Cracking IIM Calcutta: A Banker’s Journey from Tech to Finance
Candidate Profile
- Background: Computer Science Engineer with a banking sector role
- Work Experience: 5 months in a leading bank (ICICI)
- Academics: Strong academic background (details anonymized for privacy)
- Interview Date & Location: 31st January, Mumbai
- Panel Composition: 3 Interviewers (2 Male, 1 Female)
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
Written Ability Test (WAT)
📝 Topic:
"Despite India's economic progress, the gap between the top one percent and the rest is widening. Evaluate reasons for the same and discuss ways to overcome it."
📌 Tip: For WAT, structure your response well. A good approach is:
- Introduction – Briefly outline the issue.
- Analysis – Discuss economic policies, globalization, technological disruption, and social inequalities.
- Solutions – Address policy changes, taxation reforms, and social programs.
Icebreaker & General Questions
- 🟢 M1: Tell me about yourself.
- 🟢 M1: Do you read newspapers? What’s a recent news story that caught your attention?
- 🎯 Candidate spoke about Neuralink and Elon Musk.
- 🟢 M1: Any recent business news?
- 🎯 Discussed Swiggy layoffs and business restructuring.
Banking & Finance Questions
- 🟢 M1: Since you work in a bank (ICICI), tell me how a bank earns revenues.
- 🎯 Explained traditional banking revenue streams (loans, credit cards) but missed ‘Float.’
- 🟢 M1: Can you name a profitable Indian startup?
- 🎯 Discussed Zerodha and its unique business model.
📌 Tip: Understand business models of startups like Zerodha, Groww, and Paytm. Mentioning 'float' in banking is a bonus.
Technical & Analytical Questions
- 🟢 M2: Since you’re from a CS background, what is the metric used to evaluate the performance of algorithms?
- 🎯 Mentioned Time Complexity (Big O notation).
- 🟢 M2: Analyze Bubble Sort.
- 🎯 Explained its working and efficiency (O(n²)).
Work & Extracurriculars
- 🟢 F: You volunteered as a Beta Tester for Coursera. Tell me about your experience.
- 🟢 F: Since you’re a filmmaker, tell us about a film you’ve made.
- 🟢 M2: What was the genre and how many views did it get?
📌 Tip: Numbers add credibility, but also highlight storytelling, execution, and strategic thinking in creative projects.
Preference & Closing Discussion
- 🟢 F: Any other IIM calls? What’s your preference order?
- 🎯 Candidate ranked IIM A > IIM C > IIM B, which led to a brief discussion.
- 🟢 M1: Any questions for us?
📌 Tip: Ask 1-2 thoughtful questions about curriculum, case competitions, or industry collaboration to show genuine interest.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Be prepared for industry-specific questions based on your work experience.
- ✅ Stay updated on business and tech news—interviewers may engage in deep discussions.
- ✅ Structure answers logically and ensure clarity in technical explanations.
- ✅ If you mention extracurriculars, be ready for in-depth questions.
- ✅ Asking good questions at the end leaves a positive impression.
Disclaimer
🔍 The above interview experience is based on real candidate interactions. Some details have been modified to maintain privacy. However, the core questions and insights remain authentic. These stories are for educational purposes and do not represent the official views of any institution.
📢 Stay tuned for more real interview experiences and expert insights! 🚀
📢 Stay tuned for more real interview experiences and expert insights! 🚀
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