Personal Insights: Online IIM Interviews Experience for Batch 2021-2023
Introduction
As the month of May began, nearly all IIM interviews had concluded, at least for me. Here, I'll share my experiences with the online interview process for the batch of 2021-2023.
My Background and Profile
Belonging to the GEM (General, EWS, and MBC) category, I had a strong academic record but faced some unfortunate results from the CAT exam. My profile was as follows:
CGPA: 9.8 (X) Board: CBSE XII: 89 (CBSE) B Tech ECE: 88.4 Work Experience: 30 months as a Quality Analyst at Accenture (as of March 2020)Admission Process
After the CAT results, IIM ABL FMS were off the table. I hoped for a 'C' cut-off, focusing more on my profile rather than the 10th and 12th scores. Unfortunately, the outcome was not as favorable as hoped for. With no calls from IIMs, I looked at other options such as MDI, and three IITs.
Interview Calls
I received calls for interviews from:
VGSoM, IIT KGP - 26th February SJMSoM, IIT B - 3rd March MDI - 26th March IIM Kozhikode Finance - 23rd April IIM Vizag - 26th AprilDetailed Interview Experiences
VGSoM, IIT KGP - Zoom
The interview with VGSoM on Zoom was relatively chilled. Two panelists, both male, including a professor and an alumni, conducted it. Questions ranged from my background, current affairs, probability questions, and a round-table discussion about clocks. I converted and received the offer letter on 30th April.
SJMSoM, IIT B - Gather
Interviews with SJMSoM were held on the Gather platform, allowing group interactions and sharing of experiences. One panelist was a female, and the rest were males. Despite my lack of Finance background, I provided honest answers and explained my reasons for pursuing an MBA. Unfortunately, I was not selected.
MDI - Zoom
The MDI interview also conducted via Zoom, involved two panelists. The male panelist began with basic ECE questions, while the female panelist asked philosophical questions. I successfully explained the concept of 'Universal Brotherhood' and recited Newton's three laws of motion. This interview resulted in a PGDIM and PGHRM offer and later, PGDM.
IIM Kozhikode - Zoom
Again, the interview was on Zoom, but this one was more challenging. I was grilled with random finance-related questions, ‘do you read newspapers?’ and ‘audit reports.’ This experience was nearly unbearable. However, I managed to answer a few questions and got the offer letter.
IIM Vizag - Zoom
Another Zoom interview, this one with three panelists, including one female and two males. The interview felt casual, with questions about personal background, current affairs, and a math problem. I received the offer letter on 23rd June 2021.
Final Thoughts
This was my experience with various IIM online interviews. If you are a candidate preparing for the MBA admissions process, I hope these insights are helpful.
Stay tuned for any updates and best of luck to all the candidates aspiring to join top B schools.