IIM Lucknow Interview Experience: From Mining to AI – How This Engineer Impressed IIM Lucknow with a Non-Traditional Journey
Candidate Profile
- Background: B.Tech in Mining Engineering
- Work Experience: 7 months as an Implementation Consultant (previously worked in core mining sector)
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 91.2%
- 12th Grade: 95.7%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 7.9
- CAT Percentile: 99.74
Interview Panel
- Panelists: 2 (1 Male, 1 Female)
- Interview Style: Conversational, focused on life choices and adaptability
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Topic: "The placements in B-Schools are more employment-oriented than employability-oriented; thus, IIMs should stop compulsory placements."
📌 Tip: Balance both perspectives—student security vs. fostering long-term career mindset and entrepreneurship.
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
Career Journey & Decision-Making
- • M: What are you currently doing?
- • M: You switched companies due to health issues—what happened?
- • M: You were idle for 5 months—why?
- • F: How did you land a higher-paying job after being idle? Why do you still want an MBA?
- • F: Was your product case study used by YouTube?
📌 Tip: Be honest and reflective—link challenges to resilience and lessons learned. For gaps, always highlight constructive activity.
Technical Curiosity & Self-Learning
- • M: What are your responsibilities in your current role?
- • M (Interrupts): You’re a mining engineer—how do you understand AI, Blockchain, ML?
- • F (Laughing): You learned all this from Google?
- • M: IIM Lucknow has a rigorous schedule—how will you manage your interests?
📌 Tip: Own your non-linear journey. Talk about personal projects, self-discipline, and how curiosity drives continuous learning.
General Awareness & Blockchain Discussion
- • F: Do you know any recent crypto that tanked?
- • F: Explain Blockchain in layman terms. Should it remain unregulated?
- • F: What other IIM calls do you have?
📌 Tip: Be clear and concise when simplifying tech topics. Stay informed on high-profile business/tech failures (e.g., Terra Luna, FTX) and regulatory debates.
Candidate's Reflection
The candidate described the interview as "chill" and conversational. The panel explored his life journey and unconventional learning experiences. They appreciated his confidence, adaptability, and sincere answers to tough questions.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Own your unconventional journey—B-schools value uniqueness.
- ✅ Be ready to explain career gaps with productive activities.
- ✅ Showcase self-learning and adaptability across domains.
- ✅ Stay updated on tech and financial trends, especially if they align with your profile.
- ✅ Treat conversational interviews as an opportunity to reflect maturity and clarity in decision-making.
Disclaimer
🔍 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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