IIM Calcutta Interview Experience 2022

11/02/2022
IIM-Calcutta
Panel 6
About me : Eco Grad ; 16 months work ex

2M Panelists

M1 : Why do you want to do an MBA and what are you long term goals?
Gave my prepared answer

M2 : So what does is your family business? Questions on Revenue stream of the business. Cost incurred. Profit earned per month.
Was comfortable in sharing the insights. (No questions on my current role)

M1 : So tell something, you’re an Eco grad. Why is India lagging behind economies like China, South Korea, Japan who were worse off at the time India gained independence. And do you think we have finally found a way ahead?
Spoke of the size of the population.
M1 interrupts in between : Japan has a higher population density than India.
I revert : Sir I’m talking about the population in general. China did well initially because it had young population. India right now has the youngest population in the world. Indian Economy is expected to grow at around 9% which is the highest projected by an major economy right now. Government is spending heavily and at the same time is trying to cover lost group through welfare policies to bring up the MSMEs impacted by Covid

M1 interrupts again : You’re talking about policies, I’m talking about the culture. Do you think people in India are less aspirational.
I answered again talking about collective responsibility of the state and the people.

M1 interrupts again : I was reading the newspaper and I saw people Burning trains in Bihar. And that too for 19-20k. So many people give the exam. Such few seats. Do you think people are correct?
I responded : Sir, what they portrayed through their actions was wrong. But we should pay heed to the message they were trying to send. 19-20k may not matter to a lot of people, but speaking from personal experience, I earn 30k a month and I know the value of that. Similarly, someone might value even 5000 or 1000 depending on the circumstances.

M1 : So you think the government is right with the policies it’s making?
Me : I think it is a process and a step in the right direction.

M2 : So you’re saying the people are never at fault?
Me : I maintained my stance on collective responsibility. With gov educating people who are ignorant and people having the interest to learn and come together to bring change to the society and achieve a high standard of living.

M2 : Any questions for us?
Me : Sir IIM-Cal is know for its lakes. How is the experience?
M2 : Well, we dont teach sitting next to lakes

(Everyone bursts out laughing)

Me: Sir what I meant was…it’s would be such a positive environment within the campus. Positivity affects everyone. You take in the positivity and impart it to the students.
M1 : (Smiling) Well yes, I’ve been teaching here for 23 years. When I joined, I thought it’d be only 2.

(Everyone laughs again)

M2 : What all calls do you have?
Me : (Didn’t mention A). Sir C is my best call apart from L S and Cap

M1 : Btw, why have you scored only 53% in graduation
Me : Gave a ready answer.
M1 : You realise you’ll have mathematics in the campus don’t you? Are you confident you’ll be able to answer it.
Me (by this time I was oozing with confidence) : Sir, IIM Cal always gives people a 2nd chance.

M1 interrupting me in between : What do you mean by that?
Me : Sir what I mean is, I believe in my abilities and if the institute believes in me I will make sure my 2nd chance would not go in vain.
M1 : So you’re confident you’ll do well?
Me : Yes sir. I AM.

M1 : Okay then, thank you for time
Me : Thank You for interviewing me sir. I hope I’m able to meet you in the campus.