Why MBA? Why IIM? - How To Tackle The Trickiest Questions In An IIM Interview? - Online Courses to Learn Skills for your Job

Sachin Jagtap

Good evening Niteen

01:01 PM

Niteen Bali

Hi guys and gals. You can start posting your queries regarding important interview questions here and I shall glad take that up :)

01:02 PM

Sachin Jagtap

Good evening Niteen

01:01 PM

Niteen Bali

Good Evening Sachin

01:03 PM

Sachin Jagtap

I have a gap of 2.5 yrs after engg,how will that affect in PI?

01:03 PM

ASHISH KUMAR

HI NITIN

01:05 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

Hey Niteen. It's nice to have your help here. Really appreciated! In order to answer the 'Why MBA' question, I thought of talking about the importance of managers I felt during one of my internship. It was a big manufacturing firm. And I thought of saying that even in a manufacturing firm, I saw managers are vital! Does this approach seem okay?

01:05 PM

Sachin Jagtap

I have a gap of 2.5 yrs after engg,how will that affect in PI?

01:03 PM

Niteen Bali

Expect that to def be raised. You can infact use that as an asset. Can you please specify if you can, why did you have the gap? For instance, you can convince the panellists that you are getting into IIM as a part of your journey of self exploration and this decision you arrived at during your gap years

01:06 PM

Mahalakshmi Hundekar

i attempted 24 questions in CAT 2016 with 60% accuracy... can u say me excpected %ile?? and my MAT score is 628.5 am getting confusion in choosing b schools can u help me?

01:06 PM

Ambwarish Jana

Is it true that IIM Nagpur and IIM Sirmaur won't conduct any GD-PI this year ?

01:06 PM

Shreyash Gupta

Hi Niteen, I am working with a small scale manufacturing unit from past 3 years. The company despite a SME has a decent profile annd clientele. What you think, what kind of questions i should be prepared of?

01:07 PM

SARATH SASIKUMAR

Hi Niteen, Do you know someone with 6+ years of experience who converted IIM A,B or C?

01:07 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

Hey Niteen. It's nice to have your help here. Really appreciated! In order to answer the 'Why MBA' question, I thought of talking about the importance of managers I felt during one of my internship. It was a big manufacturing firm. And I thought of saying that even in a manufacturing firm, I saw managers are vital! Does this approach seem okay?

01:05 PM

Niteen Bali

Yes. it indeed is alright. But, be ready to face rebuttal. Panellists are smart enuf to know that candidates are smart. So, they would prode to get authentic reaction

01:07 PM

SARATH SASIKUMAR

Hi Niteen, Do you know someone with 6+ years of experience who converted IIM A,B or C?

01:07 PM

Niteen Bali

Yes. But very few. Hardly 2 or 4 in IIMC current batch InsideIIM has data (graphs) on the distribution

01:08 PM

ASHISH KUMAR

HI NITIN

01:05 PM

Niteen Bali

Hi Ashish

01:09 PM

Sachin Jagtap

Niteen, I have this gap because I was working on the project with Defence Institute of Advanced Technologies. It started in 3rd yr egg and completed on june 2016. But due to Confidentality clause involved, I dont have documents supporting it except project report signed by DIAT prof.

01:09 PM

Saikat Roy

Hey Niteen, what would be your personal answer to why mbam

01:10 PM

Shreyash Gupta

Hi Niteen, I am working with a small scale manufacturing unit from past 3 years. The company despite a SME has a decent profile annd clientele. What you think, what kind of questions i should be prepared of?

01:07 PM

Niteen Bali

Not many technical. Even if you are thrown one, they are mainly interested in how you handled the situation and your approach - which gives away your professional character (mind you it is different from your personal). So bear this in mind when you give answers. Mainly, what was your contribution. Also, stress on leadership traits you displayed - such as team work and taking risks

01:11 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

I have had an average undergrad performance in IIT B. Although I have taken part in extra-currics, there are no significant achievements. However, I can speak of what I learnt while participating through them and have few good memories too. So, does this satisfy the panelists or are they looking for some achievements in what I did? This is a major doubt that I have actually...

01:12 PM

Saikat Roy

Hey Niteen, what would be your personal answer to why mbam

01:10 PM

Niteen Bali

Hey Saikat. I was not asked directly. That is often the case. Panellists are smart enuf to camaflouge the question and piece out the answer based on your answer to many questions

01:12 PM

Midhun T Bharathan

What us the best answer for, Tell me about yourself , explain you in 3 words , whats are your weaknesses

01:14 PM

Saikat Roy

Hey Niteen, what would be your personal answer to why mbam

01:10 PM

Niteen Bali

You can check it out here https://insideiim.com/niteen-balis-iim-c-interview-experience/?src=bali In IIMC interview I was candid and gave candid answer - that I was not really sure of joining IIMC since I was contemplating doing eco abroad. But told of my inability to finance it and since IIMC has one of the best eco dept., it was an obvious choice. Later, while asking about my career goals, this issue was again raised and I made the panelists understand how IIMC would be very much relevant to my career ambitions

01:15 PM

Shailesh Mahapatro

Hi Niteen, I am working in a market research firm and work is somehow hectic. Want to prepare well for the interviews and Cfa exam in June. So, planning to leave the job. Will it be a right decision to leave the job now. Will it give a bad impression on panelist that I am unable to handle additional pressure.

01:17 PM

Midhun T Bharathan

What us the best answer for, Tell me about yourself , explain you in 3 words , whats are your weaknesses

01:14 PM

Niteen Bali

Hey Midhun, Tell me about yourself is a gr8 opportunity 2 begin on high note. Do not be just mundane. You need to sound different frm the hundred other candidates they r interviewing. For instance, I told abt myself using quotes from my fav books/movies such as - A shore waiting for the tide (MBA). I know of a friend who used poetry to say the same

01:18 PM

Shailesh Mahapatro

Hi Niteen, I am working in a market research firm and work is somehow hectic. Want to prepare well for the interviews and Cfa exam in June. So, planning to leave the job. Will it be a right decision to leave the job now. Will it give a bad impression on panelist that I am unable to handle additional pressure.

01:17 PM

Niteen Bali

I donot think it would be an issue since you would be leaving for hardly 4 months. But the issue is ur CFA results wont be out. Be sure to mention about ur efforts towards CFA

01:21 PM

Sachin Jagtap

Niteen, I have this 2.5 yrs gap because I was working on the project with Defence Institute of Advanced Technologies. It started in 3rd yr egg and completed on june 2016. But due to Confidentality clause involved, I dont have documents supporting it except project report signed by DIAT prof. Will that be accepted?

01:21 PM

Niteen Bali

Guys, for further info, pls look into these links : https://insideiim.com/niteen-balis-iim-c-interview-experience/?src=bali https://insideiim.com/why-a-fresher-should-avoid-mba-niteen-from-iim-calcutta/?src=bali https://insideiim.com/my-musings-on-getting-the-cat-out-of-the-bag-niteen-iim-calcutta/?src=bali

01:21 PM

Niteen Bali

Onkar from IIMC will help me answer few questions. Thank you Onkar

01:22 PM

Sachin Jagtap

Niteen, I have this 2.5 yrs gap because I was working on the project with Defence Institute of Advanced Technologies. It started in 3rd yr egg and completed on june 2016. But due to Confidentality clause involved, I dont have documents supporting it except project report signed by DIAT prof. Will that be accepted?

01:21 PM

Niteen Bali

Yes. it will be. Be ready to face questions on why from a purely tech to managerial role. You could take it as change of heart (dicey yet good) or that u want to gain leadership skills (safe but not very exciting) They may ask y u need MBA to gain skills which u can get via work experience

01:24 PM

Onkar Shaligram

@Abhishek Nambiar You should show be able to convince the panelists that you are quite passionate about extracurriculars. They can grill you in detail about what you did and what were your learnings. Also, if you show an aptitude towards learning new things, it should help.

01:25 PM

Shreyash Gupta

After graduation and before joining this manufacturing company, i had almost used 1 1/2 year to explore new ideas as an entrepreneur but failed to pace it up and therefore i have not included this span in my profile while filling the CAT form. What you think whether i should mention it or skip it during the interview?

01:25 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

I have had an average undergrad performance in IIT B. Although I have taken part in extra-currics, there are no significant achievements. However, I can speak of what I learnt while participating through them and have few good memories too. So, does this satisfy the panelists or are they looking for some achievements in what I did? This is a major doubt that I have actually...

01:12 PM

Niteen Bali

No Abhishek. Many people talk abt extra currics and a lot of stories are fudged or exaggerated. They realise that. So do not just stick to extra currics. Extrapolate them to how it is impacted your personality and how do you want to take it forward in life. For instance, in IIFT interview I spoke only about my craze for movies and novels and related the same to my understanding of world and used it to give insights on current affairs such as Syria

01:27 PM

Onkar Shaligram

@SARATH SASIKUMAR , there is at least one person in our batch at IIM C who has 6 year work experience and I know a few others in the junior batch who have more than 6 years of work ex.

01:27 PM

Mahalakshmi Hundekar

i attempted 24 questions in CAT 2016 with 60% accuracy... can u say me excpected %ile?? and my MAT score is 628.5 am getting confusion in choosing b schools can u help me?

01:06 PM

Niteen Bali

Hey, I donot think this is relevant chat platform for this question. Please keep in touch with konversations and you will find one.

01:28 PM

ASHISH KUMAR

I need some suggestion or contacts to resolve following point. I have 5 years of exp. in which last 2.5 year in L&T hydrocarbon but don't have good academics B.Tech.(Mech.)-67.16, 10+2(U.P. Board)-59.40, and 10 (U.P. Board)-57.33 and resigned in nov2016 due hectic and labour dealing jobs. I want to go for further studies in management 1). So which one is better to prepare Gmat or cat. 2). Do my lower academic % affect if I will try for Regular Executive Programs, 3). After executive program will I eligible to apply for Phd.

01:31 PM

Harikrishnan Renjan

How do we know if mba is right for a person? What do we learn in mba ? Is it a rat race ?

01:31 PM

Shreyash Gupta

After graduation and before joining this manufacturing company, i had almost used 1 1/2 year to explore new ideas as an entrepreneur but failed to pace it up and therefore i have not included this span in my profile while filling the CAT form. What you think whether i should mention it or skip it during the interview?

01:25 PM

Niteen Bali

Bad decision. Failure can be an asset. Even during company interviews. You need to answer what you learnt from it. It also shows your initiation skills and willing to take ownership.

01:32 PM

Mahalakshmi Hundekar

i attempted 24 questions in CAT 2016 with 60% accuracy... can u say me excpected %ile?? and my MAT score is 628.5 am getting confusion in choosing b schools can u help me?

01:06 PM

Niteen Bali

CAT mocks are more about self introspection than weighing yourself against others. I mean which mock test is this? How do they generate these percentiles? But few pointers (May or may not make sense. You understand yourself the best. I cannot generalise for you) Clear the basics. As in do not just memorise formulae. Understand reasoning behind them and question them consistently. This should be followed by playing around with the concepts and formulaes to suit specific questions. Since most CAT questions aren’t like board exam questions where you identify relevant formulae and blindly apply the same. Practice is one way for the same. Most importantly, analyse mistakes and try to link questions. Quite a few question types are inter related and quite a few have variegated approaches. Yea, before I forget. Time management is key. So is ability to attempt each section. Even after a lot of practice if you are getting such low scores, maybe you are over doing questions that is ending with many negative markings due to wrong answers.

01:33 PM

Apurva Jha

I am in a integrated course I.e btech+mtech and now further want to pursue MBA what will be the ideal answer to why MBA?

01:34 PM

Harikrishnan Renjan

How do we know if mba is right for a person? What do we learn in mba ? Is it a rat race ?

01:31 PM

Niteen Bali

Go through the vision, mission of colleges along with their courses listed on their website. Talk to people who have been there as well as who chose not to after getting admission. MBA is as mentioned in coll websites not about molding managers, but future leaders. First year you will get exposure to plethora of courses from diverse streams. Second year, it is your prerogative completely on what all course you want to do. Even environment, public policy etc.. Most importantly, life at MBA helps you build a character which is helpful in your profession

01:36 PM

Apurva Jha

I am in a integrated course I.e btech+mtech and now further want to pursue MBA what will be the ideal answer to why MBA?

01:34 PM

Niteen Bali

Hey, it is not an issue. Infact, Onkar has integrated degree from IIT B. He will ans you

01:38 PM

Onkar Shaligram

@Harikrishnan Renjan, MBA is quite competitive when it comes to placements. It depends on what your objectives are for doing a MBA. If you join MBA with placement as your main objective, expect a rat race. If you want to gain a broader perspective about different aspects of business, then you will learn a lot of things in MBA. MBA also helps a lot in networking. Coming to deciding if MBA is right for a person, I would suggest think why do you want to do a MBA. Networking, learning and placement are the most common answers which people have. As long as you are clear about your goal, MBA allows you an opportunity for it.

01:39 PM

Onkar Shaligram

@Harikrishnan Renjan, MBA is quite competitive when it comes to placements. It depends on what your objectives are for doing a MBA. If you join MBA with placement as your main objective, expect a rat race. If you want to gain a broader perspective about different aspects of business, then you will learn a lot of things in MBA. MBA also helps a lot in networking. Coming to deciding if MBA is right for a person, I would suggest think why do you want to do a MBA. Networking, learning and placement are the most common answers which people have. As long as you are clear about your goal, MBA allows you an opportunity for it.

01:39 PM

Niteen Bali

Aptly put, Onkar :D

01:40 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

I have good scores in X and XII (90+). But my grad score is in the early 70s range. It does have an upward trend. And it is in a competitive batch (IIT B) Would this invite grilling from the panelists? If so, any tips on how can I convince them I am not a lazy slob!

01:40 PM

Onkar Shaligram

@Apurva Jha, there are several students who have a dual degree and do MBA. There is nothing like an ideal answer. You should be able to link it with your interests and career aspirations. Some of the common answers are to understand various aspects of business, quicker career progression, being able to start own venture in future, etc.

01:42 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

I have good scores in X and XII (90+). But my grad score is in the early 70s range. It does have an upward trend. And it is in a competitive batch (IIT B) Would this invite grilling from the panelists? If so, any tips on how can I convince them I am not a lazy slob!

01:40 PM

Niteen Bali

Depends on which coll. IIMB, L may take it up. C doubtful. I had 90, 85, 67 scores, from NIT. I think 70s frm IITB isnt bad. Being lazy would not be an issue. Trust me, atleast at IIMC. The qiestion you need to answer is are you smart enough to handle MBA along with enjoying your laziness

01:43 PM

Onkar Shaligram

@Abhishek Nambiar , a 7+ CPI/CGPA from IIT is usually not considered as an issue. However, if some panelist does ask you, you should be able to convince them that your performance is decent and you excelled in things which you like and pursued options which have interested you. If you are from Mechanical or electrical from IIT B, usually it should not be a problem.

01:44 PM

Apurva Jha

Also sir , with 81.9,76.4 and 82 percent in 10,12 and graduation is it advisable to prepare for cat as most people have advised against it ?

01:44 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

@Onkar, thanks for the reply! I wouldn't have asked if it was Elec or Mech! I am from Civil :P

01:46 PM

Shreyash Gupta

Thanks Naveen, Your words boosted my confidence. I am a PWD (Low Vision) Candidate and managed to attempt 44 questions in cat 2016 with 85-90% accuracy. What is the probability i would get a call from IIM C?

01:46 PM

Anuj Dass

I am a arts background students so if the panelist asked to me why MBA? So what is my answer.

01:46 PM

Apurva Jha

Also sir , with 81.9,76.4 and 82 percent in 10,12 and graduation is it advisable to prepare for cat as most people have advised against it ?

01:44 PM

Niteen Bali

Im probably your age. So sirs please. No. Not true. A few coll such as IIMB,L are ruled out but there are still others. Such as C gives very low importance to acads, but you need to have very high CAT score - basically they prefer smart over hard working ppl

01:48 PM

Onkar Shaligram

@Abhishek nambiar, it is fine. If you are a fresh graduate, I would suggest you read about what stream you are interested in post your MBA, eg. finance or marketing or consulting and read about it. Because that is a likely area where panelists might grill you on.

01:49 PM

Apurva Jha

Thank you for your reply :)

01:50 PM

Anuj Dass

I am a arts background students so if the panelist asked to me why MBA? So what is my answer.

01:46 PM

Niteen Bali

Ask yourself : Why MBA. Give the reason and back it up with logic. Honesty is appreciated. Do not be confused when you give this answer, they will try to get you

01:50 PM

Apurva Jha

Thank you for your reply :)

01:50 PM

Niteen Bali

No issues Apurva. BTW I had 90, 85, 67 scores, from NIT. Nothing great, yet IIMC it is :)

01:52 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

Thank you Niteen and Onkar for your time! It was an insightful one hour :)

01:53 PM

Abhishek Nambiar

Thank you Niteen and Onkar for your time! It was an insightful one hour :)

01:53 PM

Niteen Bali

No issues buddy. Keep coming back. Many more chats are lined up daily

01:53 PM

Niteen Bali

Guys and Gals, last few minutes to go. Post queries soon. If I have managed to miss any query, it is by mistake. Please do post it again

01:54 PM

Anuj Dass

Suppose I m selected in the interview so which stream do u prefer to a arts background student?

01:55 PM

Ambwarish Jana

Is it true that IIM Nagpur and IIM Sirmaur won't conduct any GD-PI this year ?

01:06 PM

Niteen Bali

I've heard the same. But it is common for many new IIMs to take GDPI scores of old IIM GDPI scores for their selection

01:57 PM

Anuj Dass

Suppose I m selected in the interview so which stream do u prefer to a arts background student?

01:55 PM

Niteen Bali

MBA is about self discovery. Maybe that is one point you could tell the interviewer. You could say that MBA gives leverage to choose from variegated options and hence MBA after arts. Regarding background, it is upto your interest. Listen to your heart over your brain in this regard. Marketing may be a good suggestion

01:58 PM

RaviE k

how can i defend my poor acads in interviews if i don't really have an excuse?

02:03 PM

ASHISH KUMAR

I need some suggestion or contacts to resolve following point. I have 5 years of exp. in which last 2.5 year in L&T hydrocarbon but don't have good academics B.Tech.(Mech.)-67.16, 10+2(U.P. Board)-59.40, and 10 (U.P. Board)-57.33 and resigned in nov2016 due hectic and labour dealing jobs. I want to go for further studies in management 1). So which one is better to prepare Gmat or cat. 2). Do my lower academic % affect if I will try for Regular Executive Programs, 3). After executive program will I eligible to apply for Phd.

02:05 PM

RaviE k

how can i defend my poor acads in interviews if i don't really have an excuse?

02:03 PM

Niteen Bali

Everyone has an excuse. But do not give an excuse. Give a REASON. Or divert them from it. Managing low grad score is fyn, but it is hard to manage low in all 3. But if u hv low in all 3, you would most prob not get shortlist. You could say poor family background, personal learning issues (But substantiate it with your zeal for learning)

02:08 PM