Essay-PI Experiences - Batch of 2013 Part 1

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 2012

GD/PI EXPERIENCES – BATCH OF 2013

Meenal Maheshwari

Batch of 2011-13

IIM-Kozhikode

Profile Academic Background:

Course Year University/

Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 CBSE Mariampur Sr. Secondary

School, Kanpur

94.60%

Class XII 2007 CBSE Mariampur Sr. Secondary

School, Kanpur

89.40%

Graduation 2011 Nirma

University

Nirma Institute Of Technology,

Ahmedabad( Btech in Chemical

Engineering)

8.96/10

Post

Graduation

Work Experience details:

Organization Duration Designation Work Profile

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK

Converts IIMK

Other B-School Calls NMIMS,IIT K, IIT KGP

Other B School Converts NMIMS, IIT K

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form

I had taken my paintings and craft work.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion

Confidence, enthusiasm, awareness of all key topics and also knowing the history and details of the place u

have grown up and graduated from helps.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any other special thing about you:

Venue Hotel Vikram, New Delhi

Date 23rd February 2011

Time 9.00 a.m.

Essay:

Topic: People are becoming smaller in trying to become great

Your take: I gave examples of great people in different fields like Business, Politics, Education, Cinema etc.

there was a lot of furore about Manmohan Singh‟s role as an International Diplomat and 2G scam. Talked

about Marc Zuckerberg, Ratan Tata and 2g, Politicians involved in scam etc. also mentioned how parents

were destroying the future of their kids by enrolling them into Reality shows.

Other Salient Details:

PI:

Panel Members: Dr. Sukumaran Bhaskaran, Dr. Bikram K Bahinipati

PI Details: My PI started off with a random question on my photo in the form. Then I was asked basic

questions like power of my spectacles, the unit of power , light, sound. Some other general questions

followed. I was then questioned on my final year Project. I was even asked my take on Managers and Leaders

and what differentiates both. In between I was asked questions history of Ahmedabad ( since I was doing my

graduation there), a bit of Indian geography ( basically north eastern Indian- I think Dr. bahinipati belongs to

that part of the country). They asked me if I sang or danced. To which I replied that I painted and showed

them my oil paintings (yes I had taken a few..a tip I had got from an alum).

The questions were asked randomly.Eg if I am answering on my project to Dr Bahinipati‟s question, dr. suku

would ask my take on Mangers and before I get to complete my answer the other professor would interrupt

and ask about geography.

Advice: maintain your composure. My PI lasted for 17 minutes to be precise.

Ashish Ranjan

Batch of 2013

IIM-Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2000 CBSE D.P.S Bokaro 88.00

Class XII 2002 CBSE D.P.S Bokaro 81.6

Graduation 2007 Patna

University

N.I.T Patna 78.10

Post

Graduation

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK, IIM I,IIM B

Converts IIMK,IIM I

Other B-School Calls None

Other B School Converts


I had a rich work experience of 46 months in man power and logistics handling.

I am a great sports enthusiast and enjoy playing games like badminton, football, kabbadi, basketball.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion?

I was able to keep myself cool and composed during the entire interview.

I had good academic records.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I was the recipient of the Best shift in-charge award.

I also received the appreciation letter for my good work at shop floor.

Venue Hotel Kenilworth,Kolkata

Date 10 April, 2011

Time 2.30pm

Essay:

Topic: Be what you are, it takes you one step forward to be better.

Your take: I agreed with the statement and gave various examples from various fields like economic theories,

movies, ethical aspects etc. I started with the Ricardo‟s comparative advantage theory which says if people

specialize in what they can do best everybody benefits and social welfare increases. I took an example from

the famous movie of Aamir Khan “3 idiots” and illustrated the success of the students in the area where they

were good. Similarly I illustrated few more cases and concluded quoting “Respect you, only than others will

respect you.”


PI:

Panel Members:

P1: Rupesh Kumar Pati P2: do not remember

PI Details:

It was a stress interview

Current affairs knowledge was checked.

Mostly revolved around my work experience.

My take on the current issues were discussed.

No questions from technical field.

Peeyush Somwanshi Batch of 2013

IIM-Kozhikode Profile Academic Background:


Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 CGBSE Desh Bandhu School 87.8%

Class XII 2005 CGBSE Desh Bandhu School 87.4%

Graduation 2005-09 NIT National Institute of Technology

Raipur

8.44 CGI

Post

Graduation



Capgemini 18 Months Senior

SoftwareEngineer

Software Developer and Release Manager

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K

Converts IIM K

Other B-School Calls SP Jain , IIT Delhi

Other B School Converts IIT Delhi


Social Service: Presented the Educational model to the School Students to understand the Practical Value

Based Learning.


1. Profile should have the right mix consistent academic and extracurricular .

2. Good at the general Knowledge and current affairs.


Venue Mumbai

Date 16thMarch`11

Time 8.30 AM

Essay:

Topic: We are living in the world of constant violence peace.

Your take:

Supporting the statement provided an holistic analysis, described the scenario from the international level to

the social level and justified how we are leaving in a constant violence peace.


PI:

Panel Members:

P1: Lakshmi Subramaniam Ladha

P2: Mahesh Bhave

PI Details:

It was a mild stress interview.

1. Tell us something about yourself.

2. Tell us something about yourself which is not in your profile.

3. Mathematical Questioned Asked on Calculus, Tangent and Orthogonality.

4. What you are passionate about?

5. Question related to PERL.

6. Question related to Chess?

Question related to GDP, GNP, CPI ?

Nithesh Batch of 2013


Course Year University/ Board Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 Anglo Indian RMHS,Erode 92.80

Class XII 2007 Tamil Nadu State

board

BVB MAT HSS,Erode 97.75

Graduation 2011 Anna

University,Chennai

College of Engineering,Guindy 8.525

Post

Graduation

NA NA NA NA



NA NA NA NA

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK,IIMB,IIMI

Converts IIMK

Other B-School Calls -

Other B School Converts -


According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion: The confidence and grace

with which you enter the room and converse with the panel. One should go updated with all the recent major

happenings in the business, political and national context, so that once can drive the interview in the intended

direction, rather than just meekly answering the question posed to you. Don‟t be too flowery, be honest and

the person you really are. Read amply about the college/ B-school, and think about a fine answer to the

question of why IIM-K. have a clear answer to why MBA, linking it aptly with your education and prior

work-ex. MBA should not look like a random fit in your career, just to have an IIM brand. Go in a very

structured way about your preparation. Spend time introspecting, and you will really find the clear answers of

why MBA, which is crucial. Once you have prepared amply, just be prepared for any surprise and tackle it

with confidence. And also be strong in Mathematics.

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Venue Motel Monarch Luxur,Banglore

Date Mar 25

Time 2 pm


PI:

Panel Members:

PI Details: Started with the question “Tell me about yourself?” Then I had many questions from

Mathematics from topics like integration, Random Process and Probability. Since I mentioned playing

football as my interest, they had a few questions from that field like weight of the football, name of the ball

used in last year WC. I answered both. Final question was, “Which was the last country formed and capital of

Vatican city.” I could answer only the latter.

Ashutosh Singh Kushwaha Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 CBSE Naval Public School Kochi 85.00 %

Class XII 2004 CBSE Naval Public School Kochi 83.20 %

Graduation 2008 NIT Patna NIT Patna 8.01

Post

Graduation



Telcon 1 year Asst. Manager

(Planning)

Capital Project Manager

Telcon 1 year GET Graduate Engineer Trainee

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM – K

Converts IIM – K

Other B-School Calls S P JAIN



Academics : Average

Extra Co curricular : Strong

Awards & Recognition: Several; at every stage of life

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Overall profile and consistent performance in most of the stages. Even if, a stage doesn‟t go that well, it can

be compensated by the performance in other areas

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Venue Kolkata

Date

Time

Essay:

Topic: Effectiveness of Indian Education System

Your take:

Overall : Essay went very well.

I was comfortable in pointing out several flaws in the current education system, which is mostly built upon

that of the west. Further, I traced the origin of the structured mass education system to industrial revolution

and hence the biased propagation of science related subjects and downfall of other crucial subjects such as art

and literature. Finally, I pointed out the fact that such a biased education system was fundamentally lethal not

just for India, but also to humanity as a whole; which is currently on the foot of an exponential curve of

development in unimaginable number of dimensions.


Panel Members: Mr. Rupesh & one more gentleman (don‟t remember the name)

PI Details: Overall: I couldn‟t give my best. Unsatisfactory.

As this was my last interview of the season I was very nervous and couldn‟t give my best to even simple

questions like introducing myself.

On this, the interview panel requested me to calm down, have a glass of water and snacks. I did so and I am

sincerely grateful to the panel for their support.

The interview went on with questions on overview of my job which I was able to comfortably answer.

As I was working as project manager (capital projects) with establishing assembly shops as one type of my

projects, I was asked specific questions related to assembly lines. Though I explained whatever I knew, the

panel wasn‟t satisfied and they mentioned that they expected more from me.

A few more questions were asked on my job roles which I was able to answer.

Finally, the interview turned towards my hobbies. I am a bike enthusiast and hence had to answer several

answers related to my bike, bike trips and the hobby in general

Nibedita Chakma Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 CBSE Modern Era Convent 85.8

Class XII 2006 CBSE D.A.V Public School 62.2

Graduation 2011 Indira Gandhi Institute Of

Technology

67.6

Post

Graduation

NA NA NA NA



NA NA NA NA

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK, IIMI

Converts IIMK

Other B-School Calls IIT Roorkie , Delhi School of Economics

Other B School Converts IITR- no, Delhi School of Economics- yes


I told them about my interest in web designing and how I wanted to pursue it as an alternative career. When

they were going through my certificates folder, I showed them the certificates and also the college‟s IEEE

Student branch logo that I designed myself. I was also asked to describe the kind of work I‟ve done in this

field. I told them that I was the web development and the creative head of one of the biggest technical fest of

my college. My work mostly consisted of designing and maintaining the websites and designing posters,

banners, souvenirs and certificates.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I think confidence and the way by which one conducts oneself matters a lot. Before coming to the interview ,

I underwent a lot of GD/PI sessions and mock interview which helped me to overcome my inhibitions. Also,

I feel it is very important to lay emphasis on your extra curricular activities.

Venue Hotel Vikram,New Delhi

Date 23rd February,2011

Time 2pm-5pm

Essay: 30 min

Topic: “I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have

lived the width of it as well. “

Your take: I started with a quote by Mae West which says “life is for once but if you do it right, even once is

enough. I structured my essay in two themes- the first one tells about life and its importance and the second

one tells how we forget to enjoy our life by trying to achieve materialistic goals. The art of life is to live for

the moment. I concluded by giving another quote by Abraham Lincoln which says “And in the end, it's not

the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”


Once you get the topic, think for sometime and try to structure your thoughts. Don‟t start writing

immediately because once you know what you have to write and how to go about, it won‟t take much time to

write. So, think before you write.

PI:

Panel Members: 2

PI Details:

The interview was overall good. It started with the meaning of my name. They asked me questions about my

hometown, its political and educational system. They asked me about my hobbies and my interest. When I

told them about webdesigning, I was asked to explain in detail the entire procedure from designing to

uploading. And finally they asked where my father was working and I told them Air India. After that they

asked me a lot of questions revolving around this company.

Nikhil Warade Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 Maharashtra

State Board

Somalwar High School 89.73%

Class XII 2005 Maharashtra

State Board

Shivaji Science College 87.33%

Graduation 2010 Deemed

University

VNIT, Nagpur 6.65

Post

Graduation

- - - -



Persistent

Systems Ltd.

13 months Software

Engineer

Software Engineer in the development team

CAT Related Details

Calls Indore, Kozhikode

Converts Indore, Kozhikode

Other B-School Calls



- Won programming contests at National Level,

- Like to read and write articles and my articles published in magazines won prizes.

- Why Management in spite of having good programming skills


- Systematic approach to the questions asked, smartness and enthusiasm

- The panel asked me vague questions from diverse areas, and I think that they don‟t expect the

candidate to know each and every answer, (I said I don‟t know at least 3-4 times) but they look

whether the candidate can answer well under pressure.

- Knowledge of current affairs.

Venue Catering College, Dadar, Mumbai

Date 15th March, 2011

Time 1:30 pm

Essay:

Topic: History had taught us that men and nations don‟t behave wisely until they are exhausted with all the

resources

Your take:

- Started with what history is and why it is included in the curriculums.

- Cited Examples of nations and men who faced issues

- Concluded with what they could have done to prevent the disaster


PI:

Panel Members: Joshy Joseph, G. Thangamani

PI Details:

The major questions were:

1. Tell me about yourself

2. Hobbies/Interests ( my hobbies included writing and programming)

3. What do you write, and then the discussion continued on that topic for at least 15 min

4. Basics of programming ( OOPs Concepts)

5. Major problems faced by software engineers in IT industry today.

6. What is monopoly, oligopoly (examples of each)

7. Demand curve, elasticity of demand.

8. Asked the names of some of the subjects during my engineering.

9. Current Affairs ( was asked about supermoon and corruption)

In the end, they talked about the body language of a person during the interviews.

Sneha John Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 CBSE N. St. Mathew‟s Public School,

Vijayawada

87

Class XII 2005 Board of

Intermediate

Education, AP

Vignan Visions Junior College,

Vijayawada

94.5

Graduation 2009 Acharya

Nagarjuna

University

Velagapudi Ramakrishna

Siddhartha Engineering College,

Vijayawada

81.46

Post

Graduation

Yet to

graduate

(2013)

Indian Institute of Management,

Kozhikode



Tata

Consultancy

Services Ltd.

13 months Assistant

Systems

Engineer

Trained in Mainframes. Worked in Visual Basic

and Microsoft Access. Had direct interaction

with the Client. Gained knowledge about

resolving various issues, and in developing and

enhancing the services provided to the Client.

Received appreciation mails from the Client and

the Project Lead. Performance Rating was 4 out

of 5. Maintained Leave Tracker for the team.

Participated in group activities like Toastmaster‟s

Club for improving communication skills etc.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM-K

Converts IIM-K

Other B-School Calls FMS



During training in TCS, I took part in various Oral Communication and Life Skill Sessions that were designed

to improve teamwork and leadership skills. I was also a part of a Technical Working Group that was given a

mini project and I had taken the lead in that. Apart from this, I participated in a lot of group activities in the

project including Birthday Bashes, where teams were made to play group games and win prizes together.


To ensure IIMK call conversion, the following points can be borne in mind. Though CAT cutoffs are not

that high, you must ensure that your academic career should have been consistent. Apart from that, a good

preparation for the interview, especially for the essay writing is needed obviously. You should brush up your

basics, increase your awareness about current affairs, important issues that the country is facing, their status

and general awareness about your surroundings, workplace etc. One more thing is IIMK gives lot of

importance to Social Responsibility. So, candidates who have a genuine concern towards society and have it

in them to contribute some value to their surroundings stand a good chance in securing the admission.


I was awarded „Best Outgoing Girl Student‟ gold medal in my school for my participation in varied curricular

and extracurricular activities like singing, dance, drama, essay writing, elocution, quiz, basketball etc. In

standard X, I had written a small tidbit which was published in Hindu - Young World. I was the project lead

for B. Tech Final Year Project and I led a team of five. I was given placement offers from Infosys and TCS

during campus recruitment drive in college. I have a Brown IV Belt in Karate. I have organized events not

only in the college but also in the church and I also choreographed dances in the church.

Venue Hotel Monarch Luxor, Bangalore


Time 8:30 am

Essay:

Topic: It was previously thought that Life should be understood to have a meaning. But it is being proved

now that Life is better lived if its meaning is not understood.

Your take: If Life‟s meaning is sought, we end up wasting our time for we would never reach the point where

Life‟s meaning is completely understood. Also, there will be a lot of expectations and disappointments if we

try seeking the meaning of Life. However, lost opportunities in Life can be used as stepping stones. They can

give us a much needed lesson and help us to be more responsive. Also, a Life which has been lived for others

is worth living and has a meaning even though we might not understand it.


PI:

Panel Members: Prof. Nandakumar, Prof. Sthanu

PI Details:

1. Tell us about yourself… Family background.

2. How do you get an EX-OR gate from NAND gates?

3. What is Aadhaar Project?

4. Do you have any idea of the Right to Education? What is its status now?

5. What is Cloud Computing?

6. What is CMM (I don‟t remember this properly)? How is it used to evaluate the performance of a

company?

7. What do you plan to do after you get an MBA degree?

8. Why IIMK?

9. Are you not contradicting yourself when talking about social responsibility and brand value of an

IIM?

10. Don‟t you think that we would give you enough preparation to directly start entrepreneurship? Do

you think working in an MNC would add something more to what we have already taught?

Pavan Abhishek Bhupati

Batch of 2013

IIM-Kozhikode



Class X 2003 CBSE

Kendriya Vidyalaya

Meenambakkam, Chennai 84.6 %

Class XII 2005 CBSE

Kendriya Vidyalaya

DRDO, Bangalore 89 %

Graduation

2009

National Institute of

Technology

Surathkal, Karnataka

National Institute of

Technology Surathkal,

Karnataka

7.03

Post

Graduation



Oracle India

Private Limited

1 Month Applications

Engineer

Involved in a Datawarehousing Project in the

Health Sciences Domain. Build and Develop

products for Pharmaceutical Companies.

Hewlett-

Packard

GlobalSoft

Private Limited

20 Months Svc Info

Developer 1 b

Involved in a Datawarehousing Project in the

Banking Domain. Build and develop end to end

ETL for the Client using ETL Tools and

Neoview as Database.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K, IIM L

Converts IIM K




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Be yourself and not fake it and try not to fool the panel

Prepare yourself with the latest current affairs

Be sure to back yourself for whatever you have written on the Interview Form

If you have close to 2 years of experience, expect technical questions from Engineering or the stream you have graduated from including questions on your job experience

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Venue Hotel Monarch Luxur, Bangalore

Date 28th March 2011

Time 1:30 pm

Essay:

Topic: Miracles don‟t happen when you fly in the air or walk on the water. It happens when you walk on the

ground.

Your Take:

My focus has been to show how individual who has achieved success can attain it when he walks on the

ground. And not by being over-confident by flying in the air or be highly risky in decision making by walking

on water.


PI:

PI Details:

Following are the questions that were asked by the panel. There were 2 in my panel.

1) Tell me about yourself. Introduced myself with everything I did from 10th till now including my interests, hobbies and aspirations in life

2) Earlier interviewee told some not so good comments and his opinions on IT industry in general. He said how anyone and everyone can get into the field and start earning. What is your take on that since you have been in IT industry for 20 months or so? I don‟t totally disagree with his opinion about IT Industry in general. As per my experience in the field so far, I realized it is relatively easy to get into, but sooner or later one will get tensed and worry about his/her growth in the company and as an individual. I feel one has to grow really quickly and earn or take as many responsibilities within 2 years, so that you present yourself well to move up in the hierarchy within few years. What happens is that, people remain in the same position for 7-8

years and a situation which is common where a fresher or 1-2 years experience does the same job as being done by the 7-8 years experienced guy. So to do well and grow early is important in this industry if one wants to succeed. This is my opinion from what I have seen in the company I

worked.

3) That‟s good to hear some positives about the field. Anyway what kinds of sport to do you play? I play sports like Football, Badminton, Cricket, Basketball, Table Tennis and Volleyball.

4) Can you name some Indians who represent India in Badminton?

Names that come to my mind are Prakash (Couldn‟t remember the second name), Saina Nehwal,

Gopichand, Aparna Poppat, Chetan Anand.

5) Do you know who is Deepika Padukone? Yes Sir. She is an Indian actress who was a model before she came into bollywood. The other

badminton player is Prakash Padukone.

6) Now you got the answer. No tell me did Deepika play Badminton? I remember reading at an article in a magazine that she did play Badminton professionally during her college days and also was playing at a national level. But I am not 100% sure about her playing in

national level though.

7) Ok. What prestigious awards did Sania Nehwal win recently? She won Arjuna Award and recently won Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

Couldn‟t tell them the years.

8) Where do you stay in Bangalore?

I stay in C.V.Raman Nagar with parents.

9) Who is C.V.Raman? (I told them about the Raman Effect)

10) Are you comfortable in Mathematics?

Yes

11) Can you differentiate sin(sin(sin(sin(………sin(x)) ?

12) Can you differentiate a quadratic equation and find minima and maxima?

13) One member in the panel drew an India Map and asked me to locate all the IIMs in India on

the map?

14) Why MBA? Told them about my job experience and linked it with Management and my need to do it to grow fast in the field.

15) What are your strengths and weakness?

Told them my weakness first and explained how I overcome that and made it my strength.

Shivangi Priya Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 CBSE D.A.V. Public School, Bilaspur 95.2

Class XII 2007 CBSE D.A.V. Public School, Bilaspur 91.2

Graduation 2011 NIT Raipurt National Institute of technology,

Raipur

9.54/10

Post

Graduation

N.A.



N.A.

N.A.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM Kozhikode

Converts IIM Kozhikode

Other B-School Calls -

Other B School Converts -


I had shown them printout of two of my paintings.

.According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion

Confidence, clarity of thoughts and a good command over the English Language.

Venue New Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata

Date 09.03.11

Time 1:30 P.M.

Essay:

Topic: The most important thing that interferes with my learning is education .

Your take: I don‟t think that learning interferes with my education. For me, education itself involves the

whole process of formal education as well as learning through experience and environment.


PI:

Panel Members: There were 2 interviewers in my panel.

PI Details:

I was asked to tell me about my background

Following questions were asked:

Whom do you respect more, your mother or father?

You have a very good family background. Don‟t you feel the pressure of performing well?

What are your hobbies?

Do you like M.F Hussain‟s paintings?

Who is your favourite composer?

Who is your role model?

Tell me something about your state Chhattisgarh?

What do you think should smaller states be made in India?

The panel was very cool and friendly. They were constantly smiling. This took off the pressure from me.

Namith Najeeb Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2001 CBSE MES Raja Residential School,

Pavangad, Calicut

87.20

Class XII 2003 Kerala State Rahmania Higher Secondary

School , Medical College, Calicut

85.67

Graduation 2007 CUSAT T.K.M Institute of Technology,

Karuvelil, Kollam , Kerala

77.83

Post

Graduation

- - - -



MES College

of Engineering,

Kuttippuram,

Kerala

March 2009 –

June 2011

(27 Months)

Asst. Professor Academic Responsibilities,

IEEE Student Branch Counselor,

Program Anchor, Infosys Campus Connect Soft-

Skill Development Program

Training & Placement In-Charge of Dept.

Turning Point August 2008 –

Feb 2009

(7 Months)

HR Trainer Team Building, Public Speaking, Verbal Ability

CAT Related Details

Calls K

Converts K


Other B School Converts None


Be honest in whatever you write. Bear in mind that everyone has almost the same thing to write in their

profiles. If you can sit down and pen your exact self into the profile you have a much better chance of making

it.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Essay Writing proved crucial for me, as my interview was very short.

Be very strong with the current affairs and general knowledge.

Basic knowledge of the graduation papers would also help you a lot.

Most of all just be yourself. Everybody would have lots of things to write on paper, but ultimately your

personality would matter in the Interview. (Same goes for the GD if at all you have one.)


I am an outgoing person and made sure that I talked to a few of the candidates before I went in for the PI.

This helps in getting you started in talking casually. It helped me a lot for my interview, as I was able to talk

with the same ease to my panel.

Venue IIM Kozhikode

Date March 22nd, 2011

Time 08.30am

Essay:

Topic: Something about People making choices and not willing to change them (not clear)

Your take: I talked about how the same thing happens in religion and politics.

PI Details:

There were 2 people in the Panel. (Both Professors of K)

The Discussion revolved around the Libyan Crisis as it was a hot topic during my interview.

I was asked what I would have done if I were the UN Sec-General. I told them I would have waited longer

before agreeing for military action.

P2 asked why I wanted to do an MBA having been in a Teaching Profile for the last 2 years.

As I was into Training, P1 asked me what kind of sessions I handle and asked me to give an example of some

of the techniques used in Soft-Skill Training.

Ranjani R Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 CBSE Jawahar Higher Secondary

School

88%

Class XII 2004 Tamil Nadu

State Board

Jawahar Matriculation Higher

Secondary School

95.33%

Graduation 2008 Anna

University

College of Engineering, Guindy 8.69 (CGPA)

Post

Graduation



Oracle India

Private Limited

35 months Applications

Engineer

Development of the CRM Product “Siebel”

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM Kozhikode, IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Shillong, IIM Rohtak, IIM Raipur, IIM Trichy

Converts IIM Kozhikode, IIM Raipur, IIM Trichy




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Keep updated with the current events.

2. Know the important personalities.

3. Prepare your academics well.

4. Be bold and confident.


Venue The Monarch Luxur, Bangalore

Date 28/03/2011

Time 10.00 AM

Essay:

Topic: Does Social Networks help in getting good jobs for the eligible person and finding the right employee

for an employer? ….

Your take: Yes.


PI:

Panel Members:

PI Details:

We discussed the following topics during PI:

1) Tell me about yourself

2) Current events

3) Important Personalities and their positions

4) States which share their border with Tamil Nadu

5) State vs Union Territory

6) Abbreviations

7) Why MBA

8) Future Plans after IIM K

9) Disadvantages of starting a new company in your home town.

10) Questions on Networks

11) Movies

Aditya Agar Batch of 2013

IIM-Kozhikode Profile: Academic Background:


Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 CBSE Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar,

Indore

90.66%

Class XII 2007 CBSE Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar,

Indore

93.4%

Graduation 2011 NIT, Bhopal NIT, Bhopal Final :

8.66/10

Post

Graduation

Work Experience details: NIL (Fresher)


CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K, IIM Raipur, IIM Rohtak, IIM Trichy

Converts IIM K, IIM Rohtak, IIM Raipur

Other B-School Calls NMIMS Mumbai, SIBM Pune, IIFT Delhi

Other B School Converts NMIMS Mumbai

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form:

Participated in tech-fests at IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur, Organised various technical events at NIT

Bhopal, Awarded Merit Certificates in Mathematics by the CBSE in class X and XII, Topper of Electrical

Engg. for the third year and also the class representative for Electrical 2007-11.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion:

Consistent Academic Performance, Fluency in language and clarity of thought, Not to crack under pressure

and Not to be bogged down by the fact that IIMs prefer work ex holders over freshers.

Any other special thing about you: Not really.

Venue Hospitality Management and Training Centre, Dadar (W), Mumbai

Date 08/03/2011

Time 8:00 AM

Essay:

Topic: Intuition is the only real gift that mankind has.

Your take: Supported the given topic although not in a biased manner. I remember that day clearly because

the Court had given its judgment on Euthanasia just a day before and it made the headline for that day.

Included that in my essay and wrote about 2 and a half page. It was in strictly normal language but was

content heavy.


PI:

Panel Members: Prof. M.P. Sebastian, Prof. Rajesh Srinivas Upadhyayula, Prof. Joffi Thomas

PI Details: The interview lasted for about 30-35 minutes.

1. As I am a fresher, for the first 10-15 minutes, I was grilled on my academics, i.e., Electrical Engg.

Prof. M.P. Sebastian asked a whole range of questions, from power plants to protection, from

transformers to ac machines. Questions also ranged from the basic to the ones which required some

logic; but were answerable. I missed out on a couple of questions from about the 10-12 he asked.

2. After that, Prof. Rajesh Srinivas Upadhyayula asked questions related to the current happenings:

Political Unrest in the North African region and the middle-east countries, Naxalism (about Dr.

Binayak Sen in particular), similarities between the two, my take on Euthanasia and the court‟s

judgment, some questions on Indian politics which I can‟t recall. This lasted for about 10 minutes. I

felt I answered all of them satisfactorily though the look on the panel members‟ faces did not reveal

anything.

3. The last 10 minutes were more of a polite argument between me and Prof. Joffi Thomas. It was

totally based on the answers to the questions asked by IIMK in their interview form. My alternative

career option was the epicenter of the discussion as I wrote about joining sport administration,

preferably Basketball due to my immense involvement in the game since childhood. He had an

opinion that I should rather be a player than go into administration but I opined that being into the

core administration will help satisfy my managerial aspirations and at the same time allow me to be

associated with the game. The second part of the discussion was the answer to “What do you do in

your free time?” The last line of that answer read “When I have nothing else to do, I watch various

television series like The Mentalist, Dexter, etc.” I think he also has seen Dexter because he

downplayed me as a person who likes watching violence and dubbed me as someone who is a

violence-oriented boy, to which I answered that I only watch it for 30 minutes to get entertained and

forget after that; the next time I remember it is when I watch the next episode, which I thought did, I

daresay, „impressed‟ him.

This was the total break-up of the 30-35 minutes. To those who believe that panels convey a message

while offering toffees/chocolates at the end of an interview, the panel gave me an „Alpenliebe Chocofill‟

while leaving the room. Interpret at your own discretion!

Satya Prakash Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2001 U P Board Mahanagar Boys‟ Inter College,

Lucknow

79.83

Class XII 2003 U P Board Mahanagar Boys‟ Inter College,

Lucknow

80.00

Graduation 2008 U P Technical

University

Institute of Engineering &

Technology, Lucknow

76.66

Post

Graduation



Tata

Consultancy

Services

Aug 2008 – till

now (34

months)

Systems

Engineer

Coding, testing and monitoring of the data

transfer tool. Led a team of 3 to automate the

implementation of new generation data transfer

technology.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K, B, I

Converts IIM K

Other B-School Calls IIT Kharagpur

Other B School Converts IIT Kharagpur

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form :

No

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Confidence and ability to handle stress

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sincerity and dedication throughout my academic and professional career


Date 25 Feb 2011

Time 1:30 pm

Essay: 30 minutes

Topic: Data is not information, Information is not knowledge, Knowledge is not understanding and

Understanding is not wisdom.

Your take: Explained the concepts of data, information, understanding and wisdom. Also provided real life

examples of the above mentioned terms. Discussed how one can progress on the ladder of knowledge.


PI: 25 minutes approx

Panel Members: Unable to recall names

PI Details:

As soon as I entered, they asked for the CAT score card and I had to go back as I didn‟t have it. I entered

into the room again and was asked to sit down.

Interviewer 1: Could you tell me about Maxwell‟s laws

Me: Sorry do not remember

Interviewer 1: Could you tell me Lenz‟s law

Me: Answered (But not satisfied)

Interviewer 1: What is your favorite subject?

Me: Mathematics & Instrumentation

Interviewer 1: Tell me about the transducers

Me: Answered

Interviewer 2: What is a Adjoint matrix

Me: Answered

Interviewer 2: And transpose matrix

Me: Answered

Interviewer 2: What is determinant of a matrix

Me: Answered

Interviewer 2: Gave a matrix to find the determinant

Me: Solved

Interviewer 3: What is identity matrix

Me: Explained

Interviewer 3: What is the difference between Unit matrix and Identity matrix?

Me: Explained the definitions of both.

Interviewer 3: Why you want to do MBA?

Me: explained

Interviewer 3 asked me to get the documents verified and the interview was over.

Debi Prasanna Pati Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 ICSE St Joseph‟s High School,

Bhubaneswar

94.33 %

Class XII 2005 CHSE Orissa BJB Junior College,

Bhubaneswar

95.00 %

Graduation 2010 IIT Kharagpur IIT Kharagpur 8.67/10

Post

Graduation



IBM India

Software

Laboratory,

Bangalore

11 months Associate

Software

Engineer

Worked as a Level 3 engineer on problems

management records (PMRs) reported by

customers using IBM products that use the J9

JVM technology of IBM.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM B,I,K,S,Roh,Rai,Trichy

Converts K




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most of the questions are related to the students background hence honest answers while filling upon the

form is crucial as a candidate will be quizzed on those things. Good knowledge of mathematics helps as few

questions on maths are bound to be there especially if the candidate is short on work experience. Out of box

thinking is required for essays as the topics seem to be unexpected and on the difficult side.


Venue Monarch Luxur, Bangalore

Date 28th March

Time 1:00 p.m

Essay: I guess 25-30 mins time was there for writing. Not sure about the time allotted. There was no word

limit prescribed and 2 sheets (4 sides) of paper were provided.

Topic: The need to be right is an indicator of a vulgar mind

Your take: Not a conventional topic, took about 5 minutes time to decide what to write. Basically took a

view for the topic and gave examples of what or how people do things in their quest to be right. I felt enough

time was provided and it was important not to write too much on this topic as there was a chance of

deviation from the topic itself.


PI: It was rather cool, it hovered around my background some basic questions like why Mba, asked about

my hobbies and few maths questions. It was pretty late in the afternoon when my turn came but it did go on

for over 25 minutes.

Panel Members: Two panelists both males conducted the interview. Panelists were Professor Joshy Joseph

hereafter referred to as P1 and one other professor whose name I don‟t remember and hence shall refer to

him as P2 hereafter

PI Details:

Q1) P1 – Tell us about yourself

A1) Speaks about past,job,education etc. Interrupted by P1 on hearing the answer and second question

follows

Q2) P1- So you are from IIT. See we get students from IIT each year but don‟t you think that it is a waste of

your engineering knowledge coming to IIM K

A2) Respond by saying that I don‟t have inclination towards research and as one goes through with his

engineering years, the individual realizes what field he shall fit in. Also add that many students opt for Masters

degree in their field and others opt for Management education so it is an individual choice.

Q3) P1-Why not study engineering and management together? . What is your take on a dual degree in

management and engineering in IITs itself.

A3) Answer that such a program exists at IIT Kharagpur with VGSOM, however engineering students are

given a choice in the first year itself which is too early. Besides if one is interested one should go for a regular

course.

Q4) P2- Where are you from? What are your hobbies?

A4) Answer that I am from Bhubaneswar .playing cricket and reading novels are my hobbies.

Q5) P1- So this would carnival time for you (Note WC was on then).What match is going on now

A5) Yes it is a nice time for all cricket lovers. There is a semifinal match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand

Q6) P2- Who is your favorite cricketer?

A6) Sachin Tendulkar

Q 7) P2-How many half centuries does he have in ODIs?

A 7) Approximately 93 (later turns out be one short).

Q 8) P2- You say you are a fan, you should be knowing the numbers. How many ODIs has he played?

A 8) I answer that he is my favorite player because when he bats his shots are a treat to the eye. Also I adore

him because of his reliability and conduct on and off the field and I haven‟t mugged up statistics on him.

Answer that he has played around 450 ODIs.

Q 9) P2- presses on. When and where did Sachin play his first test match?

A 9) I answered that in 1989 against Pakistan and in Karachi. I added that I don‟t remember the name of the

stadium and said that lack of this knowledge cannot be used to judge my passion for cricket. It looked as if

they were not willing to believe that Sachin was my favorite and this was driving me mad.

Q 10) P2 – What are colors of jersey worn by Players of India and Sri Lanka?

A 10) Answer correctly

Q 11) P2- What all to do you expect to find on the jersey worn by players in the world cup?

A11) Answer that board logos, sponsors logs, ICC world cup logo would be there.

Q12) P1- Where is Chinnaswamy Stadium?

A12) Answer that it is here i.e Bangalore

Q13) P1- Then what is the name of the stadium at Chennai?

A13) Answer that it is M A Chidambaram .This stops round of cricket related questions.

Q14) P2- What do you like in Maths?

A14) Answer that I like Geometry.

Q15) P2- Why geometry? How regular shapes are of use? Gives me a question to solve (earth‟s radius is

given and a rope is spread around the circumference of the earth, it is slightly loose so it does not fit tightly

and some gap is left, estimate the gap)

A15 ) Answer the questions,say that using regular shapes it is easier to find areas,volumes of irregularly

shaped objects,say that integration itself using rectangular units as basis. Also say that use of geometry is

everywhere more so in architecture. Solve the question but find that the answer is negligible.

Q16) P1- You have solved it alright but did you need to solve it? The question was do you need to solve it?

A16) Say that we could have approximately guessed the answer without calculation.

Q17) P1- So you like reading novels,what was your last read? Read any classics?

A17) I answer the question and interview ends with this.

Thanked the panelists and left. As I said earlier the interview questions were based on my background and

likes and few questions on maths.

Anjan Gayen Batch of 2013



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2001 CBSE Kendriya Vidyalaya 87.2 %

Class XII 2003 CBSE Kendriya Vidyalaya 82.8 %

Graduation 2008 IIT MADRAS IIT MADRAS 6.61/10

Post

Graduation



Tatasteel Ltd. 11 Months Manager, Load

Despatch Centre

Responsibilities include Power Management, Power

cost optimization, Facilitating Power Sale etc.

Tatasteel Ltd. 12 Months Executive - TQM,

Projects & Safety

Involvement in various projects related to TQM,

enhancement of Safety, and expansion projects

Tatasteel Ltd. 12 Months Management Trainee Undergoing training in different modules along

with carrying out various projects

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK

Converts IIMK

Other B-School Calls NITIE, VGSOM

Other B School Converts NITIE, VGSOM


I have interest in learning and practicising palmistry as a hobby. I told this to the interview panel and had

even saw their palms and told about their past life (which was correct to a large extent as per the panel

members though they tried to confuse me and check my confidence on these things) and also some glimpse

of their future life. I explained palmistry to them in a rational and scientific manner which I guess worked in

my favour.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion?

One should be absolutely honest in approach and discussions. One need not have idea about everything but

about which one has idea that has to be absolutely clear and would be even better if arguments are based on

facts i.e one should be clear in thought process and rational. Apart from that, one should be very clear about

his/her goal in career as well as in life (This is anyway important in life leave alone any interview)


Nothing.

Venue New Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata-700071


Time 1:30PM

Essay:

Topic: The only thing that comes in my way of learning is education.

Your take: Explained about the difference between learning and education by trying to define them. Then

explained how modern education is oriented towards gaining wealth and worldly assets and not focusing on

true or real learning.

Other Salient Details: Whatever I wrote was rational and coherent as per my belief.

PI:

Panel Members: Dr. Rupesh Kr. Pati (P1), Dr. Ramkumar P.N. (P2) (To the best of my knowledge)

PI Details: The document verification officer at the beginning listed out the order of candidates for

interview and I found that I was at no.3-4. After that the essay writing was done and I was starting to relax.

Interestingly P2 came out of a room suddenly and called my name. I wasn‟t mentally prepared for the

interview. But anyway I proceeded towards the room. After entering, I greeted them both and they asked me

to have a seat. Then P2 said that he would like to know more about me. I gave a formal introduction telling

them what I am doing now and prior to that what was my educational background starting from school to

college. Then P1 asked me about my job and responsibilities. I explained them quite comfortably as I had

prepared for these question. Then P2 asked me about what challenges I usually face in my job and if I can

give an example of any such problem recently encountered. I explained them quite comfortably.

Then P1 suddenly asked me what TQM is, as I had written in job description as having worked as TQM

Executive. I explained that to them quite comfortably too. Then P2 asked if I read newspaper. I said that I

don‟t read that regularly. Then he asked me about recent happenings starting from 2G scam which I was able

to explain them. But then he asked about Hawala scam, Money laundering and Hasan Ali Khan. I didn‟t

know about any of them either in detail so I honestly said that I don‟t know. Then P1 asked me a very simple

and basic question in Electrical Engineering which I was able to explain them easily. P1 further asked me

about my hobbies. I said I used to play cricket in school and had even represented my school in regional level

cricket competitions. He asked me if I am following world cup, I said that I am not able to as my job

schedule is very hectic these days. He asked me about 2.5m rule in cricket for which, I said that I don‟t know.

He even gave me a lot of hint citing recent Ind-Eng match, Ian Bell etc. But I was only able to make a wild

guess which was even wrong.

I told them another one of my hobby is palmistry listening to which both of them showed their hands to me

and asked me to tell them about their past, future etc. I said that I would go ahead explaining them about the

lines in palm which I am looking and making the observations. I told them that we need to look at the right

hand for a male and left for a female. I looked P1‟s palm for about 10 min and then switched to P2‟s and it

was about after 5 min P2 asked me which hand I am looking at. That‟s when I realized that I am looking P2‟s

left palm. I was shocked completely. P1 said,”Isn‟t this a big goof up?..” I replied saying indeed it is a big goof

up. But then he showed me his right palm and I regained my confidence and started explaining him. Then

followed a couple of question on what I thought for palmistry- the science behind it. I explained them quite

comfortably. Then P1 asked me what is left arm chinaman style of bowling. I knew that hence easily

explained them.

Finally they said we are done with it and wished me luck for future and told me that your goof up won‟t

affect your candidature. I thanked them and moved towards the door. After I reached the door and about to

open it, P2 again assured that my goof up would have nothing to do with my candidature. I again thanked

both of them and came out of the room quietly.

Mohammad Yasseen Khan

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 ICSE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE

JHANSI

87.5

Class XII 2006 ICSE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE

JHANSI

88.33

Graduation 2011 RGPV,BHOPAL MADHAV INSTITUTE OF

TECH. & SCIENCE

GWALIOR

80.68

(aggregate

uptu 8th

SEM)

Post

Graduation

N/A N/A N/A N/A



N/A N/A N/A N/A

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM I,K,ROHTAK,RAIPUR,TRICHY

Converts IIM K,RAIPUR,ROHTAK

Other B-School Calls N/A

Other B School Converts N/A


---------------------------------------N/A-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


----------------------------------------SELF BELIEF AND DETERMINATION-----------------------------------------


ABILITY TO RE-GENERATE MYSELF EVEN WHEN MET WITH UTTER FAILURE.

Venue Hotel Vikram ,Ring Road Lajpat Nagar Delhi

Date 23 FEB.2011

Time 01:30 PM

Essay: ABSTRACT

Topic: “At the end of life you realize that you have lived the length of it. But you should have lived the

width of it as well.”

Your take: I wrote well. Wordsworth lines, then my meeting with Cancer patient and how life is real fun

with friends and accomplices around.

Finished in good stead. Concluded well in time.


PI: MODERATE, GRILLING ON SOCIAL PROJECTS.

Panel Members: Dr. Sukumaran Bhaskaran & Dr. Bikram K. Bahinipati

PI Details: I don‟t remember well. But let me try.

Let they be called P1 and P2.

P1: opens door and ask me to come in.

Me: scanned the watch 04:10 pm .good evening, Sir.

P1: good afternoon.

(Me: what?)

To P2: good evening, Sir.

P2: good evening Mohammad, have a seat.

Me: thank you, sir.

P2 scans my personal form.

P2 tell me about yourself.

Me: standard answer.

P1 grills me on surah Yaseen and Gwalior.

P1: your fav. Subjects?

Me: control, digital circuits, electronics.

P1: define laplace transform?

Me: perfect scored.

P1: why it is used?

Me: frequency domain ….

Perfect answer

P1: suppose I ask u to have a social project that brings social change what would that be?

Me: rural electrification blah blah…

P1: what about funds?

Me: Premji’s philanthropic efforts ,UP’s CM Mayawati scheme that aims to spend crores in such projects.

We will look into it and contact govt. agencies.

(p1 not satisfied)(p2 with US accent comes into picture)

P1;solar cells?

Me: Sir they are transducers that converts solar energy into emf.

P1; what are photovoltaic cells?

Me: managed to say something

P2: family background?

Me: quite pleased that I had a fighting spirit.

P1: any 3 weaknesses.

Me; stated but he seemed to laugh at them.

P1; strengths?

Me: said determination, sheer grit, and solution provider.

(P1 not satisfied p2 was listening eagerly.)

P1: any social problem in Gwalior?

Me: as per my knowledge no such problem.

People live in harmony.

P1:do you know what social change mean?

Me: anything that affects society.

(I think I could have spoken on MNREGA and suicide cases

Messed up)

P1; so where do you see 5yrs down the line.

Both were eager to listen.

Me: to work in large organization in responsible and respectable position.

P2; which type of organization?

Me: consultancy firms?

P2; any consultancy firms you know?

Me:McKinsey, Boston Consultancy Group, Bain, Oliver wayman,Deloitte….

P2: pleased.

P1;did you apply for summers interns with any of them ?

Me: my college does not facilitate that.

P1: any training?

Me: workshop. Fumbled at it….

P2: any other calls?

Me; yes sir from I, Rohtak ,Raipur, Trichy.

P2: which one will you choose?

Me: IIM K ( known for consultancy wing)

Mentioned ongoing projects at IIMK .

P2: hobbies?

Me: Reading hindi poems.

P2: looks at p1 and smiles and says I don’t know hindi.

P1; any poem that exhibit corporate nature?

Me: poem by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar “Chand aur Kavi”.

Recited .

P1 how come corporate reflected in it?

Me: power of imagination. The poet sends a message that through imagination we can explore the

universe.

P1:so world is a global village ?

Me: indeed it is sir.

P1: pleased.

Me: you can talk to person in London and also to one in Antarctica though Antarctica is uninhabited

place.

P1 and p2 laughs.

P2: you seem to have a mix of UP and MP. Are the states different in values?

Me: no sir, all Indians are alike. If I get into IIM Kozhikode I will have a mix of 3 cultures.

P1 and p2 laughs.

Swati Gupta

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 CBSE Lovely Public Sr. Sec. School 91.0

Class XII 2006 CBSE Lovely Public Sr. Sec. School 94.20

Graduation 2009 Delhi

University

CBS (College of Business

Studies)

79.16

Post

Graduation

NA NA NA NA



Mckinsey

Knowledge

Center

24 months Research

Analystr

Part of Private Equity team focusing on

commercial and strategic due diligence situations

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK

Converts IIMK

Other B-School Calls SP Jain

Other B School Converts SP Jain


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion: The confidence and grace

with which you enter the room and converse with the panel. One should go updated with all the recent major

happenings in the business, political and national context, so that once can drive the interview in the intended

direction, rather than just meekly answering the question posed to you. Don‟t be too flowery, be honest and

the person you really are. Read amply about the college/ B-school, and think about a fine answer to the

question of why IIM-K. have a clear answer to why MBA, linking it aptly with your education and prior

work-ex. MBA should not look like a random fit in your career, just to have an IIM brand. Go in a very

structured way about your preparation. Spend time introspecting, and you will really find the clear answers of

why MBA, which is crucial. Once you have prepared amply, just be prepared for any surprise and tackle it

with confidence.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Venue Vikram Hotel

Date Feb 26

Time 2 PM

Essay:

Topic: Not everything that needs be taught can be taught through education

Your take: I agreed. Started with saying “Education is just an enabler”. Structured my answer into 2 parts:

1)How important is education.2) But the decision making ability to chose between right and wrong still vests

with the value systems and principals one is backed by. Quoted Aristotle on education (I recalled a quote I

had read somewhere), Albert Einstein (One of his quotes on social behavior, I remembered). Overall, essay

was very good. The key is to just think for 2 mins and structure it for the next 1 min. And then get set writing

fast as the time is only 15 mins.


PI:

Panel Members:

PI Details: Started with asking “Are you excited to come at K?” I answered with giving a positive and

confident “yes” and backed by reasons: Different subjects K has to offer, the social development project

students and faculty undertake etc, commitment to nature in terms of rainwater harvesting, development

activities in adjoining areas etc..I did some press search in the same and could quote articles that I had read.

Then one of them asked about my hobbies- I said reading. They were keen on asking why I don‟t follow any

sport. I managed to say I am fond of Badminton and swimming. One of them the questions about the

badminton and swimming champion, which I said I do not know as I do not follow these sports, I am just

fond of them and hence occasionally play. When more probed more about it , I said, “Sir, some things are

just meant to be”, ofcourse in a polite and convincing manner. But, yes, it was a weak spot. But I think I was

confident in defending my stance.

Then they asked me what is the key concern for India, as of now. I said corruption and environmental

management. And with this, I quoted almost all the key news in the past 2 months about the many scams and

my perspective on the same, and the political controversies around the environmental minister. They looked

impressed.

It ended there.

Manika Babbar

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 Central Board

of Secondary

Education

(CBSE)

Bal Bharati Public School, Delhi 92.00

Class XII 2006 Central Board

of Secondary

Education

(CBSE)

Bal Bharati Public School, Delhi 88.8

Graduation 2010 Guru Gobind

Singh

Indraprastha

University

Indira Gandhi Institute of

Technology

79.69

Post

Graduation



Idea Cellular

Ltd.

12 months Graduate

Engineer

Trainee (GET)

I was part of the Intelligent Network team. We

took care of the prepaid charging system for five

circles, namely Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, UP West

and UP East.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K, RAIPUR, ROHTAK, TRICHY

Converts IIM K, RAIPUR, ROHTAK, TRICHY




I had mentioned about the research paper I had co-authored, though I wasn‟t asked anything about it. I had

also mentioned about my involvement in other activities apart from work at office.


I think good performance in essay was a crucial factor in the selection procedure.


I think one of the most essential thing that made me sail through the interview was that I was confident and

struck to my position. I was asked quite vague questions which had no correct answer as per say, so there was

a lot of counter questioning. But all throughout the interview, I struck to my points and convinced them

rather than changing my stand every time they counter questioned.

Venue Hotel Vikram, New Delhi Date 3rd March, 2011

Time 08:30 am

Essay:

The essay writing session was for 30 min.

Topic: “Life is like painting a picture and not solving a sum”

Your take:

According to me the topic was easy. The topic was such that one could relate to it in real life and analyze it

from many different aspects. There was a lot of scope of creativity by pitching in examples.


PI:

After the essay writing session, we were allotted our panel numbers and accordingly we had to go for the

interview.

Panel Members: There were two members in my panel.

PI Details:

The interview went fine; there was a lot of cross questioning but all in all it was a good experience. It started

with the panelists asking me if I was a hard working or a soft working girl. The discussion went on to the

influence of factors like luck, talent, hard work in my life. After this I was asked some questions from

statistics, such as what is mean, median, mode, there practical implications. This went on to discussing how

B-schools end up portraying avg. salary figures which are not actually correct. The interview further

proceeded with them asking me name of any professor from IIM K. What is Organizational behavior, what

are the qualities of a good manager, does your manager have the same, etc. were the questions that followed. I

was further asked about my work profile, details about my company, the Aditya Birla group etc. The

interview ended with few questions from my extracurricular certificates.

Akash Deep

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 I.C.S.E. Little Flower Convent School,

Gurdaspur, Punjab

94.7%

Class XII 2006 C.B.S.E. D.A.V. Public School, Chandigarh 92.8%

Graduation 2010 PEC PEC University of Technology,

Chandigarh

7.65/10



McKinsey

Knowledge

Centre

12 months Junior

Research

Analyst

Part of Global Business Technology Research team

Supported consulting teams with research on various technologies across verticals

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K, B

Converts IIM K




I started my own organization Global Environment Concern in Chandigarh, which is running a school and

doing various environmental projects

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Knowing each bit about your own personality, which requires self reflection

Being socially sensitive specially toward the issues our country is facing today

Diversity of your profile

Confidence level of an individual

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I regularly meditate, practice Reiki and play flute

Venue Hotel Vikram

Date 4 April, 2011

Time 8 a.m.

Essay:

Topic: Real life is very different than the movies, which usually have a happy ending. In real life things may

go differently

Your take:

I agreed with the topic completely, and gave my opinion on how movies always have happy ending and

heroes. In real life everyone is not a hero and every one may not have a happy ending. I put various examples

of movies like romantic movies where two lovers have a happy marriage or another movie where the evil is

destroyed by the good hero. Also gave examples of movies like Swades and Rang de basanti which actually

motivates us. In the end, I linked it with Gita, where we just have to perform our Karma and not worry about

the ending. We just keep working hard and success will follow us.


PI:

Panel Members: P1 T.N. Krishnan, P2 Dr G Venkat Raman

PI Details:

P1

1. Introduce yourself?

I talked about my city, Punjab my home state, PEC (college), AIESEC, Rotaract, GEC (organizations),

McKinsey (company) & Meditation, Reiki (hobbies)

2. What is AIESEC?

AIESEC is an international organization in 110 countries. It helps with student exchange. I specifically

worked in Development sector where I worked with a number of NGOs and various social issues India is

facing.

3. What is development sector?

Development sector is the sector which caters to various social issues. In AIESEC we have projects on Child

issues, Environment, Education, Women Rights, HIV AIDS etc.

4. What is GEC?

I started an organization called Global Environment Concern in 2008 with 2 of my friends. From running

small environmental projects, today we have grown to a team of 50 members running an evening school for

the slum children and various environmental projects in Chandigarh and Delhi. Personally I carry out a

project Gift a Plant in McKinsey and give a plant to every colleague on their birthday. Sometimes these small

gestures may change big mindsets.

5. What is difference between nonprofit and a company?

Non-profit is an organization where the motive is not to make profit. If there is any profit coming in, it is

invested back into the organization. A company main motive is to earn profit and run the company.

Some grilling on this question

6. What is AIESEC, How was your internship in Japan, cultural exchange etc.?

I did an internship in Japan in 2010 and it was a life changing experience. It is very different to go to another

country and work there. The best learning is from their culture and a different way of doing business.

Japanese are very polite and see every business proposal with great respect. There meetings are more about

listening than talking. Feedback is very essential in their system and no one can compromise on quality.

Another thing is there quality control measures, which they have taught the whole world. Also, I got to learn

a new technology Business GIS, where we use maps and data analytics to get business decisions.

7. How is your experience in McKinsey?

I worked as a Junior research analyst, supporting consulting teams with research and analysis on various

technologies which enable the business.

8. Suppose if data is not available, what‟s the approach?

I gave the example of cloud computing where in once we needed to research for banks where cloud

computing is implemented, but due to very less penetration in banking sector, we had rare examples. So we

suggest proxy to the client to look at education sector where a number of universities have implemented this

new technology and learn from their cases.

9. What is famous about Punjab?

I talked about the 5 rivers, agriculture, culture etc.

10. Which rivers? bhakhra nangal on which river ?

It‟s on Satluj and the other rivers are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas. Though Jhelum and Chenab are no longer

in Punjab.

11. What is khariff and rabi ?

Sir, I am not sure about the terminology, but Rice is sown in summers and harvested in winters. Wheat is

sown in winters and harvested in April around Baisakhi.

P2

12. Difference between growth and development?

The major difference is growth is measured quantitatively and development qualitatively. Development is all

about how much the bottom of pyramid reaping the benefits of the growth.

13. What is mean mode median?

Explained but panel not so impressed

14. What is normal curve?

I just drew the curve, but didn‟t knew much about it, gave it a try.

15. Given 5 numbers, Which will be better analysis here, mean median or mode ?

2 , 80, 1000, 20000, 50000

I was not sure, but again gave it a try, I said mean though the answer seems to be mean. They grilled me a

little on this.

16. What is harmonic mean, and its significance?

Gave some definition, not well answered

Overall the interview was good, except the last part on statistics, where I fumbled due to lost touch with the

subject. The panel tried to understand me fully as a person and also looked into the various fields and

backgrounds.

Goutam Srinivas

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 State Board Bhashyam public School,

Vijayawada

93%

Class XII 2007 Board of

intermediate

education,

Andhra

Pradesh

Narayana Junior College,

Visakhapatnam

96%

Graduation 2011 Indian

Institute of

Technology,

Madras

Indian Institute of Technology,

Madras

7.78/10

Post

Graduation

NA NA NA NA



NA NA NA NA

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM-K

Converts IIM-K




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Confidence, Sound knowledge about your background.


Venue Bangalore

Date 20-03-2011

Time 01:00 P.M

Essay:

Topic: “Pure and simple truth is hardly pure and never simple”

Your take: I mentioned that its hard to follow the truth everytime because maintaining relationships comes

prior to telling truth etc.


PI:

Panel Members: Prof. Abhilash Nair, Prof. Joshy Joseph

PI Details: The PI started with the most basic question,” Tell me about yourself.” After that, they have asked

me why I have put references of two management professors being an engineer. I answered saying that I did

some elective courses under them and the professors were ready to put reference. After that Prof. Abhilash

asked me about some basics on Operations research as I have mentioned it in my profile. Answered some but

couldn‟t answer some. After that Prof. Joshy asked me a question on physics which can be answered with

basic +2 physics knowledge. The question is “ a simple pendulum is being rotated torsionally and a light

source is kept in front of the plane where the ball rotates. Draw the profile of the shadow of the ball on a wall

which is on the back of the pendulum.” I answered that it is a straight line with a simple harmonic motion

etc. He later asked me some modifications to the same question which I answered correctly. After that we

discussed about my hobbies and done.

Mudaliar Ravin

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 Gujarat Best High School 92.00

Class XII 2007 Gujarat Best Higher Secondary School 88.83

Graduation 2011 Gujarat Sardar Patel University 77.91 (till 7th

Semester)

Post

Graduation



CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K, IMT-G

Converts IIM K, IMT-G




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I was confident throughout the interview. And answered most of the questions to my satisfaction. Also

organized essay writing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Venue Hosptality Management & Training Centre, Mumbai

Date 9th March,2011

Time 8:30 am

Essay:

Topic: Science is a very wonderful thing unless you don‟t have to earn a living from it. (Not in exact

words…was phrased in difficult words)

Your take: Explained about how most of the great scientists have been poor. Also suggested some steps that

can be taken for alleviating from the problem.


PI:

Panel Members: Don‟t know the names. One was young. I‟ll call him Mr. Y. Another one was a middle

aged person. I‟ll call him Mr. .M

PI Details: Mr. Y opened the door and called me in. I stepped inside greeted him and also greeted Mr. M

who was seated. I went near the chair.

I: (Shook hands with Mr. M)

Mr. M: It is not needed. Sit down.

I: (Sat down)

Mr. M: So you are from Gujarat. Are you a Gujarati?

I: By origin I am a South Indian but born and brought up in Gujarat.

Mr. M: (Looking at my form) I can see a constant decrease in your marks from your school days till now.

What‟s the reason for that?

I: Sir, after coming to college I found that I must also concentrate on my co-curricular and extra-curricular

activities. So my efforts must have got distributed but my scores in graduation are still good. I won‟t call them

bad.

Mr. M: O really, good score. We will see that. (Told Mr. Y to ask me questions relating to my field i.e.

Electronics and Communication).

Mr. Y: Threw a notepad and a pencil to me and told me to draw the ideal characteristics of a diode. Asked me

various questions on diodes, avalanche effect, zener diode and its working. Then he told me to draw the

diagram of a MOSFET and asked me its working. And a few questions on MOSFET.

I: Answered all the questions correctly.

Mr. M: Who is the CM of Kerala?

I: (I was like…Damn it! How did I forget to do this?!!!). No, idea Sir.

Mr. M: (Was surprised on hearing this) Who is the CM of Karnataka?

I: Mr. Yediyurappa.

Mr. M: What do you think is the most severe problem in India now?

I: Poverty Sir. Because it is the root cause of various problems like population explosion, illiteracy, corruption

etc.

Mr. M: Ok name a famous person now who is corrupted and is in jail.

I: Mr. A. Raja.

Mr. M: How will you remove corruption?

I: By giving moral education to people, Sir.

Mr. M: Do you think Mr. Raja is uneducated.

I: By education I mean moral education, Sir. People must know and follow what is right and what is wrong. A

sense of patriotism can be cultivated in the people that can remove corruption.

Mr. M: Do you think people are patriotic?

I: Yes, Sir there is still a sense of patriotism in people.

Mr. Y: Which place have you done your engineering from?

I: From a city called Anand that is 60 kms from my house (in Ahmedabad).

Mr. Y: So, you stay in Hostel?

I: Yes, Sir.

Mr. Y: So what do you do when you visit your home?

I: I meet my friends.

Mr. Y: Where do you meet?

I: Ten acres mall.

Mr. Y: Where do you go for having food?

I: McDonalds.

Mr. Y: Which sports are you into?

I: Mostly Chess and Volleyball.

Mr. M: Who according to you is the greatest sports person in India?

I: (after few seconds of pause) Sachin Tendulkar because of his achievements.

Mr. Y: (offered me a toffee) You may leave.

I: (Shook hands with Mr. Y and Mr. M).

Mr. M: Were you told by your tutors to shake hands with the interviewers.

I: Frankly speaking, I was told to do so.

Mr. M: Frankly speaking, it is not needed. You may go.

(The interview lasted for aoem 20-25 minutes).

Anamika Mundhra

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 CBSE Mahadevi Birla Girls‟ Higher

Secondary School, Kolkata

90.8%

Class XII 2006 CBSE Mahadevi Birla Girls‟ Higher

Secondary School, Kolkata

97.8%


University

St. Stephen‟s College, Delhi 73.3%

Post

Graduation



HSBC

Electronic

Data

processing

India pvt ltd.

21 months Analyst Credit and Risk Analytics

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK

Converts IIMK

Other B-School Calls SPJIMR, MDI

Other B School Converts SPJIMR


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They tried confusing me a lot of times. So, I think staying confident made a lot of sense.

Besides, the panelists knew kind of everything. So there didn‟t seem any point in beating around the bush.


I have passed level 1 of the CFA program.

Venue Hotel Kenilworth, Kolkata

Date 7th March,2011

Time Afternoon session

Essay:

Topic: Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a persistent one !

Your take: It was decent. I could relate to a few English movies!


PI

Panel Members: P1: admissions chairperson

P2: I think a statistics professor

PI Details:

P1: Have you taken any formal training for the interview?

Me: no.. I spoke to a lot of people who have graduated from IIMs and took their help to prepare.

P1: Do you know anyone from IIMK?

My cousin had graduated from IIMK in 2008. They asked me details about him and I knew the details.

P1: Tell me something about your work:

Me: told

P1: The last model that you built?

Me: while describing the last model I used the term logistic regression

P1: write down the equation for logistic regression.

Me: wrote. But I think he wanted something else or was trying to confuse me. During the discussion, there

was a mention of the word „odds‟.

P1: so. What are your odds of converting this interview according to you?

Me: 80 %

P2: what are the assumptions of linear regression?

Me: told

P1: is this ur strength or you want us to ask something else?

Me: I am comfortable at this but even economics would do.

P1 : If you were the policy maker what would you have done?

Me: spoke about elimination of middlemen in the supply chain

Then the panel and I discussed about the Union Budget

Then we discussed about inequality and poverty

P1: do u think if everyone has a car will that be sustainable?

It became more like a discussion between the three of us.

P2: what are futures and options?

Me: told

P2: what is ur take on commodity futures?

Me: said something but not much

P2: what about the Libyan crisis? Whats ur take on it?

Me: gave some points

P1: tell me something about ur family?

Me: told,

P1 asked me stuff related to the family business.( I could answer ).

P1: How did u like the essay topic?

Me: told

P1: so now tell me what are your odds in converting the interview?

Jyot Talreja

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 Maharashtra G.D. Somani Memorial School 89.73

Class XII 2005 Maharashtra Jai Hind College 93.83

Graduation 2009 Mumbai Veermata Jijabai Technological

Institute

9.4/10

Post

Graduation



Morgan

Stanley

14 months Technology

Associate

Worked on projects related to the incorporating

business requirements into the credit risk data

warehouse systems

Udhawdas &

Sons

8 months Software

Engineer

Worked on implementing an enterprise resource

planning system

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM B, K, I, S, Ranchi

Converts IIM K, I, S, Ranchi

Other B-School Calls MDI

Other B School Converts MDI


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Represented my college at many lawn tennis tournaments and won several accolades in lawn tennis.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Staying calm and composed during the interview. Helps to answer better.


Scholarships from Sir Ratan Tata Trust

Venue Mumbai


Time 9 am

Essay:

Topic: Technological progress is knife in the hands of a pathological criminal

Your take: Took some time to get a grasp of the topic. Wrote about how technology plays a vital role in our

life but at the same time how it could be misused. Also wrote about how technological innovations like the

internet and mobile phones are eating to people‟s social life. I concluded the essay by writing that technology

can improve the way live provided we use it responsibly.


PI:

Panel Members:

Prof. Joffi Thomas

Prof. M. P. Sebastian

Prof. Rajesh Srinivas Upadhyayula

PI Details:

I was second last in my panel and as a result my interview started almost 3 hours after the essay writing

completed. The interview lasted for close to 10 minutes.

The interview started with the standard “tell me about yourself” question. After that I was asked on my work

experience at my family run firm Udhawdas & Sons and my contribution in the 4 months I had worked there.

I spoke of the software system I was developing for the firm and the cost benefits associated with it. I was

asked on a few academic questions related to data warehousing since I mentioned that I worked on data

warehouse projects at Morgan Stanley. The interview ended with a discussion on the black money issue which

was a hot topic in the current affairs at that time. Answered the questions satisfactorily I felt.

I was cut short on a number of answers by the professors. It would help to have crisp answers for the

questions asked.

Vijeta Shrivastava

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 M.P BOARD St Augustin High School,

Punasa(Khandwa),M.P

90.8

Class XII 2004 M.P BOARD Universal Academy,

Indore(M.P)

89.8

Graduation 2009 RGPV,BHOPAL S.G.S.I.T.S, Indore(M.P) 73.27

Post

Graduation



Accede

Learning

6 Months Executive Administration & System Management

Persistent

Systems

Limited

19 Months Software

Engineer

Software Developer

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K

Converts IIM K



Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form:

Nothing specific


Just be yourself! Everyone is fair and cooperative. You will get what you deserve.

Venue Mumbai


Time 8:45 am

Essay: 20 min

Topic: As long as the laws of math‟s can be proved they are not realistic and vice versa(Something like that,

can‟t remember exactly)

Your take: Supported


PI:

Panel Members: Prof. Rahul Kumar Sett and two others (don‟t remember the names)

PI Details: 10 min hardly

As soon as I entered I was asked that why am I wearing sneakers? Told that I had a fracture, so they asked to

have a seat.

The questions asked to me were:

Q 1: Introduce yourself?

Q2: Asked about my college?

Q3: Where are you working and your role?

Q4: Differ 3G and 2G?

Q5: What is your favorite subject other than the ones from your stream?

Q6: I told Mathematics. They asked two basic questions related to integration, differentiation, and

slope.

Q7: What is the one thing according to you, which can make India better and why?

I was told that‟s all and I may leave. It was short and simple. You just have to be confident with both

what you know and what you do not know and that‟s it!!

Swati Govil

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode

Profile Academic Background: B. Sc. Honours Statistics


Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2006 CBSE Uttam School for Girls,

Ghaziabad

94.8

Class XII 2008 CBSE Vivekanand School, Delhi 90.4


University

Lady Shri Ram College for

Women, New Delhi

90.1

Post

Graduation



CAT Related Details

Calls IIM Kozhikode, SPJain, SIBM-Pune, SIBM-Bangalore, IMT-Ghaziabad, SCMHRD

Converts IIM Kozhikode, SPJain, SIBM-Pune, SIBM-Bangalore, IMT-Ghaziabad, SCMHRD




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Honesty in answers, clarity of thought, give the interviewer something that he/she can talk to you about, try

to have a conversation with them instead of a Q&A, if you interest them enough, you are in!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Venue Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi

Date 21st February,2011

Time

Essay:

Topic: Consistency is the last refuge for the unimaginative

Your take: The topic had ample scope for creativity, I even furnished examples of several companies that

failed because they did not change with the times, and used them to present my case.


PI:

Panel Members: Prof. Sukumaran Bhaskaran and Prof. M. P. Sebastian

PI Details: Was asked very few basic questions on my field of study(Statistics), just the basics, like I was

asked some practical applications of mean, median, mode, several questions on standard deviation, etc. Then,

I was asked which, according to me, are the biggest social issues plaguing our country(and why I consider

them to be the biggest),which is the biggest economic issue currently(it was the time of inflation, it still is!:D)

my hobbies(some discussion about favorite author and book, the last book I‟d read),surprisingly, the standard

“Why MBA?” and “Which area of specialization and why?” were missing...thankfully! A favorite with the

panel seemed to be the “How will you get to Kozhikode from your current place of residence” question, and

though “By plane…Kozhikode has its own airport Sir” worked for me, you might want to play safe and find

an alternative train route. Overall, the panelists were pleasant and very nice to speak to, not for one moment

did I feel uncomfortable...it was more of a conversation than an interview!

http://www.iimk.ac.in/faculty/sukumaran.php

http://www.iimk.ac.in/faculty/mp_sebastin.php

Neha Lokhande

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 Maharashtra

State Board

Somalwar Highschool, Nagpur 92.13

Class XII 2004 Maharashtra

State Board

Shivaji Science College, Nagpur 91.83

Graduation 2008 Pune

University

Cummins College of

Engineering, Pune

70.73



Tata

Consultancy

Services

31 Months Systems

Engineer

Business Analyst

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K, R, R, T

Converts IIM K, R, R

Other B-School Calls SP Jain, MDI, Nitie, NMIMS, IMT, IIT- M

Other B School Converts MDI, Nitie, NMIMS, IMT, IIT- M


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Merit rank holder in class X, various awards at workplace, Six-sigma Green Belt certification, extra-curriculars

Focused on bringing up my strengths, achievements and extra-curricular activities through various answers in

the interview form and during the interview.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One must be confident throughout the interview. Be pleasant, cheerful and try to strike a conversation.

You should be well informed about things happening around you. Do not hesitate to express your well

reasoned views/opinions on them. They will definitely earn you some brownie points.


Good academic record and work profile; a few awards at work

Venue Mumbai


Time 1 pm

Essay:

Topic: Things, which can be counted, do not always count and things, which count, can not always be

counted

Your take:

I supported the statement using various examples like quality v/s quantity, love and respect earned v/s

money collected, etc.


I tried to keep the essay simple and structured..quoted a lot of examples and ended the essay with a logical

conclusion.

PI:

Panel Members: 2 panelists (one professor and an alumnus)

PI Details:

1. Introduce yourself (Had just started and was interrupted by the professor with the next question)

2. So, you must be very much used to suicidal news.. (It took me a moment to understand they were talking about farmers in Vidarbha region. In my introduction, I had mentioned my native place- Nagpur)

3. What can be done to stop this? (Told them the measures in Budget 2011 which the government had proposed to help farmers. Extended those points with some more which could be useful.)

4. What was your favourite subject during Engineering? (Digital Signal Processing)

5. What is Fourier Transform? Why is it used? 6. What are filters? Their use? 7. Any other subject you know well?

(I mentioned about my recent interest in six-sigma and my Green Belt certification) 8. What is six-sigma? Why is it used? How do you calculate sigma value? 9. What is standard deviation? Formula? 10. What is the nature of your job?

(Briefed them about my responsibilities and mentioned various awards and recognitions I had received)

11. Why did you receive these awards? What did you do differently? 12. What is the historical importance of Calicut? 13. Which route did Vasco da Gama follow? 14. What is Cape of Good Hope? 15. Where is Suez Canal? 16. What is the structural difference between Suez Canal and say, Indira Gandhi Canal in Delhi?

(Blank “I do not know”) 17. Who is the Home Minister of India? 18. Where is he from? Which party does he belong to?

Mrinalini Dwivedi

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 CBSE Bal Bharati Public School, Noida 91.4

Class XII 2005 CBSE Ahlcon Public School, Delhi 89.4

Graduation 2009 GGSIPU,

Delhi

Ambedkar Institute of

Technology, Delhi

71.89

Post

Graduation

--- -- -- --



Aon Hewitt 22 months Senior Calc

Engine

Specialist

My work involved analyzing and coding the

defined benefit calculations (US) for clients. I

supported multiple clients at present and work

on Calc Engine(A Hewitt propriety tool). During

my tenure at Hewitt I have acquired domain

knowledge about benefits and the HR

outsourcing in general. After my progression in

December , apart from coding the calc I have

been involved in analyzing the requirements and

risk and time assessments . I had to ensure

overall project completion with proper review of

my subordinates work.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK, IIM Rohtak, IIM Trichy, IIM Raipur

Converts IIMK, IIM Rohtak, IIM Trichy, IIM Raipur

Other B-School Calls MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, Nitie Mumbai

Other B School Converts MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad


---Wrote about my hobby ( writing poetry) which was asked.-------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------


I was asked to write a poem about the interview on the spot. I managed to write a few lines quickly. Apart

from that I guess I tried answering all questions apart from the ones which were technical and I was not sure

about. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any other special thing about you: I have now learned to write poetry in one minute


Date 25 Feb,2011

Time 9 AM

Essay:

Topic: “ A man is old only when regrets replaces his dreams”

Your take: Gave examples like MF Hussain and Dev Anand, how new aspirations and zest for life keeps

them going . When we don‟t have dreams we don‟t have anything to look forward to. But if we still have

dreams we are expecting things and hence still willing to grow and learn.

Other Salient Details: NA

PI:

Panel Members: Don‟t remember names

PI Details: Panel started with technical questions regarding the B tech subjects. A lot of random questions

were thrown from all sides regarding Indo/China relations to Netherland‟s population problem to difference

between permutations and combination. I was also asked about my hobby which is poetry and asked to write

a short poem on the spot. They also asked me to interpret a famous Robert Frost poem. It went on well

towards the end but the beginning was a bit rocky. All in all , a decent interview.

Ajeytaa Agarwal

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 CBSE Uttam School for Girls,

Ghaziabad

94.0%

Class XII 2005 CBSE Delhi Public Scholl, R.K Puram,

New Delhi

96.6%

Graduation 2009 BITS Pilani BITS Pilani 8.36/10

Post

Graduation

NA



Grail Research,

Noida

9 months Analyst As an analyst at Grail Research, I have worked

on several consulting, market research, and

analytics projects, such as developing

benchmarking case studies, comparative analysis,

word-of-mouth tracking studies, and market

entry due diligence

Deloitte

Consulting,

Mumbai

14 months Analyst I worked on a project for a major telecom player

in the US and helped analyze KPIs and build an

integrated database for its day-to-day processes

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM B, K

Converts IIM K

Other B-School Calls FMS

Other B School Converts –


I have been involved with Teach For India as a Young Professional Ambassador.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Clarity in terms of your goals, Good communication skills

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I have been engaged in theatre since 2005, and have acted in over 20 plays. I co-founded a theatre

group called „Mashaal‟, and directed a play in Delhi.

Venue Hotel Vikram, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi

Date 21/02/11

Time 11:00am

Essay:

Topic: Every society honors its living conformists and dead troublemakers

Your take: I could recall a similar saying by Oscar Wilde, so started with that. I then built upon the idea with

examples.


PI:

Panel Members: 2 (The panel members did not introduce themselves)

PI Details: The interview began with my brief introduction to the panel. One of them presented me with a

short mathematical problem, stating average marks of two students in 3 tests. I was asked to judge the better

student among the two. Since no other data was available, I replied both were of the same caliber. He then

provided a breakdown of their marks, which was as follows: S1 (60,80,100) and S2 (100,80,60). I tried to find

out more information related to weightage, which was unavailable. Finally, I said that S1 was better since he

demonstrated an improvement in his scores over time. I was further asked questions on Fibonacci series and

its occurrence in nature.

The second panel member asked more opinion-based questions on topics such as women leaders around the

world, ethics in current business scenario, and my stint with Teach For India. He followed it with questions

on my work experience and why I wanted to do an MBA.

Kumud Nishad

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 CBSE GGSSS No.1 Roop Nagar New

Delhi

92.40

Class XII 2006 CBSE SBBMSV Shankaracharya Marg

New Delhi

84.00


University

72.93

Post

Graduation



Mu Sigma

Business

Solutions Pvt.

Ltd., Bangalore

03 months Business

Analyst

Assist in delivering well organized reports,

dashboards Documents work effectively to ensure that

the manager are comfortable with both

work-in-process and end deliverables.

Communicate effectively with client / onsite

personnel

Worked in SAS, MS excel, MS PowerPoint

CAT Related Details

Calls 01 Converts 01 Other B-School Calls Only IIMK call

Other B School Converts Nil


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I told everything with conviction and confidence

I did not panic when they ask something that I did not know, I clearly and calmly said that I did not know the

answer

I prepared the “Tell me about yourself” very tactfully. I thoroughly ponder over all the words that I used in

my introduction and explored all the anticipated questions that could be asked in the interview and for each

of the points I had supporting points.


Venue Hotel Vikram Date 02/03/2011 Time 1.30 pm

Essay:

Topic: As a Ship should not sail on one anchor so as the life should not depend on only one hope

Your take: In favour


PI:

My interview started with the standard question” Tell me about yourself” for which I was fully prepared. I

started my introduction with my name telling them about my studies, family background and strengths

,weaknesses. Though I had many things to tell them but I had been stopped at my weakness point and after

that interview went in different direction. There was some little talk on social conditions of India then

economic condition but that was all at initial level; not very thorough( I was fully prepared for these things).

They asked about the manufacturing industries in India, their strengths, weak points, improvements as I was

from engineering background specifically manufacturing engineering. Then they asked about my work

experience. Then suddenly they asked,”Do you have any idea about banking?” though I did not mention

anything related to banking in my personal data form. But fortunately I knew about banking and told them

whatever I knew related to banking. They asked some more terms that I did not know and I clearly told them

that I did not know the answer but they took it lightly. They were pretty impressed by that and asked me,”

How do you know about banking?”. I told them. Throughout my interview I was confident and told

everything with conviction. Even if I did not know the answer, I did not lose confidence. At the end they

asked about my father‟s occupation though I had told them in the starting.

Panel Members: Do not know the names

PI Details: No. of Interviewer: 2

Duration of the Interview: 15 min

Ankita Kumari Choubey

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Class X 2005 ICSE Andhra Association English

School, Jamshedpur.

90.8

Class XII 2007 ISC Sacred Heart Convent,

Jamshedpur.

88.25

Graduation 2011 Bengal Engineering And

Science University, Shibpur.

Bengal Engineering And Science

University, Shibpur.

75.64(till

6th

semester)

Post

Graduation

NA NA NA NA



NA 0 NA NA

NA 0 NA NA

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM Kozhikode, IIM Bangalore, IIM Indore

Converts IIM Kozhikode




----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I mentioned why I want to go for a management career, my alternate career options, my strengths,

weaknesses and my hobbies in my Personal Data Form.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most importantly, we should be ourselves. The panel will see right through us if we employ any fake

approach. Also we should keep our cool and not be provoked to the slightest. We should not appear biased

about anything and if we do feel strongly of something, we should present it with proper logical explanation.

We should be confident and honest. We should be prepared to defend properly, everything we have

mentioned in our profile. There will be several traps and we are likely to fall into one or the other. We should

be extra careful about that. Even if we do, we can try to redeem it later during the interview, we will get a

chance for that.


I have the ability to work very hard and can perform well even under pressure.

Venue New Kenilworth Hotel, 1&2 Little Russel Street, Kolkata-700071.

Date Monday, 7th March,2011

Time 1:30 PM

Essay:

Topic: Reality is merely an illusion (not sure, something like this)

Your take: I was in agreement to the topic. I began by saying that many truths which we witness in our day to

day to day life are merely a facet of our belief, and might not have any physical existence at all. I gave the

example of almighty God, whom the entire world deeply believes in. We pray to him every day and owe

everything we have, while we may consider this for a moment that different religions have their own view of

God. And there is still no scientific proof that God really exists. But we believe in him so strongly that he is

real for us. Thus I proceeded in the similar manner throughout the essay.


PI:

Panel Members:

PI Details: The interview went on smoothly. I was the last of all the candidates, so as soon as I entered, they

asked me how the others feel as to how they fared in the interview. I said that there was mixed reaction

amongst them. Then they asked me to introduce myself. I did so by mentioning my background, my hobbies,

my strengths and weaknesses. Then they asked me that why should IIM K take you. I said that IIM K is a

comparatively new IIM which started off with a batch of 300 students and have been progressing at a swift

rate. Then I linked the organization‟s goals with mine. Then I said that I am about to graduate with a good

percentage still I am not satisfied and want to achieve something significant in life. I have all those qualities

which are needed to succeed and be a part of IIMK. And I think I can contribute to it through my hard work

and determination. Then they asked me about my hobbies. I said that I like listening to music. Then they

asked about a music director and the song who won the Oscar for a movie which was made in India by a

foreign director. I replied it correctly. Then they asked me to tell two incidents which have recently occurred

abroad which have affected Indian economy. I couldn‟t recall and told them so. Then they asked me one

question from Data structures and Database Management System combined and I answered. Then they asked

me whether I like quantitative or non quantitative subjects. I told them that I prefer quantitative and that I

liked math till 12th but in engineering we have to memorize so many proofs so I am not very fond of it now.

One panel member concluded by it that I don‟t like memorizing things to which I did not deny. Then they

finally asked whether I have some questions for them. I inquired about the approximate date on which we

can know the final results. They said that they can‟t tell for sure and that I should keep checking the institute‟s

website. Then they wished me all the best and I left.

Sumit Bhosale

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 Pune

University

SCH Belwadi 90.00

Class XII 2005 Pune

University

SVV Walchandnagar 83.83

Graduation 2009 Pune

University

PICT Pune 69.50

Post

Graduation

NA



Persistent

Systems

Limited Pune

10 Months Software

Engineer

Database migration, investigation, testing and

software support activities.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM C L I K Ranchi Raipur Rohtak Trichy

Converts IIM K I Ranchi Raipur Rohtak

Other B-School Calls FMS SPJAIN NITIE MDI etc

Other B School Converts NITIE MDI


I had done two projects ( not college projects ) and tried to start my business in which I had eventually failed.

I have participated in TATA Jagriti Yatra which works to awaken entrepreneurship in Indian youth.


Be true to the panel and you are not supposed to know and answer every question. What they want is to see

is the spark in you and capability to do rigorous PGP in IIM. No bluffing.


Used to write some stories, so had written good profile sheet.

Venue HMATC Dadar Mumbai

Date 7 April 2011

Time 1.30 pm

Essay: 30 Minutes

Topic: Reality is illusion albeit the persistent one

Your take: Was thinking for 5 minutes to gather the good points then wrote 5 sides of page only.

I wrote one paragraph for 6 points.

1. Perception of color of an object by us and animals

2. Perception of value of life and it‟s relativity

3. Current state of India and what pictures politicians want to project.

4. Abstract art, poetry and how critics make mess of creation

5. Encircled life of distant tribals and that of New Yorkers

6. My understanding….life is game for fools and dream for wise

I did well by thinking for first 5 minutes. Content matters a lot than your length. (we were provided 8 pages)


PI: 12 to 15 minutes

Panel Members: P1, P2

PI Details:

Started with a question, Tell us about yourself that is not mentioned in your profile and I got good

opportunity to talk about my two projects. It was a good discussion (about 5 mins) on innovation and

entrepreneurship. They seemed satisfied with my responses.

Then discussion went onto my work profile…. They asked about business logic and database related

questions.

P1 asked what innovation I have done at my job, “I had no liberty to do something on my own, I was just

ordered to do many things ” I replied and both panelist laughed a lot on that.

TATA Jagriti Yatra….what I learned in it and how it has benefited you.

Later discussion came to academics

P1: asked me my favorite subjects….I replied “Network theory, Signals and Systems, and Communication”

P2: What is Network Theory ?

Me: somehow replied by mentioning components and some points from syllabus

P2 : I thought components make circuits

Me: yes but to learn theory many higher end components are assumed to be made up of only basic

components……..like transmission lines….where they are made up of RLC only

P1: What are the diodes

Me: Told in my own words

P1: What are their types

Me: Told 7-8 types along with where and how they are used

P2: What is biasing….

Me: Told how the diode works after biasing…drawn characteristics of diodes while explaining

P2: is there any diode which is different from tll that you have told us….something like reverse diode {had

not told them about Zener diode, it striked me very instantly}

Me: Ohh yes its zener Diode….then told how it works along witj characteristics

P2: Good…..Good That‟s all from our side

{I was happy as he said good twice}

P2: Best of Luck

Me: Thank you very much {Why did you say „best of luck‟…now I am confused if I have converted it or not

}

Anita Mallya

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 CBSE Rani Public School, Badagara 96.8

Class XII 2007 CBSE Rani Public School,Badagara 97.0

Graduation 2011 Kerala

University

College Of Engineering

Trivandrum

85.2

Post

Graduation

NA



NA NA NA NA

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK

Converts IIMK




I wrote that my most significant achievement till date was my consistent academic performance through

which I have been able to make my parents proud of me. I mentioned that my strengths were that I was a

dedicated and determined person who always did my best to complete the task assigned to me. I mentioned

that my weakness was that sometimes I needed a push to take up something new.

I also wrote about having attended the Global Children‟s Summit on Environment conducted by OISCA and

mentioned that I had organized the event „Paper Presentation‟ as a part of Aavishkar 2009, the technical fest

of the college as well as quizzes and debates at school level.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I have good academics and have been consistent throughout and I think that shows my ability to work hard

to achieve my goals. I think my interview went well and I was able to interact with the panelists well. I was

confident during the interview and was able to express my views and ideas clearly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I am good at mathematics and I received the “Prof.G.Nagappan Nair Memorial Endowment” for securing

the highest aggregate marks in mathematics for all the semesters put together in the college across all

departments. I also received a medal for my performance in the Australian Mathematics Competition

conducted by university of Canberra.

Venue IIM Kozhikode

Date 22/03/2011

Time 8.30 a.m.

Essay:

Topic: People always try to prove that they are right rather than accept that they are wrong.

Your take: I agreed with the topic and cited examples of how even leaders and politicians often stick to their

opinions even though it is in plain sight that they are wrong. I also wrote about how important it is for

teachers and parents to set good examples and to teach the younger generation to accept their mistakes and

to learn from them.


PI:

Panel Members: I was interviewed by panel no.3

PI Details: At first the panelists asked me to introduce myself. During my introduction one of the panelists

was going through the personal data form I had submitted and then he asked me why my GPA had dropped

down suddenly after first year. I replied saying that during first year we just have to learn the basics of all the

branches and so the examiners just expect us to have an overview and not an in depth knowledge and thus

correction is also very liberal leading to higher average marks for everyone. But in the following semesters

when one gets into their area of specialization we are expected to know more and the correction gets tougher

and it is harder to score marks.

One of the interviewers asked me why I had decided to shift from the technical side and move on to do an

Mba and I replied that no matter what line of work I was in, a time would come when I would need multi-

disciplinary skills to do my job and I would need to learn how to be a good manager. They also wanted to

know my thoughts about doing an Mba as a fresher as compared to a person with work experience. I said

that even though a person with work experience would have some advantage, I preferred to think that being a

fresher was good in a way too, since a fresher would not be prejudiced in any way and would look at

everything with a fresh mind.

Next the panelists asked me why I had chosen French as my second language for my tenth and I replied that

it was because I enjoyed learning new languages. Also I had the option of French or Hindi or Malayalam.

Being a Konkanian I did not prefer Malayalam and I knew Hindi quite well, so I decided that French would

be a very good learning experience for me. I enjoyed the class immensely and I also read a book in French as

well as watched a French movie to try and improve my language.

The next question was about my mother tongue Konkani and how it was different from Tulu. I said that

though both these languages do not have scripts they are quite different. Konkani is similar to Marathi and

Hindi and is spoken in Goa and parts of Karnataka and Kerala whereas Tulu is related to Kannada and

Malayalam and is spoken in parts of Karnataka.

The interviewer asked me more about my family and I spoke about my parents and their occupation and my

younger sister. They also asked me whether I thought that working women could maintain a good work life

balance. I agreed and talked about my mother who is a pediatrician, who has been able to maintain a very

good work life balance being a good doctor as well as a good mother and wife. Finally the panelist asked me

whether I thought women‟s reservation was necessary and I said that though there are a few women in the

forefront today, there are still many more who are uneducated and mistreated and until we can ensure that all

of them are treated equally we do need some sort of women‟s reservation.

Harshit Boob

Batch of 2011-13

IIM Kozhikode



Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 CBSE St. Anselm’s Sr. Sec. School 91.8%

Class XII 2007 CBSE Lawrence And Mayo Public

Scool

93.6%

Graduation 2011 BHU Institute Of Technology 8.73(till VII

sem.)

Post

Graduation - - - -



- - - -

- - - -

CAT Related Details

Calls 1, K Converts K Other B-School Calls NA Other B School Converts NA


I am an NTSE scholar and rank 1 in my discipline – chemical Engineering--------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------


Make sure whatever you have written in your CV, you can vouch for that. Also you should be academically

sound. Make sure that you at least know what all you study in your graduation, let it be superficially only. -----

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I was the dance joint Secretary and the convenor of the departmental festival UDHBHAV

Venue Hotel Vikram, New Delhi Date 2nd March Time 1:30 p.m.

Essay:

Topic: life should not be lived with a single hope as a ship cannot move with a single anchor

Your take: I obviously believed in the topic


PI:

Panel Members: dunno (there were 2 interviewer though )

PI Details:

They started with the burqa ban in France then asked whether its rational to wear a tie in college or at school.

Then they came to my hobbies, I had mentioned travelling, playing lawn tennis and badminton and dancing.

So accordingly they asked me about tennis first, who is my favourite and why ? Who won the Australian

open? Then they asked me about dance and asked me If I had heard about Shiamak Davar, then they asked

about the latest dance reality show. Then came travelling and he asked me if I like to go with planning or just

on an adventure.

All this took around 10 - 15 mins. Then the second asked me about academics, those were related to chemical

engineering. Then he asked me 5 places where petroleum is found in India, then he asked me 5 brands of

formal trousers. I was not wearing a watch so he asked me the reason for this and then he asked the different

materials which are used to make the belts of watches. He then asked me some questions on Max webber and

fuyol management principles. In the end he asked me about OSHA and its principles. This went for another

20 mins or so.