IIM Lucknow Interview: How a Mechanical Engineer Handled a "Weird" Panel Experience

Candidate Profile

• Background: B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from a premier institute (BITS Goa)
• Work Experience: Research-oriented role involving mathematical applications
• Academics:
  • 10th Grade: 92.5%
  • 12th Grade: 91.7%
  • Undergraduate: 92.6%
• CAT Percentile: 99.25 (GEM - General, Engineer, Male)

Interview Panel

• Panelists: 2 (M1 - Structured and attentive | M2 - Confusing and interruptive)
• Location: Not specified
• Date: Not provided

Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach

Icebreaker & Profile Clarification

• • M1: Can you please introduce yourself?
• 📌 Tip: Always prepare a well-structured "Tell me about yourself" answer, but stay flexible if interrupted. Stay calm and restart smoothly if needed.
• • M2: (Interrupts multiple times to clarify profile details)
• 📌 Tip: Panels may intentionally or unintentionally disrupt your flow. Maintain composure and politely clarify without showing frustration.
• • M1: Few questions on your current role.
• 📌 Tip: Explain your role in simple terms, especially if it's niche or technical. Ensure both technical and non-technical listeners can understand.
• • Why MBA?
• 📌 Tip: Connect your technical background and current role with future managerial aspirations. Highlight the need for business acumen to complement your analytical skills.

Technical & Analytical Questions

• • M2: What is surface tension? Provide the formula. Now, if I place a drop of water on the table, calculate its surface tension.
• 📌 Tip: Be ready for fundamental engineering concepts. For hypothetical calculations, explain the theory even if exact numbers aren’t possible due to lack of data.
• • Since you mentioned using Math daily, here’s a problem: Integrate cosec(x).
• 📌 Tip: Revise standard integrals and calculus basics. When solving, think aloud to demonstrate your logical approach even if you're rusty.

Candidate's Reflection

The candidate described the interview as "weird", primarily due to M2’s interruptions and confusion, which even affected other candidates. Despite a solid performance, external factors like panel dynamics can make interviews unpredictable.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• ✅ Stay calm and composed if panelists interrupt or seem confused.
• ✅ Be prepared to simplify your job role, especially if it's technical or research-based.
• ✅ Revise core engineering concepts and basic mathematics, even if you're targeting a management role.
• ✅ Expect the unexpected—sometimes interviews aren’t about right answers but how you handle pressure and ambiguity.
• ✅ Remember, panel behavior isn’t in your control—focus on what you can manage: clarity, confidence, and composure.

Disclaimer