From Machines to Management: How This Mechanical Engineer Faced the IIM Indore Interview

Candidate Profile

• Background: Mechanical Engineering graduate with a strong inclination toward automobile engineering and engineering management.
• Work Experience: Fresher (with academic projects in engineering design and automotive systems).
• Academics:
  • 10th Grade: 79%
  • 12th Grade: 87%
  • Engineering CGPA: 8.0
• Category: SC
• CAT Percentile: 96.19

Interview Panel

• Date: 13th February 2024
• Location: IIM Indore Campus
• Panel: 2 Male Panelists (P1 ~40s, P2 ~30s)
• Environment: Dimly lit room with natural sunlight filtering through tinted windows, creating a semi-dark setting.
• The candidate was the second last to be interviewed in Panel 2.

Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach

🟢 Icebreaker & Profile-Related Questions

🔵 P1: Tell us about yourself.

🟢 Technical & Engineering Questions

🔵 P1: Why are gas/fuel containers cylindrical and not square?

✅ Candidate explained: Even pressure distribution on cylinder walls.

🔵 P1: Then why not spherical?

❌ Candidate couldn’t explain.

🔵 P1: What are the different types of pumps?

✅ Candidate mentioned centrifugal and screw pumps but admitted limited knowledge beyond that.

🔵 P1: Are you aware about engines?

✅ Candidate answered yes.

🔵 P1: Explain knocking.

✅ Explained.

🔵 P1: What’s the fuel composition in BS6 engines?

✅ Knew ethanol blending, didn’t know exact percentage.

🔵 P1: Why add ethanol?

✅ Candidate partially explained; panel probed further.

🔵 P1: Since ethanol is hygroscopic, how does water mixing affect petrol?

✅ Candidate attempted answer; tricky conceptual question.

🟢 Automobile Industry Questions

🔵 P2: Name 4 Indian automobile brands.

✅ Candidate listed including Hindustan Motors.

🔵 P2: What did Hindustan Motors make?

✅ Answered (Ambassador car).

🔵 P2: Name an Indian bike with a dual piston engine.

❌ Candidate couldn’t recall (expected: Royal Enfield Continental GT).

🔵 P2: Explain dual piston engines vs single piston.

✅ Gave a comparative answer.

🔵 P2: What is the CC of a dual piston engine?

✅ Candidate guessed >400cc but unsure.

🔵 P2: Could it be 1000cc?

✅ Candidate admitted uncertainty.

🟢 Extempore/Communication Test

🔵 P2: We’ll give you 1 min to think and 1 min to speak on: Maid service in India is successful.

✅ Candidate confirmed understanding, began thinking.

Then panel changed the topic:

🔵 P2: New topic: MBA in India is a waste of time.

✅ Candidate spoke on it.

✨ Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• Expect in-depth technical questions if from a core engineering background—even unrelated to your specialization.
• Be honest if you don’t know—admit, redirect, or explain your thought process.
• Prepare for extempore rounds—practice structuring arguments quickly.
• Keep updated with industry-specific facts (BS6 norms, ethanol blending %, automotive brands).
• A relaxed, polite demeanor helps handle pressing or tricky follow-ups.