Economics, Equations, and Edge Cases: A Deep-Dive IIM Ahmedabad Interview Experience
Candidate Profile
- Background: BA Programme with majors in Economics and Mathematics from Delhi University
- Work Experience: 9 months at a Big Four firm in their education consulting division
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 96%
- 12th Grade: 96%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 8.7
- Category: General, Non-Engineering Female
Interview Panel
- Panel Composition: 2 Male Professors
- Location: Hyderabad
- Interview Mode: In-person
Interview Questions & Candidate’s Approach
💼 Work Experience & Profile-Based Questions
🔵 P1: Tell us about your work. What do you do at EY?
📌 Tip: When asked about your job, be precise and proactive. Anticipate the need to explain industry-specific terms or context, especially when from niche sectors.
📊 Economics & IS-LM Analysis
🔵 P1: You’ve studied economics—explain the IS-LM model.
📌 Tip: Be ready to draw graphs and explain shifts clearly. Use standard economic logic, but be prepared for extensive cross-questioning.
🔵 P1: Why does the LM curve slope upwards? What’s the logic in one line?
📌 Tip: Interviewers often seek textbook clarity. Stick to clean definitions (e.g., LM slopes upward because an increase in income raises the demand for money, increasing interest rates for equilibrium in the money market).
- Extended topics included: AD-AS curves, money demand motives, interest rate effects—prepare to interlink concepts dynamically.
📐 Statistics & Probability Under Pressure
🔵 P2: Define probability without using "chance," "likelihood," or "outcome."
📌 Tip: Know how to express statistical terms formally—rely on set theory and function-based language where applicable.
- Follow-up chain:
- What is a random variable?
- What is an event vs outcome?
- Toss of a die – technical interpretation
- Biased coin with 60% tail probability: binomial distribution and permutations
📌 Tip: These technical drills test not just memory, but your understanding. If confused, take a moment—don't let pressure derail clarity.
📚 General Awareness & Reading Habits
🔵 P2: What are your hobbies? Favorite books or authors?
📌 Tip: This is your breather. Speak with passion and specificity—it can leave a positive lasting impression.
🔵 P1: Do you follow the news? What’s the latest you read?
📌 Tip: Avoid vague or non-political news unless you can link it meaningfully. Stay updated on elections, major appointments, and central politics.
- Follow-up:
- Who is the Chief Election Commissioner?
- How is the CEC elected?
- Process for appointing the Chief Justice of India
📌 Tip: When uncertain, it’s okay to ask if you can make an educated guess. Be respectful and logical in your attempt.
Key Takeaways for Future Candidates
- ✅ Depth over breadth—don’t skim concepts like IS-LM or CLT; know them inside-out.
- ✅ Cross-questioning is a tactic—stay composed, even when interviewers seem contradictory.
- ✅ Math is unavoidable—even for non-engineers. Be ready for at least basic stats and probability.
- ✅ When guessing, guess smart—structure your reasoning even in hypothetical answers.
- ✅ Reading and current affairs matter—balance literary interests with political and civic awareness.
📢 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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