IIM Lucknow Interview Experience: How This Software Engineer Navigated a Grilling Panel
Candidate Profile
- Background: B.Tech in Computer Science
- Work Experience: Approximately 2.5 years at a leading IT services firm (Infosys)
- Academics: Solid academic record with consistent performance throughout
- Category: OBC
- Location of Interview: Mumbai
- Date: 24th January 2023
Interview Panel
- Panelists: 2 (M1 - Serious, mid-50s | M2 - Friendly, mid-40s)
Written Ability Test (WAT)
Topic: "Women in C-suite and the challenges they face"
📌 Tip: Structure your essay around gender diversity, leadership barriers, societal expectations, and cite examples of successful women leaders.
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
Icebreaker & General Questions
- • Where did you come from?
- • Are you from Mumbai?
- • Did you arrive today?
📌 Tip: These questions set the tone. Stay calm, and answer politely. It's about making you comfortable before the grilling begins.
Technical & Analytical Questions (By M1)
- 1. Tell me about yourself.
- 2. Describe your job role.
- 3. Do you think databases are irrelevant now?
- 4. RDBMS – 3 technical questions (unable to answer).
- 5. Types of data models.
📌 Tip: Brush up on core CS fundamentals, especially databases, data models, and current technology debates (like NoSQL vs RDBMS).
General Awareness, Business & Personality Questions (By M2)
- 1. How are you preparing for post-MBA life?
- 2. Do you watch business news or follow current affairs?
- 3. Any business entrepreneur you follow? (Excluding Shark Tank panelists)
- • Candidate Answered: Nikhil Kamath
- 4. Nikhil Kamath said stocks are in a bubble. What do you think?
- 5. Have you watched Shark Tank?
- 6. What other IIM calls do you have?
- 7. What is the derivative of log(x)?
- 8. Did you get this answer from a Telegram group? How is this group created? How can I join?
- 9. How do you work on your stammering?
- 10. What do you want to be in life? What kind of person do you aspire to become?
📌 Tip: This mix of technical, personality, and quirky questions assesses depth, presence of mind, and emotional intelligence. Be candid and thoughtful.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Be ready for a mix of technical, personal, and quirky questions.
- ✅ Stay updated on business news and have informed opinions on market trends.
- ✅ Know your resume and job role thoroughly—technical depth matters.
- ✅ Handle lighter moments with grace; panels often test your personality.
- ✅ Practice answering introspective questions about your life goals and challenges.
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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