Can We Choose Our IIM Interview Location?

In the prestigious realm of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the interview process is a crucial step for admission into their competitive programs. Many candidates frequently inquire about the flexibility in selecting their interview locations. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on whether you can choose your preferred IIM interview location and explore the underlying factors and procedures.

Options for IIM Interview Location

For applicants applying to IIMs, the choice of interview location is significantly restricted. There are only four cities that serve as possible interview locations: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and a fourth city which may or may not be the respective IIM's city. However, candidates are required to select interview city preferences for each IIM and program in their CAT (Common Admission Test) form.

Limitations and Selection Process

Each IIM will allow you to choose two cities out of the four available options. If you are called for an interview with an IIM based in Ahmedabad, for example, you would have to select two city preferences from the four options provided, which are Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. If you are selected for an interview from Ahmedabad, the likelihood of your interview taking place in either of the two city preferences you selected is high, with a higher probability of being scheduled in your first preference.

It is important to note that the IIMs do not provide much flexibility in changing these preferences once submitted in the CAT form. Additionally, any request to change the interview location must be valid and if needed, must be submitted before the scheduled interview date.

Valid Reasons to Request a Date Change

There are specific instances where you may be able to request a change in your interview date and location. These include situations such as:

Work travel Sickness An unavoidable circumstance that makes it difficult to attend the scheduled interview

Should your situation fall under any of these circumstances, it is essential to submit a request to the admissions office at least a few weeks before your scheduled interview date. The admissions office will process your request and may provide a new date and location for your interview. However, the new location will generally be one of the four allowed cities mentioned above.

What to Expect During the Request Process

If your request is valid and approved, the admissions office will process your date change request. This includes providing a new date and a preferred location. You should carry an email confirmation to support your application.

To summarize, while you cannot choose your IIM interview location arbitrarily, you do have some flexibility in selecting two cities from the four available options. Furthermore, in the event of valid circumstances, you may have the opportunity to change your interview date and location with the approval of the admissions office.

For more detailed information and personalized advice, it is recommended to reach out to the respective IIM's admissions office. Best of luck with your application and interview!