Real GDPI Transcripts : IIM Indore X PrepBee.
Preparing for your B-school interview? Here’s a genuine real interview transcript from a candidate who appeared for the IIM Indore admission process.
This detailed transcript gives you a realistic view of what happens inside the panel room — from the actual questions asked to how the candidate responded, and what impressed the interviewers.
At PrepBee, we collect and verify real GDPI-WAT experiences from aspirants who have faced India’s top management institutes — including IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, TISS, and IIFT.
Each transcript is reviewed by our mentors to ensure it reflects current trends, relevant topics, and actionable learning for upcoming candidates. When it comes to B-school interview preparation — AYN is all you need.
Non Enginner | Work-Ex | Transcript 1
Candidate Profile
Name: Sxxxxx Exxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: 96.19
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 8 GPA / 7 GPA / 8 GPA
Education: Mechanical Engineering
Work Experience: Fresher
Other: Male, SC Category
Program: Wxxxxx’s technical background required a strong defense of his core concepts. His ability to handle the specific engineering and management questions reflects preparation strategies honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on B-school GDPI and MBA admission strategy, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: IIM Indore is known for often skipping the WAT component in the final interview stage. This candidate reported No GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Technical & Extempore, ~15-20 minutes)
The panel (P1-Technical, P2-Automobile/Extempore) conducted a focused interview, heavily testing core Mechanical Engineering principles and general automobile awareness before concluding with an extempore speech.
Q1. P1: “Tell us about yourself.”
The candidate gave a brief introduction.
Q2. P1: “Since you are from a Mechanical Background, why are the Gas/fuel containers cylindrical and not square?”
The candidate correctly answered, citing the need for even pressure distribution on the walls.
Q3. P1: “Okay, then why not spherical?”
The candidate admitted, “I cannot explain the reason for the same.”
Q4. P1: “What are different types of pumps?”
The candidate proactively redirected the conversation, stating he would not be able to answer properly and was more inclined towards Automobile Engineering, Engineering Graphics, and Engineering Management.
Q5. P1: “Are you aware about Engines? Explain Knocking.”
The candidate confirmed awareness and correctly explained the phenomenon of knocking (abnormal combustion).
Q6. P1: “Tell us the fuel composition of BS6 engines.”
The candidate admitted not knowing the exact composition but correctly mentioned the requirement to add ethanol in the gasoline.
Follow-up: P1: “Do you know the exact percent? Reason to add ethanol.”
The candidate admitted not knowing the exact percentage but correctly cited the environmental/emission reasons for adding ethanol, then provided a guess for a secondary reason.
Q7. P1: “Since ethanol is hydroscopic, how does this affect if water is mistakenly mixed with petrol?”
The candidate successfully answered this trick question, explaining how ethanol’s property would interact with water in the fuel mixture.
Q8. P2: “Can you tell me any four Indian Automobile brands?”
The candidate named four, including Hindustan Motors.
Follow-up: P2: “What did Hindustan Motors make?”
The candidate correctly answered, referencing iconic models.
Q9. P2: “Are you aware about any Indian bike having a dual-piston engine? Can you tell us more about dual-piston engines and compare them to a single-piston engine?”
The candidate forgot the specific Indian example (RE Continental GT) but provided a good comparison of the mechanics, power, and torque characteristics of the two engine types.
Follow-up: P2: “What is the CC of a dual-piston engine? Can it be 1000cc?”
The candidate gave a reasoned guess that it must be more than 400cc for high-performance use, demonstrating logical thinking despite lacking the exact number.
Q10. P2: “(Change of Topic) Extempore: MBA in India is a waste of time.”
The candidate presented an immediate counter-argument, likely focusing on the value addition through structured knowledge, networking, career pivot, and strategic leadership training.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a focused test of the candidate’s technical fundamentals and self-assessed interests. Although the candidate struggled with a couple of core mechanical concepts (Spherical containers, pumps), he successfully redirected the conversation toward his strengths (Automobile Engineering, Engines) and demonstrated honesty and logical reasoning when faced with knowledge gaps (guessing CC, explaining the ethanol mix). His quick adaptation and effective counter-argument in the Extempore speech proved his readiness for strategic discussions. This performance, marked by composure and successful topic-steering, confirms the candidate’s potential for the program. His preparation to handle pressure and redirect questioning is key to the IIM interview experience.
Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 2
Candidate Profile
Name: Pxxxxx Yxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: 97.82%ile
Academics (UG): Chemical Engineering
Education: Engineering (Fresher)
Work Experience: None
Other: Male, OBC Category
Program: Wxxxxx’s technical background required a focused defense of core engineering concepts, mathematics, and general awareness for MBA admission. His strategic readiness for such comprehensive scrutiny is often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Technical and Foundational, ~15-20 minutes)
The panel (P1-Technical/Quant, P2-GK/Current Affairs) conducted a relatively chill interview, concentrating on core Chemical Engineering fundamentals, basic calculus, and contemporary issues.
Q1. P1: “Tell me about yourself (TMAY).”
The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. P1: “What did you learn from Chemical Engineering?”
The candidate summarized his key takeaways, likely focusing on process optimization, material science, and thermodynamics.
Q3. P1: “Laws of Thermodynamics. Bernoulli’s Theorem and Application.”
The candidate recited the laws and explained Bernoulli’s principle, linking it to practical applications (e.g., flow measurement or venturi effects).
Q4. P1: “What is a Centrifuge?”
The candidate defined the device and explained its operation, using centrifugal force to separate components based on density.
Q5. P1: “Questions related to my Intern.”
The candidate detailed the work performed during his internship, linking technical knowledge to real-world tasks.
Q6. P1: “What is Flame triangle?”
The candidate explained the three components necessary for combustion (Heat, Fuel, and Oxidizer), demonstrating knowledge of safety/process engineering.
Q7. P1: “What is $\log(x)$? Draw the $e^x$ graph. Find the Area under the graph from $[-1, 1]$.”
A rapid quantitative check. The candidate defined the logarithm, drew the exponential curve, and had to either state or attempt to calculate the definite integral $\int_{-1}^{1} e^x dx$ ($\approx 2.35$).
Q8. P2: “Extra curricular activities and related questions.”
The panel pivoted to behavioral questions, discussing the candidate’s hobbies and their associated learnings.
Q9. P2: “What is Data Mining and how does it affect Data privacy?”
The candidate defined the process of extracting patterns and discussed the resulting ethical and regulatory conflicts with user privacy.
Q10. P2: “Kerala Floods 2018.”
The candidate was asked about the major disaster, requiring knowledge of its causes, immediate impact, and government response.
Q11. P2: “CM, Governor, Health Minister of Kerala.”
The candidate was tested on specific, recent factual political knowledge, particularly the role of the Health Minister during recent state crises.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was chill and highly conceptual, with a clear intent to verify the technical foundation of the Chemical Engineering fresher. The panel’s focus on core laws (Thermodynamics, Bernoulli) and calculus (Area under $e^x$) was crucial. The candidate handled both the technical and quantitative checks, while also demonstrating awareness of critical national events (Kerala Floods) and contemporary issues (Data Privacy). This comprehensive coverage of technical fundamentals and general awareness confirms the candidate’s preparation for the IIM environment.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 3
Candidate Profile
Name: Wxxxxx Kxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
Location: Kolkata
CAT Percentile: 98.51
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 10 GPA / 93.2% / 8.6 GPA
Education: Materials Science and Engineering
Work Experience: 7 months
Other: Male, OBC-NCL Category
Program: Wxxxxx’s technical background and strong academic consistency necessitate a defense of his core engineering knowledge, which is often sharpened through strategic preparation found in programs like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on B-school GDPI and MBA admission strategy, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: IIM Indore is known for having different selection processes; this candidate reported No GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Exhaustive Grilling, ~20 minutes)
The panel (P1-Technical/Quant, P2-Quant/Policy/Stress) conducted a highly aggressive, focused stress interview, concentrating almost entirely on core engineering fundamentals, advanced mathematics, and current affairs, deliberately avoiding typical profile questions.
Q1. P1: “Tell me about yourself.” The candidate gave a brief introduction before being immediately interrupted.
Q2. P1: “Where did you do your schooling and engineering?” The candidate provided factual details about his academic institutions.
Q3. P1: “What is Precipitation kinetics? Explain the natural precipitation kinetics reaction mechanism that happens in Aluminium alloys.” A deep technical drill into the candidate’s Materials Science domain, requiring precise explanation of microstructural changes and the aging process.
Q4. P1: “Why are some Metallic Glasses thick and others are thin?” Tested understanding of the cooling rate/glass-forming ability in Materials Science, linking kinetics to final product thickness.
Q5. P1: “Why does steel get cracks in it when it undergoes quenching?” Tested knowledge of thermal stress, phase transformation (Martensite), and the resulting internal stresses that lead to quenching cracks.
Q6. P1: “(Paper and Pencil) Solve a question on Inequalities. Then draw a graph of that inequality.” Tested ability to translate algebraic concepts into a graphical solution, demonstrating core quantitative skill.
Q7. P1: “Asked a question related to circles.” A geometric or algebraic question, further testing quantitative aptitude.
Q8. P2: “What are rational and irrational numbers? Give examples.” Tested fundamental mathematical definitions, a common area of attack for an engineering background.
Q9. P2: “What are Continuous and Discontinuous Functions? Give examples, and draw the graphs.” P2 applied continuous grilling, sarcastically interfering and trying to confuse the candidate while he wrote, testing conceptual understanding and composure.
Q10. P2: “Asked to solve some integration questions.” A direct quantitative test, challenging the candidate’s mathematical command under pressure.
Q11. P1: “What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? Abrahamic Treaty? Discussion on the Israel-Palestine war.” Pivoted rapidly to high-stakes global current affairs and diplomacy.
Q12. P2: “Extempore: Is the current diplomatic policy of India sustainable in the future? Provide supporting statements and disagreements.” A high-pressure analytical question requiring on-the-spot formulation of a balanced argument on Indian foreign policy.
Q13. P2: “Asked if I have any other calls.” A standard closing question to gauge the candidate’s demand/desirability.
Panel’s Impression
This was an extremely aggressive and exhausting stress interview lasting nearly 20 minutes, deliberately designed to avoid profile-based questions (Why MBA, Hobbies) and instead focus on finding conceptual breaking points. The panel’s technique involved continuous grilling, sarcasm, and deliberate confusion (interference during writing). The core focus was deep technical recall (Materials Science) and advanced mathematics/policy analysis. The candidate’s primary challenge was managing the relentless mental pressure. His ability to withstand this exhaustive grilling, despite the mental fog, demonstrates the resilience necessary for a top-tier program, a mental fortitude often sharpened through the simulated stress of PrepBee AYN GDPI guida
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 4
Candidate Profile
Name: Txxxxx Rxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified)
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 10 CGPA / 96% / 9 CGPA (B.Com)
Education: B.Com (DU), Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: General Category (Inferred); Hobbies include reading about political crises, espionage, and wars.
Program: Wxxxxx’s strong academic profile from Delhi University (B.Com) and high grades require a sharp defense of foundational business concepts and financial ratios for MBA admission. His strategic readiness is often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Academics, Finance, and Policy, ~20+ minutes)
The panel (M1-General/Concept, M2-Finance/Policy) conducted a thorough interview, focusing heavily on core B.Com concepts, distinctions between financial terms, and current affairs (recent elections and farm laws).
Q1. M1: “Show me your government ID. Where are you connecting from? Is it a district? You are doing B Com., right? From which institute? So is it in online mode?”
The panel conducted a mandatory verification check before proceeding to the substantive questions.
Q2. M1: “Why do you want to join an MBA programme now? Why not get some industry experience first?”
The candidate had to defend the fresher status, arguing that the foundational management skills provided by the MBA are necessary before entering the industry.
Q3. M1: “Have you prepared for this interview? Okay, so tell me what is commerce?”
The candidate defined the term (buying, selling, trade facilitation).
Q4. M1: “A person provides his service to his employer and gets free meals in return. Is this commerce? If it is a part of commerce, then how would you account for it in the GDP?”
The candidate had to analyze the transaction (barter/non-monetary exchange) and explain the challenges of accounting for in-kind services/benefits in national income calculation.
Q5. M2: “Tell me about opportunity costs.”
The candidate defined the cost of the next best alternative foregone.
Q6. M2: “Will your IIM fees fall under opportunity cost? What are fixed costs? What are sunk costs? What is marginal cost? And what are incremental costs? Have you heard about it?”
The panel tested core microeconomic and accounting distinctions. The candidate needed to differentiate Sunk Cost (unrecoverable) from Fixed Cost (must be paid) and Marginal Cost (per unit) from Incremental Cost (cost of a specific decision/project).
Q7. M2: “What is solvency ratio? But D/E ratio measures leverage, how would you calculate solvency ratio?”
The candidate defined solvency. The panel pressed for the correct calculation (Total Assets/Total Liabilities or variants), distinguishing it from the leverage-focused Debt-to-Equity ratio.
Q8. M2: “What is the difference between authorised and paid-up capital? What is the difference between preference and ordinary shareholders?”
The candidate provided the legal and financial definitions, demonstrating clarity in corporate accounting.
Q9. M2: “What are your hobbies? So which books have you read so far in that genre (political crises, espionage and wars)?”
The panel tested the authenticity and depth of the candidate’s reading interest by asking for specific titles in his preferred niche.
Q10. M2: “You said you can know multiple languages. What do we call such a person who understands multiple languages?”
The candidate needed to provide the correct term (polyglot).
Q11. M2: “Since you like reading about political scenarios, tell me about the results of the recently concluded elections in Indian states. So basically BJP won everywhere except Punjab, why BJP lost Punjab? What were the issues with the farm laws? What could have done better from government’s side?”
A deep dive into political current affairs, focusing on the Punjab election outcome and the national controversy surrounding the repealed farm laws.
Q12. M2: “Can you tell the name of our Agriculture Minister?”
The candidate was tested on a specific factual detail regarding a key cabinet position.
Q13. M2: “Topic: Big retail chains are killing small retailers of the country.” (1.5 minutes to speak, 30 seconds to think)
The candidate delivered an Extempore speech on the economic effects of large vs. small format retail, likely balancing efficiency/price benefits against social impact/job displacement.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a comprehensive test designed to verify the candidate’s B.Com fundamentals and intellectual agility. The panel’s focus was on precise distinctions between financial terms (Sunk vs. Fixed, ROCE vs. Solvency) and the candidate’s grasp of high-stakes political economics (Farm Laws, Punjab Elections). The candidate performed strongly in the academic defense and was able to articulate nuanced answers even on non-monetary GDP accounting. This high-calibre performance across both finance and policy reflects the systematic, dual-pronged preparation often gained through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 5
Candidate Profile
Name: Jxxxxx Hxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified)
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 95% / 97.2% / 85.8%
Education: Mechanical Engineering (NITC)
Work Experience: 30 months (22 months at ZS Associates + 8 months at Tata Motors)
Other: General Category (Inferred)
Program: Wxxxxx’s career pivot from core engineering (Tata Motors) to consulting/analytics (ZS) is a key discussion point. His ability to articulate the strategic link between statistics, engineering, and consulting is crucial for MBA admission, a skill often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Career Pivot and Analytical Depth)
The interview panel (P1-Workex/Behavioral, P2-Academics/Quant) conducted a focused session centered on justifying the candidate’s unconventional career path and testing his knowledge of mathematics and statistics.
Q1. P1: “Let’s start with your introduction.”
The candidate gave a standard introduction, highlighting his diverse work history.
Q2. P1: “I am keen to understand this, you studied in a prestigious college like NITC and had a good start to career at a company like Tata Motors. Why did you join ZS after this, which is unrelated to your branch of engineering?”
The candidate had to defend his career pivot, explaining the shift toward analytics, data-driven roles, and the consulting environment over core Mechanical Engineering.
Q3. P1: “So you are interested in statistics, tell me how do you use statistics in your role in ZS?”
The candidate successfully detailed a specific use case of statistical modeling or analysis relevant to his consulting work.
Follow-up: P1: “This sounds really interesting, can you tell me one more use case?”
The candidate provided a second distinct example, confirming deep engagement with his analytical role.
Q4. P1: “You mentioned that you directly interact with clients and manage a small team, mention some of the challenges you face.”
The panel tested his managerial and client-facing skills, requiring him to articulate typical consulting challenges (e.g., expectation mismatch, scope creep, remote team management).
Q5. P2: “So how did you learn statistics? Any formal training in ZS?”
The panel probed the source of his statistical knowledge, confirming whether it was self-learned, on-the-job, or through certifications.
Q6. P2: “What is uniform distribution?”
The candidate couldn’t answer this fundamental statistics question, indicating a gap in theoretical recall.
Q7. P2: “Draw graphs of $Y=X^2-4$ and $Y=X$. Where do they intersect?”
The candidate performed the required graphing and solved the simultaneous equations ($X^2-X-4=0$) to find the intersection points, confirming strong quantitative aptitude.
Q8. P2: “What’s mRNA?”
The panel pivoted to a current affair/science topic (likely related to pandemic vaccine technology), testing his general knowledge of biotechnology.
Q9. Extempore: “Role of AI in biotechnology.”
The candidate delivered an Extempore speech, discussing the applications of AI in drug discovery, genomics, personalized medicine, and accelerating research timelines.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was well-structured, successfully verifying the strategic rationale behind the candidate’s career switch (from core engineering to consulting) and his current analytical competence. While the candidate clearly articulated his work experience and managerial challenges, the lapse in recalling “uniform distribution” was a significant conceptual miss, especially given his claimed interest in statistics. His quick performance on the algebra/graphing questions, however, mitigated the damage. This blend of strong work defense and quantitative inconsistency highlights the challenges faced by engineering candidates. His preparation to link disparate career stages and handle the Extempore reflects the strategic focus of PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 6
Candidate Profile
Name: Wxxxxx Kxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: 99.84
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 95% / 85% / 74%
Education: Engineering Background
Work Experience: 14 months at Infosys (Aerospace domain)
Other: General Category (Inferred)
Program: Wxxxxx’s high CAT percentile and technical background require a strong command of engineering mathematics and core IT concepts for MBA admission. The ability to manage these technical domain questions is crucial and often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Technical Math and IT Fundamentals, ~15 minutes)
The panel (two males) conducted a rapid, focused interview heavily testing the candidate’s engineering mathematics, programming concepts, and general political awareness.
Q1. P1: “Tell me about yourself (TMAY).” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. P1: “What is Cramer’s rule? What is Eigen Value?” The candidate forgot both definitions, despite acknowledging they were learned in Linear Algebra/Matrices.
Q3. P1: “Your work is in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics); do you know differential partial equations?” The candidate confirmed knowledge, linking his work domain to advanced engineering mathematics.
Q4. P1: “Inverse of a matrix? How do you find it?” The candidate successfully defined the inverse and explained methods for finding it (e.g., using Adjoint/Determinant or Elementary Row Operations).
Q5. P1: “Rank of a matrix?” The candidate provided a partial answer regarding the rank of a matrix (the maximum number of linearly independent rows or columns).
Q6. P1: “Questions on Java, why is it popular?” The candidate correctly cited OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) features as a primary reason for Java’s popularity.
Q7. P1: “Why is C++ less popular?” The candidate replied that he hasn’t done much programming in C++.
Q8. P2: “Extempore: Digital Divide.” The candidate delivered an Extempore speech on the disparity between those who have access to information technology and those who do not, discussing the social and economic consequences.
Q9. P2: “IT Minister? Commerce Minister?” The candidate correctly identified the Union Ministers for both key portfolios.
Q10. P2: “What is Anurag Thakur doing nowadays?” The candidate was unable to provide a recent update on the Information and Broadcasting Minister.
Q11. P2: “Some ports in India?” The candidate named several major ports (e.g., Mumbai, Kandla, Chennai).
Q12. P2: “When will you start going to the office?” The panel asked a practical question related to the return-to-office trend post-pandemic.
Q13. P2: “This might be your second attempt? So, didn’t do well in those?” The panel confirmed his history (third attempt) and asked for the narrative behind his previous CAT attempts and scores.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a clear test of academic recall and quantitative readiness. The candidate performed well on programming concepts and applied math (Matrix Inverse, Differential Equations) but suffered significant setbacks by forgetting core concepts from engineering mathematics (Cramer’s Rule, Eigen Value). Despite these academic lapses, the interview was conducted without grilling, and the candidate demonstrated competence in the Extempore and basic GK. The lesson here is that academic fundamentals remain paramount, even for experienced candidates.
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 7
Candidate Profile
Name: Uxxxxx Hxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified)
Academics (UG): (Not Specified, but Non-Engineering inferred from questions)
Education: Non-Engineer
Work Experience: (Not Specified)
Other: General Category (Inferred); Interests include Finance and German.
Program: Wxxxxx’s diverse academic interests and focus on finance require a precise understanding of core business metrics and global economics for MBA admission. This strategic preparation is often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Finance, Valuation, and Global Awareness, 10–12 minutes)
The panel (two males in their 40s) conducted a very short, high-pressure interview that focused on core finance, valuation ratios, general knowledge, and geometry, often cutting the candidate off.
Q1. Panel: “Introduce yourself.” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. Panel: “What are your favorite subjects? What does Volkswagen mean? Which car company sells the most number of units in the world?” The candidate mentioned finance, German, and business law. The panel tested her linguistic interest (Volkswagen means ‘People’s Car’) and her current affairs knowledge on the global auto industry (likely Toyota or Volkswagen Group).
Q3. Panel: “Which companies make the most profit in the world? Is any Indian company in Fortune 50?” The candidate was tested on global financial awareness (e.g., Apple, Microsoft, oil companies) and specific knowledge of Indian representation in top global rankings (Reliance, LIC).
Q4. Panel: “Question about accounting—how to induct a new partner into a business.” The question tested partnership accounting fundamentals, specifically how to adjust capital accounts, goodwill, and profit-sharing ratios.
Q5. Panel: “What does ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) mean? Difference between ROE (Return on Equity) and ROCE? Which among the two may be generally higher and why?” A deep drill into financial ratio analysis. The candidate had to define both and explain that ROE is generally higher due to the leverage effect of debt (if the company uses low-cost debt successfully).
Q6. Panel: “Draw a graph of y2=x+10. If your subordinate drew this graph, how will you verify if it’s correct?” The candidate had to draw the graph (a parabola opening to the right) and then explain practical verification methods (e.g., checking intercepts, verifying the axis of symmetry, or plotting boundary points).
Q7. Panel: “Importance of inventory turnover.” The candidate explained its significance in measuring efficiency (how quickly a company sells inventory) and avoiding obsolescence.
Q8. Panel: “Difference between fundamental and technical analysis? What would you suggest to whom?” The candidate defined both approaches (Fundamental: intrinsic value; Technical: price/volume patterns). She then provided guidance, likely suggesting Fundamental analysis for long-term investors and Technical analysis for short-term traders.
Q9. Extempore: “IT companies are giving pink slips to employees, what do you think are the reasons?” The candidate delivered an extempore speech, analyzing the reasons (e.g., over-hiring during COVID, rising interest rates/recession fears, focus on profit efficiency, and automation/AI integration).
Panel’s Impression
The interview was characterized by its brevity and high density, hitting critical finance and business governance topics (ROCE vs. ROE, Valuation, Inventory) in a short span. The panel’s technique of cutting the candidate off was a deliberate stress test. Despite this, the candidate navigated complex analytical questions (graph verification, financial ratios) and demonstrated strong awareness of global business trends and basic accounting. This ability to deliver precise, high-value answers under pressure confirms the intellectual preparedness required for the IIM environment, a trait often sharpened through the intensive focus of PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 8
Candidate Profile
Name: Bxxxxx Jxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: 99.29
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 90% / 92.3% / 8.9 GPA
Education: Engineering
Work Experience: 16 months in IT
Other: General Category (Inferred); Hobbies include playing Minecraft.
Program: Wxxxxx’s strong CAT score and technical work experience require sharp analytical skills and confident GK defense for MBA admission. The ability to manage sudden pressure and political/local knowledge testing is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Quant, Local GK, and Current Affairs)
The interview panel (P1-Quant/Technical, P2-Local GK/Policy) focused on testing foundational math, problem-solving under pressure, and detailed awareness of the candidate’s hometown politics and culture.
Q1. P1: “Greetings and all. Tell me about yourself (TMAY).” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. P1: “So you also play Minecraft?” The candidate confirmed, noting the panelist’s positive reaction.
Q3. P1: “In brief, tell me about your work.” The candidate summarized his role and responsibilities in IT.
Q4. P1: “Okay, I will ask you a few math questions. (a+5)x=a+7. At what value of a is the equation not defined?” The candidate correctly identified the point where the denominator is zero (a=−5) but then gave an overly complex and incorrect explanation involving finding roots and values of x.
Q5. P1: “149 is a positive number and the product of its digits is 36. How many other 3-digit numbers have a product of 36?” The candidate solved the combinatorial problem correctly (finding all permutations of digits that multiply to 36, such as {1,4,9},{2,2,9},{3,3,4},{1,6,6}, etc.), but expressed self-doubt about the total answer (21 permutations).
Q6. P1: “I will show you something. 3+8=23. This is true. Tell me how?” The candidate was presented with a lateral thinking/puzzle question (The logic is typically (3×5)+8=23, or similar patterns, e.g., 3×(8−1)+2).
Q7. P2: “So you are from Nagpur. Tell me for what Nagpur is famous. Why Orange City?” The candidate correctly mentioned Tiger Capital and Orange City, explaining the latter due to maximum supply from the region.
Q8. P2: “There is one MP in LS from Nagpur. Who? Ministries?” The candidate correctly identified Nitin Gadkari but incorrectly included MSME among his current ministries.
Q9. P2: “What is the Vidarbha and Maharashtra thing?” The candidate discussed the region’s location, the demand for a separate Vidarbha state, and incorrectly identified where developmental funds are diverted (citing Marathwada instead of the more commonly cited West Maharashtra).
Q10. P2: “Does Vidarbha remind you of someone from the Mahabharata? Lord Krishna’s wife has something to do.” The candidate was unable to answer the cultural/historical link. P2 revealed the connection: Rukmini’s hometown, Kaundanyapur, is in Vidarbha.
Q11. P2: “Okay, pros and cons of having Vidarbha as a separate state.” The candidate struggled, providing generic pros (more funds, IT development) and a weak con (budget issues), and missed the crucial pro regarding Vidarbha’s role as an electricity supplier.
Q12. P2: “Child labour.” The candidate forgot to provide specific solutions to this policy issue.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was highly personalized, revealing the panel’s deep knowledge of the candidate’s hometown (Vidarbha culture and politics). The second half of the interview was essentially a sustained stress test on local GK and political awareness, which the candidate openly admitted struggling with, making factual errors (Gadkari’s ministry, fund diversion) and missing cultural links (Rukmini). While the candidate showed strength in analytical problem-solving (the number puzzle), the performance in the second half was weak. The panel’s interest in converting strong quant profiles suggests the errors may be overlooked if the candidate demonstrates strategic commitment; however, the lack of preparation on the home region was a critical failure.
Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 9
Candidate Profile
Name: Rxxxxx Kxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore –
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified)
Academics (UG): Information Technology (IT)
Education: IT Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: General Category (Inferred); Hobbies include Civil Services Preparation (inferred from questions).
Program: Wxxxxx’s background as an IT fresher necessitates a clear explanation of quantitative and technical fundamentals, coupled with a justification for the management pivot. This balance is often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Technical, Quant, and Policy Focus)
The interview panel conducted a broad-ranging session, challenging the candidate on subjects related to Civil Services preparation, core IT/Coding fundamentals, and quantitative aptitude.
Q1. Panel: “Introduce yourself.” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. Panel: “So you completed your graduation this year?” The candidate confirmed his fresher status.
Q3. Panel: “Which all subjects did you study in Civil Services prep?” The candidate listed the subjects studied (e.g., History, Geography, Economics, Polity), triggering a deep dive into Polity.
Q4. Panel: “What is Polity? Elaborate the polity of India.” The candidate defined polity and elaborated on the key features of the Indian political system (e.g., Parliamentary form, Federal structure, Republic).
Q5. Panel: “Tell me about the different articles.” The candidate discussed key articles from the Constitution.
Q6. Panel: “What is 9th Schedule? 10th Schedule?” The candidate explained the 9th Schedule (Acts beyond judicial review) and the 10th Schedule (Anti-defection Law).
Q7. Panel: “What is Article 142? 143?” The candidate explained Article 142 (SC’s power to pass decrees necessary for complete justice) and Article 143 (President’s power to consult the SC).
Q8. Panel: “What is Judicial Review?” The candidate defined Judicial Review and its significance in checking legislative and executive actions.
Q9. Panel: “Did you study differences in your engineering?” The panel abruptly pivoted to core quantitative skills, likely asking about Differential Equations or calculus.
Q10. Panel: “Draw a graph of the equation. Solve a simultaneous equation.” The candidate performed both tasks using pen and paper, confirming quantitative abilities.
Q11. Panel: “What is Kernel?” The candidate answered, relating it to the core of an Operating System.
Q12. Panel: “What is Inheritance? Code for multi-level inheritance.” The candidate defined the OOP concept and wrote the requisite code structure, confirming programming fundamentals.
Q13. Panel: “What are digital bread crumbs?” The candidate explained this concept, referring to the passive digital trace or data left behind by users online.
Q14. Panel: “Speak on: How IT can help the underprivileged (lower section of the pyramid).” The candidate gave an Extempore speech, discussing applications like FinTech (Jan Dhan, UPI), Tele-Medicine, and E-governance to promote inclusion.
Q15. Panel: “What is normalisation in DBMS? Different types of it.” The candidate defined the process and listed the different Normal Forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF), returning to core IT curriculum.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a rigorous evaluation of the candidate’s diverse knowledge base, moving fluidly from the political science depth required for UPSC/Civil Services to the technical fundamentals of IT (Coding, DBMS, OS) and basic quantitative skills. The candidate demonstrated a strong command over both Constitutional Polity and core Computer Science concepts. The ability to articulate complex legal and technical details under pressure, particularly in the Extempore, is essential for the program’s demands. This versatile performance, spanning three distinct domains, reflects the comprehensive preparation strategy gained through structured guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 10
Candidate Profile
Name: Wxxxxx Kxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified)
Academics (UG): BE Electronics and Instrumentation + Minor in Finance (BITS background inferred)
Education: Engineering (BE)
Work Experience: 8 months at ZS Associates (Service Consulting)
Other: General Category (Inferred); Hobbies/Interests include Math and Finance.
Program: Wxxxxx’s strong quantitative base, coupled with exposure to consulting and finance, requires a focused pitch. The ability to handle unexpected theoretical math problems under pressure is a skill often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Random & Quantitative, ~20 minutes)
The panel (P1-Quant/Stat, P2-GK/Cities) conducted a chill, yet highly random interview, focusing heavily on probability, calculus, core general knowledge, and city-specific awareness.
Q1. P1: “Good evening. When did you come here today? Must be exhausting. No worries, we will wrap this quickly. TMAY.”
The candidate established his context (long wait time) and started his prepared introduction before being stopped after mentioning his work experience.
Q2. P1: “Explain your role in greater detail. You like Finance, you are working for a service consulting firm and have done engineering. Why so?”
The candidate successfully explained the flexibility of his engineering degree and the deliberate choice to keep options open, satisfying the panel regarding his diverse background.
Q3. P1: “Okay. You like maths sounds like. Two prerequisites for a probability distribution function (PDF).”
The candidate correctly listed the two conditions: 1) The graph must always be positive or zero; and 2) The integral over the entire range must equal 1.
Q4. P1: “Do you remember normal distribution? The equation.”
The candidate admitted not recalling the complex equation exactly but correctly stated that mean ($\mu$) and variance ($\sigma^2$) are the two parameters.
Q5. P1: “Can you draw the shape for mean = 0? Where is the first derivative negative? And the second derivative?”
The candidate drew the classic bell curve with maxima at 0. He correctly identified that the first derivative is negative after $x=0$ (as the graph decreases). He provided an explanation for the second derivative, though P1 interrupted.
Q6. P1: “I will give you a function. $Y = ax$. Can this be a PDF?”
The candidate drew the graph and correctly identified the range (starting at $x=0$, terminating at $x = \sqrt{2/a}$) required for the triangular area under the curve to equal 1, thus satisfying the PDF conditions.
Q7. P2: “Okay. Who was the oldest Industrialist of India? His first business?”
The candidate correctly identified Jamshedji Tata. P2 challenged the answer (Steel) against Textile. The candidate correctly maintained that Jamshedji Tata’s first industrial foray was into Textile.
Q8. P2: “When was Navi Mumbai planned? What was the biggest trigger?”
The candidate was not sure of the exact date but correctly identified the overpopulation of Mumbai as the trigger and noted that the integration of the cities is ongoing.
Q9. P2: “You have been in Mumbai for 10 years now. What is Mumbai famous for apart from things like Finance capital and Bollywood?”
The candidate thoughtfully answered with the Dabbawallas, emphasizing their unmatched supply chain and 97% accuracy without GPS.
Q10. P2: “Last question for the day—an extempore since you have traveled a lot. ‘Urbanization pros and cons’.”
The candidate provided several pros and identified a strong con: the sacrifice of social fabric and work-life balance, particularly in cities like Mumbai.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was notable for its randomness and high quantitative focus, despite the panel’s attempt to wrap it quickly. The candidate performed exceptionally well in the rigorous mathematics section, correctly identifying the PDF prerequisites, drawing the normal distribution, and deriving the PDF condition for $Y=ax$. He maintained composure when challenged on the Tata historical facts and successfully provided a high-quality answer (Dabbawallas) when asked for specific city knowledge. His ability to handle deep theoretical math and pivot to urban policy analysis confirms the intellectual agility required for the IIM environment. This versatility reflects the kind of structured preparation and strategic thinking emphasized in the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 11
Candidate Profile
Name: Wxxxxx Kxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified)
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 9 GPA / 8 GPA / 9 GPA
Education: Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), VJTI
Work Experience: 7–8 months at JPMorgan Chase
Other: General Engineer Female (GEF); Research interest in Blockchain.
Program: Wxxxxx’s strong academic profile, technical background, and experience in a major financial institution make her highly competitive for MBA admission. Her ability to seamlessly integrate technical knowledge with business concepts is a skill often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Technical Depth and General Awareness, ~18 minutes)
The panel (P1-Technical/Academics, P2-GK/Policy/Extempore) conducted a friendly, focused interview, heavily centered on the candidate’s core computer science knowledge, technical research, and broad general awareness.
Q1. P1: “Tell me about yourself (TMAYS).” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. P1: “So what work do you do at JPMC? Arrays vs. Data Frames? When do you use an array versus when do you use a data frame?” The candidate explained her role and then detailed the structural and usage differences between arrays (homogeneous, faster, efficient memory) and data frames (heterogeneous, labeled axes, suitable for structured data analytics).
Q3. P1: “Different memories in a computer?” The candidate discussed concepts like permanent memory and cache memory, demonstrating knowledge of the memory hierarchy.
Q4. P1: “You mentioned research in blockchain, tell me what was it all about?” The candidate described her project in detail: blockchain for food supply chain management, including concepts like provenance and traceability.
Q5. P1: “Any other areas where blockchain can be used? Except cryptos.” The candidate provided strong alternative applications, mentioning intellectual property rights management and one other example.
Q6. P1: “You’re from VJTI. What was its old full form? New full form? Why was it changed?” The candidate was tested on institutional history, requiring knowledge of the name change (Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute to Visvesvaraya Technological Institute).
Q7. P1: “Latest technologies today?” The candidate named and briefly explained recent advancements in technology (e.g., AI/ML, Quantum Computing).
Q8. P2: “You mentioned almanack in a book in your form, what does it mean, what’s almanac (without the k)?” The candidate defined the term (an annual publication containing calendars, astronomical data, and statistical information).
Q9. P2: “Mumbai is to India as ___ is to USA?” The candidate answered New York (financial capital) and suggested California as a secondary choice (technology hub), displaying reasoned judgment.
Q10. P2: “One famous place in Mumbai and one in USA. Both Gateway of India and Statue of Liberty have some connection to another country too, do you know that?” The candidate mentioned the historical significance of the Gateway of India but did not know the specific foreign connection (e.g., both given/commemorating relations with UK/France).
Q11. P2: “Have you heard of Chitra Ramkrishna?” The candidate provided the full details of the NSE co-location scam and her role and background.
Q12. P2: “So do you know who’s the new CEO of NSE?” The candidate did not know the name of the current CEO (Ashishkumar Chauhan).
Q13. P2: “Extempore: Is technology wrecking havoc in our lives?” The candidate structured a balanced Extempore speech for 90 seconds, discussing both the pros (connectivity, efficiency) and cons (mental health, data privacy, job displacement) of technology’s impact.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was friendly, focused, and thorough, successfully validating the candidate’s core technical competence (Data Structures, Memory, Blockchain) and broad general knowledge (VJTI history, Global Finance, Chitra Ramkrishna). The candidate handled the deep dives into her research project and technical concepts well. Her ability to think laterally (Mumbai/USA analogy) and present a balanced argument in the Extempore confirms her intellectual agility. This strong, poised performance reflects the comprehensive strategic preparation gained through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 12
Candidate Profile
Name: Axxxxx Qxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile:
Academics (10th/12th/UG): (Specifics not provided, but indicated as having a poor trend after 10th)
Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharmacy)
Work Experience: 3 years in the Government Sector
Other: General Category (Inferred)
Program: Wxxxxx’s background in Pharmacy and subsequent transition to government work requires a compelling narrative for MBA admission. His ability to defend his academic trend and manage questions spanning science, law, and politics is a skill often refined through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (General Awareness & Defense, ~15 minutes)
The panel (P1-Science/Law, P2-Academics/Work-Ex) conducted a focused interview, challenging the candidate on academic inconsistencies, basic scientific definitions, and high-stakes legal/political topics.
Q1. P2: “Why do you have poor acads? I can’t see an upward trend anywhere.”
The candidate defended the trend by explaining that after a good score in 10th, he chose to focus more on extra-curriculars and personality building, citing achievements like Scout guide and photography wins.
Q2. P2: “Tell me about your organization and role. Your education background and role currently you are working not matching; what you are up to?”
The candidate explained his current role and linked it back to his degree by mentioning he had management subjects in his final year and was currently handling digital media campaigns, bridging the gap between Pharmacy and his current job.
Q3. P1: “Why are you leaving the government sector and coming to the private sector?”
The candidate provided his rationale for the pivot, likely citing a need for faster growth, dynamic environment, or direct business impact.
Q4. P1: “What is a molecule? What is a substance?”
The candidate struggled with these basic science definitions, indicating a lapse in recalling core B. Pharmacy knowledge, stating that substance is anything with mass and occupies space (matter).
Q5. P1: “Tell me about the Seven Sisters.”
The candidate correctly named the seven states of Northeast India.
Q6. P1: “Tell me about POCSO.”
The candidate initially mentioned women but immediately corrected himself to state it concerns sexual crimes related to children.
Q7. P1/P2: “Tell me about AFSPA. Tell me something more about the North East (NE).”
The candidate defined the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and discussed the overall security situation and context in the NE.
Q8. P1: “Extempore: Is AFSPA a human rights violation?” (30 seconds to think, 2 mins to speak)
The candidate argued by citing the violation of Article 19 and Article 15, discussing rules related to custody, mentioning terrorist groups like ULFA, and referencing protests by activists like Irom Sharmila as reasons why the government should lift AFSPA.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a demanding test of the candidate’s commitment to the MBA path, focusing on accountability for academic inconsistencies and the ability to link disparate career paths (Pharmacy $\to$ Government $\to$ MBA). While the candidate struggled significantly with basic scientific definitions, he successfully demonstrated strong general awareness on complex topics like POCSO, AFSPA, and geopolitical issues. His ability to defend his academic record with non-academic achievements and structure a logical argument during the Extempore reflects crucial soft skills. This performance confirms the necessary resilience for the IIM interview experience, a composure often developed through the strategic frameworks of PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 13
Candidate Profile
Name: Gxxxxx Dxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified)
Academics (UG): Non-Engineering
Education: General Non-Engineering Female (GNEF), Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: Certified in French (DELF A2); Speaks three languages; Jain faith (Digambari/Swetambari questioned).
Program: Wxxxxx’s profile as a GNEF fresher requires a strong justification for the career gap (no placement) and a robust defense of foundational finance and economic concepts for MBA admission. Her ability to handle both technical and extempore questioning is a skill often honed through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Finance, Economics, and Risk, ~20-25 minutes)
The panel (M-Finance/Risk, F-Language/HR) conducted a wide-ranging, pleasant interview that focused on financial fundamentals, economic concepts, risk assessment, and linguistic diversity.
Q1. M: “Which college have you graduated from? Where is it situated? Did you get a placement? Why did you not sit for placements?” The candidate explained her educational background and provided a clear rationale for not sitting for campus placements.
Q2. M: “What would you do if you didn’t get admission in MBA? How would you get a job then if you didn’t sit for campus placement? How confident are you for your off-campus placement?” The panel thoroughly questioned her Plan B, assessing the risk and confidence associated with pursuing an off-campus job search.
Q3. M: “It’s a high risk high reward situation then? You believe in risk taking? Does high risk always lead to high rewards?” The discussion pivoted to the fundamental concept of risk and return, requiring the candidate to nuance her answer on why high risk does not guarantee high reward.
Q4. M: “What is Repo Rate? What is the current Repo Rate? If the interest on FD increased, what does it imply on the Repo Rate?” The candidate defined the Repo Rate. The follow-up tested her understanding of the Monetary Policy transmission mechanism and the inverse relationship between retail interest rates and the central bank’s policy rate.
Q5. M: “What is Debt? What is Bond? Are they the same? What is D/E ratio? What does it indicate?” A rapid-fire series on financial fundamentals. The candidate had to distinguish between debt instruments and general debt, and explain the significance of the Debt-to-Equity ratio.
Q6. M: “Do you watch Shark Tank? In the show, the sharks are offering debt more than equity, why so?” The discussion linked financial concepts to current popular culture, requiring the candidate to explain the investor incentive for preferring debt (fixed returns, lower risk, no dilution of ownership).
Q7. F: “I can see you have a DELF A2 certification… you’ll say that French is your second language? What are the other two languages that you can speak?” The candidate corrected the panel, stating French was her third language, and named her other languages.
Q8. F: “Given a topic to speak upon: How does learning a third language have a pro and a con.” The panel provided a relaxed environment, allowing the candidate to speak freely on the cognitive benefits and cultural challenges associated with multilingualism.
Q9. M: “What is Opportunity Cost? What is the opportunity cost of learning a new language?” The candidate defined the core economic concept and applied it directly to her interest (time/resource trade-off).
Q10. M: “How would you evaluate two business ideas, which is better? What is Profitability? What is ROI (Return on Investment) then? What’s the difference?” The final quantitative drill tested the distinction between Profitability (gross measure, margin) and ROI (efficiency measure, comparing profit to invested capital).
Q11. M (Closing): While leaving, M asked if the candidate was a Digambari or Swetambari Jain and whether she was a hardcore Jain. A final, personal question based on observation, checking knowledge of her own faith’s sects.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was characterized by its pleasant yet rigorous grilling, successfully testing the candidate’s understanding of foundational finance (Repo Rate, D/E Ratio, Debt vs. Equity) and core economic concepts (Opportunity Cost, ROI). The candidate maintained composure and actively engaged in the discussion, even correcting the panel on her language count. Her ability to defend her non-placement decision and articulate nuanced answers across economics, finance, and language proficiency confirms her intellectual capability. This performance, marked by comfortable engagement and clarity in fundamentals, reflects the effective soft skills and domain grounding gained through strategic guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidan
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 14
Candidate Profile
Name: Dxxxxx Ixxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Indore
CAT Percentile: 98.47
Academics (10th/12th/Grad/PG): 95% / 95% / 84% / 85%
Education: General Non-Engineering Male (GNEM), Fresher
Work Experience: None
Other: Strong performance in JEE (Inferred from question); Interests include Chemistry.
Program: Wxxxxx’s strong academic record required a deep defense of his chosen academic path (non-engineering despite good JEE rank) and his core science interests. This strategic readiness for academic scrutiny is often honed through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on the IIM interview experience, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Note: The selection process for this candidate did not include a GD/WAT component.
IIM Indore Interview Experience (Chemistry & Geopolitics Focus, 10–15 minutes)
The panel (two mid-30s males) conducted a short, highly focused interview that was almost entirely centered on core academic science and current geopolitical crises, ignoring the typical MBA motivations.
Q1. P1: “Introduce yourself.” The candidate gave a standard introduction.
Q2. P1: “So, you’re interested in chemistry… tell me about types of forces, neutrons, mass, subatomic particles, gravitational force, periodic table, how it’s arranged, Valency.” The candidate was put through a rapid-fire Science Quiz, testing his foundational knowledge of physics and chemistry (atomic structure, periodic trends, fundamental forces).
Q3. P2: “You’ve scored so well overall; even JEE was so good. Usually people go to IITs and pursue engg at that rank. Why did you choose this instead? Why such a liking towards the subject?” The panel questioned his career path deviation, forcing the candidate to justify his choice of a non-engineering field despite strong competitive exam performance.
Q4. P2: “Lithium is in news right now. How does a Lithium-ion battery work exactly?” The candidate explained the electrochemical process (intercalation and de-intercalation of lithium ions between electrodes) in a Li-ion battery.
Q5. P2: “Heard about Russia/Ukraine? The ongoing war has made countries put trade sanctions on Russia. Why are they still going at it after these losses?” The discussion pivoted to geopolitics, requiring the candidate to analyze the strategic and political motivations (e.g., regime survival, domestic propaganda, geopolitical goals) that override economic losses from sanctions.
Q6. P2: “Extempore Topic (1 min to think, 1 min to speak): Should plastic be banned? (and take a definitive stand).” The candidate had to take a clear, firm stance (yes or no) and structure a concise argument on the economic/environmental pros and cons of plastic within the time limit.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was exceptionally short and thematic, serving as a rigorous verification of the candidate’s stated academic interests (Chemistry) and ability to articulate complex global issues (Geopolitics, Sanctions). The panel’s decision to ignore the word ‘MBA’ entirely suggests they were focused on establishing the candidate’s core intellectual curiosity and reasoning ability before considering management fit. His ability to perform a detailed science quiz and deliver a structured Extempore under time pressure confirms the necessary intellectual foundation for the program. This sharp, focused performance reflects the kind of strategic depth achieved through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
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