Mech to MBA: IIM Lucknow Interview Journey

From Wrenches to Boardrooms: How This Mechanical Engineer Handled the IIM Lucknow Interview

Candidate Profile

  • Background: A recent Mechanical Engineering graduate from a reputed government college in Karnataka.
  • Work Experience: Fresher
  • Academics:
    • 10th Grade: 92%
    • 12th Grade: 94%
    • B.E. (Mechanical): 8.4 CGPA
  • Location of Interview: ITC Hotel, Bengaluru
  • Date & Time: January 24, 2023 | 8:30 AM slot

Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach

🟢 Icebreaker & General Questions

🔵 Panelist 1: “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?”

📌 Tip: Connect your technical background to managerial aspirations. Talk about how an MBA complements your engineering problem-solving skills with leadership and strategic thinking.

🟢 Technical & Analytical Questions

🔵 P1: “How has mechanical engineering transformed the world? List 5 examples.”

📌 Tip: Think broadly—mention inventions like the internal combustion engine, refrigeration, automation, 3D printing, and sustainable energy solutions. Relate these examples to societal and industrial impact.

🔵 P1: “Since you’ve mentioned electric vehicles, do you think there’s a scope for EVs in India?”

📌 Tip: Balance optimism with realism. Highlight growing demand, government incentives, and environmental benefits while acknowledging infrastructure challenges.

🔵 P1: “What’s the difference between electric vehicles and conventional vehicles?”

📌 Tip: Focus on differences in propulsion systems, energy sources, maintenance requirements, and environmental footprint.

🔵 P1: “What do you think are the obstacles to the growth of electric vehicles in India?”

📌 Tip: Discuss high initial costs, lack of charging infrastructure, battery technology limitations, and customer adoption barriers.

🟢 General Awareness & Extracurriculars

🔵 P1: “Do you read newspapers? Which ones? Which section? Which sport?”

📌 Tip: Be honest—mention the papers you follow and highlight interest in business, sports, or editorial sections. It reflects curiosity beyond academics.

🔵 P2: “So, what have you done apart from college academics?”

📌 Tip: Prepare a narrative about your projects, clubs, competitions, internships, or social work. Emphasize skills gained.

🔵 P2: “Elaborate on the NGO you mentioned.”

📌 Tip: Describe your role, activities, and any measurable impact. Link your experience to empathy, leadership, and teamwork.

🔵 P2: “Tell me the difference between empathy and sympathy.”

📌 Tip: Empathy is “feeling with” while sympathy is “feeling for.” Use practical examples, maybe tied to your NGO work.

🔵 P2: “How can you utilize management principles in the NGO?”

📌 Tip: Mention fundraising, volunteer coordination, project management, and impact assessment as areas where management skills apply.

🔵 P2: “What other calls do you have?”

📌 Tip: Stay factual but positive; avoid negative remarks about other institutes.

🟢 Candidate’s Turn – Asking Questions

The interview concluded with a polite “All the best for your future” without further queries from the candidate.

📌 Tip: If given a chance, always prepare thoughtful questions about curriculum, alumni engagement, or unique offerings of the institute to show genuine interest.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

  • ✅ Be ready to defend your choice of MBA as a fresher—link it to growth and career goals.
  • ✅ Expect technical questions even if no work experience; brush up core concepts.
  • ✅ Use examples and structure answers logically, especially in technical comparisons.
  • ✅ Extracurriculars and volunteering matter—show how they shaped you.
  • ✅ Stay calm and conversational; not every interview will include stress tests or puzzles.
📢 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, institution names, and numerical figures have been altered. However, the core interview 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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