SIBM Pune Interview Experience: From Dawn to Decision – One Candidate’s 7-Hour Journey
Candidate Profile
- Background: Graduate in Engineering with a focus on Information Technology
- Work Experience: Around 2.5 years in a product-oriented role within a tech-driven organization
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 93%
- 12th Grade: 95%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 8.6
Interview Process Breakdown
The SIBM Pune interview process is thorough, lasting nearly the entire morning. Here’s how the day unfolded for this candidate:
🧾 Document Verification & Preliminaries
Activities Included:
- SNAP admit card and ID verification
- Introduction videos covering Symbiosis history and insights from the SIBM Pune director (may vary by slot)
📌 Tip: Have all your documents organized and ready. A calm start can help set the tone for the day.
✍️ WAT (Written Ability Test)
Duration: 16 minutes
- 1 min to read 8 sequences of 3 random words (e.g., mental health – spirituality – education)
- 15 mins to write an essay linking the chosen set
📌 Tip: Choose a word set that you can write deeply about. Use real-life examples or current events for depth.
🧠 Group Exercise (GE)
Setup:
- Shown 4 industries + 1 problem + 4 possible solutions
- Choose 1 industry + 2 solutions
Time Breakdown:
- 2 mins to think
- 45 seconds each to justify your choices
- 8 mins group discussion to reach consensus
- 2 mins to present final conclusion
📌 Tip: Focus on clarity and collaboration. Strong articulation and group synergy score points.
🧑💼 Personal Interview (PI)
Timing: Started around 12:20 PM for the last candidate
Icebreaker & General Questions
- “You started the process at 7:30 AM. Do you feel exhausted?”
- “Tell me about yourself.”
📌 Tip: Stay composed and energetic. This question tests your stamina and attitude under long durations.
Profile & Work Experience
- “Tell me about your work experience.”
- “How will marketing help you in your current organization?”
📌 Tip: Highlight the impact of your work. Connect it to business outcomes and possible MBA takeaways.
Motivation & Fit
- “Why MBA? Why not an online course?”
- “Why MBA at SIBM?”
- “What specialization do you want to pursue?”
- “Which companies are you targeting post-MBA?”
📌 Tip: Clearly link your aspirations to the MBA. Be specific about SIBM Pune’s offerings that attract you.
Skill-Based Questions
- “What soft skills should a product manager have?”
- “Can you describe a situation where you showed creativity?”
📌 Tip: Use STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Storytelling helps in leaving a strong impression.
Candidate’s Turn – Asking the Right Questions
- “Any questions for us?”
📌 Tip: Always ask something insightful. Show genuine interest in the program or campus culture.
📋 Feedback Form
Before wrapping up, candidates are asked to fill out a feedback form to reflect on the process.
🔑 Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Prepare mentally for a long, multi-stage process
- ✅ Prioritize communication and collaboration in the GE
- ✅ Keep real-world examples ready for creativity and problem-solving questions
- ✅ Tailor your “Why MBA” answer to reflect both personal and professional alignment
- ✅ Don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions during your turn
🔐 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.
📢 Stay tuned for more firsthand B-school interview experiences and expert preparation tips!
📢 Stay tuned for more firsthand B-school interview experiences and expert preparation tips!
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