How IIM Calcutta MBAEx Interview Works

Applications that are complete in all aspects and qualify in terms of the minimum academic and other criteria specified here. Shortlisted candidates will be called for the IIM C MBA Ex interview process as per the dates published here.

A multi-factor model is utilized as the primary method for conducting the candidate selection process for the program. These indicators include a candidate’s academic track record, scores on the GMAT, the quality of their work experience, how well they performed during the interview, and how well they write. Using the multi-factor model, a composite total score will be determined for each candidate. The overall composite score is used to compile a list of merit-based candidates.

The interview committee at IIM Calcutta will judge each candidate based on the quality of their previous work experience, diversity of their backgrounds and experiences, leadership qualities, social sensitivity, and the multifacetedness of their personalities.

Who will interview you, and how long will the interview last?

Like most Indian B-schools, the IIM C MBAEx interview is taken by a Panel. The Panel usually consists of 2-3 professors. The interview typically lasts for 25-30 minutes or may extend to 35-40 minutes in some instances.

Will the interviewer have read my application?

The Panel members have access to your complete application. In most instances, they would have read it completely.

How can you prepare for your interview?

Like most MBA Interviews, your interview will mainly revolve around a pretty similar set of MBA interview questions. You can never predict what questions will be asked, but with enough research, you can predict what are the most commonly asked questions in these interviews. We have created a short FAQ list below to get you a jump start, and we also have a free guide linked below to help you prepare for these commonly asked interview questions.

IIM Calcutta MBAEx Frequently Asked Interview Questions

Professional experience-related questions

1. Tell me something about yourself, or Walk me through your resume.
2. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
3. Why MBA? or Why now? or Why an MBA at this stage of your career?
4. Why ISB?
5. What is your Plan B? in case your primary goal does not happen?

Personal qualities-related questions

1. What are your key strengths? Can you give some examples, please?
2. What are your key weaknesses? Can you give some examples, please?
3. How can you add value to the Class? or Why should we take you?
4. Any reasons why we should not select you?
5. Interests and Hobbies related questions – why do you do it, what have you achieved/learned?

Frequently Asked Situational & Behavioral Questions

1. What is your leadership style? Can you give an example of a project you led?
2. What would you describe are your greatest achievement to date?
3. Give me an example of a time you failed.
4. Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict. How did you handle that?
5. Give me an example of a time when you did not meet a client’s expectations. What happened, and how did you attempt to rectify the situation?

The last one – Do you have any questions for us?

1. Can you please tell me how international exchange students and schools are assigned?
2. How club leadership is selected?
3. Any other questions you may have in regards to the program?

4. IIM Calcutta MBAEx Interview Experience – 1

    

   On the first day of the interviews, my time slot was in the morning, and I was the second person to be questioned. My interview was on the campus of the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta in Joka. I arrived at the location in a relatively early time. They pointed out the way to the location of the event, and I made my way onto the picturesque campus. I continued on my way till I reached the location where the interviews were going to take place. I was given instructions, and after following them, I found a place in the waiting area where I could chat easily with the other applicants.

   I chatted with other distinguished candidates, and as I talked to people who had incredible amounts of professional experience and a long list of accomplishments, it honestly made me a little nervous.

   I was in fifth place in the line to enter the interview room. The panel included two male academics and one male graduate of the institution. From this point forward, I’ll refer to them as A, P1, and P2 respectively. Approximately 25 minutes were allotted for the interview. When my interview started it started with

   1. Do you wish to attend IIM C because of its prestigious reputation?
   2. Why do you want to make a profession out of consulting, and which consulting businesses specifically are you looking to work for?
   3. At the time of the interview, you had eight months of experience working for TCS. Why has India’s software business been more successful than the country’s hardware industry?
   4. What is your job at TCS?
   5. What sorts of actions could the public and the government take to improve the Indian hardware manufacturing industry?
   6. They asked me a simple math question on what the difference is between Average, mean, and median.
   7. Why do you want to do an MBA?
   8. Why MBAEx and IIMC? Why not take the IIMA PGPX or the IIMB EPGP instead?

   IIM Calcutta MBAEx Interview Experience – 2

    

   My interview started after lunch. I had seen approximately 7-10 candidates go before me. My interview started with:

   • Take us through your resume
   • Raised concerns regarding my immediate versus long terms goals
   • Asked a question from my resume about a project I had mentioned?
   • Requested specific instances of both your strengths and faults, as well as the actions you are taking to address them
   • Questions concerning academic performance (in my case, an applicant with more than ten years of experience was questioned to justify the bad marks he received in college!)
   • Questions pertaining to current events, the state of the economy, and the state of various industries
   • After that, we discussed some standard economic concepts. Questions concerning matters that are already well-known to the general public
   • Why pursue a PGPEX rather than a Master’s degree in a different field of study?
   • A few inquiries concerning my interests in my spare time
   • What sector of the economy do you intend to concentrate on after PGPEX? Are you going to continue in the same function, or are you going to make a switch? Do you intend to participate in the group work that we will be doing in this class?

   IIM Calcutta MBAEx Interview Experience – 3

    

   I think my interview experience for IIM C MBAEx program can be broken up into two sections.

   The first one is: The question that is easiest to answer is “Walk me through your resume.” Other common questions include “Why an MBAEx? Why IIM C? Why Now?” What are some of your short, medium, and long-term objectives? …

   The second part with the second panelist was rather strange and, from my perspective, a good deal more challenging.

   What is 99 plus two?

   What is the name of the international airport that is located in the most immediate proximity to your city?

   In this moment, how many wheels are there altogether?

   After that, an example from real life.

   I believe the purpose of this section of the interview is to assess your capacity for adaptability and innovation in the face of unfamiliar challenges and intense time constraints. And when we were done, he asked me to fill him in on all I know about the IIM C MBAEx program, including three four clubs I would like to join and what elective I think I want to attend etc.

   To summarize, I wouldn’t exactly call it a walk in the park by any stretch of the imagination. In point of fact, I would argue that this is one of the most difficult interviews that I have ever observed.

   It is strongly suggested that you get ready for it! I hope that everyone has success!

   IIM Calcutta MBAEx Interview Experience – 4

    

   It was taken by 2 professors on zoom.

   Some questions I was asked:

   Tell me about yourself and your hobbies.
   If you could change one thing from the past, what would it be?
   Some questions about my current job
   How was the transition from India to Estonia (I was deputed here on my job for a few months?
   If you were to abandon everything and launch a business, what would it be and what would the investment and business plan entail?
   How will your buddy describe you?
   What would a person who dislikes you say?

   That’s it. Fairly quick and rapid fire types. Glad to report that I was admitted. ?

   IIM Calcutta MBAEx Interview Experience – 5

    

   Brief Profile Summary: Bachelor of Commerce degree and a CPA. Academics are satisfactory but by no means exceptional. GMAT – 670. Total Work Experience 7.5 years in a government job.

   After being forced to wait for two hours in a room designated as a waiting area for a zoom session, I was finally presented with a screen that showed me two professors seated in their homes and ready to question me.

   P1: After working for the government for seven years, what made you decide to go into MBAEX?
   P1: Where did you find this information that I mentioned in my why MBAEx answer? Me: Wikipedia.
   P2: So, according to you, Wikipedia is the best source of information there is.
   I: Made a convincing argument here about how information from the Wiki should also be corroborated by other sources, and I presented an example.
   P1: Can you tell me how many people report to you?
   P1: So you are acting as an auditor in addition to providing advisory services. Do you not believe that this presents a conflict of interest?
   P1: Are you aware of the dispute that is taking place in the business world?
   I told yes I am aware of what is happening with ILFS and PWC.
   P1: Alright, tell me if you are an advisor and want to advise the Chief Minister of Punjab about how to control or perhaps eliminate the spread of fake news. How would you go about doing that?
   I asked them for some time to think about my answer. I gave them three points. No cross-questioning.
   P2: Alright, so tell me, what piece of advice would you provide to someone who is living in a rural area and reading fabricated news stories but is convinced that what he is reading is accurate?
   P1 and P2 questioned one another to see if they had any further questions they wanted to ask.
   Do you have any questions for us or any other comments? (P2)

   The interview has ended. Admit received after Round 2.