SIBM Pune Interview Experience – From WAT to Guesstimates: A GEM Fresher's Journey
Candidate Profile
- Background: Engineering graduate from a reputed state university
- Work Experience: Fresher
- Academics:
- 10th: 92%
- 12th: 94%
- Graduation CGPA: 8.7
This candidate, a General Engineer Male (GEM) fresher, walked into the SIBM Pune selection rounds with an open mind and a steady resolve. Despite being a fresher, he made a strong impression with his communication and clarity.
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Prompt: Describe a Monday Morning when you received a job letter. Don't use the word 'excitement'.
Group Exercise (GE)
Topic: Promoting Make in India
Given Perspectives: Political, Economic, Technological
The group discussed each angle one by one, showing good synergy with minor disagreements. They concluded with 45–50 seconds still left on the clock.
Personal Interview (PI)
Panel Composition: 2 Male Interviewers (Both around 40s; one was interactive and engaging, the other more reserved)
Icebreaker & Personal Questions
🔵 Panelist: Tell Me About Yourself (TMAY)
Impressed the panel with a confident introduction.
🔵 Panelist: Discussion on an Award Mentioned in TMAY
Led to a healthy back-and-forth.
Career Goals & Motivation
🔵 Panelist: Why MBA and Preferred Specialization?
Faced a few cross-questions and minor fumbles, but recovered well.
Leadership & Responsibilities
🔵 Panelist: Questions About Various Roles Held
🔵 Panelist: Deep Dive into One Leadership Role
Discussed one role in detail, which went well.
B-School Specific Questions
🔵 Panelist: Why SIBM Pune?
Minor fumble: interchanged names of the Symbiosis director and founder.
Analytical Thinking
🔵 Panelist: Guesstimate – Number of Ice Cream Eaters in Dehradun Over a Year
Impressed the panel with logical structuring; ended with a laugh.
Candidate's Turn
🔵 Panelist: Any Questions for Us?
Asked one relevant question.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Structure your TMAY and anticipate cross-questions
- ✅ Know your CV and achievements thoroughly
- ✅ Practice group discussions with multiple perspectives
- ✅ Prepare basic guesstimates and frameworks
- ✅ Research the B-school thoroughly—faculty, founders, and focus areas
🔍 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 real B-school interview journeys and insider prep tips!
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