From IT Classrooms to Case Classrooms: A Fresher’s Journey to the IIM Kashipur BA Interview
Candidate Profile
- Background: B.Tech in Information Technology
- Work Experience: None (fresher)
- Additional Learning: Self-paced learning in macroeconomics, with plans to pursue statistics
Interview Panel Composition
- Panelists: 2 Interviewers
- Interviewer 1: Energetic and engaging, led most of the conversation
- Interviewer 2: Observed quietly and asked only one concluding question
- Duration: Around 10–12 minutes
- Atmosphere: Friendly and light, with Interviewer 1 maintaining a cheerful tone
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
🔹 Icebreaker & Background
🔵 Panelist: Hi, how are you? Have you worked somewhere before?
🔵 Panelist: Oh, you’re a fresher. Do you know statistics or mathematics?
📌 Tip: Even if you're a fresher, show initiative—talk about relevant courses or self-learning, as the candidate did by mentioning macroeconomics and plans for a statistics course.
🔹 Economics & General Awareness
🔵 Panelist: Why are you studying macroeconomics?
🔵 Panelist: What is GDP?
🔵 Panelist: What is India’s current GDP?
🔵 Panelist: Why is GDP expected to fall this year?
🔵 Panelist: What is inflation and deflation?
🔵 Panelist: What is zero inflation and what happens then?
📌 Tip: These questions test your understanding of economic concepts and their real-world impact. If you're not confident in figures, focus on trends, definitions, and implications. Always back up guesses with logical reasoning.
🔹 Technical – IT & Data Concepts
🔵 Panelist: What have you studied in IT?
🔵 Panelist: What is DBMS?
🔵 Panelist: Explain structured and unstructured data.
🔵 Panelist: How is unstructured data stored in real-world applications?
📌 Tip: Be thorough with your favorite technical subject. Know the definitions, real-life applications, and differences between data types. Prepare a few case-style examples to show depth.
🔹 Motivation & Program Fit
🔵 Panelist: Why MBA in Business Analytics and not a core tech role?
🔵 Panelist: This program is intensive and complex—how will you handle it?
📌 Tip: Show clarity of purpose. Articulate why analytics excites you, how it aligns with your interests, and what personal strengths (like curiosity or time management) will help you succeed in a rigorous environment.
🎯 Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Self-learning shows initiative—mention relevant courses and explain your learning goals
- ✅ Understand economic indicators and connect them with current events
- ✅ Choose a favorite subject and prepare to discuss it deeply and confidently
- ✅ Stay honest and composed, especially when guessing or unsure
- ✅ Show readiness for the MBA workload through examples of discipline, motivation, and long-term goals
📢 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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