Govt to Comedy: IIM Kozhikode Interview Tale

From Government Advisory to Stand-Up Comedy: A Unique IIM Kozhikode Interview Experience

Candidate Profile

  • Background: Engineer with a strong academic record and a passion for policy consulting and creative arts
  • Work Experience: 31 months in a Government Advisory role, working on public policy and strategic consulting projects
  • Academics:
    • 10th Grade: 95%
    • 12th Grade: 93%
    • Undergraduate CGPA: 89%
  • CAT Percentile: 99.48 (General, Engineer, Male)

Interview Panel & Setup

  • Institute: IIM Kozhikode
  • Date & Time: 22nd March, ~12 minutes
  • Panel: Panel 7 – 1 Male (M), 1 Female (F)
  • Mode: Online Interview

Interview Questions & Insights

1. Icebreaker & Work-Related Discussion

🔵 Panelist (F): How are you today?

📌 Tip: A simple “I’m doing well, thank you” is fine. Be polite, not overly casual.

🔵 Panelist (F): Where do you work? Where are you joining from today?

📌 Tip: Clarify both your organization and physical location if asked—this also builds rapport.

🔵 Panelist (F): Explain your job profile.

📌 Tip: Prepare a crisp, jargon-free explanation focusing on key responsibilities, stakeholders, and outcomes.

🔵 Panelist (F): Will you go back to the same field after your MBA?

📌 Tip: Whether your answer is yes or no, connect it to long-term career goals and how an MBA bridges the gap.

🔵 Panelist (F): Tell me more about this project you mentioned. (followed by 3–4 minutes of cross-questioning)

📌 Tip: Be ready for deep dives into any project you mention—focus on your role, impact, challenges, and learnings.

2. Personal Interests & Stand-Up Comedy

🔵 Panelist (M): You’ve written “beginner stand-up comedian” here. Is it because you don’t want to perform now?

📌 Tip: If they tease or test you lightly, respond with calm confidence. Clarify intent without defensiveness.

🔵 Panelist (M): Okay, take 2 minutes and perform something.

📌 Tip: If they challenge you, rise to it! Keep it light, clean, and appropriate for an interview setting.

🔵 Panelist (M): Who’s your favorite comedian?

📌 Tip: Avoid controversial names—pick someone respected for wit, storytelling, or craft.

🔵 Panelist (M): How many open mics have you done?

🔵 Panelist (M): Do you heckle other performers?

📌 Tip: Be authentic but professional—even when answering fun questions, maintain respect for the artform and community.

3. Closing Questions

🔵 Panelist (M): Do you have any questions for us?

📌 Tip: The candidate asked for advice on improving their profile before B-school—a smart move. Always ask something thoughtful.

🔵 Panelist (M): Arey, wait for the result first, then study aaram se. (candidate reiterated desire to learn)

🔵 Panelist (M): See, learning never stops. Not like you’ll stop after 2 years.

📌 Tip: Even casual remarks are part of the conversation—acknowledge positively, stay engaged.

Candidate Reflection

“The interview felt conversational, not grilling. While they asked detailed questions on my work project, it was more like a discussion. The comedy angle made it fun but tested my ability to think and perform under pressure.”

Key Takeaways for Future Aspirants

  • ✅ Be ready to deep dive into any project or achievement you mention in your form.
  • ✅ Authentic personal interests can become major talking points—own them confidently.
  • ✅ Expect spontaneous tasks or challenges—treat them as opportunities to showcase composure.
  • ✅ Maintain professionalism even in casual, friendly exchanges.
  • ✅ Always prepare a smart, reflective question for the panel—it shows curiosity and initiative.
📢 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.
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