gdpi experiences part ii

IIM Kozhikode GD/PI Experiences: Class of 2012

Dear Aspirant, Greetings from the Mentorship Team!!! We would like to congratulate you on clearing the CAT and getting shortlisted for the PI Process. We, the Mentorship Team at IIM Kozhikode are here to facilitate your journey through this process. We would be in constant touch with you through the mentorship forum, http://mentor.iimklive.com, where you can get all your queries/doubts pertaining to the PI Process cleared and benefit from the experience of people “who have been there and done that”. We are there to help you throughout this process to make sure that you do not miss this opportunity of a lifetime of studying at one of the top B Schools of the country and among the brightest minds nurtured by some of the best faculty in the country. As a first step towards this, we have prepared this document containing the GD/PI Experiences of the current batch. We hope this serves your interests by providing you some tips, dos and don’ts of the interview process. All the students whose profiles have been posted here, would be mentoring you in the coming few days. Wishing you Good Luck in your preparation!!! Warm Regards, Mentorship Team, IIM Kozhikode |DREAM | |INNOVATE| |ACHIEVE|


VIPUL MEHTA

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE

Academic Background:

Course Year University/ Board

Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 CBSE Hermann Gmeiner School Faridabad

87.8

Class XII 2004 CBSE Modern Vidya Niketan Faridabad

88.4

Graduation 2008 IIT Delhi IIT Delhi 7.13

Work Experience details: Organization Duration Designation Work Profile

Deloitte Consulting

23 months Business Technology Analyst

Engaged in feasibility study, documentation and implementation of CRM systems for clients

across the United States of America

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls - Other B School Converts

-

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About being the president of the Deloitte Toastmasters Club. Nothing else unique in particular.


According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Being thorough with the CV, if you are of engineering background, know your engineering department well even with 2 years of work ex, questions from the engineering major can be expected. Again for engineers especially from IITs and the NITs/NSIT, be thorough with basics of Calculus and basic mathematical series like the Taylor Series, Fourier series etc. For those who have more than 2 years of work ex and are have done engineering, know little bit about basic mathematics like mean, median, mode; AP,GP etc.

Venue Mumbai Date - Time -

GD:

Topic: Something like this: ‘English language is gender specific’. Time: 20 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: Not very easy topic, related to Language being gender specific. Not many points by anyone in particular in the group. Some random stuff being given by all. No fish market, a quiet GD.

Other Salient Details: They note stuff from the GD and sometimes ask questions pertaining to what you say in the GD during the PI round. In my case they made a comment on what I said during the GD.

PI: Panel Members: Prof. Abhilash Nair, Madam Leena Mary and one other alumni of IIMK. Prof Nair and the alumni asked all the questions. Leena Mary was quiet throughout the interview.

PI Details: PI was specific to my profile that I have submitted before the GD/PI sessions. Started with something about myself, then work experience, then moved on to my engineering. I did my B Tech in Civil Engineering, so asked quite a lot of questions about that. I knew some, rest I humbly replied ‘I don’t know.’ Then they asked me something about the Taylor series, Fourier series etc. Nothing stressful, not much HR also, pretty much technical interview.


SAJAL KUMAR

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2004 CBSE Delhi Public School Ranchi 95.60

Class XII 2006 CBSE Delhi Public School Ranchi 82.40

Graduation 2010 BIT Mesra BIT Mesra, Ranchi 7.12

CAT Related Details

Calls B,C,L,K Converts L,K Other B-School Calls SJMSOM Other B School Converts

none

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was clear about “why MBA” thing and clearly stated in any form whenever asked. The answer referred to my social entrepreneurship ambitions.

Tried to present my interest and activities in various extra curriculars to the interview panels.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For freshers, IIMK interview will definitely check for a minimum sincerity that we have displayed during our graduation, unless our CGPA is really on the higher side. It is important to perform well on this front, and needs brushing up of graduation concepts.

Secondly they are now paying great emphasis to communication skills, diversity and a certain level of benevolence in the personality. In displaying confidence one should ensure that we never come across as arrogant.


Any other special thing about you:

-----------------------------------------

I believe I was too honest in my interviews and ended up with too many rejections, though most of my teachers and friends had expected me to convert most of the calls. The interviews were an eye opener in many ways and I think now I can more easily get in to the mind of an interviewer.

Venue Kolkata Date 27-03-2010 Time 5 PM Essay:

Topic: something related to importance of history

Your take: One is given 10-15 minutes for the essay and in the limited space and time that one has, it is really not easy to distinguish oneself. If one is not exceptional with the language, one must try and come up with at least a few points which may be unique to him, and of course not at the expense of being sensible.

GD:

Topic: Carbon emissions – developed vs developing countries (don’t remember the exact topic) Number of People present: 10 Time: 20-25 mins Brief Snapshot of Discussion: The GD was pretty decent and it was one of those occasions where everyone gave each other ample opportunities. It is rare to happen, but this was an example of a perfect gentlemanly GD. For about 15 minutes people made the points they wanted to make and towards the end very less value addition was done. But it is important to speak as I had gone almost silent in the last 10 minutes and the panel inquired me about the same.

Other Salient Details: no girls in my group PI: Panel Members: K.Rameshan, Srinivas (MC teacher) PI Details: It was more of a stress interview. Almost throughout the interview I was told that I am wasting their time and am showing no positives. When I talked about my interest in mathematics they asked a couple of questions which had NO answer just to check how I handle it. When I was asked a few questions about my ECE subjects I was able to answer them but he kept saying I am disappointing them.

All the questions were asked by Rameshan Sir and Srinivas Sir did not speak even a single word in the whole interview.


SNEHA MAHESHWARY

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 CBSE Manav Public School, Amritsar 93

Class XII 2005 CBSE DAV Public School, Amritsar 93.4

Graduation 2008 Delhi University

Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies

82.67


Corporate Executive Board (CEB)

16 months

Research Associate Business research to aid top executives of corporate legal departments

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM-B, IIM-K , IIM-Shillong Converts IIM-K Other B-School Calls SP Jain, MDI, Narsee Monjee, SIBM, SCMHRD Other B School Converts SP Jain, SIBM, SCMHRD

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clarity of basics (of your field of study and work); Honesty and candidness; go to the GDPI relaxed and calm


Venue Delhi Date 2nd week of April Time Afternoon slot

ESSAY: “Any idiot can handle a crisis; it’s the everyday life that wears one out”

GD: short case based GD Topic: Relevance of engineers entering in the field of Management, leaving technical work profiles Number of People present: 9 Time: 15-20 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: most group members were engineers and so the discussion was bit biased. Also, some candidates misunderstood the topic and the panel corrected us. We were discussing the same points again and again and the discussion concluded before time.

PI: 10 -12 minutes Panel Members: 3 PI Details: Main focus was academics and asked lot of questions on my favorite subject – Management Accounts. This included cost accounts, ratios, etc. Then, they asked general definitions of ‘process’, ‘project’, etc. One of the panel members asked my opinion on foreign universities setting up their campus in India. Overall, a very friendly panel.


TANOY DHAR

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2001 State Board Nava Nalanda High School 86.25

Class XII 2003 State Board St Xaviers College 83.8

Graduation 2007 Jadavpur University

Jadavpur University 8.13


Ashok Leyland Ltd

35 months Deputy Manager

After Sales service support for Ashok Leyland vehicles, based in Hyderabad, Looking after all

service activities of an AL dealership, co-ordinator for various company activites

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K Converts IIM K Other B-School Calls MDI, IMT-G Other B School Converts

MDI, IMT-G

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 5 %ile in IIT screening in 2003, ISI written test qualified in 2003, my strengths and weaknesses, all were majorly related to my work profile, too work ex heavy profile, limited exposure of my college/school acitivites


According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The major positive thing for me was showing confidence, in what I spoke and how I presented myself. My GD went really well since I could make a turnaround of the entire discussion. I could show leadership as well as working in the team. In PI since I knew I was on weak foot in academic questions I tried to keep the discussion on my work ex only which helped me in keeping things under control.

Venue Bangalore Date 5 Apr Time 1st Half

Essay:

Topic: Something related to better do something in life or die

Your take:

Life is priceless and some gyaan.

GD: Topic: since English is the language of business all parents should talk to their kids in English only. Number of People present: 8 Time: Brief Snapshot of Discussion:

The major decisive factor for me was the GD. We had around 8 people. Entered late into the GD, after 4-5 people had already spoken. I had been trying to enter for long but everytime was being cut off. Made sure the panel noticed it. I got a chance late but entered with a totally new point, very relevant which was not yet being discussed there. Gave my arguments, and made sure that everybody thought I was talking sense. This made all the participants talk on what I started. Entered 4-5 times in total in a 15 min GD. No fish market at all. Very decent discussion and all the points which I made was being supported by 1 guy or the other.

PI: Panel Members: Prof Sebastian, Prof Dey, IIM K ex-student PI Details:

In PI, 3 panelists were there. I person was an ex-student of IIM K, which I came to know much later. The other 2 panelists were professors. The interview started with an easy question on the 1st law of Newton. Then, the ex-student started by asking technical questions related to my work. I answered all with confidence. I was getting a little stressed when I saw him pushing more. Almost 5 minutes we were talking one-to-one regarding technical aspects of servicing and vehicle repairs. After getting satisfied he asked the other panelists if they had anything to ask. The 2nd panelist asked on the Telengana issue. Answered satisfactorily, but made a blunder when I could not anwer a question related to a recent railway dept. The matter was something related to Kashmir. I made a goof-up about the political status of Kashmir. All 3 panelists were looking at each other. When suddenly the same prof smiled and told me that you should not say this, you should always say *********************. This is when I understood that I had aced the interview.


AMEYA TIKEKAR

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2000 Maharashtra Board

Somalwar High School Nagpur 92.93

Class XII 2002 Maharashtra Board

Shivaji Science college Nagpur 92.17

Graduation 2006 Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University

G.H Raisoni college of Engg. Nagpur

69.96


IBM India Pvt Ltd

24 Application Developer

Mainframes application developer in an Healthcare project

KPIT Cummins

13 Systems Executive

As a trainee in Cummins Automotive projects

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK,IIMB,IIMI, Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls NITIE,SIBM, NMIMS Other B School Converts

SIBM,NMIMS



Sound knowledge of any point you may write in the IIMK form

One should be broadly aware of current social and political issues. Important thing is that one shouldn’t just know it but should also have a definite opinion on it which they should be able to justify logically and systematically.

Don’t hide facts. Be open-minded and flexible in opinions.

Be relaxed and self-assured but don’t come up as too cocky or arrogant. Basically avoid all excesses and extremes and be ready to justify anything you say.


------------------------------------------- Basically just another IT guy. I like to paint, write short-stories and poems

Venue Hotel Grand Manor Bangalore Date 14 April 2010 Time 9.30 am GD: Topic: A short paragraph on Naxalism which appeared to have been taken from some article (my guess). It spoke about the problems Indian army is facing in dealing with the issue and some other specifics

Number of People present: 10 Time: 15 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: People started by giving a brief overview of the topic and some general information. Early starters are responsible for giving structure to the GD which unfortunately didn’t happen in our case. So people went on and on about history of Naxalism and how it’s wasting our country’s resources. I was a late joiner (5 or 6) and spoke about causes of Naxalism and why Army operations are not the sole solution. Also more than once I had to remind the group that we were diverting from the topic. Framework is necessary and if someone can initiate it then it will surely help in his/her favorable gradation.

Other Salient Details: There was just one girl in the interview who spoke valid points for some 3-4 times. Obviously she was selected. Guys should be sensible and diplomatic enough to give chance to girls when they speak. This can actually go in everybody’s affair. For our group cordiality 4 out of 10 got the call converted.

Also speak to the point and know when to stop.


PI: Around 10-15 minutes Panel Members: Panel consisted of 2 professors

PI Details:

I was asked to tell about myself and my job profile. I gave a pre-decided answer. Then there were questions about my hobbies like favorite book and why. There were questions regarding the women reservation bill and foreign varsities opening in India which were current topics that time. I gave them basic facts and told them my opinions in a logical manner. Highlighting ethicality as base for justifying views can help too.


HARSHAN V V

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 CBSE MES Central School Valanchery 93.4

Class XII 2004 CBSE Kendriya Vidyalaya Malappuram 93.6

Graduation 2008 Kerala University

College of Engineering Trivandrum

72.5


L&T 23 months Sr design Engineer

Electrical Design

CAT Related Details

Calls K Converts K Other B-School Calls MDI Other B School Converts

MDI

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Was working for a project related to CWG 2010, so many of the questions were based on that

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Emanating Confidence and being clear about your profile and related matters


Venue IIM K Date 23/03/10 Time 9.00 am Essay: 15 mins

Topic: “Men are born ignorant, but education makes them stupid” (something similar to this)

Your take:

Wrote about the flaws in the present education system, illustrated the movie ‘3 idiots’ and talked about the improvements needed in the system.

GD: Topic: It was a small paragraph about how persistence is a tool used by people to further their agendas, either legitimate or hidden. Number of People present: 10 Time: 15 ins Brief Snapshot of Discussion: The discussion revolved around politics and politicians who use persistence as a tool for their own purposes. Some other examples like Women’s Bill were also thrown in to show the flip side of how persistence can lead to achieving positive causes too.

Other Salient Details: The discussion was mostly peaceful and everyone got a chance to speak. The panel was looking for points here because the topic was a bit too complicated to comprehend at the first place. Two of us got final selection at IIMK from my panel.

PI: 20 mins (approx) Panel Members: Prof: B S Pawar, Prof Sanjay Jharkharia PI Details:

The PI mostly revolved around general questions about my profile and work ex. They were testing the general awareness basically and there were no mathematics or economics related questions. They asked me to elaborate the process of starting an NGO, if I were given a chance to. Then a few simple tech questions about the stuff in my engineering followed and that was it.


BALAJI M

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 CBSE DTEA Sr. Sec. School, New Delhi

92.6

Class XII 2005 CBSE DAV Sr. Sec. School, Chennai 96.2

Graduation 2009 NIT Trichy NIT Trichy 8.17


iRunway India 07 months Associate Patent analysis

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMB, IIMK Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls Nil Other B School Converts

Nil

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mostly about a club I co-founded in the college.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Valid and limitied points in GD (this helped even in my interview) and some confident answers even if I dint know the correct ones for the questions in the interview


Venue Bangalore Date April 4, 2010 Time 2.30 pm Essay:

Topic: Comparing ancient education system in India with the modern one.

Your take: Ancient system is better as it involved inclusive learning and it inculcated disciple that was essential to apply the learning.

GD: Topic: Should compulsory 2 year service in Indian defense be implemented for all students?

Number of People present: 8-10 (don’t remember the exact number) Time: 15 min Brief Snapshot of Discussion: Certain points were immediately agreed upon. Like what are the reasons such a policy was needed (low salary for defense people, non-existent benefits etc). But there was some argument on what is the right way to go. The discussion threatened to diverge too much from the topic but never did. Finally it was concluded that such a measure was not required.

Other Salient Details: Did not become a fish market. Almost everyone spoke. Those who brought structure into the argument were appreciated later in the PI. Lesser number of entries was sufficient but points had to be valid. I even cracked a joke.

PI: Panel Members: Prof. Srinivasan and an alumnus PI Details:

The alumnus asked only technical questions on ECE (my B.Tech subject). I clearly told him I would not be able to answer even a single question. I didn’t till the end.

Prof. Srinivasan conducted a sort of a stress interview where he would counter every point I made before I even had a chance to complete it. I kept standing my ground even when he became very aggressive.

I do not remember the third person in the panel (it was probably Prof. Rahul Seth). He asked very simple and generic questions like “What is the major problem faced by your home town?” etc. Not much tension there.

My overall observation was, as long as you seemed confident and comfortable around them, you had a high chance of getting selected. More important than giving the correct answers anyway.


NITESH KUMAR GUPTA

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2005 CBSE D.A.V. PUBLIC SCHOOL 79.80

Class XII 2007 CBSE D.A.V. PUBLIC SCHOOL 89.00

Graduation 2010 DELHI UNIVERSITY

SHRI RAM COLLEGE OF COMMERCE

69.21

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM B, IIM K, IIM I, IIM RANCHI Converts IIM K Other B-School Calls SCMHRD, IMT-G Other B School Converts

SCMHRD, IMT-G

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m passionate about Automobiles industry.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Confidence level

Strong basics of Academics

Learning from weaknesses of other B School’s interviews

My good luck



------------------------------------------

Limca Book of Records Holder for memorizing mathematical tables up to 1 lakh.

Venue

Hotel Siddhartha Palace, New Delhi

Date April 14,2010 Time 2:00 pm Essay:

Topic: It is better to get failure in the things which you love rather than getting success in the things which you hate.

Your take: I extended the story of the movie ‘3 Idiots’ where I wrote two situations on the character played by the actor R. Madhavan of his engineering career or wild life photography career..

GD: Topic: Evaluation of B- Schools Selection Criteria Number of People present: 5 Time: 15 Minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion:

Everyone in the group was criticizing the criteria of B-Schools interview. I summarized the discussion and gave some suggestions by giving examples of selection criteria of other B-Schools in India

Other Salient Details:

I didn’t participate in GD at the time when there was almost the situation of fish market while discussing the criticisms. No participant was in the favour. I dint take the risk to support the topic.

PI: Panel Members: Prof. Abhilash Nair and Prof. Sanjay Jharkharia

PI Details:

Maximum time of the interview spent on my academics where Abhilash Sir asked questions on different commerce subjects like Accounts, Finance, Income Tax and Business Laws.

It was not a hectic interview. Questions were also asked on the Steel Industry and my college’s history and records.

At last, interviews asked about my career choices.


KASHISH GAUBA

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2000 CBSE St. Xavier’s High School, Bathinda

89.4

Class XII 2002 Punjab State Board

Govt Rajindra College, Bathinda 87.77

Graduation 2006 Deemed University

Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology

9.02


ST Microelectronics Pvt Ltd

47months Design Engineer

STD cell design and characterisation

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM – L, I , K Converts IIM – I, K Other B-School Calls Other B School Converts

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be yourself in the interview. Do not go for readymade answers. Strike a conversation rather than a formal interview. Prepare well for some courses. Did ask me some technical question.


------------------------------------------ Consistently done well throughout in acads


Venue Hotel Siddhartha Palace, New Delhi

Date April 6th Time 2PM GD: Topic: Recruitment in army/defence/air force –don’t remember the exact topic Number of People present: 10 Time: 15 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: basically focused on why people are not interested these days to go to defense. What may be the possible solutions

Other Salient Details: Basically make your point very clear, you will definitely get time for the same. Bring in new aspects to the discussion. I bought women involvement in the discussion PI: Panel Members: 2 PI Details:

Be very cool. Be urself. Mine was a stress interview. Was questioned on each and every answer I gave. Even had to sing a song in the interview. Questions varied from india/Pakistan issue to eclectonics technical stuff. A few things about music(my interest).


SANDESH BANGER

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2000 CBSE KV VSN Nagpur 88.4

Class XII 2002 CBSE KV VSN Nagpur 92.2

Graduation 2006 NIT Dugapur NIT Durgapur 81.8


CDAC 3+ years MTS Engr (VLSI), R&D

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM L,I,K, Converts IIM I,K Other B-School Calls NITIE Other B School Converts

NITIE

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Co-curricular, Awards, NGO work

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Right attitude and a zeal to learn.

Decent academic understanding, at least showing you grasped what you were taught in your graduation and school.


Venue Dadar, Mumbai Date - Time Around 9.00 AM Essay:

Topic: Something like “should we go very aggressive in fighting with terror as in killing terrorists directly” – Don’t remember exact topic

Your take: Mostly political like more important to go deep to the roots of this evil. Understanding why people turn into terrorists. Killing terrorists is not a permanent solution rather need kill the root cause. Cited examples and political reasons.

It;s always good to support your argument with real life examples.

GD: Topic: - Don’t Remember Number of People present: Around 8 Time: 10-15 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: -

Other Salient Details: Asked to summarize. Same GD panel for PI too.

PI: Panel Members: Debabrata Chatterjee, Radhakrishna Pillai

PI Details:

It was a very casual PI. Wasn’t grilled or asked too deep about any topic.

DC asked questions of the sort why MBA, why IIMK, what do you know about IIMK, what is going on in Pagalguy, do you approve sharing of interview experiences on forums like Pagalguy, and a bit of work profile in the last organization, why MBA after technical expertise in a niche field, what sort of a job you seek after MBA, dream company.

RRP asked academic questions like Optimization Techniques, Finding maxima & minima, what K-Map is and where it is used, data sorting techniques. Could answer around 70% of these confidently.


ARUN RAVEENDRAN

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 CBSE Jyothi Nivas Public School 94

Class XII 2004 CBSE Rajagiri Public School 95.6

Graduation 2008 NIT Calicut NIT Calicut 7.66


Idea Cellular Ltd

24 months Assistant Manager

Part of operations and maintenance team of Idea Kerala

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls Other B School Converts

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strong academic record in school. Put emphasis on my participation in conducting fests in college Due importance to sports events that I participated in.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Confidence in yourself Brief knowledge about what u studied in graduation(even if u have work-ex)


Venue Bangalore Date March Time Morning Essay:

Topic: It is only when you turn insane that you realize the whole world is worth living

Your take: Wrote about how we all have to take chances in life and live life in a spirit of adventure. Life is much more fun that way.

GD: Topic: Topic was on the cultural police in India following the mangalore pub incident in which girls in bars were targeted. Number of People present: 8 Time: 10 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: Discussion about how it was mainly about publicity and there was no ground root support for the same. Talked about how the generation gap is also responsible for these kinds of incidents. We tried to discuss about what culture stands for and how do you define culture. Talked about how Indian culture is a blend of so many cultures and that no one had the right to define what It was.

Other Salient Details: Good discussion. Nothing like a fish market. Everyone was given their chance to talk and express themself

PI: Panel Members: PI Details: One of the panel members was Head of a department at NIT Calicut(college where I graduated from) . So he asked me about what I had studied. I told him about how I have not used those concepts for the past 2 years of work life and so was not very confident about it. But answered the questions that he put up in the best possible manner.

Then I was asked about where I was from and since I was from Kerala, he asked me about my native place and about a dam nearby. It is good to know about what your native place.

The other panel member was quite for most part but then he asked the standard “Why MBA?” question for which I answered with the normal standard answer and he was happy with that.


NIKETA NARAIN

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 ISCE St.Joseph’s Convent High School

91.6

Class XII 2005 CBSE DPS,RKPuram, New Delhi 93.6

Graduation 2010 NIT Raipur Electronics and Telecomm,NIT Raipur

8.83

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK,IIMS Converts IIMK,IIMS Other B-School Calls NITIE,MDI,IMT,SJSOM,IIT Delhi,SCMHRD,SPJAIN Other B School Converts

NITIE,MDI,IMT,SJSOM,IIT Delhi,SCMHRD

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Confident while answering the questions, no guess work


Venue Date Time Any other special thing about you:

GD: Topic: It was something related to value of people who work under you Number of People present: 6 ppl in the grp. 3 panelists Time: 20min Brief Snapshot of Discussion: People put in real life examples like Gandhi, Narayana Murthy etc.


PI: Panel Members: 3(same as GD) PI Details: CV based, few technical questions too


POOJA GANDHI

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 Gujarat Board Asia English School 93.14

Class XII 2005 Gujarat Board St. Xavier’s High school, Loyola Hall

89.17

Graduation 2009 Nirma University

Institute of technology, Nirma University

9.03


Enabilon Learning Pvt Ltd

10 months Content Author

Developing content for state and national level management entrance exams

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K Converts IIM K Other B-School Calls SP Jain, NITIE, MDI Other B School Converts

NITIE

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am trained classical dancer, proficient in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Have certain achievement in maths.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ My whole interview revolved around what I had written in the profile sheet. So be very careful while filling it and you should know in and out of whatever you have mentioned in it. Besides this all the basic things still apply: Maintain calm and wear a smile on your face. Say no when you don’t know. Last but not the least, be yourself.


Venue Mumbai Date 28th March Time 2:00 pm Essay:

Topic: Fools and fanatics are always so sure of themselves, while wise people are always so full of doubts.

Your take: I started by explaining about fools and fanatics and why they behave the way they do. I then cited some examples and tried to justify the context of the quote. Must have written slightly more than a page. I personally felt that my essay was pathetic.

GD: Topic: It was case of about 8-10 lines on irrigation practices and misuse of water in agriculture in certain area Number of People present:: 10 Time: around 15 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: It was a very peaceful GD. Everyone got enough time to speak. I started 3rd and came in 4 times with new points every time. I talked about education and awareness, water meters and how the Gujarat govt solved a similar kind of problem in one of the areas. The topic not being a very interesting one, many a times there were moments of lull. Towards the end, points were getting repeated. There was one participant who was continuously speaking and not letting others speak. It was later heard that even the panel told her during the interview that she was trying to dominate the GD. My personal rating


PI: 3 Panelists. Panel Members: 1 old prof. L1, 1 young prof. Y1 and 1 young alumni Y2 PI Details: Y1: So how would you rate today’s GD on a scale of 1 to 10.

Me: Somewhere around 6

Y2: Why?

Me: 1 participant didn’t speak at all, while 1 was continuously speaking

Y2: So, don’t you think you should have given a chance to him to speak.

Me: Sir, he was not even looking keen to participate. If I would have seen him making an attempt, I would have definitely given him a chance.

Y1: So, you are a classical dancer. What all dances have you learnt?

Me: Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi


Y1: What is the difference between the two?

Me: Blurted out what I had already prepared..

Y1 asked me to show mudras for anger, fear and one more thing.

Me: showed him

L1: How has dancing helped you in life?

Me: blab la..

Y1: Tell me something about your work.

Me: did.

L1: So, how good are you at maths? ( I worked as a content author in Quants and DILR area)

Me: I am decent.

L1: What is an inverse matrix? What are the conditions for an inverse to exist?

Me: Sir…

L1: (interrupting) No, show me using an example.

Me: Took a 3×3 matrix and showed him.

Y1: What are the practical applications of matrices?

Me: I took some time to think, but then spoke something. They didn’t question me back on it, so I guess they were convinced with my answer

Y1: Lets move to probability. What is the expected value?

Me: fumbled. Couldn’t answer satisfactorily.

Y1: What are random variables? give some example.

Me: answered

Y1: You watch football? Do you follow it?

Me: No sir

Y1: hmm ok.. Suppose you participate in a dance competition which has 10 participants. What is the probability that you will win the competition?

Me: I was thinking something..

Y1: arre not by probability, by your heart..:)

Me: Sir, 100% chance as in probability will be 1… and all started laughing

Y1: What is the probability that this fan will fall on your head?


Me: We cannot define probability for it as there is no chance of that happening. (What I meant is it is not cannot be defined as an event)

L1: Are you sure?

Me: (Very confidently) Yes sir. (though I didn’t know if it was true.. and I still don’t know)

Y1: What other calls do you have?

Me: told

Y1: So if you convert all the calls, which will you join?

Me: I would really consider myself very lucky if I am put in such a situation. But, as of now I haven’t thought about it. I would decide once I come to know the results… ( I don’t know why I said so.. probably I didn’t want to sound so desperate)

Y1: ohhhh… she hasn’t decided yet..!!

All through this, Y2 was continuously staring at me and laughing mockingly at whatever I said.. It was bit a unnerving in the beginning, but I didn’t let that effect my performance. Overall the interview was very calm, they gave me enough time to think and answer and listened to whatever I had to say. Throughout the interview I was smiling and I feel this made a very good impact on them as L1 and Y1 were also in a very cheerful mood.


RAHUL KATTAYIL

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE

Academic Background: Course Year University/

Board Institute %/GPA

Class X 2000 Mah. State Board

MEHS 90.13

Class XII 2002 Mah. State Board

Vartak College 87.67

Graduation 2006 Mumbai Univ Vidyavardhini’s college of Engg & Tech

70.00


JP Morgan 15 months App. Developer

Development of a liquidity solutions product for JP Morgan

InfrasoftTech 11 months Software Engg

Development of a mutual fund brokerage product

Mahindra Consulting

16 months Software Engg Development of a dealer’s website for Mahindra & Mahindra

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMI, IIMK Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls Other B School Converts

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Avid quizzer during school & college days


According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Performing well in the GD, do a thorough homework on the information you have filled in the IIMK form, honest and frank answers during the PI, ability to keep a cool head, defend your answers well and cope with the questions and cross questions posed by the interview panel

Venue Mumbai Date 25th March 2010 Time 9.00 am

GD: Topic: Industrial Development and Environmental Sustainability Number of People present: 10-12 Time: 10 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion: No general direction to the GD, pretty cool GD with most people chipping in with useful points. I brought up topics on the Copenhagen summit of 2010 and Kyoto Protocols of 90s, talked about the measures taken up by Denmark which is one of the most environment friendly nations in terms of power usage


PI: Panel Members: RK Pillai, Joffi Thomas PI Details:

Questioned on Work Ex and the need of IT in a bank like JP Morgan, project management and questions on outsourcing, latest processors brought out by Intel, Cache memory and its uses, India’s, Mumbai’s, Kerala’s population ( just an estimation, no further questions on this)


SAURABH SINGH GANGWAR

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2000 Maharashtra Board

Lourdes High School 84.93

Class XII 2002 Maharashtra Board

Birla College of Arts Science and Commerce

82.66

Graduation 2006 Mumbai University

Watumull Institute of Electronics Engineering and Computer Technology

64.55


Patni Computer Systems

2 years Software Engineer

CAT Related Details

Calls Indore, Kozhikode Converts Indore, Kozhikode Other B-School Calls SIBM Other B School Converts

SIBM

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Extra Curricular Activities


According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Do ‘good’ in Group Discussion. Be Crisp and to the point. Don’t be the only speaker. Even if u aren’t able to be affirmative in the discussion do justify yourself in Personal Interview.


-----------------------------------------

Good guidance skills. Good Extracurricular.

Venue Mumbai Date 9th Feb 2009 Time 9.00 a.m. Essay: NIL

Topic: NIL

Your take: NIL

GD: Topic: Caselet of a student is depressed as he is not able to achieve ‘Perfection’ even after investing his whole time in studies. Number of People present:10 Time: 9.00 a.m Brief Snapshot of Discussion: Started the discussion with introducing the topic and keeping options to open the room for group discussion. Re-entered 2 more times with different points.Overall, a positive GD.

Other Salient Details: NIL PI: Panel Members: Joffy Thomas, SajiGopinath PI Details: Questions pertaining to my Work experience and my hobbies, ie. Sports. Had a brief discussion about comparison of football and cricket and ways to bring football at level of cricket in India.


PRIYANKAR BISWAS

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 ICSE Salt Lake School, Kolkata 93.40

Class XII 2004 ICSE Salt Lake School, Kolkata 95.00

Graduation 2008 B.Tech (ECE) NIT Durgapur 8.35/10


Reliance Infrastructure Ltd

23 months Asst Manager Project Management Role at the construction of a 1200 MW Greenfield Thermal Power Plant

CAT Related Details

Calls IIM K Converts IIM K Other B-School Calls Other B School Converts

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am a recipient of the Jagadis Bose National Scholar 2004. Also a proficient quizzer and a chess player. Also I wrote about my interests in world history and also my passion for reading up on Dan Brown

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be confident in what you say. Be thorough with your hobbies and the books you claim to have read. Brush up a bit of grad acads, mainly elementary stuff. And finally treat the interview as a conversation. Be prepared with standard questions like why IIM? Why K? Why do you want to do an MBA? What are your future ambitions and of course “Introduction”


I was able to establish rapport very early in the PI. Be aggressive in the GD but have reasonable points. Enter at most 3-4 times and make your mark. If its too much of a fish market (in my case) then stop and let the others do the damage to themselves


Great acads and great extra-curriculars, was extremely clear with my work experience

Venue Date 25 March 2010 Time Essay:

Topic: "Freedom of opinion exists only in those countries where the government feels itself secure`

The essay I guess went well,

GD: Topic: about global co-operation in climate change Number of People present: Brief Snapshot of Discussion:

was easy but eventually it became chaotic and seemed rather inconclusive to me. I got a few good points like on carbon credits, kyoto and copenhagen etc.

PI: PI Details: In the PI the Panel was consisting of 2 gentlemen and a lady was really cool. They asked about Bengali 'Bhadralok' which I guess I explained well, then onto land reforms & acquisition with a mix of politics. I was familiar on this front too. About my passion of reading books of Dan Brown I was asked a few questions which were easy, a few questions on world history (my hobby)I did well.

However, I messed up 2 technical questions asked, however I frankly stated beforehand I was not in touch, they didnt seem to mind. They asked me about my work about land acquisition in our project. Also had a very informal chat about college etc.

Lastly they asked if I had a question I asked them to highlight my shortcomings, they were impressed with the question (one of them said so). They pointed out just one that during GD I glanced at them once which I should not do.

At the end they said that I was a free , frank and a very straightforward person and they said "To be Honest we very much enjoyed this interview session with you Mr. Biswas". We shook hands everyone was smiling


REUBEN PHILIP ABRAHAM

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE


Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 CBSE Naval Public School, Kochi 90.6

Class XII 2004 CBSE Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir, Girinagar

88.6

Graduation 2008 University of Kerala

College of Engineering, Trivandrum

73.4


Deloitte Consulting

24 months Business Technology Analyst

Analysed client business, configured and implemented CRM/ERP applications

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls S.P Jain Other B School Converts

S.P Jain

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Very important to relate your answers to incidences from your life.

According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Confidence, Confidence and Confidence.



-----------------------------------------

Had sufficient co-curiicular activities o my resume which I believe helped support my application.

Venue Bangalore Date 12th April 2010 Time 10:45

Essay:

Topic: Something about Man’s creativity and ethics. We were given an abstract topic which was open to interpretation.

Your take:

Wrote both sides. For and Against.

GD: Topic: Revamping the education system of India Number of People present: 9 Time: 20 min Brief Snapshot of Discussion: Was not fish market. Everyone was competitive, but were aware of the fact that a fish market was not the way to proceed. I started the GD and laid down a framework. The others picked up from there.

Other Salient Details: There was one person who had already converted a IIM C Call and was there at the IIMK process to ruin other peoples chances (Yes, there are sadistic people like that in this world as well). It was important to know how to handle such people in the GD as well. Very important to keep ones cool in such circumstances.

PI: Panel Members: 3 PI Details: The questions asked were mostly about my work experience and about my life in Deloitte. A few questions were asked on GK, but they were just to test ones confidence levels. On GK, they asked quite a few and for those which I dint know, a simple ‘I don’t know’ was taken well. They also asked a lot about what my future plans were, post my MBA.


SARADA PURKAIT

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2002 CBSE DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir 92.6

Class XII 2004 CBSE DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir 89.4

Graduation 2008 IT-BHU 8.14


NVIDIA 24 months ASIC Design Engineer

Design and development of architecture, writing test plan for architecture validation, leading unit

team.

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls Did not apply Other B School Converts

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the interview form: A substantial list of hobbies: reading, painting, dance, music and foreign languages with certifications in most

In the interview: confidence; I had a stress interview and was barraged for getting confused in some of the answers from my engineering but I came back fine and was able to handle rest of the interview



Plus points: A good GD and good essay. PI: Understanding about working of an organization and how to handle different situations. Knowledge about current affairs and confidence.

Minus points: Not a very good interview on core subject. Got confused in some basics. Did not remember some.

Venue Hotel Monarch, Bangalore Date Time

Any other special thing about you: GD: Topic: something on is the quote “India is getting younger” a myth. Some facts were given Number of People present: 10 Time: 10 mins Brief Snapshot of Discussion:

Other Salient Details: Everybody got a chance to speak. No fish market. I did not start but came into the discussion some 4-5 times.

PI: Panel Members: 3 PI Details: some questions on Electronics – my branch in Engineering, discussion on current events – more conceptual like why does this party want his resignation, work experience and different situations I faced at work and how I handled them.


CHANCHAL RAJ MEENA

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2001 Rajasthan K.V.P, Jaipur 77.83

Class XII 2003 Rajasthjan K.V.P, Jaipur 77.85

Graduation 2010 IIT Delhi IIT Delhi 5.01

CAT Related Details

Calls L,K,I Converts K Other B-School Calls Other B School Converts

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Worked for NGO


Confidence, honesty, visionary, open-mindedness, problem solving perspective


Venue Jaypee Siddhartha, New Delhi Date --- Time Morning 9 AM Essay: 15 minutes

Topic: Life is game for the fools, comedy for the rich, dream for the wise and tragedy for the poor.

Your take: Yes

Gave sociological and philosophical point of views

GD: Paragraph basis Topic: Essence was - Releasing the war-prisoners or terrorism-suspects, Political Move? Humanitarian Approach? And so and so Number of People present: 9 Time: 15 minutes Brief Snapshot of Discussion:

Human Rights, Transparency in army operations, Political trade-offs of humans

Other Salient Details: Randomness !! girls talked about ‘Saniya Mirza and Sohaib Akhtar marriage’

Had to interrupt and bring back to the point.

PI: Panel Members: 3 PI Details: 1st Q.

Prof : “I saw you smiling throughout the session, what is amusing you so much?”

When I answered, prof says he feels the same.

Next we talked about me, my life journey, 2-3 political issues,

In between I landed in conversation about Education structure in IITs and Other good universities like JNU.

Last Q asked

You don’t seem like a typical corporate person, so why MBA?

Gave a simple and reasonable answer. Prof. appreciated.


RUTVIJ JADAV

PGP 2010-12

IIM KOZHIKODE

PROFILE



Institute %/GPA

Class X 2003 Gujarat Board I.P.C.L School No 2 91.14

Class XII 2005 Gujarat Board I.P.C.L School No 2 72.62

Graduation 2009 Nirma University

Institute of Technology, Nirma University

7.54


Measurement and Control

7 months Trainee engineer

Sales cum trainee engineer

Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd

5 months Technical Associate

Technical engineer in Support function

CAT Related Details

Calls IIMK Converts IIMK Other B-School Calls IIFT, SIBM Pune, FMS, IIT B, IIT KGP, IIT D, IIT M Other B School Converts

IIFT, SIBM Pune

Anything Else in profile that you presented to the interview panel / wrote in interview form ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consistent performer in sports and co-curricular activities at school and college level.

Campaigned and raised funds for “The Society for the Care of Destitute”, 1997 Created awareness and raised funds for “Helpage India”, an organization for the elderly, 1999 Involved with the “Teach India” campaign through an Ahmedabad based NGO “Samvedana” Undertook projects for the overall education and betterment of the under-privileged, 2009


According to you, what are the crucial points in ensuring IIMK call conversion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Being a consistent achiever in academic, sports and co-curricular activities and also being able to provide a logical rationale for pursuing MBA and thereby contributing towards the betterment and progress of the society.

Venue Mumbai Date 30/03/2010 Time 11am GD: Topic: It was a case study the central theme being importance of traditional attire in Indian context with respect to the world. Number of People present: 8 Time: 20-25 min Brief Snapshot of Discussion: It was a very healthy discussion with all participants getting a fair chance to put forth their points. Points ranging from the Indian Khadi industry, the variety of clothes worn according to the Indian climate to the attire of Indian politicians representing India at a global stage were discussed at length.


PI:

Panel Members: Prof. K K Laddha, Prof. Gopal Chaudhari PI Details: The interview was majorly based on the profile form that we were asked to fill. It was an easy going interview with the panelists being very warm and friendly.

It began with few basic questions about my work profile and my role in the organization. Then I was asked basic mathematical questions like derivatives and some graphs. This was followed by a question on why do I want to do MBA and why should IIMK select me. There was also some discussion on my declining scores and what if the same continues after getting into IIMK. I was able to convince the panelists on the reason for my declining scores and somehow could thwart the imminent danger. Then I was asked about some social activities and NGO’s that I had been part of and if in a position of power how would I be able to contribute back to the society.

gdpi experiences part ii

Documents