From Code to Cases: A BCA Graduate’s Journey to IIM Visakhapatnam
Candidate Profile
- Background: Bachelor’s in Computer Applications (BCA)
- Experience: 1 year and 8 months in IT/tech sector
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 88%
- 12th Grade: 85%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 7.9
Interview Panel
- Panel Composition: 2 Panelists (1 Male, 1 Female)
- Panel Number: 4
- Duration: ~23 minutes
- Interview Mode: Online
- Interview Vibe: Male panelist was intense and technical, female panelist was more conversational
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
Academic Background & Technical Depth
🔵 M: Why is Bangalore called the Silicon Valley of India?
📌 Tip: Mention the concentration of tech companies, startups, and talent. Historical support from government and ecosystem matters too.
🔵 M: Why is silicon used in processors?
📌 Tip: Talk about semiconducting properties, abundance, cost-efficiency, and thermal stability.
🔵 M: What 5 parameters would you use to recommend a processor for my computer?
📌 Tip: Go beyond technical specs—include price, availability, and user needs to show well-rounded thinking.
🔵 M: You studied computer architecture. What’s the difference between RISC and CISC?
📌 Tip: If you don’t know, admit it politely. When you do know, highlight instruction complexity, cycles per instruction, and use cases.
Behavioral & Conceptual Understanding
🔵 M: What subject did you enjoy most during undergrad?
📌 Tip: Use this to showcase genuine interest and depth. Connect it to current aspirations if possible.
🔵 M: Explain Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. How is it used in companies?
📌 Tip: Cover the five levels—physiological to self-actualization. It’s a motivation model used in HR and management strategies.
🔵 M: Here’s a real-life scenario—identify which need it fulfills (based on Maslow’s model).
📌 Tip: Listen carefully and map the scenario logically to the relevant need level.
Current Affairs & Business Awareness
🔵 F: Do you stay updated with current and business news?
📌 Tip: Say yes only if you do. Back it with recent examples when asked.
🔵 F: What was the SVB crisis? What is a bank run?
📌 Tip: Mention SVB’s exposure to long-term bonds, liquidity issues, and panic withdrawals. Define a bank run in simple terms.
🔵 F: What happened in the Adani-Hindenburg case?
📌 Tip: Talk about the Hindenburg report’s allegations on stock manipulation and debt. Discuss market reaction and regulatory angles.
Career Intent & Work Integration
🔵 F: Why MBA now, with only two months of experience?
📌 Tip: Clarify work experience accurately (as this candidate did). Then explain how MBA helps align with long-term goals.
🔵 F: Describe one instance where you applied UG learning at work.
📌 Tip: Pick a real example—like using DBMS, algorithm design, or basic programming principles—to show applicability of education.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Be ready to correct factual inaccuracies calmly and confidently
- ✅ Blend technical and managerial thinking when asked for recommendations
- ✅ Brush up on basic UG concepts, even those you don’t use daily
- ✅ Stay updated with major financial and business news
- ✅ Use real-life work examples to connect theory with practice
📢 Disclaimer: Real Stories, Modified for Privacy
🔍 The above interview experience is based on real candidate interactions collected from various sources. To ensure privacy, some details such as location, industry specifics, and numerical figures have been altered. However, the core questions and insights remain authentic. These stories are intended for educational purposes and do not claim to represent official views of any institution. Any resemblance to actual individuals is purely coincidental.
🔍 The above interview experience is based on real candidate interactions collected from various sources. To ensure privacy, some details such as location, industry specifics, and numerical figures have been altered. However, the core questions and insights remain authentic. These stories are intended for educational purposes and do not claim to represent official views of any institution. Any resemblance to actual individuals is purely coincidental.
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