Cracking SIBM Pune: How This Engineer Navigated GE, WAT & a Four-Person Interview Panel
Candidate Profile
- Background: Mechanical Engineering graduate with a strong interest in project management.
- Work Experience: Approximately 2 years in infrastructure and construction project planning.
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 89%
- 12th Grade: 91%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 8.3
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Prompt Structure: A 3x3 matrix of words was presented with 8 unique three-word arrangements (rows, columns, diagonals). Candidates had to choose one and use all three words in the opening sentence of their passage.
Chosen Words: Mental Health – Education – Pandemic
Time: 16 minutes (1 for selection, 15 for writing)
📌 Tip: Choose a word combination that you can easily connect in a meaningful way. Create a story or argument that flows naturally and demonstrates depth in thinking.
Group Exercise (GE)
Problem Statement: Over-consumption
Visuals:
- Industries: Food & Beverages, IT & Computers, E-Commerce, Banking & Finance
- Tools: CSR, Government Policies, Taxation, Forecasting
Task: Pick one industry and propose a solution using any two tools.
Time Allotted:
- Thinking: 2 minutes
- Speaking: 45 seconds per person
- Discussion: 8 minutes
- Summary: 2 minutes
📌 Tip: Focus on structuring your points clearly. Back your solution with real-world examples and try to steer the discussion if it drifts.
Personal Interview (PI)
Duration: ~15 minutes
Panel: 2 male panelists, 1 coordinator, 1 moderator
Icebreaker & General Questions
- M1: “Please take me through your CV.”
- M1: “Any challenges faced during your work experience?”
- ➤ Candidate explained the complexity of handling large-scale projects.
- M1: “Describe a time when you couldn’t complete your work on time.”
- ➤ Candidate addressed this with an example and what they learned.
📌 Tip: Always accompany a challenge or failure with a lesson or a growth point. It shows maturity.
Regional & Background-Based Questions
- M2: “You’re from Jaipur. Share some trivia about the city.”
- ➤ Candidate mentioned cultural, historical, and economic aspects.
📌 Tip: Be ready to talk about your hometown—include facts beyond just tourism.
Academics & Career Direction
- M2: “Which specialization would you choose at SIBM Pune?”
- M1: “You’ve worked on a project. Are you familiar with project management tools?”
- ➤ Candidate mentioned using Excel and familiarity with Primavera P6.
- M1: “I’ve worked with Primavera P6 too. Nice to hear that.”
- ➤ This connection led to a brief conversation about planning tools.
📌 Tip: Highlight relevant tools and software from your work experience. Even basic familiarity can spark a deeper conversation.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Choose a WAT theme that you can relate to real-world events.
- ✅ Structure your points clearly in the GE—facts + logic = impact.
- ✅ Be ready for unexpected panel formats—stay calm and adaptive.
- ✅ Use your hometown and work experience to create a personal narrative.
- ✅ Don’t fake expertise—be honest about your skills and interests.
Disclaimer
🔍 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.
📢 Stay tuned for more first-hand B-school interview experiences and expert tips!
📢 Stay tuned for more first-hand B-school interview experiences and expert tips!
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