Tips and Insights from a Shortlisted IIM-K Interview Experience

Seizing the opportunity to share my experience, I was shortlisted for the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K) after an abysmal performance in my CAP interview. On the 23rd of February 2023, I attended my interview at the Hindu Mohamed Anwar Technical Campus (HMATC) in Dadar, Mumbai.

Interview Preparation and Mentality

After a disappointing performance in my first interview, I braced myself for the challenge ahead. The venue was HMATC, a prominent technical institution in Mumbai. The interview panel consisted of two alumni who were not listed on the faculty list, adding to the situational pressure. During the interview, the atmosphere was relaxed, which helped me feel more at ease. It is crucial to maintain a positive mindset and be prepared for any kind of questioning.

Interview Experience

P1: A tall man with a demeanor somewhat reminiscent of Sundar Pichai.
P2: A shorter man who resembled Akash Gupta, a well-known Indian film personality.
Me entered the room, greeted the panelists, and the interview commenced.

**P1:** So, your surname is Nautiyal. I had a friend from Haryana who is Nautiyal.
**Me:** I come from Dehradun, sir.
**P1:** Wow man, how did you get to Mumbai all the way from Dehradun?
**Me:** I took a train, sir.
**P1:** So you must have crossed Mathura, Bharatpur, Ratlam, Kota, and Vadodara.
**Me:** Yes, sir. I did.
**P1:** When do you get back?
**Me:** Well, I will be leaving in an hour and a half, sir.
**P1:** Then, we will take your interview quickly and let you catch your train.
**Me:** There is plenty of time for my train to arrive, sir.
Both panelists smiled, creating a more relaxed environment.

**P1:** So you play Basketball and Chess. Which do you play more?
**Me:** I played a lot of Basketball during my school days, but lately, I've been playing a lot of Chess.
**P1:** Okay, so Basketball it is. Then, who is your favorite player?
**Me:** LeBron James. He became the face of the NBA after Michael Jordan retired and influenced the current generations heavily.
**P1:** Which position did you play?
**Me:** Sir, I played center.
**P1:** Why you're so thin.
**Me:** Sir, it was primarily on account of my height that I was given the role of center.
**P1:** Okay. Are you a Kings pawn guy or a Queens pawn guy?
**Me:** I am a Kings pawn guy. My go-to move is 1. e4.
**P1:** Why is Queens pawn becoming so famous nowadays?
**Me:** Because the King's Pawn opening being very conventional, and Queens pawn is people's attempt at trying something new. Even many Super GMs go 1. d4 nowadays.
**P1:** Do they?
**Me:** Yes, sir.
**P1:** Fine. Tell me something about your family background.

P2: Speaking for the first time, Who is the CM of Tamil Nadu?
**Me:** Asked if they could give me a hint.
**P2:** Okay. Here, I will give you a hint. His last name is the same as a WW2 general.
**Me:** I think I got it, sir. It's.
**P2:** That's correct. Do you know what M.K stands for?
**Me:** Sir, I don't.
**P2:** Told the answer and told me some facts about his father's political career.
**P1:** Which language is spoken in Tamil Nadu?
**Me:** Sir Tamil is the primary language.
**P1:** Thank god, the last guy said Telugu.
Everyone smiled.

P2: Asked me a question on Integration
**Me:** Tried to solve, but could not come up with a satisfactory answer.
**P2:** We recently celebrated our Republic Day. What does republic mean?
**Me:** Answered.
**P2:** Is UK a republic? What about Pakistan?
**Me:** Answered.
**P1:** Why is your score in Grade 12 so low?
**Me:** Told about university's strict policy and how I couldn't do as well as I would have liked to do.
**P2:** That's all from our side. Have a safe journey.
**P1:** Have a safe journey.
**Me:** Thank you so much.
Touched them for their time and left.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

The interviewers were very chill and made sure I was comfortable throughout. They mainly probed my resume, but also asked some questions based on current affairs. The questions were tailored to get a deeper understanding of my personality and academic performance. It is crucial to be well-prepared and highlight your strengths while also addressing potential weaknesses candidly.

Additional Insights

Preparation for interviews like these requires not only acing the technical aspects but also being aware of current events and having a well-rounded personality. Engage in meaningful conversations with other interviewees and seek feedback. Networking can provide invaluable insights and tips for future interviews.

Conclusion

Attending the interview at HMATC, Dadar, was a valuable experience. The interviewers were approachable and focused on understanding my background and motivations. By staying calm and being prepared, you can ace your interviews at top B-schools like IIM-K. I hope this insight can help you in your journey towards your dream MBA program.

Please do read my other answers on how I prepared for CAT and what my CAT score was. You can find them in the resources section below.

Yours truly!