IIM Ahmedabad Interview Experience: From Consulting at KPMG to Cracking IIM A – A Commerce Grad’s Smooth Ride
Candidate Profile
- Undergraduate: B.Com
- Postgraduate: Master’s in Management (MiM) from SP Jain Global
- Work Experience: 3 years as SAP Consultant at KPMG
Academics
- 10th Grade: 9 CGPA
- 12th Grade: 94%
- Graduation: 75%
CAT Percentile
- 99.48
Interview Details
- Interview Date & Location: 15th March 2022, Gurgaon
- Panel Composition: 2 Male Panelists (Late 40s–50s, relaxed demeanor)
- Interview Duration: 30-35 minutes
- AWT Topic: Does giving teenagers personal space harm family relationships? Analyze assumptions, support, and critique the argument.
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
🔵 Panelist: Tell me about yourself. Why MBA after MiM?
📌 Tip: If you’ve already pursued a management degree, be prepared to clearly differentiate between a MiM and an MBA. Focus on how an MBA offers advanced, leadership-focused learning suited to your career stage.
🔵 Panelist: Explain how to arrive at Profit After Tax (PAT) from Sales.
📌 Tip: For commerce grads, mastering financial statements is key. Always relate concepts back to real-world business performance.
🔵 Panelist: Difference between Depreciation and Amortization with examples.
🔵 Panelist: What is Accumulated Depreciation?
📌 Tip: Use simple, clear definitions backed by practical examples (e.g., machinery for depreciation, patents for amortization).
🔵 Panelist: How has market segmentation evolved over the last 30 years, especially in the airline industry?
📌 Tip: Demonstrate awareness of how data analytics, digital marketing, and personalized customer experiences have transformed segmentation strategies compared to traditional demographic methods.
🔵 Panelist: What new approaches are marketers using today?
📌 Tip: Mention trends like behavioral segmentation, AI-driven targeting, loyalty programs, and dynamic pricing models.
🔵 Panelist: Describe your role at KPMG.
📌 Tip: Clearly articulate your consulting experience—mention key projects, client interactions, and problem-solving skills.
🔵 Panelist: Who are SAP’s competitors?
📌 Tip: Be ready to name players like Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, etc., and briefly differentiate them.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ If you have dual management qualifications (like MiM + MBA), justify your decision with a focus on depth, leadership preparation, and career trajectory.
- ✅ For commerce backgrounds, revise core finance and accounting principles thoroughly—expect practical, application-based questions.
- ✅ Stay updated on how traditional business concepts like marketing have evolved with technology and data analytics.
- ✅ For consulting profiles, highlight client-centric roles, adaptability, and exposure to enterprise solutions like SAP.
- ✅ Not all IIM interviews are grilling—sometimes confidence, clarity, and composure are all you need!
Overall Interview Experience
- Tone: Relaxed and conversational
- Panel Behavior: Friendly, minimal cross-questioning, appeared satisfied with responses
- Focus Areas: Commerce fundamentals, marketing evolution, consulting experience, and career clarity
- Duration: 30-35 minutes
- Highlight: Balanced answers across diverse areas without feeling pressured
- Ending Note: Offered a toffee with a smile—a sign of a pleasant interaction!
📢 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.
📢 Stay tuned for more first-hand B-school interview experiences and expert tips!
🔍 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!
Leave a Reply