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Transport Tech to MBA: IIM Calcutta Interview

From Transportation Tech to IIM Calcutta: How This Engineer Drove Through a Tough Interview

Candidate Profile

  • Background: Male engineer specializing in transportation technology
  • Work Experience: Currently working in the logistics and supply chain industry for around 2 years
  • Academics:
    • 10th Grade: 92%
    • 12th Grade: 95%
    • Undergraduate CGPA: 8.7

Interview Panel

  • Panel Composition: 2 Interviewers (Both Male)
  • Location: Virtual Interview

Interview Questions & Candidate’s Approach

1️⃣ Industry Knowledge & Technical Questions

🔵 P1: “So transportation technology? Tell me about it.”

📌 Tip: When asked to explain your field, focus on core principles, current trends, and your personal interest areas to demonstrate depth.

🔵 P1: “How do you see the heavy trucks industry? How will it evolve over time? What's your opinion?”

📌 Tip: Always support your opinions with logical reasoning and reference to industry trends or data.

🔵 P1: “But there is alternate technology being used in trucks and even trains.”

📌 Tip: When questioned further, broaden your answer to include adjacent sectors and policies.

🔵 P1: “No. I am talking about hydrogen fuel technology. Are you aware about that?”

📌 Tip: If you're unfamiliar with a term, admit gaps but build on what you know. Linking environmental and economic aspects shows holistic thinking.

2️⃣ Personal Interests & General Awareness

🔵 P1: “So you like Formula 1? Who has the most race wins in history and the second most?”

📌 Tip: Personal interests can lead to trivia or deeper discussions—be updated with recent stats and achievements in your hobbies.

3️⃣ Work Experience & Role-Based Questions

🔵 P2: “Is it a BSc degree? And after that you joined your current company? Why did you leave?”

📌 Tip: Be clear and direct in correcting assumptions without sounding defensive.

🔵 P2: “What’s your role?”

📌 Tip: Use action verbs and quantify impact where possible to make your role sound outcome-oriented.

🔵 P2: “Who decides service level? What is meant by it?”

📌 Tip: Clarify technical terms with examples relevant to your work to avoid sounding theoretical.

🔵 P2: “But I don’t see your role being in procurement.”

📌 Tip: If interviewers misinterpret your role, gently correct by explaining cross-functional overlaps.

🔵 P2: “So you do a lot of data analysis?”

📌 Tip: Use familiar frameworks (like descriptive, diagnostic analytics) to frame your role in industry language.

🔵 P2: “What is descriptive analysis? Are you doing DA? Give an example.”

📌 Tip: Prepare simple examples from your work that link theory to practice.

4️⃣ Academics & MBA Motivation

🔵 P2: “What CAT calls do you have?”

📌 Tip: Be honest, concise—no need to over-explain unless asked.

🔵 P2: “Is your college government? What subjects were tested in the entrance?”

📌 Tip: Anticipate basic questions about your academic journey.

🔵 P2: “Why do you want to do an MBA? You have a niche degree; it doesn’t make sense to do an MBA.”

📌 Tip: When questioned on your choice, connect it to long-term vision and how an MBA fills the gaps in your current skillset.

Candidate’s Turn – Asking the Right Questions

(No question from candidate noted.)

📌 Tip: Always prepare 1–2 thoughtful questions to ask the panel about the institute, curriculum, or industry connections—it shows initiative.

✨ Key Takeaways for Aspirants

  • ✅ Be ready for deeper technical follow-ups even on casual interests (like Formula 1).
  • ✅ Clarify misconceptions about your role confidently but respectfully.
  • ✅ Expect panelists to challenge your motivation—have a strong "Why MBA" narrative.
  • ✅ Be aware of emerging technologies (hydrogen, EVs) relevant to your domain.
  • ✅ Link practical work experience to theoretical concepts when explaining analytics or operations.
📢 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.
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