IIM Indore IPM Personal Interview - Know the questions to expect and tips to answer

After the initial euphoria of getting shortlisted for the next round of admission at IIM Indore’s 5 year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) fades out, the concern for cracking the Personal Interview round starts seeping in.  Starting from June 3, the PI rounds at IIM Indore for the IPM programme will be conducted till June 6.

According to exam officials, around 1100 candidates have been shortlisted for the PI rounds who would be vying for 121 seats. Needless to say, the candidates have to work hard enough to make a mark in the selected few. This article will give you an overview on what to expect on the day of your interview.

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There is no area wise demarcation on the types of questions to expect. As is common in interviews, expect anything and everything. Since this would be the first big interview you are facing, having queries on the types of questions to expect is not unprecedented. Among all the topics, the following areas are considered to be most important.

Why IPM

Since you are opting for this niche 5 year Integrated Programme in Management, you must have thought through the reasons why you want to join it. The interviewers would like to know the seriousness of your aspiration. Utkarsh Upadhyaya, a Second Year student of IIM Indore IPM says, “The interviewers would like to know about your interest and aspiration to join the programme. They would like to have your perspective on why IPM.”

Subject knowledge

Questions are generally asked on the subjects you studied in 10+2 and your career aspirations. “Your subject knowledge and career aspirations are tested in the interview. Having an in depth knowledge on the subjects you studied in the last 2 years would help you sail through the interview. For example, I was from Science background, the interviewers asked several questions from my subjects to gain an idea on the clarity of my base,” says Varun Doval, a Third year student of IPM at IIM Indore.

Career Aspiration

“Where do you want to see yourself after 5 years?” is a pertinent question of your interview for the admission in the IPM 2014-19 batch. The interview board would like to analyze whether you can justify yourself in the corporate bandwagon. “The faculty members would test how well would you be able to blend social awareness with corporate as we give lot of importance on fulfilling our social responsibilities as well,” mentions Doval.

Current Affairs

General Knowledge or Current Affairs questions are indispensable for any interview.  Know the important updates on the current happenings at politics, economics, business, society and other aspects. You can be asked any question on the ongoing or events of relevance.

Personal Traits and Interests

Expect questions on your hobbies and interests. The personality traits of a person depend a lot on how efficient a manager would be. The answer you give to the initial question would make way for the upcoming questions. Utkarsh explains, “Since I mentioned reading as a hobby, I was asked which was the last book that I had read. After I answered, I was asked several questions related to the book.”

Varun mentions, “I had participated in many Extra Curricular Activities and accordingly I was asked questions on them. If you had participated in any ECA, you must carry the certificates so that the interviewers are aware of your background.”

Don’t mention your something as your hobby or Extra Curricular Activity unless you are actually interested or actively involved in it. The interviewers would definitely mention them in the questions and if you are not able to answer, it would not leave a good impression in the minds of the interview board.

Don’t know the answer? There’s no harm in being honest

Amidst the overall interview duration which ranges from 10 to 15 minutes to even 25 to 30 minutes, you may encounter a googly or a bouncer of a question. The trick is to remain unperturbed. It’s not possible to know every answer. Hence an honest confession would do no harm. “Being frank and honest is the key in such a situation. Admit in a polite manner that you do not know the answer,” says Utkarsh.

Varun suggests, “Unexpected questions are not uncommon. You should be always ready to learn. Handle the situation tactfully by saying ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know the answer but I would love to know.’ This would surely make the situation better.”

On the day of your interview, make sure you report to the venue well in advance. Carry all your marksheets and certificates properly organized in a folder. Your attire and appearance would be the first thing that the interview board would notice. Hence, ensure that you are dressed in formal attire in a prim and proper manner. Last but not the least, keep calm and be confident.

IPM Aptitude Test 2014 was held on Thursday, May 15, 2014. The result was declared on Friday, May 23, 2014. The final selection takes place by assigning 60% weightage to the Aptitude Test and 40% weightage in the Personal Interview. The final selection list will be declared on Monday, June 16, 2014. According to exam officials, around 12,000 candidates took the test. The total number of registrations received this year was 12,345 which was almost double compared to last year, which was 6, 065.

Also Read:

IIM Indore IPM Aptitude Test 2014 Analysis - Moderate paper with tough QA and easy VA

IIM Indore IPM Aptitude Test 2014 - Over 12,000 candidates to appear on May 15

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