From Scriptures to Statistics: A Unique IIM Lucknow Interview Experience
Candidate Profile
- Background: Engineering graduate with an interest in analytics and quantitative methods
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 90%
- 12th Grade: 90%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 9.0
- Work Experience: Fresher
- CAT Percentile: 99+
Interview Panel
- Panel Composition: 2 interviewers (1 Male, 1 Female)
- Mode: In-person interview at IIM Lucknow campus
Written Ability Test (WAT)
📝 Topic: “The next financial crisis will be from private cryptocurrencies”
📌 Tip: For such analytical topics, structure your essay into introduction, pros/cons, global trends, potential risks, and a balanced conclusion.
Interview Questions & Candidate’s Approach
1️⃣ Personal Interests & Intellectual Curiosity
🔵 Panelist: “Can you name some scriptures written in India?”
📌 Tip: Mention prominent ones like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, along with regional texts if relevant. Acknowledge linguistic and philosophical diversity.
🔵 Panelist: “What did you learn from reading them?”
📌 Tip: Highlight key takeaways such as leadership lessons from epics, ethical dilemmas, or frameworks for decision-making. Relate insights to personal or professional growth.
2️⃣ Academic & Career Path Discussion
🔵 Panelist: “Why not pursue a PhD instead of an MBA?”
📌 Tip: Show clarity of career goals—explain how an MBA aligns with industry exposure, leadership roles, or entrepreneurship, versus the academic research path of a PhD.
3️⃣ Quantitative Aptitude & Conceptual Knowledge
🔵 Panelist: “Tell me Bayes theorem.”
📌 Tip: Keep the formula simple:
P(A|B) = [P(B|A) * P(A)] / P(B).
Follow it with a real-world application, like medical test probabilities or email spam detection.
P(A|B) = [P(B|A) * P(A)] / P(B).
Follow it with a real-world application, like medical test probabilities or email spam detection.
🔵 Panelist: “Give an example of Poisson distribution.”
📌 Tip: A great example is “the number of customer arrivals at a bank in an hour” or “number of defects per unit in manufacturing.”
4️⃣ Interviewer Demeanor & Closing
🟢 Both interviewers were described as receptive and welcoming, creating a positive and conversational atmosphere.
📌 Tip: When the interview tone is friendly, maintain professionalism but allow natural enthusiasm to show.
🟢 Closing: “Have a good day!”
📌 Tip: Always respond courteously—thank them and exit confidently.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Some interviews may skip technical or work-related grilling—be flexible in adapting to conversational formats.
- ✅ Reading beyond textbooks can set you apart—link personal interests to management insights.
- ✅ Always keep 2–3 core academic concepts ready to explain, even if no formal academic questions are asked initially.
- ✅ Be prepared to justify your preference for an MBA over other academic paths like a PhD.
- ✅ Warm interviewers still expect depth in answers—balance casual tone with structured responses.
📢 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.
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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