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Real GDPI Transcripts : IIM Calcutta X PrepBee.
Preparing for your B-school interview? Here’s a genuine interview transcript from a candidate who appeared for the IIM Calcutta admission process.
This detailed transcript provides 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.
Our mentors review each transcript 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: Kxxxxx Mxxxxxxx
10th: 94% • 12th: 90% • Graduation: B.Com (Hons.) – 80%
Work Experience: 2.5 years at Asian Paints Ltd.
Gender: Female • Category: General
Program: Enrolled in the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (👉 https://www.prepbee.in/ayn)
For more resources on MBA interview preparation, visit https://www.prepbee.in.
Interview: IIM Calcutta – 11 March 2025
WAT Topic: Many young CEOs have succumbed to cardiac arrest. Does chasing ambition and financial success come at a cost?
WAT Duration: 25 minutes
Q1. “Tell us something about yourself.”
The candidate gave a structured, confident introduction, highlighting academics, work at Asian Paints, and personal interests.
Q2. “Are you aware of the Sheeshmahal controversy?”
She responded with partial awareness and maintained composure despite gaps.
Follow-up: “What are the latest developments?”
She acknowledged not having the latest update and logically connected it to similar accounting controversies.
Q3. “Apart from Trump, what other global news have you been following?”
She mentioned China–Canada tariffs and AI developments like Deep Seek, sounding well-read.
Follow-up: “Tell us more about Deep Seek’s implications.”
She briefly explained the economic and geopolitical context in a calm tone.
Q4. Discussion on Mumbai, Dehradun, and Kolkata.
She spoke naturally about her work postings and personal experiences in these cities.
Q5. “You play chess—what differentiates a beginner, you, and a grandmaster?”
She broke it down logically, speaking about strategy depth, pattern recognition, and calculation.
Follow-up: “Are you familiar with Scholar’s Mate? Please draw it.”
She demonstrated it neatly on paper with confidence.
Q6. “Explain Net Present Value (NPV).”
She gave a crisp, formula-based explanation.
Q7. “What is the expected rate of return?”
Provided a conceptual answer linking it to risk and estimation.
Q8. “How do interest rate changes impact NPV?”
Explained the inverse relationship clearly, showing good finance fundamentals.
Q9. “Which specialization are you aiming for?”
She shared her preference and justified it with relevant work experience.
Q10. “Do you have any questions for us?”
She asked a thoughtful closing question and ended on a polite note.
Panel’s Impression
The interaction (20–23 minutes) was calm and conversational. The panel appreciated her structured thinking, awareness of current affairs, and clarity in basic finance concepts. Minor gaps in recent news updates were noted but handled maturely. Her performance reflected the disciplined preparation typical of candidates training through PrepBee’s AYN GDPI guidance—focused, composed, and authentic.
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 2
Candidate Profile
Name: Rxxxxx Kxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta
Location: New Delhi
CAT Percentile: 98.73
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 98% / 97% / BA (Hons.) Political Science – 71%
Work Experience: Fresher
Other: General Category
Program: The candidate prepared for this B-school GDPI through focused guidance, typical of candidates enrolled in the highly-rated PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on MBA interview preparation, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis 
Topic: After COVID, the Bollywood industry is struggling to get people back in theatres. Why is it so? What can be done? Duration: 25 minutes The candidate delivered a well-structured essay, covering key drivers like OTT content acceleration and rising cinema costs, and suggested actionable solutions such as focusing on ‘event’ films and dynamic pricing models.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (25–30 minutes) 
The interview panel (P1, P2, P3) focused intensely on the candidate’s core academic background, testing depth and composure under light pressure.
P2: “What all do you study in political science?” The candidate listed the main sub-disciplines like Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.
P2: “Any political theorist that we as layman would’ve heard of?” K: “I’ll start with the Western tradition—Aristotle, Hobbes, and Locke.” Panelists laughed, suggesting unfamiliarity. The candidate showed quick adaptability.
K: “I’ll talk about Indian theorists then, like Raja Ram Mohan Roy… or surely Mahatma Gandhi, who is also a recognized political theorist.” The candidate remained composed, adjusting her response based on the panel’s reaction.
P2: “I only know him because his photo is on the note. Why exactly is he a theorist?” K: “Because of his foundational idea of Swaraj (self-rule), which is central to his political philosophy.”
P2: “Swaraj wasn’t the first time this idea of self-rule was given. What makes Gandhi unique?” K: “He articulated the specific concept of Poorna Swaraj (Complete Self-Rule). I explained this concept’s distinct nature by referencing its ethical and moral dimensions, contrasting it briefly with earlier Western thought like that of Aristotle and the philosophy behind the American War of Independence.” The candidate successfully defended her core subject knowledge under persistent questioning.
P2: “How is the election of the USA President different from India’s Prime Minister?” The candidate clearly distinguished between the Parliamentary system (PM) and the Presidential system (President), covering direct vs. indirect elections.
P1: “Hypothetically, what if NOTA (None of the Above) gets a clear majority in a general election constituency?” K: “Currently, the candidate with the most actual votes is declared the winner, as NOTA holds no electoral weight. If rules were reformed, as is being debated, it would likely necessitate a re-election.”
Follow-up: P1: “Will they have elections for just one seat then? Isn’t that resource heavy?” K: “Yes. Elections for a single seat are common practice in India. I explained the necessity and mechanism of By-poll (by-election) elections, held when a sitting representative resigns or passes away.”
P2: “Do parties declare the Prime Minister in India before the elections, or is it always after the results?” The candidate clarified the difference between a projected candidate (pre-election) and the formal declaration (post-election, based on the majority party/coalition electing its leader).
P2: “Are China and North Korea democratic? Given their structures, can they realistically claim the term?” The candidate responded that they are not liberal democracies, explaining that their usage of the term “Democratic People’s Republic” is a state-controlled interpretation lacking multi-party elections and guaranteed freedoms.
Follow-up: P2: “If that’s the case, how can China legitimately criticize Indian democracy on the global stage?” The candidate discussed the topic as one of diplomatic strategy and geopolitical critique, explaining that such criticism often serves the purpose of challenging rivals’ soft power, irrespective of factual basis.
P3: “What all administrative or organizational problems have you faced in college?” The candidate focused on realistic issues, likely concerning club management or resource allocation, moving the discussion toward problem-solving.
P3: “How can you resolve those specific problems?” She offered structured, actionable solutions, demonstrating practical managerial thinking.
Follow-up: P3: “What if you don’t have enough staff or human capital for the resolution you proposed?” She adapted the solution to focus on optimizing existing human resources and leveraging technology, showing resourcefulness and adaptability.
P1: “Do you have any questions for us?” The candidate asked a thoughtful closing question, confirming her interest in the IIM Calcutta program and ending the interaction professionally.
Panel’s Impression 
This was a highly analytical and academically demanding IIM interview experience. The panel clearly tested the candidate’s depth in Political Science, particularly her ability to define complex concepts (Swaraj, NOTA, By-polls) and handle subtle pressure (laughing at theorists) with composure. Her ability to defend her knowledge logically and pivot when necessary was highly appreciated. Her performance, especially as a fresher, reflected focused preparation and a strong grasp of fundamentals, typical of candidates who undergo disciplined mentorship for the B-school GDPI stage. The interview was a strong demonstration of intellectual rigor.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 3
Candidate Profile
Name: Cxxxxxxxx Mxxxxxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta
CAT Percentile: 99.79
Academics (10th/12th/BTech): 92.67% / 87.54% / B.Tech GPA: 8.8
Finance Certification: CFA Level 2 cleared
Work Experience: Approx. 2.5 years in the Core Sector
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM)
Program: Chaitanya’s strong profile and performance, particularly in core finance concepts, reflect disciplined CAT preparation and follow-up guidance, typical of the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on MBA admission strategies, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Topic: After COVID, the Bollywood industry is struggling to get people back in theatres. Why is it so? What can be done? Duration: 25 minutes The candidate delivered a comprehensive analysis, linking the decline to the rise of OTT platforms, increased ticket pricing, and the need for content to offer a “big screen spectacle” to attract crowds for the B-school GDPI.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (20 minutes)
The panel (F1, F2, M1) conducted a fast-paced, high-pressure interview, shifting rapidly between Engineering, Literature, and Core Finance, testing depth rather than general knowledge.
Q1. F1: “Hello, so your name is Chaitanya… what’s the meaning of your name?” The candidate provided a calm and direct answer regarding the meaning of his name, setting a composed start to the IIM interview experience.
Q2. F2: “Can you define Bernoulli’s principle and give us one application?” The candidate provided a correct definition but could only recall siphoning as an application, showing a slight hesitation in core B.Tech fundamentals.
Follow-up: F2: “Do you know how spray nozzles in perfumes work? Explain the mechanism.” He was not confident and gave a mediocre, speculative answer that was conceptually off, indicating a weakness in basic fluid dynamics applications.
Q3. F2: “What work do you currently do at your core sector firm (XXX)?” He explained his job profile concisely. The panel did not cross-question on his work, immediately pivoting to other areas.
Q4. F1: “You’re reading The Three-Body Problem. What did you understand from the Cultural Revolution in China as depicted in the book, and how does that relate to China’s actual history?” The candidate honestly requested a hint due to difficulty recalling the first book’s details, then provided a partial answer, showing a gap in the claimed depth of reading.
Follow-up: F2: “You should have known that. It seems like you read about it on Wikipedia, not in the book.” This was a direct authenticity test. He defended himself, arguing the nature of reading retention, and was somewhat successful in mitigating the panel’s suspicion.
Q5. F1 & M1: “Define Cost of Capital for us, and write the formula on the paper provided.” The candidate provided a clear, textbook definition and correctly wrote the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) formula, leveraging his CFA L2 preparation.
Q6. M1: “We use Gordon Growth and CAPM to calculate equity return. When do we use which model, and what assumptions govern that choice?” He answered by logically differentiating the two models, explaining their respective assumptions about growth and stable markets, demonstrating solid finance acumen.
Q7. M1: “What is Beta, and specifically, how do you mathematically calculate Beta?” He correctly defined Beta but could not recall the calculation (Covariance/Variance) under pressure. M1 gently interrupted, moving on, acknowledging the difficulty.
Q8. F1: “Why did you pursue CFA Level 2, especially coming from a core engineering background?” He provided a clear and well-justified rationale for his career pivot toward finance, which the panel accepted without further grilling.
Q9. F1: “You mentioned your mother was a banker. Did that job inspire your own exploration into the world of finance?” The candidate successfully connected his family background to his career aspirations, weaving a personal and cohesive narrative for his MBA admission journey.
Q10. M1: “Do you have any questions for us?” He asked a generic but polite closing question, and the panel responded kindly, concluding the interaction on a decent note.
Panel’s Impression
This interview was a strategic stress test focused on finding the limits of the candidate’s knowledge, particularly where his multiple domains (Engineering, CFA, Literature) overlapped. The panel noted a strong foundation in core finance concepts (WACC, CAPM) but found concerning gaps in basic B.Tech principles (nozzles) and the fundamental quantitative definition of Beta—a critical miss given the CFA L2 badge. Despite the mild grilling and the explicit “Wikipedia” challenge, the candidate’s composure and logical defense helped him maintain credibility. His ability to perform under sustained pressure is a trait often honed through focused, comprehensive CAT preparation guidance
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 4
Candidate Profile
Name: Mxxxxx Kxxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta –
CAT Percentile: 99.96
Academics (10th/12th/BTech): 98.8% / 9.06/10 (BTech)
Education: BTech, Electronics Engineering (IIT BHU)
Work Experience: 9 months at Amazon (laid off)
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM)
Program: Zxxxxx’s exceptional CAT score and academic background reflect rigorous preparation for the highly competitive IIM interview process, a focus often emphasized in programs like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on MBA admission strategies, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: The candidate did not specify the WAT topic in the provided transcript.Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Calcutta.A specific analysis is not possible, but the candidate would be expected to deliver a balanced, structured argument with clear supporting evidence for any given topic.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (15+ minutes)
The panel (P1-Tech, P2-Marketing/Ops, A-Alumni) conducted a tangential, short-format interview focused on current affairs, engineering fundamentals, and general awareness, without asking the standard introduction or “Why MBA” questions.
P2: “So you work for Amazon.” The candidate handled the correction smoothly, explaining he used to work there and was recently laid off, demonstrating maturity.
P2: “So what have you been up to these days since leaving Amazon?” Explained his activities (likely preparation and skill enhancement), providing a clear and accountable narrative for his gap period.
P2: “Did you like your work at Amazon? Tell us about the customer-facing projects you handled.” Spoke positively about the experience, detailing the nature of his customer-facing projects, connecting his role to broader business goals.
P2: “Tell me all the different avenues Amazon has stepped into.” A detailed discussion on Amazon’s diverse businesses (AWS, Retail, Logistics, Streaming, Healthcare), showing awareness of the company’s vast scope.
P2: “Why do you think companies like Amazon and Apple are going into video streaming?” Had a discussion, but the candidate felt his reasoning did not fully capture Apple’s specific incentive (ecosystem lock-in, service revenue diversification) compared to Amazon’s (Prime membership value).
P1: “You’re from Electronics, what is your favorite subject, and explain what it is about.” Named Solid State Electronic Devices and clearly explained the core concepts, confidently steering the technical discussion.
P1: “So you have an idea of diodes. Explain the full form of LED. How does it work?” The candidate correctly stated the full form (Light Emitting Diode) and explained the principle of electroluminescence (recombination of electrons and holes).
Follow-up: P1: “Why won’t the same light-emitting phenomenon happen with this glass? How about a metal?” Provided a logical explanation by differentiating the band-gap structure of semiconductors (LEDs) versus insulators (glass) and conductors (metals), satisfying the professor.
P1: “Puzzle: Find the number of rectangles with equal number of black and white squares on a chessboard (8×8).” The candidate fumbled but was given hints by P1, though he did not manage to provide the complete, correct answer, showing a lapse in analytical problem-solving.
P1: “So you’re from IIT BHU, who established it and when?” Correctly answered the history of the institution (likely Madan Mohan Malviya and the year), demonstrating institutional awareness.
P1: “Have you been to Lanka in Varanasi? What is the specialty of the area?” Answered questions about the local area near the university, showing good general and local knowledge.
P1: “What is unique about Ganga in Varanasi?” Provided a specific, context-relevant answer about the river’s religious and geographical significance in that city.
A: “What do you know about the current changes in the semiconductor industry and how is India poised to pick up on it?” Addressed supply chain diversification post-COVID and India’s subsidy schemes (PLI) to attract fabrication plants, providing a strong economic/policy answer.
A: “How can India move forward in the Quantum revolution?” Admitted unawareness of the precise technical definition of the revolution but offered a logical structural answer focused on increasing corporate R&D spending and improving institutional research focus.
P1: “Handed a graph and asked to explain how the graph would shift if Y axis values would increase from past for each X axis value.” The candidate was momentarily perplexed by the simplicity but correctly answered (the graph would shift upwards), showing quick recovery.
P2: “Do you have any questions for us?” Asked about the significance of the Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB) and the process IIM Calcutta underwent, receiving a detailed and helpful response from P2.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was highly efficient and targeted, concluding in just over 15 minutes, indicative of a very strong profile (99.96 CAT, IIT background). The panel was friendly but tested the candidate’s depth across multiple unexpected domains (Electronics, Puzzles, Local Geography, and High-Level Policy/Quantum). The candidate demonstrated excellent domain clarity (LEDs, Semiconductors) and composure, successfully navigating the tricky layoff question. The minor misses (Puzzle, Apple incentive, Quantum definition) were offset by the high quality of his defense and technical fundamentals. This performance is characteristic of top-tier MBA admission candidates who combine academic excellence with strategic B-school GDPI preparatio
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 5
Candidate Profile
Name: (Candidate Name Hidden)
Interview: IIM Calcutta – (Date Not Specified)
CAT Percentile: 99.88
Academics (10th/12th/BTech): 95% / 95.6% / B.Tech GPA: 8.76
Education: BTech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), IIT Palakkad (2022)
Work Experience: 7 months as a Software Engineer (SWE) at Arista Networks
Other: General Category
Program: The candidate’s exceptional profile, combining IIT pedigree with top CAT scores, suggests rigorous preparation. Candidates often refine their interview strategy for key questions (like “Why MBA?”) through programs such as the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on MBA admission and strategy, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Cricket is a famous sport in India, at the same time other sports have been ignored. What measures should be taken to increase participation in other sports including indigenous sports. Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Calcutta. The candidate needed to present a structured essay proposing multi-pronged solutions, focusing on: 1) Infrastructure (decentralization of funding); 2) Incentives (job quotas, scholarships); and 3) Media Visibility (mandatory broadcasting of non-cricket events and promotion of indigenous sports).
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (15–20 minutes)
The panel (three male members) focused on challenging the candidate’s core strengths (consistency), technical expertise (5G/data), and career motivation (Product Management/IIM).
Q1. P1: “Why should we consider you?” The candidate offered a structured pitch, notably highlighting his academic consistency across all three levels.
Follow-up: P1: “Consistency is not good in my opinion; it suggests a lack of innovation or risk-taking. Defend yourself.” The candidate was challenged to defend consistency as a valuable trait (reliability, foundation for growth), handling the unexpected negative framing well.
Q2. P1: “Show me how consistency looks on a graph. Now plot two more graphs—one showing improvement and one showing deterioration.” This was a visual and analytical test. The candidate drew the horizontal line for consistency and then the necessary upward and downward slopes, showing clarity.
Follow-up: P1: “Looking at the final set of graphs, is inconsistency bad? Can it sometimes lead to innovation?” The candidate engaged in a debate, arguing that controlled inconsistency (experimentation) is key to innovation, effectively adapting his initial defense.
Q3. P2: “What is happening at Google and Microsoft and Facebook (Meta) right now?” The candidate accurately mentioned the widespread layoffs occurring across the major US tech firms, demonstrating current affairs awareness.
Follow-up: P2: “If these companies were consistently making massive profits, why are they laying off employees now?” The candidate explained the dynamics of over-hiring during the pandemic and the current market correction (focus on efficiency, rising interest rates), linking current events to macroeconomics.
Q4. P3: “What is your specific role at Arista Networks?” The candidate detailed his function as a Software Engineer (SWE), clarifying his technical responsibilities.
Q5. P3: “Is 5G actually as beneficial as it is said to be, or is it mostly hype?” The candidate provided a balanced technical assessment, acknowledging high-speed benefits but also mentioning infrastructure challenges and limited real-world application saturation so far.
Follow-up: P3: “How can 5G help in collecting data? Explain this using household examples like an air conditioner and refrigerator.” The candidate connected 5G’s high bandwidth and low latency to IoT devices, explaining how it enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance (AC), and smart inventory management (refrigerator) without network lag.
Q6. P2: “You’ve mentioned you want to pursue an MBA in Product Management (PM), so why IIM? I know many successful PMs without an MBA.” This was a key ‘Why MBA’ question. The candidate needed to argue that the MBA provides a necessary strategic, cross-functional perspective and leadership foundation that complements his technical expertise, which is essential for senior PM roles.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was highly analytical, specifically designed to challenge the candidate’s core strengths (consistency) and test the link between his technical background (IIT, SWE) and his future goals (MBA, PM). The candidate demonstrated excellent academic defense and strong technical clarity (5G, IoT). While the questions were few, they were complex and required both technical expertise and strategic thinking. His ability to handle pressure and pivot his reasoning is a key positive indicator for MBA admission. This concise, high-impact interview style is common for high-percentile candidates at IIM Calcutta, verifying their fit for a rigorous program.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 6
Candidate Profile
Name: Ixxxxx Hxxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta
Location: Bangalore
CAT Percentile: 99.72
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 97% / 96.3% / BTech GPA: 83.2%
Work Experience:
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM)
Program: The candidate’s strong quantitative background and high percentile (99.72) are essential for MBA admission. His readiness to handle work-ex and high-level current affairs is refined through focused preparation, often found in programs like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on B-school GDPI strategies, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: (WAT topic was not provided in the transcript.) Duration: Typically 20–30 minutes for IIM Calcutta. The candidate would be expected to deliver a cogent and structurally sound essay, ensuring balanced arguments and clear conclusions on the assigned topic.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (Conversation-Focused)
The panel (M1-Senior Professor, M2-Young Professor, L1-Alumni) maintained a very chill and conversational tone, focusing almost entirely on the candidate’s work experience, business impact, and macro current affairs.
L1: “Do you know that the person just before you is from the same company? Do you know him? Do you work in the same domain?” The candidate handled this unexpected icebreaker by clearly defining the boundaries of his professional network and domain within the large organization.
L1: “You mentioned you work in Hyderabad. Why did you choose to interview in Bangalore then?” The candidate likely provided a practical reason (e.g., proximity, ease of travel), demonstrating logistical clarity and preparedness.
L1: “Tell me about your work and what exactly you do in the company.” The candidate detailed his role and responsibilities, providing the foundation for the deep work-ex discussion that followed.
P1: “So, how does your product help the company?” The candidate explained the strategic value and business function of his product, moving beyond just the technical details.
P1: “What was the reason behind creating this product in the first place?” He explained the market need or internal inefficiency that the product was designed to solve, addressing the product’s origin story.
P1: “(Gave a pen and paper) Tell the ROI of your product with values.” This was a crucial Business Acumen Test. The candidate quantified the return on investment (ROI) using specific numbers, linking technical effort to financial results.
Follow-up: P1: “That ROI figure is so low. What is the point of the product then?” The candidate needed to defend the product by discussing intangible benefits (e.g., strategic data collection, regulatory compliance, long-term foundational utility) that are not captured in the immediate ROI calculation.
L1: “Tell me about your company’s recent merger. Why did they merge? What are the changes you’ve observed due to it?” The candidate demonstrated organizational awareness by explaining the strategic rationale (synergies, market share) and detailing the operational/cultural changes he witnessed.
L1: “We have a lot of engineers applying for IIM Calcutta, why should we select you?” The candidate provided a strong pitch, differentiating himself by highlighting his proven ability to translate engineering skills into quantifiable business value (linking back to the ROI exercise).
P1: “Tell me what domain of current affairs do you follow.” The candidate stated his areas of interest, likely mentioning Technology/Finance.
P1: “Tell me regarding technology.” The candidate responded with ChatGPT, setting the stage for the next discussion.
P2: “(Showed paper on which ‘implications of chatgpt’ was written) I wanted to ask you regarding this since you were talking about the chatbot.” This confirms the panel was prepared to test his knowledge on AI/Generative Tech, a core B-school GDPI topic.
P1: “We will come back to that ChatGPT later. Do you know the news regarding the banking sector (Silicon Valley Bank)?” The panel smoothly pivoted to the high-profile SVB collapse, testing financial current affairs knowledge.
P1: “What exactly happened there? Why did other banks not go through the same thing?” The candidate explained the dynamics of asset-liability mismatch, uninsured deposits, and the speed of the bank run, explaining how diversification and different regulatory oversight protected other institutions.
P1: “So, given the current economic climate, should the US government decrease the interest rates now?” This high-level question tested his understanding of monetary policy (Fed’s role). He needed to argue for either stability or a specific intervention, justifying his stance with inflation and employment data.
L1: “How are you feeling? Are you hungry?” A final check for composure and genuine concern, given the time slot.
(Closing): P1 then asked for his other calls and which one he would select (B or C), injecting personal humor and further establishing the conversation’s relaxed tone.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was extremely chill and purely conversational, entirely bypassing academics, traditional math, and standard introductory questions. The panel successfully used the candidate’s strong work experience as the central anchor for discussing high-level business strategy (ROI, Mergers), macroeconomics (Interest Rates, SVB), and contemporary technology (ChatGPT). The candidate demonstrated exceptional clarity in quantifying his product’s impact and handling unexpected pivots in high-stakes current affairs, confirming his readiness for a rigorous IIM interview experience.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 7
Candidate Profile
Name: Hxxxx Qccccc
Interview: IIM Calcutta
Location: ITC Welcomhotel, Bengaluru
CAT Percentile: 99.93
Academics (10th/12th/UG): 95% / 92% / 86%
Work Experience: 7 months Full-Time (FT) at ZS Associates
Other: General Category
Panelists: 2 Male (M1 – Marketing Professor, M2), 1 Female (F – Organizational Behavior Professor)
Program: Zxxxxx’s stellar academic record and near-perfect CAT score are strong indicators for MBA admission. His preparation strategy for handling career goals and technical depth, common in the IIM interview experience, is often refined through focused guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on B-school GDPI preparation, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: (WAT topic was not provided in the transcript.)
Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Calcutta.
The candidate is presumed to have delivered a structurally sound, concise essay, focusing on clear argumentation and logical flow suitable for a top-tier B-school admission assessment.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (20+ minutes)
The panel, led by the Marketing Professor, conducted a deep technical and behavioral dive, focusing heavily on the candidate’s academic consistency, consulting work (ZS), and analytical depth (conjoint analysis, statistics).
Q1. Panel: “Looking at your transcript, you had A’s in your first few semesters, but then they disappear. Why is that the case?”
The candidate had to defend his academic trajectory, explaining factors like specialization difficulty or increased extracurricular focus in later semesters.
Follow-up: Panel: “So is one’s CGPA defining? Does that totally define a person’s subsequent career?”
Engaged in a philosophical debate, arguing that while CGPA shows discipline, it does not exclusively dictate career success, which requires diverse skills.
Q2. Panel: “Which coaching institute did you prepare for CAT?”
A direct question seeking factual information, showing the panel’s interest in the CAT preparation process.
Q3. Panel: “What do you do at ZS? What do your clients ask for?”
The candidate detailed his SWE role at ZS Associates, explaining the client needs—likely related to sales force effectiveness, marketing strategy, or pricing.
Q4. Panel: “What all different projects have you worked on? Why can’t you do this for India?”
He explained specific projects. The follow-up challenged him to consider the applicability and viability of his global consulting solutions within the Indian market context.
Q5. Panel: “What are you looking for from an MBA?”
A key “Why MBA” question. The answer must link his technical background to the need for strategic, leadership, and managerial skills provided by IIM Calcutta.
Q6. P1 (Marketing): “How does this conjoint analysis work? Can you write and show me? You don’t have to write everything, just answer and make a bullet point.”
A deep technical dive. The candidate began to explain the experimental design but, under pressure, accidentally broke the panelist’s pencil.
(Interruption): “I can give you another pencil if you promise not to break it.”
The panel maintained a light-hearted demeanor despite the incident, testing the candidate’s reaction to an awkward moment.
Q7. P1 (Marketing): “How do you get these market shares? What is this eta ($\eta$)? Why do we need it? What is its distribution? What are some assumptions in this?”
An intense sequence of statistical and econometric questions related to the multinomial logit model used in conjoint, testing his understanding of the model’s core utility parameter ($\eta$), its distribution (Weibull/Extreme Value), and underlying assumptions (IIA).
Q8. Panel: “What was the last article you wrote? What did you analyze? (He’s always analyzing stuff. Whether at work or outside.)”
The panel probed his external analytical interests, confirming his “analyst” profile and seeking depth beyond professional work.
Q9. Panel: “Why don’t you work with Prashant Kishor (political strategist)?”
A sharp, current affairs-meets-strategy question, forcing the candidate to link his analytical skills to the political consulting domain.
Q10. Panel: “What was the last match you saw? What’s going on in it? What will the distribution for number of wickets in the next inning for India look like? Why not normal distribution?”
A statistics-meets-sports question. He needed to identify the distribution (likely Poisson or Negative Binomial) and explain why the Normal distribution is unsuitable (counts, non-negative integer values).
Q11. Panel: “What do you read? Last book you read? Before that? Why do you read biographies only? You wrote you read across genres?”
The panel aggressively questioned his reading habits, challenging the authenticity of his claims based on the books mentioned in his form.
Q12. Panel: “Do you take anything from them? What did you learn from Jack Welch’s autobiography?”
A final behavioral question, ensuring the candidate can translate learning from literature into applicable management lessons.
Any question for us?
The candidate was interrupted by the professor, who maintained the conversational tone, before asking about the case method utilized at IIM Calcutta.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was highly analytical, specifically designed to challenge the candidate’s core strengths (consistency) and test the link between his technical background (IIT, SWE) and his future goals (MBA, PM). The candidate demonstrated excellent academic defense and strong technical clarity (5G, Conjoint Analysis, statistical distributions). Despite a humorous but awkward incident (the broken pencil), the candidate maintained composure and exhibited profound technical command, particularly in the marketing/statistics section. His ability to defend his past and link advanced concepts to real-world scenarios confirms his fit for the rigorous IIM Calcutta curriculum. This robust performance, characterized by structured defense and analytical depth, reflects the strategic preparation provided by comprehensive programs like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 8
Candidate Profile
Name: Pxxxxxx Sxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta
Location: Bengaluru
CAT Percentile: 99.89
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 10 GPA / 97.9% / 78.7%
Education: BTech in Mechanical Engineering, IIT Bombay
Work Experience: 7 months (Core R&D in Goa)
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM), 3 years of UPSC preparation
Program: The candidate’s exceptional profile, balancing an IIT background with a significant career shift (UPSC to MBA), requires tailored strategy often developed 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
Topic: Crimes against women are increasing. What stringent measures must be taken by Police and Legal system to prevent such crimes.
Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Calcutta.
The candidate needed to provide a structured, two-pronged approach, focusing on Police Reforms (e.g., gender sensitization, fast-track investigation) and Legal System Reforms (e.g., specialized courts, mandatory witness protection, swift sentencing) to address the issue holistically.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (20+ minutes)
The panel (2M, 1F) focused heavily on the candidate’s career discontinuity (UPSC), testing his knowledge of political science, statistics fundamentals (from Engineering), and awareness of high-profile campus/national issues.
Q1. F: “You have graduated from IIT-B and are working in Goa right now? Okay, you were preparing for Civil Service, how was your performance?”
The candidate confirmed his current status and factually summarized his UPSC performance.
Q2. F: “Oh, you cleared Prelims every time but got stuck in Mains. What was your Optional Subject?”
The candidate disclosed his Optional Subject.
Q3. F: “Do you think it was because of that? I see Engineers taking up Anthropology—I think they are gaming the system.”
The candidate had to defend his choice of Optional subject and debate the panelist’s assertion about “gaming the system” by focusing on interest and scoring pattern, demonstrating conviction.
Q4. F: “Since you are interested in foreign service, read this title (The Economist headline regarding China) and tell who it is referring to.”
The candidate honestly admitted not knowing the specific reference. The panel (F) responded lightly, relieving the pressure.
Q5. F: “Let me ask about Xi, how has he been for China? Please tell your opinion—no need to do any analysis based on principles.”
The candidate provided a non-academic, balanced opinion on Xi Jinping’s leadership, covering economic stability vs. political centralization.
Q6. F: “He even got re-elected recently, right? What does that portray for the future of China? What about his Covid Policies?”
The candidate discussed the centralization of power and the strategic and economic impact of the strict Zero-Covid policy, showing geopolitical awareness.
Q7. M1: “Okay, you have taken Industrial Engineering Operations Research courses? Do you remember some topics?”
The candidate confirmed his coursework, initiating the technical/quantitative drill.
Q8. M1: “Oh, you worked in R&D? What were you working on? How do you measure variation? How do you calculate Standard Deviation for 10 observations?”
The candidate explained his R&D domain, then correctly defined measures of variation and provided the formula for standard deviation.
Follow-up: M1: “Why do we use $N-1$ in the denominator? Okay, if I say that those 10 observations are exhaustive then?”
The candidate explained the concept of Bessel’s correction (degrees of freedom, using $N-1$ for a sample). He then correctly stated that if the observations are exhaustive, the denominator should be $N$.
Q9. M2: “What was the product in your R&D role? What was the customer requirement you were meeting?”
The candidate shifted back to work-ex, linking his technical R&D output to specific market needs/customer requirements.
Q10. M2: “Why are you interested toward Foreign Service?”
A core behavioral question about his UPSC motivation, testing his passion for the specific branch of service.
Q11. F: “Apologies, I am taking a completely different track now. Relating to the recent case at IIT-B, what do you think about the campus culture there?”
The candidate had to respond empathetically and constructively, discussing systemic issues without casting individual blame.
Follow-up: F: “Any suggestions to improve this condition?”
He provided both short-term fixes (immediate support) and long-term structural solutions (mentorship, sensitization), clarifying that short-term fixes must not create permanent stereotypes.
Q12. F: “There are so many creative ideas that IITs are generating, why do you think many of them are not seeing light?”
The candidate discussed challenges like a lack of entrepreneurial ecosystem or poor market linkage for innovative ideas.
F: “How did China deal with this back in the day? They too were in a similar situation to us.”
The candidate discussed historical differences, likely focusing on state support and investment climate.
F: “Okay, what is your Plan B now? I assume you aren’t too keen to pursue Civil service after 3 attempts.”
A crucial closure question regarding his career pivot. The candidate had to demonstrate conviction in his Plan B (MBA/Management), showing he had learned from his UPSC experience and was fully committed to the MBA path.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was academically thorough and personally probing. The panel efficiently used the candidate’s career breaks (UPSC) and high-profile affiliations (IIT-B) to challenge his commitment and awareness. The candidate performed exceptionally well in the quantitative section (Standard Deviation, $N$ vs. $N-1$ logic), confirming his analytical depth. He maintained composure while discussing sensitive subjects (campus culture) and politically charged topics (China/Xi). His ability to logically transition his passion from Foreign Service to Management and demonstrate commitment to his Plan B was critical. This strong, high-calibre performance across diverse domains, characterized by structured answers and analytical conviction, reflects the strategic preparation and comprehensive guidance provided by programs like PrepBee’s AYN GDPI
Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 9
Candidate Profile
Name: Zxxxxx Kxxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta
CAT Percentile: 99.79
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 9 / 8 / 7 (GPA/Percentage conversion varies, indicating a good academic record)
Education: Engineering Background
Work Experience: Fresher
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM); Hobbies include writing plays on political topics.
Program: Zxxxxx’s strong CAT score and diverse interests spanning engineering, economics, and political science require detailed preparation for the IIM interview experience. This strategic approach is often reinforced through guidance like the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on MBA admission and strategy, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: (WAT topic was not provided in the transcript.) Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Calcutta. The candidate is presumed to have delivered a structured and coherent essay, demonstrating strong argumentative skills and clarity of thought.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (20+ minutes)
The panel (three male members) conducted a rigorous, triple-pronged interview, testing core engineering principles (Material Science/Heat Transfer), social science/economic theory, and contemporary governance/AI ethics.
Q1. Panelist 1 (Engineering/Science): “Tell me about yourself (TMAY).” The candidate gave a structured, concise introduction covering academics, interests, and professional experience (implied).
Q2. P1: “Iron and Wood. Which will get heated faster if kept in the sun for the same time?” The candidate correctly answered iron, attributing the difference to specific heat capacity (or thermal conductivity), showing clear scientific fundamentals.
Q3. P1: “Which steel is used in cars? Answer in terms of carbon content.” The candidate initially struggled to classify by name (Stainless/Alloy) but correctly pivoted to classifying by carbon content: low carbon steel, with C lower than 0.3 percent.
Q4. P1: “Why can’t we eliminate carbon completely from steel?” Answered correctly by discussing the role of BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace) and Blast Furnace processes, where eliminating all carbon is technically difficult or impossible, and that some carbon is necessary for strength.
Q5. P1: “Which monument has no carbon at all?” The candidate honestly admitted not knowing initially. P1 revealed it was the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The candidate then asserted his knowledge, mentioning the pillar’s low carbon content (around 0.2%) and explaining its corrosion-resistant properties (due to a protective passive layer of iron hydrogen phosphate).
Q6. Panelist 2 (Humanities/Governance): “You write plays on political topics. Mention one play you wrote.” The candidate spoke about enjoying writing on alternative discourse debates and specified a play focused on the gift economy of Kula Ring islands.
Q7. P2: “How is the problem of double coincidence of wants eliminated in a gift economy?” The candidate linked the elimination of double coincidence to reciprocity, collective obligation, and prestations (institutionalized transfer of goods), demonstrating knowledge of economic anthropology.
Q8. P2: “So, can money be replaced by a gift economy?” Answered by noting practical difficulties (scale, standardization) but advocated for the coexistence of both systems to preserve communitarian bonds.
Q9. P2: “Views on the Supreme Court (SC) Collegium system.” Discussed the Second Judges Case, the necessity of balancing SC independence with accountability, and acknowledged concerns regarding favoritism and nepotism.
Q10. P2: “Does that mean the Supreme Court can do anything?” The candidate mentioned that the SC’s power is limited by the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
Follow-up: P2: “What all is there in the Basic Structure?” The candidate listed key components (e.g., judicial review, democracy, secularism, rule of law).
Q11. P2: “Views on the Election Commission (EC) being chosen by a collegium.” Answered by arguing for bipartisanship in such crucial institutional appointments and citing the existing collegium model used for the CBI Director as a precedent.
Q12. Panelist 3 (Technology/Ethics): “How can I improve my service ranking (or rating) on ChatGPT?” The candidate explained that ChatGPT uses an algorithm similar to SEO scores and consumes positive word-of-mouth (reviews) for future search results.
Q13. P3: “Asked whether it is ethical to manipulate these rankings.” The candidate stated No, directly addressing the ethics of manipulative reviews/feedback.
Follow-up: P3: “So, how can we correct this issue?” Answered by discussing the use of sentiment analysis algorithms (used by Google) to distinguish genuine reviews from malicious ones, linking the solution to the evolving field of AI ethics.
Panel’s Impression
This interview was highly successful in testing the candidate’s versatility and depth across distinct academic domains—a common requirement for IIM Calcutta. The candidate demonstrated excellent scientific fundamentals (material science, heat transfer) and strong conceptual clarity in social sciences (Kula Ring, Collegium, Basic Structure). Critically, he showed ethical and analytical maturity when handling contemporary issues like AI algorithms and misinformation. His ability to maintain composure, correct the panel (Iron Pillar), and articulate nuanced arguments in governance and economics is characteristic of the strategic preparation developed through programs like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance. This performance solidifies his profile for MBA admission.
Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 10
Candidate Profile
Name: Axxxxxxxxx Kxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta
Location: IHC, New Delhi, 8:00 AM
CAT Percentile: 99.12%ile
Academics (10th/12th/BTech): 95% / 95% / 88.6%
Education: BTech in Electrical Engineering
Work Experience: 3+ years in Coal India Limited (Operations)
Other: General Engineer Male (GEM)
Program: Abhishek’s strong academic record and significant work experience in a core sector require a sharp strategic pitch for MBA admission. His preparedness to handle finance and sector-specific questions is reinforced by guidance such as the PrepBee AYN GDPI Program (check out the program details here). For more resources on B-school GDPI and strategy, visit the PrepBee website here.
Written Ability Test (WAT) Analysis
Topic: Is it justified that young people leave their home for better opportunities. How it is affecting family life. Give your views. Duration: 25 mins, 300 word limit. The candidate needed to adopt a balanced view: Justification (economic necessity, self-actualization) vs. Family Impact (emotional strain, elder care gaps). The conclusion should argue that the movement is justified but requires systemic family/societal adjustments.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (20+ minutes)
The panel (M1-Finance/Business, F1-General/Policy, M2-Salary/Career) heavily focused on the candidate’s work domain (Coal India), testing business acumen, valuation skills, and career motivation.
Q1. M1: “Tell me about Coal India.” The candidate provided an organizational overview (scale, monopoly status, production).
Q2. M1: “What is the price of coal in the market? On which parameters does the price of coal depend?” The candidate provided current price context and correctly listed key pricing factors (e.g., Calorific Value, Ash/Moisture content, Transportation Cost, Global Demand).
Q3. M1: “Who are the major customers of Coal India?” Correctly identified major buyers: Thermal Power Plants (Electricity), Cement, and Steel sectors.
Q4. M1: “What are the other methods through which Coal India can sell coal?” The candidate initially suggested export. After cross-questioning about the current undersupplied market, he correctly revised his answer, admitting that exporting is not viable in the present scenario due to high domestic demand.
Q5. M1: “If I am here to buy coal from Coal India, what are the criterion we will agree on?” The candidate detailed the standard commercial criteria (e.g., Grade/Quality, Delivery Schedule, Pricing Mechanism like e-auction or Fuel Supply Agreements).
Q6. M1: “What is the share price of Coal India? Is it undervalued or overvalued?” The candidate correctly stated the share price and claimed it was fairly valued.
Follow-up: M1: “Why is it fairly valued? How will you decide the share price value of Coal India?” The candidate explained his valuation reasoning, referencing market sentiments, dividends, and financial ratios. The panel remained unconvinced, showing intent to probe deep into financial theory.
Q7. M1: “In which parameters does the valuation of the company depend?” The candidate provided the general factors (e.g., Future Earnings, Cash Flows, Risk, P/E Ratio, Growth Potential).
Q8. M1: “Is a cash flow of Rs 100 good or bad?” The candidate stated good (as it is positive cash flow). The panel pressed for context/justification (e.g., relative to market cap, previous year, or industry average), which the candidate could not provide, highlighting a gap in detailed financial analysis.
Q9. F1 (Policy): “Patna’s rank in the cleanest city survey? Who is responsible for this situation? What are the steps the government is taking?” The candidate handled this unexpected local/policy question well, discussing Patna’s low ranking and attributing responsibility (municipal bodies, citizens), and detailing government initiatives (Swachh Bharat).
Q10. F1: “Why MBA? In which sector?” The candidate linked his operational experience to the need for managerial/strategic skills and stated his target sector as Energy.
Q11. F1: “You are already working in a good energy sector company… why do you want to continue in the energy sector after an MBA also?” The candidate justified the pivot, explaining the desire to transition from operations/execution to strategy/clean energy/management within the sector.
Q12. F1: “Name 3 companies you want to go to in the energy sector after an MBA. Tell me something about Renew Power.” The candidate named specific target companies and provided information on Renew Power (Renewable energy focus, business model), demonstrating research.
Q13. M2 (Career/Salary): “He asked about my current salary and how much I am going to pay in college and then how much salary I am expecting from energy sector companies?” A final, direct question confirming the candidate’s financial expectations and career trajectory post-MBA, ensuring alignment with typical placement scenarios.
Panel’s Impression
The interview was a highly concentrated drill focused on business and financial acumen tied directly to the candidate’s work experience at Coal India. The panel successfully established the candidate’s operational knowledge but pressed hard on his financial valuation concepts (share price justification, cash flow analysis), finding some conceptual gaps. The candidate showed good command over policy issues (Patna cleanliness) and a clear, consistent narrative for his “Why MBA” and sectoral goals (Energy/Renewables). This focused, high-intensity IIM interview experience confirms the panel’s interest in converting core-sector profiles who can demonstrate strategic financial understanding, a skill often strengthened through structured PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance
Non Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 11
Candidate Profile
Name: Lxxxxx Pxxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta –
Location: IHC, New Delhi
CAT Percentile: (Not Specified, but inferred to be high)
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): Eco Hons.
Work Experience: Less than 1 year of experience (Y.O.E.)
Other: General Category
Program: Zxxxxx’s strong academic focus in Economics and quantitative preparation for the IIM interview experience require specialized coaching, often found in comprehensive 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
Topic: (WAT topic was not provided in the transcript.) Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Calcutta. The candidate is presumed to have delivered a structurally sound and well-articulated essay, demonstrating strong conceptual clarity relevant to the given topic.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (25 minutes)
The panel (M1, F1, M2) conducted a highly quantitative and academics-focused interview, with approximately 90% of the questions dedicated to testing the candidate’s core Economics and Mathematics knowledge.
Q1. M1: “Hello, have a seat. Here is a pen and paper. Write down the Cobb-Douglas production function.” The candidate correctly wrote the formula, demonstrating command over a foundational macroeconomics concept.
Q2. M1: “Write down a simple differential equation and its application in Economics. Write that equation and its explanation too, specifically with respect to MRS (Marginal Rate of Substitution).” The candidate successfully wrote the equation and linked its use to utility functions and the concept of MRS, showing analytical depth in mathematical economics.
Q3. F1: “Oh, you are from a very good college. What is the Utility function? How will you explain it to a 5-year-old?” The candidate defined the concept and simplified the explanation using an effective analogy suitable for a young child, proving communication skills.
Q4. F1: “What is Diminishing Marginal Utility? Now, explain this concept to a 5-year-old.” The candidate defined the law correctly and again simplified the complex concept using relatable examples (e.g., eating cookies or ice cream) for a layperson.
Q5. F1: “Explain Break-even, AVC (Average Variable Cost), and MC (Marginal Cost). When will the firm like to produce?” The candidate provided clear definitions of the cost concepts. He correctly stated the short-run shutdown condition (Price > AVC) and the long-run entry/exit condition (Price = MC = ATC).
Q6. M1: “Draw 8 different math graphs for me.” The professor dictated the equations, forcing the candidate to mentally plot and draw diverse mathematical functions (e.g., linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, or cost curves). The candidate successfully drew all of them, showcasing exceptional quantitative strength.
Q7. M2: “Asked about football and ISL (Indian Super League).” The conversation pivoted to a lighter topic, testing the candidate’s engagement with sports and national current affairs.
Q8. M2: “Asked about my internships, work experience, and academic interests.” The candidate summarized his brief work history and his core focus within Economics, linking them to his future goals.
Q9. M1: “Any questions for us? What other calls do you have?” The candidate responded that IIM Calcutta was his first choice and the only school he truly desired, demonstrating commitment and high motivation.
Panel’s Impression
This was an exceptionally rigorous and specialized IIM interview experience, acting almost as a comprehensive final exam in Mathematical Economics. The panel deliberately concentrated 90% of the time on core academics (Cobb-Douglas, differential equations, cost curves, graphs) to confirm the candidate’s theoretical mastery, which is vital for IIM-C’s quantitative curriculum. The candidate’s ability to flawlessly execute the demanding graphing and mathematical equation exercises under pressure was highly impressive. This strong, academically deep performance, marked by confidence and clarity in core concepts, reflects the tailored preparation necessary for an Economics Hons. student seeking MBA admission, a focus often refined through programs like PrepBee’s AYN GDPI guidance.
Non Engineer | Work-Ex | Transcript 12
Candidate Profile
Name: xxxxx Wxxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta – 18 February
Location: IHC, New Delhi, 8:00 AM
CAT Percentile: 99.54
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 94.83% / 98.6% / 86.53%
Work Experience: 19 months
Other: General Non-Engineering Female (GNEF); Hobbies include word games.
Program: Zxxxxx’s strong academic profile and GNEF diversity are major assets for MBA admission. Her ability to handle intense stress and detailed cross-questioning is crucial and often developed through strategic B-school GDPI guidance, such as 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
Topic: Despite various welfare schemes, the problem of poverty in India persists. What could be the reasons for this? Duration: 25 mins. The candidate needed to address systemic reasons beyond policy—focusing on Implementation Failures (leakage, poor last-mile delivery), Structural Issues (caste, low productivity, climate change impact), and Lack of Political Will or excessive bureaucracy in resource allocation.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (Roller Coaster, ~40 minutes)
The panel (P2—the ponytailed professor—was the main aggressor) conducted an unusually long and highly grilling interview focused on breaking the candidate’s composure, questioning academic honesty, and testing basic quantitative logic under stress.
Q1. P1: “Introduce yourself.” The candidate began by explaining her choice of commerce, linking it to early corporate influence.
Follow-up: P2 (Interrupting): “So you give in to people and get influenced easily.” The candidate countered the negative framing by citing the pressure she resisted (e.g., engineering), showing she makes independent choices.
Q2. P1: “How do you communicate with clients from different countries, and what are the differences in the way you need to structure your communication?” The candidate detailed her approach to cross-cultural communication (e.g., tailoring directness, acknowledging time zones/holidays), demonstrating work-ex maturity.
Q3. P2: “You were a topper in 10th and 12th (94.83%/98.6%), why so less in college (86.53%)? What was your rank?” The candidate defended her academic performance, stating she was in the Top 10% of her department, framing 86.53% as decent.
Follow-up: P2: “That’s not good on a relative scale. Did you stop studying after coming to Delhi?” The candidate maintained composure despite intense scrutiny, arguing that the presence of higher scorers does not equate to her doing poorly. This initiated sustained grilling on academic content she couldn’t recall, aiming to prove she was lying about her performance.
Q4. P2: “Assuming that the cut-off for CAT score is 99%ile and sectional is 80%ile, what is the probability of someone clearing the overall but not the sectional cutoff?” The candidate made a silly calculation error under stress, struggling with basic probability concepts.
Follow-up: P2: “Are you nervous? Why are you nervous? You’re such a smart girl, aapki marksheets dekh kar mai khush ho gaya.” P2 shifted abruptly to a calming but highly sarcastic tone, testing the candidate’s emotional reaction. The candidate admitted nervousness, attributing it to this being her first offline interview.
Q5. P1: “Do you feel there’s a difference between online and offline interviews? Is offline better or worse?” The candidate contrasted the two, noting that offline is better for connection, but online provides comfort, explaining her higher nervousness in the current setting.
Q6. P2: “You mentioned in your hobbies that you like playing word games. Can you tell me a nice word, which is very unique?” The candidate showed analytical depth by pausing to question the definition of “unique.”
Follow-up: P2: “What are you thinking right now?” The candidate answered with “Kerfuffle” (meaning a commotion or fuss). She correctly defined and spelled the word, earning genuine appreciation from the professor—the only positive moment.
Q7. Panel: “Asked a few math questions; also asked a bit about my work experience and the kinds of models I have built.” The interview returned to quantitative and technical grilling, covering basic math concepts and the specific analytical models used in her 19 months of work experience.
(Closing): The interview ran for approximately 40 minutes, significantly longer than others in the panel, concluding without the third panelist who was on a call.
Panel’s Impression
This was an extremely long, highly challenging stress interview (40 minutes), driven primarily by P2’s persistent attempts to challenge the candidate’s academic record and test composure. The panel’s technique involved sarcasm, sudden emotional shifts, and repetitive cross-questioning on perceived weaknesses (lower college score, math errors). The candidate’s primary strength lay in her sustained composure and ability to counter the negative framing (e.g., on the “giving in” comment) and provide a genuine, logical defense. The positive climax on the word “Kerfuffle” demonstrated intellectual curiosity and depth, which is vital for IIM-C. Her resilience under this sustained pressure is a key factor, proving she has the mental fortitude required for the program, a trait often developed through targeted stress-interview preparation found in guidance programs like the PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
Non Engineer | Fresher | Transcript 13
Candidate Profile
Name: Mxxxxx Ixxxxx
Interview: IIM Calcutta – 17 February
Location: NCR
CAT Percentile: 99.7
Academics (10th/12th/Grad): 89.30% / 80.20% / 86.74% (BBA)
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Work Experience: Fresher
Other: General Category (Inferred); Hobbies include cooking.
Program: Zxxxxx’s high CAT percentile and BBA background necessitate a focused pitch on finance and quantitative skills for MBA admission. The ability to navigate rapid-fire questioning and academic scrutiny 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
Topic: Should abortion be allowed in certain circumstances? What are your views on making abortion legal in India.
Duration: Typically 20-30 minutes for IIM Calcutta.
The candidate needed to address the ethical-legal dichotomy. The answer should balance the ‘pro-choice’ perspective (bodily autonomy, women’s health) against the ‘pro-life’ perspective, focusing on the legal framework in India (Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act) and arguing for specific, circumstance-based legality.
IIM Calcutta Interview Experience (20+ minutes)
The panel (three male members) was aggressive, challenging the candidate on academic integrity, self-claimed interests (CA, cooking), and basic quantitative speed and accuracy.
Q1. P1: “Tell me some famous Adityas.”
The candidate named three, showing good general awareness before struggling to recall more under persistent questioning.
Q2. P3: “Introduce yourself.”
The candidate mentioned an early inclination towards the CA course, which triggered the main point of contention.
Q3. P3: “So you wanted to do CA? Are you a CA? No, you are not. You don’t even have a commerce background. Don’t namedrop courses if you have not done it.”
P3 heavily grilled the candidate on namedropping, challenging the authenticity of the CA interest. The candidate defended herself by clarifying it was only an inclination that sparked her interest in finance.
Q4. P1/P3: “So you have really high marks in your graduation (86.74%). What was your ranking? So you did not even give any exams?”
The panel moved to academic scrutiny, questioning the validity of the graduation marks due to the COVID-era reliance on internal assessments. The candidate had to defend her marks and the university’s grading policy under pressure.
Q5. P3: “So finance, huh? Tell me what is (some X) model. Tell me about CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model).”
The candidate admitted not knowing the first model but correctly defined CAPM, showing a foundational understanding of portfolio and risk management.
Q6. P2: “If you will invest in a company with zero debt and full of cash or one with a good amount of debt?”
The candidate chose one and provided a reasoned answer, assuming the cash-rich company was not utilizing its capital efficiently (poor capital structure).
Follow-up: P2: “But why are you assuming?”
The candidate defended the use of assumptions, explaining that financial markets and investment decisions are inherently based on analysis and incomplete data, justifying her conclusion.
Q7. P3: “You mentioned cooking as your hobby, right? Tell me about Michelin ranking.”
The candidate correctly explained the Michelin Guide’s history, linking it to the tyre company and its initial purpose of promoting road travel.
Follow-up: P1: “Do you know about any other Ranking?”
The candidate could not recall other global restaurant rankings (e.g., The World’s 50 Best).
Q8. P3: “What do you cook? Tell me about Italy.”
After naming North Indian and Italian cuisines, the candidate mentioned Italian culture, covering topics like football, Grand Prix, the EU, and tourism, demonstrating general knowledge.
Q9. P3: “Draw the graph of log(x).”
The candidate successfully drew the logarithmic graph, confirming basic mathematical competency.
Q10. P1: “Gave me an addition problem and asked to do it under 10 seconds.”
The candidate performed the calculation but was slightly off. She honestly admitted the error when cross-questioned.
Follow-up: P1: “Do you think this amount of variation is okay?”
The candidate argued that the tolerance for error depends on the situation (e.g., life-saving calculation vs. rough estimate) and admitted the error was not good in this context.
Q11. P2: “Area of a circle with $r=3$ will be higher or a square with side $s=5$? Tell me in three seconds.”
The candidate choked under the speed pressure, incorrectly blurting out “square.” (Correct Answer: Circle area $\approx 28.27$; Square area $= 25$).
Panel’s Impression
This interview was a sustained stress test designed to shake the candidate’s confidence by challenging her academic legitimacy (BBA marks/COVID exams) and self-proclaimed interests (CA/Finance/Hobbies). While the candidate showed conceptual clarity in finance (CAPM) and general awareness (Michelin), her quantitative errors (addition, circle vs. square calculation) under time pressure were a major focal point. Her resilience and ability to defend her assumptions and interests despite the aggressive questioning are key positives. This type of grilling is common at IIM-C, and her ability to stay composed and rational, especially when admitting mistakes, demonstrates the necessary behavioral strength, a skill often refined through strategic PrepBee AYN GDPI guidance.
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