How This Engineer from TATA Projects Navigated a Math-Heavy Interview
Candidate Profile
- Background: Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduate from a reputed government college
- Work Experience: 2.5 years (approx.) at TATA Projects Limited
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 93%
- 12th Grade: 91%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 8.33
- CAT Percentile: 98.40 (General, Engineering Male - GEM category)
Interview Panel
- Panelists: 2 Professors (P1 and P2, both male, cameras off)
- Interview Duration: Approximately 20–25 minutes
- Mode: Online
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
1. Icebreaker & General Questions
- 🟢 P1: How are you?
- 🟢 P1: Where have you logged in from?
- 🟢 P1: Tell Me Something About Yourself (TMSAY)
📌 Tip: Keep your TMSAY crisp yet personal. Balance professional achievements with a glimpse into your personality.
2. Technical & Quantitative Aptitude Questions
- 🟢 P1: Can I ask you some math questions?
- 🟢 P1 (Rapid Fire):
- Derivative of y = 15
- Derivative of y = 15x
- Derivative of y = 15x²
- Derivative of y = 15/x
- Derivative of y = 15/x²
- 🟢 P1: Integration of y = 15 * e^x
- 🟢 P1: Integration of the same function with limits
- 🟢 P1: Do you know L’Hôpital’s Rule?
- 🟢 P1: What’s the formula for nCr and nPr? Which one is usually greater?
📌 Tip: Brush up on basic differentiation and integration rules. Confidence in fundamental calculus goes a long way. Combinatorics questions can catch you off-guard. Practice nCr vs nPr comparisons and be clear on the formulas.
3. General Awareness & Technology Discussions
- 🟢 P2: Which college are you from?
- 🟢 P2: What was its previous name before becoming an Institute of National Importance?
- 🟢 P2: What is your view on solar energy in India?
- 🟢 P2: What is the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in India?
- 🟢 P2: What is the future of driverless vehicles in India?
- 🟢 P2: Why is Elon Musk so famous among today’s youth?
📌 Tip: Know the historical context of your college and its milestones—it shows pride and awareness. Be ready to discuss trending tech and sustainability topics. Use facts, projections, and a hint of personal opinion.
4. Candidate’s Turn – Asking the Right Questions
- 🟢 Panel: Do you have any questions for us?
📌 Tip: Always ask a thoughtful question—about pedagogy, live projects, or even peer learning opportunities.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Be prepared for rapid-fire math rounds—even if you're not expecting them.
- ✅ Brush up on college history and basic awareness around emerging tech.
- ✅ Stay calm—interviews can feel more like discussions than grilling sessions.
- ✅ Use every opportunity to subtly highlight your work experience.
- ✅ Smile and engage actively—interviewers notice your energy, even virtually.
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 first-hand B-school interview experiences and expert tips!
📢 Stay tuned for more first-hand B-school interview experiences and expert tips!
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