Interview Experience at IIM Calcutta: A Comprehensive Guide
About the Author
With a stellar CAT score of 99.83 achieved on the first attempt after only three months of preparation, I was eager to secure a place at one of the premier business schools in India. My academic journey led me to IIT Kharagpur for my instrumentation engineering degree, where I maintained a 8.33 CGPA. On the day of the interview, my CV showed the same dedication to learning and critical thinking through my academic and professional experiences.
General Details of the Interview
Date and Venue
Date: 26th March, 2024, Tuesday
Reporting Time: 8:00 AM
Venue: IIM Calcutta Joka
Preparation and Arrival
I arrived a day earlier to prepare and gather my thoughts. On the day of the interview, I woke up early, eager to catch up on the latest news. The interview took place just 500 meters from where I was staying. We walked to the campus, where I verified my documents and found out I was third in my interview panel.
Essay Writing Ability Test (WAT)
Topic and Guidelines
The WAT topic was about the impact of stray dog attacks on a developing nation's progress. The time limit for the test was 15-20 minutes, and the word limit was 250-300 words. The essay required an evaluation of both the advantages and disadvantages of the increased stray dog population, delving into the root causes and proposing potential solutions.
Performance and Preparation
During my WAT, I wrote five paragraphs, likely exceeding the word limit. I took the opportunity to grab snacks and engage in conversations with other candidates before the interviews began, aiming to stay calm and composed.
Personal Interview Experience (PI)
Panel and Preparation
All three panelists were male professors in their 40s. For clarity, I will refer to them as L (left), F (front), and R (right). The interview discussed the experience of the first candidate in the panel and revealed that general knowledge (GK) questions were not being asked. This set the tone for a more dynamic, question-driven interview format.
Interview Session
The interview began with a warm greeting, and even before I sat down, the panel commenced asking questions. They discussed various topics, including my academic background, work experiences, motivations, and how my past experiences align with my ambitions for the future. The session included a detailed discussion about the field of instrumentation engineering and the specific projects I worked on. The interview lasted 15-20 minutes.
The Derivation Moment
The interview was fantastic until I was asked to derive an equation of viscosity—a concept I had studied four years ago. Although I managed to mention the key concepts involved, I struggled to derive the equation on the spot. This moment was particularly challenging but did not detract from the overall positive experience.
Campus Life and Future Outlook
Being on campus for the interview was a wonderful experience. I met familiar faces and enjoyed the delicious food. Despite my slip-ups, I remain hopeful that a high percentile in the CAT will help compensate for my shortcomings. With equal parts optimism and determination, I am looking forward to the future and the potential opportunities that an acceptance from IIM Calcutta could bring.
Conclusion
The journey to IIM Calcutta was a challenging but rewarding experience. Whether it be the WAT or the PI, each step was meticulously prepared for and executed with dedication. With a positive outlook and a holistic approach, I believe that my application stands a good chance. Here's to hoping for the best!