It’s not just about listing them; you should also be able to explain why these activities are meaningful to you and how they have contributed to your personal growth.
4. Current Affairs: Stay updated on current affairs and major events. Interviewers may inquire about recent news or developments, so being informed is crucial.
5. Home Town and Family Business:  In my Bangalore interview, the discussion centered around my hometown and my family’s business. It’s important to remember that interview questions often build on your previous responses. Avoid mentioning topics you are not well-informed about, as this can lead to more detailed questioning. Be prepared to discuss unique aspects of your hometown and your family business, including how it operates and any distinctive features.

In my case, I didn’t have any notable achievements in national or state-level sports competitions, but I highlighted my involvement in various extracurricular activities during my college years. These experiences showcased my leadership skills and versatility.

Overall, thorough preparation across various topics and self-reflection on your strengths and weaknesses can greatly enhance your performance during MBA interviews.

Experience 4: Candidate: Umang Gupta

Institution: IIM Bangalore

Panel: 2 Panellists

Umang Gupta, a chartered accountant with an All India rank of 3 in the CA finals, shared his experiences and motivations during his interview at IIM Bangalore. Here is a summary of his interview:

1. Introduction: Umang introduced himself and mentioned his current role as a management trainee at Marico, where he worked on projects related to cost optimisation and Middle East area analysis. He also shared his passion for chess and finance, emphasising his pursuit of the CFA designation.
2. Why MBA: When asked about his reasons for pursuing an MBA, Umang expressed his desire to gain a holistic understanding of various business aspects, including operations, supply chain, marketing, and finance. He highlighted his interest in learning from diverse perspectives, top faculty, and a strong alumni network.
3. Marico Experience: Umang discussed his work at Marico, particularly projects on optimising advertising spend and profitability analysis in the Middle East. He emphasised the importance of analysing brand, store, and channel profitability to uncover anomalies and exceptions.
4. Sales Stint: Umang elaborated on his experience during the sales stint as part of the management training programme. He mentioned the importance of understanding ground-level operations and competitor insights, which he gained by visiting retailers in the market.
5. Financial Question: Umang was asked about calculating diluted earnings per share (EPS) for a leveraged company with in-the-money convertible debentures. He started to explain the process but was interrupted before completing his answer.
6. Repo Rate Question: When asked about the repo rate, Umang stated that measures like the repo rate alone might not fully revive the economy but emphasised that a combination of measures would be more effective.
7. Questions for the Panel: Umang concluded the interview by asking the panel for advice on joining IIM Bangalore as a chartered accountant.

The interview panel appreciated Umang’s confidence and expressed interest in seeing how his interview would fare. Umang thanked the panel and left the interview.

Umang’s interview experience demonstrated his enthusiasm for learning and his ability to relate his professional experiences to the MBA programme. His background as a chartered accountant and his exposure to financial analysis were notable aspects of his interview.

Experience 5: Candidate: Sidra Khan

Institution: IIM Bangalore

Panel: 2 Panellists

Sidra Khan, an applicant to IIM Bangalore, faced a panel of two interviewers during her interview. Here is a summary of her interview:

1. Introduction: Sidra began by sharing an instance of pride and embarrassment from her life. She mentioned receiving a Certificate of Merit from CBSE for scoring 98 out of 100 in English during her 12th board exams. As an embarrassing incident, she recalled singing loudly in the library while preparing for CAT, which caused a scene and drew the librarian’s attention.
2. Singing Criteria: The panel humorously asked her how she would handle the situation if singing were a major admission criterion. Sidra responded that she would prefer English rap songs over Hindi songs to focus more on lyrics, as she felt it would be an area where she could perform better.
3. Career Choice: Sidra was asked why she wanted to pursue an MBA without gaining work experience first. She explained that her current job as a data engineering analyst at Accenture did not align with her long-term career goals. She expressed a strong desire to learn various managerial domains to become a competent manager.
4. Contribution as a Fresher: The panel questioned how she planned to contribute as a fresher when candidates with work experience could offer more. Sidra acknowledged that she might not contribute as much from an experiential perspective but emphasised her enthusiasm, quick learning ability, and competitive nature. She also mentioned her involvement in dance and cultural activities.
5. Favourite and Least Favourite Subjects: Sidra revealed that her favourite subject was thermodynamics, while her least favourite was mass transfer due to the complexities involved.
6. Management Experience: Sidra shared an instance from her college life when she had to balance academic exams and securing sponsors for a cultural event, showcasing her management skills.
7. Dealing with Sponsor Backing Out: She was presented with a hypothetical scenario where the principal sponsor for an event withdrew support just before the event. Sidra mentioned that she would try to understand the reason behind the withdrawal and work to compensate by bringing in multiple smaller sponsors in a short amount of time.
8. Choice of Engineering Over English: The panel asked why she chose engineering over English when her English scores were excellent. Sidra explained that she had a genuine interest in physics and mathematics, which led her to pursue engineering.
9. Academic Performance Dip: The panel inquired about her academic performance, specifically in the 5th semester, where her CGPA dropped from 8.84 to 6.7. Sidra admitted that it was her fault as she didn’t manage her studies well during that period due to procrastination. She had been diagnosed with chickenpox and couldn’t study during the exams, but she took responsibility for not preparing earlier.
10. Leadership Skills: Sidra highlighted her leadership experiences, such as leading a group during industrial training, serving as a literary minister in her school’s cabinet, and being a member of the Chemical Student Association in college.
11. Conclusion: The interview concluded with the panel expressing their appreciation for the conversation, and Sidra thanked them.

Sidra’s interview revealed her ability to handle a range of questions, showcase her strengths, and accept responsibility for her academic performance during a challenging time. Her enthusiasm, competitive nature, and involvement in extracurricular activities were emphasised throughout the interview.

10 Frequently Asked Questions around GDPI at IIM A, IIM B, and IIMC 

Here’s the corrected version with proper grammar and punctuation:

1. What is generally asked in IIM interviews?

Commonly asked questions during IIM interviews are:

• Tell us something about yourself.
  
• What is your greatest weakness? What are your key skills/greatest strengths?
  
• Where do you see yourself five years down the line?
  
• Why should we give you admission to our college?
  
• What is your greatest achievement?
  

2. When should I start preparing for it?

Initiate your GD (Group Discussion) preparation concurrently with your CAT/XAT preparation. Right after completing the written exam, shift your attention to preparing for the Group Discussion round, as it carries significant weight in the final selection process. To effectively prepare for a group discussion, stay informed about current events and global happenings.

3. How to prepare for GDPI for IIM B?

Engage with newspapers and editorials regularly. Many IIMs include a Written Ability Test (WAT) where you are required to compose a well-structured essay of approximately 300 words. To master the art of essay writing, it is advisable to study exemplary essays and improve your communication skills.

4. Has GD been removed from the IIM B interview?

Due to various factors, many IIMs have gradually eliminated the Group Discussion (GD) from their selection processes. Currently, only Kozhikode conducts GD as part of its selection process, and even this practice is becoming increasingly rare.

5. How to crack GD rounds?

• Awareness of Topics relating to Your Background Is Crucial.
  
• Take the Lead.
  
• Work On Your Body Language.
  
• Listen carefully; Do Not Just Hear.
  
• Be the First to summarize the Discussion.
  
• There Is No Place for Aggression in Group Discussions.
  
• Communicate Effectively.
  
• Avoid Deviating From the Topic.
  

6. How to crack the GD group discussion?

• Lead the Discussion.
  
• Summarise Key Points.
  
• Listen carefully; Do Not Just Hear.
  
• Make Eye Contact.
  
• Ensure Strong Body Language.
  
• Dress Professionally.
  
• Strengthen Your Statements with Stats and Examples.
  

7. Is GD and PI tough?

PI and GD are not tough. You can easily crack them by being confident about yourself.

8. How do you introduce yourself in GDPI?

Begin with a straightforward opener like “Hello, I’m [Your Name],” and then smoothly transition into your topic. Exude confidence as you introduce yourself.

9. How to prepare for GD in 5 minutes?

Seize the Initiative: Taking the lead can be a strategic move if you notice others hesitating; being the first to speak positions you as a confident individual, unafraid to voice your thoughts, and offers an advantage. Nevertheless, it’s important to convey specific points and avoid speaking excessively.

10. How do I prepare for GD and extempore?

Here are three valuable tips for Group Discussion preparation:

1. Stay Informed:
   
   • Stay updated by exploring trending GD topics, reviewing past GD subjects, and regularly reading diverse opinions on various topics.
     
     
2. Enhance Listening Skills:
   
   • Cultivate the skill of active listening, an essential trait for successful participation in group discussions.
     
     
3. Effective Communication:
   
   • Master the art of articulate and fact-based communication to make a substantial impact on fellow GD participants.
     

11. Which IIM has the toughest interview?

The interview rounds of IIMs pose a formidable challenge, as gaining admission to a prestigious institution is no simple feat. According to certain candidates, the most challenging interviews are held at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Bangalore.

12: Which are the top MBA colleges in India? 

The top MBA B-Schools in India best recommended to pursue an MBA are: 

B-SCHOOL NAME	NIRF Ranking 2023
IIM Ahmedabad	1
IIM Bangalore	2
IIM  Kozhikode	3
IIM Calcutta	4
IIT Delhi	5
IIM Lucknow	6
NITIE Mumbai	7
IIM Indore	8
XLRI	9
IIT Bombay	10

 

 

References 

 

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