How was your BARC 2023 Interview Experience?

On 14th June 2023, I had the privilege of attending my BARC mechanical interview in Mumbai. This experience was both challenging and exhilarating, as it served as a significant milestone in my career journey. My road to this interview began with my preparation for the GATE, where all my teachers encouraged me to pursue a BARC interview to gauge my knowledge and skills.

Pre-Interview Preparation and the First Impression

The interview started early in the morning, and I was the first applicant in the panel. The interview room was filled with five interviewers, all experts in their respective fields. They made me feel at ease by asking some warm-up questions about my journey and temporary accommodations. Interestingly, the interview commenced just a minute after I was comfortable, setting the stage for a rigorous yet supportive session.

Technical Interview Breakdown

Materials (Strength of Materials): The first technical question delved into the concepts of material properties, stress and strain, section modulus, bending moment diagram (SFD and BMD), deflection, and thin-walled pressure vessels. Following this, the panel asked about the stress in a cylindrical pressure vessel.

Material Properties: I began by explaining the basic concepts and then moved on to calculating the stress using force balancing. Stress in a Thick Cylindrical Vessel: A thick-walled cylindrical pressure vessel was introduced, and I explained the variations in stress across different radii. The panel members provided hints when I couldn't derive the expression correctly, and I eventually succeeded in showing the radial variation of stress. Optimizing Material Usage: The interviewers then introduced a scenario with a beam and axle scenario. They asked me to draw the shear force diagram (SFD) and bending moment diagram (BMD). I then discussed how to save material by altering the cross-section while maintaining its circular shape. I derived the variation of diameter using permissible stress and moment relationships, which satisfied the interviewers. Beam Cross-Section Usage: They posed a question about why a circular cross-section is preferred in car axles over an I-section, to which I responded based on my understanding of bearing and clutch designs.

Thermodynamics: The second technical area covered was thermodynamics. The panel presented a scenario involving a container with a frictionless, highly conducting piston and different gas mixtures on either side. The challenge was to determine the equilibrium conditions and calculate the final temperature and pressure. The interviewers probed me deeply on concepts like temperature and pressure equilibrium, and I provided a thorough explanation, which delighted them.

Fluid Mechanics

Vortex Motion: I was asked to solve a problem where water was being rotated in a cylindrical container with a hole at the base. After explaining the initial conditions, I moved on to solving the problem, which required deriving the scenario without a hole using the principles of vortex motion. The interviewers tested my understanding by introducing doubts about the direction and other aspects of the derivation, but I managed to hold my ground. Thermal Transfers: Fourier Law: The final area covered in the interview was heat transfer. I was asked to explain Fourier's law and how it applies to heat insulation. I made a mistake in drawing the thermal profile and provided the wrong concept. Despite this setback, the interviewers gave me hints to correct my drawing, and the experience was satisfying.

Conclusion and Panel Feedback

Despite the late-impression setback, the panel members complimented me on my preparation. One interviewer specifically acknowledged that I had put in a significant amount of effort in my preparation. This feedback filled me with a sense of accomplishment.

This experience not only tested my technical knowledge but also evaluated my problem-solving and reasoning abilities. I hope this detailed account of my BARC interview can offer valuable insights and guidance to anyone preparing for similar interviews.

Key Takeaways and Tips

Preparation is key: Ensure a solid understand of fundamental concepts and be ready to apply them in complex scenarios. Calm and composed: It's essential to remain calm and focused during the interview. Address any doubts or challenges as they arise. Feedback is crucial: Use feedback to improve and build confidence.

Best of luck to all the candidates preparing for their interviews with BARC or any other prestigious institution!