Hello Everyone. My name is Tanjul Raniwala. I am a 2nd year student of the PGDM program at IIM Calcutta. I would be happy to answer any questions you have today.

12:30 PM

HI , BY WHAT DATE DOES OUR LOAN AND REGISTRATION PROCESS WILL GET OVER

12:31 PM

Hey Tanjul. I was wondering about the QM Test.

12:32 PM

whats the general difficulty level of the test?

12:32 PM

Hi Amit. Your registration and induction period will last the first week after your arrival. The induction program will be given to you the day you arrive. The ER Secys Vamsi and Sheena would be able to give you more detail on the same.

12:32 PM

Hi Harshu, well, you've cleared the CAT. So ideally it should not be very difficult. But I believe a syllabus must have been provided to you?

12:32 PM

Vamsi has sent us some PDFs. is that enough or do we need something more?

12:33 PM

Those PDFs are more than enough.

12:33 PM

yes yes.

12:33 PM

ok.

12:33 PM

But please make sure that you do complete that at the very least.

12:33 PM

Thanks!

12:33 PM

Hi Tanjul. I have heard the first 6 months are academically taxing and 5 hours of sleep are a lucury. How true is this?

12:33 PM

Hullo! Tanjul. I am an CAT aspirant presently moving to my final year at btech, I wanted to ask on your opinion to joining this institute with or without work experience?

12:34 PM

ideally, we should complete that before coming to the campus or it can be managed once we are there?

12:34 PM

What is the duration of a class?

12:34 PM

Hi Nikhil. It is quite true. I would advise checking out the following list: https://insideiim.com/11-tips-and-tricks-for-your-first-year-at-an-iim/

12:34 PM

Will there be any decent internship opportunity for a laid back profile like me? Xth: 87.57, XIIth:88.5 B.Tech- 87.57, some position of responsibility.

12:34 PM

Ia it possible to visit home town during weekends?? Like atleast once a month?

12:35 PM

What does a regular day at IIM C look like? Do the classes continue till late evening?

12:35 PM

Hi Tanjul, could you tell us a little bit about the class hours, rough outline of a typical day, etc.? Thanks!

12:35 PM

Zero experience

12:35 PM

Hi Prithwish. Well, there are always a number of freshers in each batch of all the IIMs. There are pros and cons to both sides. If you feel that you want to take a break from studies and work for a while, then I advise you do that. But if you feel that MBA is the thing for you, then try joining at the earliest.

12:36 PM

What does generally happen on weekends? Do we have lectures on saturdays too?

12:36 PM

Zero experience below 60% B.Tech any chance of internships?!

12:36 PM

Harshu, I would advise that you complete it before you come to campus. After your arrive here, there are a very large number of activities that will take up your time.

12:36 PM

Hi Rishi. Each class duration is 90 minutes.

12:36 PM

Any preparatory classes for QM or self study?

12:37 PM

Hiii I am Abhay . I want some information and suggestions based on my profile .

12:37 PM

ok/ Thanks!

12:37 PM

Abhishek and Sri, you should not bother about the undergrad marks in terms of an internship. They do affect, but only to a certain degree. More details when you come.

12:37 PM

Hi Tanjul,what is the procedure to get into different clubs...can u just brief us!

12:38 PM

Sagar, you will usually not have classes on the weekends. But there is plenty to do and a lot of events and activities planned for the first couple of months at least.

12:38 PM

Hey Tanjul! Can you tell me more about the most active clubs in campus?

12:39 PM

My persona advice would be that you avoid trying to go to your hometowns for the first 3-4 months at least. You will be very busy.

12:39 PM

are there any optional QM preparatory classes till the 30th?

12:39 PM

Sri, self study for QM classes. Abhay, you will be assigned mentors to give you detailed feedback on your profile after you arrive here.

12:39 PM

How much is STEP/CEMS helpful? How much does it cost?

12:39 PM

Can we cheat during the QM exam :p and what percentage of marks do we need to pass!

12:40 PM

My profile X-88 ,XII -86 ,B.Tech Graduation -5.91 cgpa out of 10.I was thrown to Engineering and I was not interested in my Branch at all .So my CGPA was low although I tried level best to make it 6.I scored heavy in Elitmus and AMCAT .Got interview calls from many MNCs and startups but I am unable to clear any interview in last rounds . Ma'am I am applying and just starting MBA preparation .I have 3 year gaps .1 after Class XII and 2 back 2 back after Btech .I am not getting any job in any MNC and failed in so many interviews .Can I get IIM or any other good Bschool ?Please give me any suggestion .Thanks a lot

12:40 PM

Club and Cell entries are based on interviews. All the clubs are quite active. They have a minimum activity level which has to be maintained throughout the year which is monitored by the student council.

12:40 PM

Thanks Tanjul for the advice, I also wished to ask about your preparation duration and basic strategy for CAT, if you could please elaborate a bit on your personal prep?

12:41 PM

My profile X-88 ,XII -86 ,B.Tech Graduation -5.91 cgpa out of 10.I was thrown to Engineering and I was not interested in my Branch at all .So my CGPA was low although I tried level best to make it 6.I scored heavy in Elitmus and AMCAT .Got interview calls from many MNCs and startups but I am unable to clear any interview in last rounds . Ma'am I am applying and just starting MBA preparation .I have 3 year gaps .1 after Class XII and 2 back 2 back after Btech .I am not getting any job in any MNC and failed in so many interviews .Can I get IIM or any other good Bschool ?Please give me any suggestion .Thanks a lot

12:41 PM

STEP/CEMS can be quite helpful. It can give you a lot of exposure, the chance to study in another international business school. The cost of the exchange however varies based on what college you get to go to.

12:41 PM

How do we get into the foreign student exchange programs. Are they in the first year or the sexondt

12:41 PM

Sri, I would advise not indulging into habits such as cheating. It is a highly punishable offence at IIM Calcutta.

12:42 PM

Tanjul can you give me suggestions .I am dejected ,depressed after so many bad things happened with me .I am looking for MBA .I mentioned my all Academic scores

12:43 PM

Are there any entrepreneur cells or clubs and how active they are?

12:43 PM

Hi Tanjul, do you guys have time to rag Juniors? Dont think you do but wanted to confirm anyway.

12:44 PM

Hi Abhay. I would be unable to really comment on your profile for sure. But I can tell you that I have a seen a very varying set of profiles getting into good B-schools. Your college and school marks only go to a certain extent. Your CAT/GMAT scores and the way you present yourself matters strongly.

12:44 PM

Prithwish, my personal prep was not much beyond a lot of reading. Both books and current affairs. This was obviously in addition to the mock GD/PIs.

12:45 PM

hey tanjul, do you recommend getting a bicycle for getting around campus?

12:45 PM

Hi Sri, exchange programs are a part of 2nd year.

12:45 PM

Tanjul I asked about my MBA chances as per my profile ?Can you give valuable suggestions

12:45 PM

Hi Tanjul. Can you walk us through the selection process for STEP/CEMS?

12:45 PM

I have mentioned etails

12:46 PM

Hi Tanjul, should we prepare for the QM beforehand? Or will ten days from when classes start suffice?

12:46 PM

Hi Arun, We do have an E-Cell. They hold a n umber of events on the campus throughout the year.

12:46 PM

Also, where is the closest liquor shop around campus? Are we allowed to store some in our rooms?

12:47 PM

My profile X-88 ,XII -86 ,B.Tech Graduation -5.91 cgpa out of 10.I was thrown to Engineering and I was not interested in my Branch at all .So my CGPA was low although I tried level best to make it 6.I scored heavy in Elitmus and AMCAT .Got interview calls from many MNCs and startups but I am unable to clear any interview in last rounds . Ma'am I am applying and just starting MBA preparation .I have 3 year gaps .1 after Class XII and 2 back 2 back after Btech .I am not getting any job in any MNC and failed in so many interviews .Can I get IIM or any other good Bschool ?Please give me any suggestion .Thanks a lot

12:47 PM

Hi Tanjul. How many hours are dedicated to lectures on a usual day?

12:47 PM

Hi Tarun. Ragging is a punishable offence by the government of India. And even if it wasn't, that is not the way of thinking in a professional environment in a b-school.

12:47 PM

My profile X-88 ,XII -86 ,B.Tech Graduation -5.91 cgpa out of 10.I was thrown to Engineering and I was not interested in my Branch at all .So my CGPA was low although I tried level best to make it 6.I scored heavy in Elitmus and AMCAT .Got interview calls from many MNCs and startups but I am unable to clear any interview in last rounds . Ma'am I am applying and just starting MBA preparation .I have 3 year gaps .1 after Class XII and 2 back 2 back after Btech .I am not getting any job in any MNC and failed in so many interviews .Can I get IIM or any other good Bschool ?Please give me any suggestion .Thanks a lot

12:47 PM

How should I decide section (finance, marketing etc) of internship if do not have much clarity about it.

12:48 PM

Hi Indranil. A number of students have bicycles in the campus. If you enjoy it, it is advisable.

12:48 PM

what level of preparation is required for the QM?

12:48 PM

My profile X-88 ,XII -86 ,B.Tech Graduation -5.91 cgpa out of 10.I was thrown to Engineering and I was not interested in my Branch at all .So my CGPA was low although I tried level best to make it 6.I scored heavy in Elitmus and AMCAT .Got interview calls from many MNCs and startups but I am unable to clear any interview in last rounds . Ma'am I am applying and just starting MBA preparation .I have 3 year gaps .1 after Class XII and 2 back 2 back after Btech .I am not getting any job in any MNC and failed in so many interviews .Can I get IIM or any other good Bschool ?Please give me any suggestion .Thanks a lot

12:49 PM

How far are the hostels from class rooms?

12:49 PM

Hi Shivank, You will be briefed about the process in details once you arrive . Hold your horses! :)

12:49 PM

Please give me also some opinion Tanjul

12:49 PM

Hi Atyasha, I think you should try to finish off the QM syllabus as much as possible in advance.

12:49 PM

MBA HELP?/

12:50 PM

Hi Tanjul. I am a fresher and I don't have much on my CV. I wanted to ask if we'll get a chance to improve our current CV before the summer internship selection. Are there any case competitions held or any PORs that we can get before we have to submit our CV for Summers?

12:50 PM

If I opt for finance then is it necessary to do CFA to grab a good profile??

12:50 PM

Thanks. :)

12:51 PM

Hi Rajakta. On a personal note, I got a certain amount of clarity myself when I started attending the classes for the first time. We only have a brief perception of the functions before we arrive here. Once you attend the first few classes of the subjects, you will know what you feel inclined towards. Hi Rini, I advise going through the entire handout that Vamsi has shared with you guys.

12:51 PM

Do we get all the books from the library or we have to buy it?

12:51 PM

Tarun, that will depend on which hostel you are allocated to.

12:51 PM

What kind of attire will i need for the first week? Orientation and classes?

12:51 PM

Tanjul, Kindly give a insight on which books you followed and where did you prepare for current affairs from?

12:52 PM

Less than 60 in Btech .3 year gaps .Help regarding MBA

12:52 PM

Hi Tanjul, First of all thanks for taking this initiative of Konversation. I had a query. Do we have any NGO or social cause group working in campus or run by students? If yes, could you please share the name(s).

12:52 PM

Abhay, please find my answer in the answers above. You may have missed it. Hi Siddharth, yes you will. Even before the summer CV finalization, there are a number of activities on campus in which you can partake and improve your CV.

12:52 PM

Hey, how is the culture of sports at campus as compared to other clubs and societies ?

12:53 PM

Rohit, I know of batchmates of mine who have grabbed some excellent roles in Finance for their internship without a CFA. I believe that answers your question. :)

12:53 PM

Yeah thank you so much :-)

12:54 PM

Abhishek, you will be provided will a copy of all the books when you arrive here. We also have a large library where you can issue additional reference books from. Arun, the general attire followed by people in campus is Smart Casuals since it looks appropriate in a professional environment.

12:55 PM

Sure, if its not too much to ask for can you please mention how far are each of the hostels by walk

12:55 PM

Do we need formals for the first month also?

12:55 PM

Pritwish, my current affairs prep was from newspapers.

12:55 PM

Tanjul Ok.How to defend poor graduation marks and 3 year gaps in MBA

12:55 PM

Can you give some insight on when the summer intership process starts and interview is based on which topics (like current affairs or past academics/life)?

12:56 PM

Hi Mohit. We have one called INCA.

12:56 PM

I belong to General Category .How to defend less than 60 and year gaps in my case it will be 4 .3 after Btech and 1 after XII

12:56 PM

Hi Anil. Enthusiasm for sports is quite high in the evenings and the weekends on the campus. We have strong teams for most sports an participate in intercollege sports tournaments all year.

12:57 PM

Sorry to ask again....but kindly tell about the books you followed

12:58 PM

Tarun, walking distance from 4 hostels: 5min, 10min, 15min, 15 min.

12:58 PM

Do u think that the much hyped XL - IIMC would happen this year considering the fact that IIMC had lost it for three consecutive years and we had called it off last year as well

12:59 PM

Thanks Tanjul :)

12:59 PM

Sejal, I would advise you get a business suit. You're coming to a b-school. You may need them any time. Abhay, by overcompensating for it in the other fields and being honest about your story.

12:59 PM

What about the keeping liquor in the hostel?

01:00 PM

Thank you .can I say that I also prepared for UPSC that time

01:00 PM

Rohit, the summer internship process starts quite early on. I don't believe the exact dates have been decided yet, You will be briefed about it in detail once your arrive here. The interviews for different functions and companies vary widely in terms of what they ask.

01:01 PM

class timings and duration?

01:01 PM

Prithiwish, I did not follow any particular books. I simply read newspapers. The Hindu was one of my favorites. I would also advise subscribing to some news apps which keep feeding you news throughout the day with their pop ups.

01:02 PM

Hi Lindo. We are hoping that IIMC-XL will happen. Tarun, Liquor is banned by the government inside all educational institutions.

01:03 PM

Abhay, be true to your story.

01:03 PM

Hi Tanjul. Certain topics like vectors, conics, etc. are not a part of QM syllabus given to us but I have seen questions from these topic in earlier QM question papers. Questions in QM will be based on the syllabus given only. Right? Or we ll get any surprises? ;)

01:03 PM

Yes I am honest and true to my story .I gave many interviews in different MNCs .I even have kept all the admit cards

01:04 PM

Hi Danish, you will be allotted a section after you arrive. Each section has their own time table which varies very little. Each class is 90 minutes. Your classes will typically be between 10am and 4pm, 5 days a week.

01:04 PM

Thank you :-)

01:04 PM

thnx :)

01:05 PM

Hi Lekha, it will be based on the syllabus. :)

01:05 PM

During CV verification, do we need to produce a separate email from our employer as proof even though we already have a work-exp certificate?

01:07 PM

Lekha, you will be required to get details. Please keep in touch with your employer.

01:08 PM

how many sections are formed? and what is batch size?

01:09 PM

Thanks Tanjul.

01:09 PM

What is it like in the placements this year at IIM Calcutta , would you on a personal basis suggest to a IES officer to go for an MBA and change to private sector? I would appreciate of your view on this and if there exists kindly quote a person if such exists at IIMC

01:09 PM

The batch size is 460, the same as ours. We had 6 sections. If the PGP office hasn't changed the pattern drastically, it can be expected to remain the same.

01:10 PM

thanks tanjul

01:10 PM

Thanks a lot

01:11 PM

Hi Tanjul, thanks for hosting such session. I read your article on insideiim, you mentioned to be better in some sports.

01:11 PM

My question is whether we would get time for that. And how would be helpful other than developing personality

01:11 PM

I have another question. During firsf sem If we feel that we are interested in finance and if we don't have CFA or any finance background, does this keep us on backfoot for jobs? Do we need to get CFA to get top jobs in finance

01:11 PM

How will we be divided into sections? Is it random or according to some pattern?

01:12 PM

Placements at all the IIMs are usually quite excellent and vary slightly only depending on the market. Since I myself do not know much about IES officer backgrounds, I would not be able to make a personal suggestion on that. However, I have heard of Civil Services officers going in for their MBAs. You need to introspect and think what you want to do in the long term in life.

01:12 PM

Gaurav, if you wish to do it, there is always scope for balancing work and sports. We did it. Batches before us have done the same as well. And apart from developing personality, sports is whole lot more. It's fun. And sometimes, it's the only exercise you get.

01:14 PM

Hi Tanjul , Bidhan Here . I am from WB . Is it true that fish is not available in hostels ?? ( just curious :)

01:14 PM

How is the hostel mess food? Is Non-veg a part of everyday menu?

01:14 PM

Thanks Tanjul for all the answers, sparing time for all questioners. Just a last question, So was IIMC your first choice or was it IIM A?

01:15 PM

Rajakta, I have known people from my batch who have not held a CFA degree but interned in Finance. You can get in touch with them once you arrive.

01:15 PM

Hi Tanjul. Is there a TT table in each hostel? Or a TT team which participates in sports events? Most importantly will there be any time to practice with the busy schedule??

01:15 PM

Sanket, Section division is usually alphabetic. So you can expect a lot of people with the same name in your section. :)

01:15 PM

Bidhan, I ate fish for dinner last night in my hostel mess. Lekha, non veg may not be there everyday, but it is there on most days. Prithiwish, IIM C was my first choice. I had never lived in the eastern part of the country. :)

01:16 PM

Hi Tanjul, thanks one last question, I have developed a personal website but I have no proof regarding its existence or ownership. What kind of proof can i arrange for it, to mention it in my resume?

01:17 PM

Hi Krishna, yes, there is a TT table in each hostel. We also have a wonderful men's and women's TT team. And as I mentioned earlier, there is always scope to balance out work and extra currics at Joka.

01:17 PM

awesome.. just got another reason to join Joka . thnx Tanjul

01:18 PM

Gaurav, the verification methods for your CV points will be explained to you after you arrive here. There is a solution for everything.

01:18 PM

What is the duration of each semester? Is there any gap between each semesters?

01:19 PM

Hi Aditya. We do not have semesters. We have trimesters. 3 trimesters to each year.

01:19 PM

We have exactly one weekend between the trimesters at Joka. The saturday and sunday after the examination, before classes start on Monday. But we do have a week long break for Durga Puja. We call it our DP break.

01:20 PM

Hi Tanjul, that means that we won't be having holiday as such till our summer internships, right?

01:22 PM

Are there any trials held to get into the sports team and when is it done?

01:22 PM

Tanjul , is it true that hostel allocations are first come first serve basis ?

01:22 PM

Hi Aditya. Apart from the DP break, not really. Krishna, there are trials for final inter college team selections which are usually held just before the tournaments. There are no trials to go to the court and play. :)

01:23 PM

Hi Bidhan. No. Your hostels have already been allocated randomly. The day you arrive at campus, you will be given your hostel and room number at the regsitration desk.

01:24 PM

Tanjul, could you tell us which hostel is allotted to girls?

01:24 PM

Ananya, girls are allocated either to the Ramanujam hostel or the Lake View hostel.

01:25 PM

Hi Tanjul! Thanks for taking time out to answer our queries. Could you please inform me some tentative dates when the inter college tournaments will be held? And when will all club inductions tentatively take place?

01:26 PM

both hostels are co ed?

01:26 PM

LVH and ramanujam?

01:26 PM

Tanjul, is there a separate mess for vegetarians?

01:27 PM

Parijat, the dates for club inductions are decided by the respective clubs. I don't believe they are decided yet. Preksha, both the hostels in which girls are allocated are co-ed. There are 2 all-boys hostels apart from that.

01:27 PM

Ok..but could you provide me a guess, somewhere along the lines a month after we join or 2 weeks after we join...

01:28 PM

Sakshi, no there isn't. But the veg and non veg food is maintained at a hygienic distance during preparation and serving keeping in the mind the sentiments of a lot of people on campus. I believe we also have the provision in the mess to provide for special dietary requirements.

01:28 PM

thanks tanjul for clearing our queries.

01:29 PM

Are the court rooms active only during the tournament time? Thats what i saw in my 4 years of college.

01:29 PM

Parijat, I'm sorry. I won't be able to shed light on that. But the club inductions are typically based on your personal life interviews. Nothing technical. So you need not worry about preparing for them.

01:30 PM

Thanks for taking time to clear our queries. :)

01:30 PM

Ok.. :D Thanx a lot for the asnwers :)

01:30 PM

Krishna, if you go to the basketball, volleyball or tennis court right now, you probably wouldn't find space to play. We're very enthusiastic about sports. :)

01:31 PM

glad to hear that...

01:32 PM

Thanks Tanjul! Really appreciate your effort here :D See you in Joka!

01:34 PM