ISB 2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs
(Compilation of over 50 interviews from PG) Dec 6, 2011
This is a compilation of 57 ISB Co2013 R1 interviews from PG forum as well as from some of the excel sheets that are floating around. Those of are short of time can either read the tag cloud on the cover page or read pages 6 to 10. We need a favour from you. Once you complete you interviews, please share your experience in PG as well as in this simple form - http://goo.gl/FIW6W. Both bricks and roses are welcome! PM us for our addresses.
CREDITS TO PUYS
Data extract & compilation sausi007 Hyderabad city guide rockstarsv, retrosat & reconadi Interview Tips atouchofcrypticthunder & thisguy Interview Experience fellow puys Data analytics, editing & packaging saads1999
INSIDE THIS GUIDE

Hyderabad city guide page 3 General ISB Interview Tips page 4 & 5 ISB 2013 Interview Data Analytics page 6 to 10 Interview Experiences page 11 to 40 Co2013 Admits - page 11, 14, 15, 16, 20, 24, 30, 32, 34, 35 & 40
To all the ISB aspirants of 2013 and of future!
HYDERABAD CITY GUIDE

The following are the only stops mentioned for aero express (Hyd Airport) Secunderabad (Near Keyes high school) Secretariat (Near A.P. Tourism Department Corporation) Mehdipatnam (Near NMDC) Kukatpally (Near JNTU) Hitech city (Near Shilparamam) LB Nagar (Near X Roads) Begumpet (Near Greenlands Junction) Tarnaka (Near IICT)
Both highlighted stops can get you to ISB (Thanks to rockstarsv for the detailed info provided below ) Route from hitech city bus stop: HT City--10-15 mins(straight, depending on signal)----> Kothaguda(taking left turn)---10 mins---> Gachibowli Jn(taking right turn----2-3 mins------>IIIT/JNTU college junction(taking left turn)---------2 mins-------> Ultimate destiny(ISB gate) Route from Medhipattnam bus stop(armed force gate): Armed force gate--------2 mins---> medhipattnam Jn----10-12 mins(straight)---> Tolichowki-----15 mins(straight, without any signal)------> Gachbowli Jn----2-3 mins(straight)---> IIIT/JNTU college jn(taking left)-----2 mins---- > ultimate destiny(ISB gate) Thanks to retrosat for the following info: Let me do my bit for those attending interviews. I hail from Hyderabad and stay close to the ISB. I have hence used all the possible means of transport to reach AROUND ISB. The ISB is around 1 km away from the Old Bombay highway and the point where old Bombay highway meets the ISB road is called the IIIT-Crossroad (also the IDBI crossroad). If you reach this point, then ISB is easily accessible. For those who are flying to Hyderabad for the interview, the quickest possible way to reach ISB is to catch the Silparamam Aero express and get down at Gachibowli Cross roads (two bus stops before the IIIT crossroads). From Gachibowli, ISB is about 2 kms away and Auto rickshaws are the most convenient modes. RESTAURANTS AND PUBS AROUND ISB a. The Red Bean (R) b. Grasshopper (R) c. Grills 'N' Steaks (R) d. Lounge (P) e. Pavilion (P)
By train, you need to get down at Secunderabad and reach Gachibowli. There are direct city bused (10w) to reach ISB. 10u takes you to IIIT Crossroad. Another fast means of trasnport is the MMTS train to Lingampalli which you catch at Sec'bad and alight at the Hafizpet station. From Hafizpet, IIIT Crossroad is about 8 kms. Autorickshaws are the most convenient mode from Hafizpet. Hafizpet connects with Hyderabad station as well. MMTS trains from Hyderabad to Lingampalli stop at Hafizpet station. From the Hyderabad rly station, you can also use the 216/216u/217/217D number buses to reach IIIT crossroad. (#3516) thanks to reconadi If you want to go to ISB directly from airport, you can take the bus from Airport to Hitech city. Ask the driver to stop at Gachibowli junction ( end of outer ring road). Thats the nearest point to ISB. You can take an auto from there to ISB ( which is around 5-6 KMS from there). If the autowallah doesnt know where ISB is, tell him to take you to infosys, manikonda. ISB is right opposite infosys.
R2 applicants: After your ISB interview pls share your exp in PG and in this form - http://goo.gl/FIW6W
INTERVIEW TIPS
(#350) thanks to Roshan aka atouchofcrypticthunder A prospect recently asked me for interview advice - please find my thoughts below. A few quick pointers for your interview prep: Practice Practice Practice - there is no substitute for that Go through your application with a fine tooth comb - make sure you read every line in your application and hypothesize what questions could be asked Be very confident and ready for your Why MBA? Why ISB? Why Now? answers - they will not ask you these questions directly but indirectly so be sharp and smart to catch them Prepare extensively for your post MBA goals both short and long term - research in-depth about the fields you have mentioned in your applications. You should know exactly what you want to do and know exactly how you are going to get there - ensure that you also have a backup plan if you cannot achieve your goal Start reading up your current affairs - know whats happening in the world...The Syria issue, the afghan issue - whats happening in the US - in India..It pays to know such information Ensure that you know the ins and outs of your hobbies..if there are technicalities to it make sure you know them...if it is photography you like - you should know the parts of a camera well and have an opinion on them Be opinionated and support your opinions with valid proof this will help you through your interview. Act confident, speak clearly and use good diction, do not fumble - if you must take a second or two to collect your thoughts. Don't blabber on and on - be as succinct as possible Dress for success
Some more tips by roshan, (#2970): High-level questions about yourself: Questions such as Tell me about yourself, Walk me through your resume, How would your friends/coworkers/supervisor describe you?, What are your strengths and weaknesses Questions about why you want to go to business school and future goals: Questions include: Why do you think now is the time for you to go back to school?, Why do you want to come to this school?, Where else are you applying?, Where do you see yourself in 10 years?, What do you hope to learn in business school?, What do you think you will contribute that will be unique among your classmates? Questions about specific experiences in your background Use the STAR format to explain all your experiences. If you want to know what STAR is please go through this forum I have already explained it in previous posts.
ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs Build your own elevator pitch and practice it till you know it by heart. The key, however, is to ensure that it doesn't seem rehearsed and practiced. If it flows like a normal dialog and seems matter of fact then you know you have the right pitch. At the end of the interview, prepare and ask a couple good questions. Good questions dont have answers that you could have gotten from the schools Website or brochure. If you are interviewing with an alum or a student, asking about his/her experience is always a good place to start. Send a Thank You note out to your interviewers as soon as you are done with the interview. Rule of thumb is that the mail should be sent before the end of the day. Practice, Practice, Practice - Practice with a friend. This should be done both with a friend who is already an MBA and a few non-MBA but experienced friends.
My additional tip: It is advisable to wear a Business Suit with a Tie for the interview, not just a blazer and tie.
(#3760) by thisguy Interview preparation 1. After submission do not wait for invite to come to start the preparation. Assume that you will get interview invite and start the preparation. 2. Go through your essays and profile with a fine comb. Any number of times is not enough. Try to find out question to every line of essay. 3. Prepare answers and start reading them every day. Reading aloud will help. Stand in front of mirror and repeat the answers making sure you have eye contact with your reflection. This will help you understand how much effort is needed to make proper eye contact. Eye contact is necessary in interview. Eye contact shows your confidence. 4. Prepare flash cards and start reading them everywhere. 5. If possible think about the questions and answers every time you are free. On interview day 1. Have a light breakfast. Stick to tried and tested breakfast. Do not try Sushi on interview day. 2. Avoid having coffee or tea. Tea/coffee increase thirst and metabolism resulting in more water intake and trips to restroom. 3. Chocolates help in calming tension but tend to melt when stored in pockets, so be careful. 4. Reach interview venue in advance. Mail tells to reach venue one hour in advance. I suggest you reach 1 and half to 2 hours in advance. 5. Think about good things. Think about questions and answers. 6. Talk to guys around you. Usually there is pin drop silence even between 7-8 persons in interview venue. Try to break that and have a chit chat. It will calm you. Do not discuss profile as if the other person has better profile than you then it will increase your anxiety. 7. Be prepared 10-15 minutes before interview. Panel will call you if they are running early 8. The panel mentioned in mail need not be your panel on interview date so while signing the sheet find out your panel number and ask/look around to find out where they are sitting. 9. Do not smoke before interview. The smells is off putting to some. 10. Do not chew gum during interview
ISB CO2013 R1 INTERVIEW SNAPSHOT DATA ANALYTICS by saads1999

We passed the raw data available in PG through a standardized template. This helped us arrive at some trends. We have analyzed data for one-word essays, number of folks in interview panel, average time of an ISB interview, who is taking those interviews, and ofcourse the questions asked in the interview. We have data for 57 candidates. Major takeaways 65% of the interview panel consisted of 2 members with atleast 1 member from alumini The average time of an interview is around 20 minutes (reported by 56% of candidates) 49% of the candidates feel that their interview experience was neither cool nor brutal 85% of the candidates were asked questions on the current job profile. Limitation We do not have enough data for GMAT, Education and Job Profile. Hence we could not arrive at any conclusion for those items. One word Essays (100 words) asked before the interview Anomaly, Apathy, Empathy, Exaggeration, Extraordinary, Goal, Homogenous, Marathon, Money, Pen, Proximity, Role, Sacrosanct, Superficial, Verdict & Wolf
How many folks in the interview panels?
Who were taking interviews?
ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs What is the average time of an ISB interview?
How do candidates rate their interview experience?
ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs What questions were asked in the ISB interview? We created 20 main buckets for questions. While analyzing the raw data we have put the questions asked to candidates in one of the 20 defined buckets. Questions on Current Job Profile, Goals and Application Essays are all time favorites of ISB interview panel.
BREAK UP OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ASKED FOR R1 APPLICANTS Questions Votes %
TYPES OF ISB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Warm up 2. About You a. Tell me about yourself b. Your Educational Background c. Your strengths, weakness d. Why you? e. Elevators Pitch 3. About your current job a. What do you do? b. Achievement at work place c. Challenging situation d. Embarrassing situation e. How will peers describe you? f. Case study based on your domain or otherwise 4. About your ISB application a. What has changed since you last application? b. What has changed since your current application to ISB? c. Your hobbies, essays d. What are the other schools you have applied? 5. About ISB a. Why ISB? b. Why MBA? c. Why now? d. Goal (both short term and long term) e. Target companies post MBA f. Questions for panelists 6. Bouncers a. GK/Current affairs b. One word essay discussion c. Puzzles d. Guesstimates (you should be ready to answer if your aim is to get into Management Consulting) e. Stress questions (like, we dont think you should have applied to ISB. What do you say?) f. Sell a product to us g. What were you thinking while you were waiting for your turn for interview? h. What if you dont get an admit to ISB?
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1. ADIMAN (GMAT 750 | MS | IT ENGR | 7 YEARS)

Ok.. So there were two gentlemen - both alums. Interview lasted for 45 minutes. My as* is sore from the interview - it was brutal. 1. They asked me 5 questions from my current work/team. 1a. What's your role. 1b. Explain the 'system' you've developed. 1c,d,e. Questions related to to-market strategy and expectations and concerns and technology. 2. 1 question about the previous team (in the same company). 3. Infinite number of questions about my internship at Lehman and the overall financial situation at that time. [ Did you see it coming? Could it have been prevented? etc etc..] 4. 1 question about the exact team structure at my present company. MY INTERVIEW TIP Think what you want to say. Summarize and present your thoughts.
5. 3 questions about future plans [what exactly is it that you're planning to do post-MBA] My crappy responses led to more questions. 6. Any questions for us? [ I had two]. All in all, a massive disappointment - I think I had a lot to say and at times didn't sequence or 'bulletify' the information well -and I hope they don't penalize me for my stupidity.
2. GURMUKH SINGH (ADMIT CO2013)

hey guys.. just had my interview today... there were 3 people in the panel.. one lady n 2 gentlemen.. first i was asked to write an essay on "extraordinary".. interview was very cool.. more of a discussion and was entirely on my profile.. q1: u have mentioned about a cost saving project.. can u elaborate on ur role.. q2: wat sort of problems u face while performing ur job(i am a shop floor incharge) q3: further cross questioning on my work profile.. q4: what problems/drawbacks do u think u understand to be of significance at ur psu. q5: a hypothetical situation was given and i was asked to enlist the steps i would take to address it. q6: how do i unwind after a hectic day of work... on the whole the interview lasted 20-25 mins.. they dint even read my essay on extraordinary but asked me to hand it over after the interview.. MY INTERVIEW TIP Your profile matters to ISB. But presentation matters as well!
my 2 cents: they are generally more concerned about ur job profile n ur application.. so concentrate on that.. u shud try to not give generic answeres.. now i know a person who has a gmat score of 780 works for kpmg, US.. and still has been rejected twice by isb.. and a film producer with a score of 590 made it thru.. also a monk from japan got selected...hence its not ur profile alone tht matters.. its also the presentation... be honest about ur profile about ur aspirations n u shud be fine....
3. SPEEDYSINGH
I had my interview on 2nd in hyderabad. Both the interviewers were alumni. One interviewer drove the entire interview and the other had a stern look on his face the entire time. Questions were only related to hobbies and job profile. Example achievements, key-learning, conflicts. I wasn't grilled but they weren't smiling either. The interview lasted for 30 minutes.
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4. PUNISHER
The panel consisted of 2 people. As per my guess, both were adcom guys or 1 adcom and 1 professor. The interview was solely based on what I had written in my profile and the questions were all from my application. Regular questions like why MBA? why ISB etc were not asked. The interview lasted 35-40 minutes. I was probed on just my application and there were no guesstimate questions or other such stuff as discussed on any of the forums. One regular question that was asked to me was : Tell us 3 reasons why should we take you? They bordered on grilling and stress interview.... The older guy asked nothing but about books I read...and movies ...the younger was so concerned about the minor MY INTERVIEW TIP details of my job profile that he forgot to ask me much about my Be thorough with your profile Entrepreneurship experience....even when in-fact I displayed my future goals in my Venture and not in the professional field that I am currently in and application. ... surprise-surprise....and no questions about Why MBA...Why ISB...etc
So, just one advice, be thoroughly prepared with what you write in your application.
5. DAFFYME
I had my interview on 2nd October. The panel consisted of 3 alums- 2 guys and a girl. Again like others have said, they were very poker faced. Actually no.. one guy looked like he will sleep if I spoke one more word :( Anyway they asked me only about my work. Of the achievements I had written of in my essays they asked me to quote 3 points how I added value to that project. I dont think the interview went for very long. Mostly 15 mins or so.
6. NITHINP
I had my interview today.. There were no why MBA, consulting, ISB.. or any regular questions.. It was purely based on my essays.. and since i am from IT background, they did ask me on technology.. There was no element of stress at all.. And I gathered from another candidate who went to a different panel that the interviews were cool there also.. So I guess most feel that the interview went on well.. In a way, it is good because you can be at your best when the panel is not intimidating
7. NJZ
Had mine yesterday afternoon. Was done and dusted before I knew it. Questions were based on my career moves and my future goals. The wait for the results has begun for me! All the best for those awaiting interview calls!
8. TKSINGH
I had my interview this weekend. It started with essay on 1 word. (50 -100 words). Interview was quite short around 15 mins. Simple questions on - What you do ? How you manage your work? Some questions on achievements and Goal essay. It wasn't intimidating at all. Quite friendly atmosphere.
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9. HORUS
Had my interview this weekend.. first the usual one word essay.. 100 words. Then the interview was based mostly on job and functions. career goals etc. It was only 20 mins... They started off by asking about the company where I work and my role and responsibilities.. it was a detailed discussion about the kind of products, customer base, value proposition etc.. Next they asked my last years performance and the factors that led to it. Next were the questions about the future in the job if I continue.. in fact one of the interviewer asked me to sell bottled water to the other guy... Lot of discussion happened about my future plans and what i want to do if i graduate from ISB. In between some questions about my school days... very brief.. Fact based. all in all it wrapped up before i know it... took at max 20 mins..
10. CRAZYDIAMOND23 (GMAT 720 | ENGG | BANKING | 3 YEARS)

My first post, but am an avid spectator on PG. My profile - Mech engg, Investment banking + parallel start up, 2 years 10 months, 720 GMAT. I am from Bombay, got interviewed in Hyderabad last Saturday. 8th October. Here goes my interview experience. There were three people in my panel, 2 alums and 1 adcom. Overall it lasted for 30-35 mins: General walk-through of profile Time management of various activities (am a freelance writer also) Grilled a lot on my work, exactly what i do, few deals i had worked on, finance concepts, conflicts and challenges faced etc (roughly 15 mins) 5 min questions around my start up 5 mins on hobbies (questions on Stanley Kubrick, written him as my favorite director) Hardly 5 mins on my future goal, which is really stinging me. My future goal is entrepreneurship, on which i expected some grilling and had a lot of stuff prepared! Something to be worried about? Finally, any questions No why MBA, why ISB etc. Don't know how to perceive this
Key takeways Its a very chill and cool interview. More of a discussion and they just intend to know you, rather than grill you. So, dont get nervous or fret about this aspect too much. Be yourself. Regarding work related questions, just answer what you do rather than what the firm or team does etc. Make it very clear. All questions from your profile only, nothing outside IMPORTANT: If there is anything important you plan to say or convey in the interview, just say it in between somehow. Don't wait for them to cross-question you or delve deeper into something. Just link it to your current answer it say it, don't wait!
And yeah, the word for the essay was 'wolf'.
Interview Tip: While explaining a situation from ones experience use STAR format to present. STAR is Situation, Tasks, Actions and Results. One can use the same format while writing essays also. You need to practice using STAR format a couple of time before using in the real interview.
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11. PAWANVERMA (ADMIT CO2013)

Guys, had my interview at 6:30 AM today morning (Yeah, I am at international location). It's one of those types where you can't figure out ... happy ones where everyone smiles and result in a ding later on (actually has happened to me previously :() Alright so interview experience .... 1. lasted for around 25 mins ... 2. No grilling or stress ... there were two fellows and both were great. 3. I initiated the skype but got ping back that it's busy and i continued on phone only. 4. They asked me everything related to my essays and essays only ... 5. No typical Why MBA or Why ISB question? 6. They discussed about short term career plan - which is actually an essay in detail. 7. I had one question which I did... I didn't get any word to write on. I think that the interview was over even before I realize (undecided which smiley to choose) Goose bumps and now the wait begins
12. HPETOGET (GMAT 730 | ENGG | IT | 6 YEARS)

I had my interview in August in Hyderabad. Wanted to share my experience in the forum, since I have got so much info from here. Sorry for the delay anyways (bit busy in work and home front). My profile (as u describe) : X - 93%, XII - 98%, BE Distinction, Work ex - 6+ yrs (in what IT only) (IT + pre-sales + international exp + some good experience with real time systems in Airline), GMAT - 730/5. Certifications - Three technical certifications with all 90%+ percentage One alum + one adcom member. After introducing themselves, they just asked me about my daughter (am a working mother). Actually restricted myself with a simple answer, since I did not want my mind to wander and start thinking about her (as I had travelled from Bangalore to Hyderabad). Then asked about Bangalore. Started explaining traffic woes etc.. Real one started: 1. Three things I learnt from my work-ex. 2. Kind of clients I interact with 3. Explain cloud (all from my essays) 4. Post ISB which companies and what exact role I am targeting. 5. Bomber - Apart from academics, in what way I will contribute to ISB (I thought my academics was my strong point, but it was a point of concern for them). Told will contribute to Business and Technology club blah blah. 6. Bomber - Since I am from IT services, how will I convince my recruiter about my suitability for the role that I target for (this kind a became grilling..I answered in ok way..but if I don't get selected it is because of this) 7. If u were made manager of this specific cloud platform, what strategies u would implement (answered, they looked convinced) 8. Hobbies - how is rudra veena different from normal one (am a veena player) (answered) 9. As Project Lead the situations I faced - Explained one real tough situation I faced recently and how I overcame it. 10. How do I take my team members views (blah blah) 11. Any questions for us - Asked about Wadhwani Entrepreunership cell. Throughout the interview alum was stern faced and the Adcom member was smiling. Said Thank you and left. Now it is all in God's and ISB's hands. I am not thinking about it much, since whenever I think about it 6th question comes to my mind, I end up feeling I could have answered it so much better.
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13. THEMANGOMAN (ADMIT CO2013)

Mine was scheduled at 11:40, ISB campus. I reached there at around 9:30, thinking that I will get some time to roam around the campus. It turned out that students were on vacations and most of them were not on campus. So I waited at the reception with other students. I must say I met some fantastic profiles in that period, the more I think about those the less confident I get My panels were running behind the schedule by almost an hour. One word of caution - your panel might change on the actual day - do not take the panel mentioned in your email to be sacrosanct. At around 10:20, I was asked to write an essay on 'Apathy' in 50-100 words. At 12:40 I was called inside the room. One lady and two gentlemen. The lady and one of the gentlemen were both alumni and the third gentleman was from the adcom. When I entered, the lady told me that I have exactly 30 mins to convince her that I am a fit for ISB. She also said that they will listen to whatever I say. I looked at my watch and started with introduction. They stopped me and asked me to jump to my work experience/learnings at my job/ challenges etc. I started with those and then the usual job related cross questioning. So if I were to sum it up, following were the points of discussions during my interview : 1) What do you do in your job - DO NOT MENTION WHAT YOUR COMPANY DOES. It seemed to piss them off. Be precise and tell them what you do 2) What challenges did you face in your job - again if you are from consulting - do not give them the typical jargon - client expectations, pressure. All that is bullshit. They are seasoned professionals, they have been doing this for a long long time and they will straight away cut you right there. Talk about the challenges that YOU faced. As a developer, did you find a particular MY INTERVIEW TIP technology hard to integrate with a third party software? As a consultant, ISB is more interested in what did you find it difficult to convince one of your customers that xyz process you do at work not what your is the right approach?. How long have you been facing this challenge? company does 3) What have you done to overcome the challenge. Please no jargon again. What did YOU do. It might not be something "spectacular" or "eyebrow raising", but it has to be true and honest in terms of learnings. 4) Then we discussed my extracurricular activities ( I am a part of a band and have been performing in events/parties for a long time now) - how am i different from any guitarist? 5) Gave me a case on music marketing and event management. 6) Why the career goal? What thought process behind it? Is it connected with your UG and job? All in all, please expect questions out of box. They questioned me on what I have done. And they were good at it! They cornered me on what was my contribution, my role, my responsibility etc. Make sure you don't talk about extra curriculars that you did 5 years ago/ pursue for less than 3-5 hours a week. Mine went on for about 45 minutes and I came out of the room clueless. The long wait starts now. By the way, I met a graphics designer from Disney, a CA who opened his own firm, a PhD working at Dr. Reddy's and a trader from National Stock Exchange. I wondered "why am I here?".
14. SUP9 (GMAT 700 | ENGG | 4 YEARS)

Finally at peace after my i/v that was on 16th. Panel was quite cool only 2 of them. i/v time : around 25 min. All questions were mostly around my work ex and future at ISB. some questions were very general like -How many stars are in the sky I was anxious for first few minutes that affected one of my response but later i caught on. In the end i felt the i/v was definitely a sort of fun.
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15. SATYAKAM83
Had mine scheduled at 10:50, started at around 11:40. The panelists meant business from the word GO. No introductions, whats your current job profile and all those standard MBA questions. They straightaway jumped into my goals essay and cornered me on SCM (thats what i had said i had worked on earlier). They did not go into what i had worked on but asked me to explain via a case study, what should be a perfect implementation model. Although the beginning was a bit unnervy, went better after that. Few tips 1) As Mangoman said, be prepared to wait, so i ll advise not to reach MY INTERVIEW TIP there too early. Target reaching maybe just 10-15 mins prior to the 1 hr One should know challenges in deadline. The wait is really stressful ones industry or domain 2) Be aware of the challenges in your industry or your specialization and believe me, they know it all 3) Be ready to analyze cases which you d never expect you'd be asked 4) The panelists are pretty cordial, they ll make you feel at home but please dont try to be smart with them, you ll be caught red-handed
16. TOPAL (ENGG | IT | 4 YEARS | ADMIT C02013)

BE in NIT. 2 yrs IT services and consulting company - led couple of projects. 1 yr- education related startup as co founder. 3.3 yrs(till date) - co founder of an IT product company. Also have started a NPO initiative (participating in ISB's iDiya competition with it) My interview was scheduled for 1220. But Panel 4 (which wasnt my originally assigned panel) was running a bit late. So around 1:10 the panelist informed me that they will take my interview at 1:30 post lunch. So I went for lunch and came back by 1:30. MY INTERVIEW TIP Be Candid, Be Honest!
And the wait continued. There were some reshuffle in the panels and the panelist who had earlier spoken to me said that he is now in a different panel and the new panel 4 would shortly call me. Finally at just after 2 I was called in. Panelist apologized for keeping me waiting for so long. And asked me to hand over my one page essay. As soon as I did that the first question was asked by P1. P1 - What were the three things you were thinking while waiting outside (answered it). (This is all I remember. What happened for next 40 mins is tough to write as I hardly remember the flow- but will try to give overall experience) Following questions were asked 1.Asked about seasonal sales cycle of my field and how to overcome it 2.Couple of questions of market need for our products. 3.Selling in your field is so tough what is your solution for this problem 4.3-4 questions related to our product 5.Questions on why mba and from isb, when I can invest the same amount in my company (this went on for a long time ) 6. questions on the challenges that I might face in future while running the company etc etc. 7. questions related to books that I read and why I find my favorite personality so special. Then finally discussion on the question that I asked them. I actually lost track of time when I was inside. The interviewers were very friendly and well informed. My advice to other candidates - be candid, be honest. I stayed on the campus till 7 in the evening, met few students, got to know more about their experience on the campus. So overall, it was a good day for me.
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17. NISHANT402
I had my i/v on Sunday some excerpts , though not in order: 3 ppl in panel 1 prof , 1 lady(no clue about her) , 1 alum .After discussing about my friend in ISB they started the questions directly. 1) How did you feel about studying in ISB with people much junior than you (9 years) 2) Why don't you try 1 ye executive MBA. 3) Tell us 2 learning from your experience 4) Define a good team ? Example also. 5) Which is difficult to handle personality clashes or competency clashes ? Example also. 2-3 questions around it. 6) In last 2-3 years you have done lots of charity work ? Why ? explain.asked to explain 1-2 such instances. 7) What is Strategic business transformation ? Explain with scenario . 2-3 questions around it. Difference between you and other IT professionals ? 9) Trends in Automobile sales . given some random answer though i told i have no clue but this insisted to take a shot. 10 ) What will you achieve being an entrepreneur ? I said job creation and satisfaction? 11) Only job creation . I replied yep the rest of the things will follow but initially it is job creation coz it is the need of the hour . 12) Another question about my achievement why the project was critical? 13 ) Why are you with CG for this long and then answered on their own may b you are liking your work ? I asked 2 questions related to Scholarship and ISB's thin 8+ exp professional count overall . It is over in 25 mnts. They were at times nodding head but most of time probing my responses which is kinda surprising given that I have read few i/v experiences on PG which suggest they do not counter much. Anyway the discussion was nice though i could have done better much better nywy.. I am delighted with my exp there.
18. JARINWALLAH
Interviewed a couple of hours back..with Kannan and two other guys - alumni. Before I went in I was given a sheet to write on 'anomaly', which i wrapped up in 15 minutes flat..then spent next hour or so blabbering with other candidates - getting over jittery nerves . Surprisingly i was only IT candidate. Interview was cool, kind of conversational one that I've heard of so far. No grilling tactics or surprises like case studies. In retrospect I could have done a lot better, but I guess that'll always be the case. Still it was below par, which makes the equation for an IIM all the more unbalanced. All questions were pretty standard one: 1. describe 1 on my achievement. what were challenges? This went on for quite a while, as they crossquestioned a lot, not grilling types, but just trying to understand what i did. 2. post-mba goals - both short terms and long terms. they simply asked 'what' and i volunteered with 'why'. 3. how would i rate myself on team skills? i have given them an impression that i worked as one-manteam in quite autonomous way. 4. how did you resolve any conflict in team? One problem that i faced was taking what i did in IT field to non-IT people. One adcom, who was the most attentive one, was probably from tech area..but not sure. So, my finger crossed and all the best to to-be-interviewed!
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19. AP81 (GMAT 640 | ENGG | POWER | 7 YEARS)

I reached the place 2 hrs before. Roamed a lot for an hour, finished off the essay on 'anomaly' within 10 min. Had a lot of conversations with Jarin, Rajib and others. I was last on the panel and it started exactly one hr late. As mentioned by jarin the panel comprised of Kannan and two alumns. There was absolutely no grilling at all and it went quite smoothly. 1. They wanted to know about the job profile. I am from engineering back ground 2. They wanted to know about my exact job role,my leadership exp and the challenges faced. 3. What after MBA? 4. Why did I shift from Baroda to Kolkata? 5. They wanted to know about my future financial planning as i had mentioned about an existing house loan and self being the sole earner in the family..... 6. Some questions about my hobby. I wrote reading business articles as my hobby. Told them about one article related to business strategy of Colgate. It lasted for about 20 mins and overall was quite good. And now the long wait starts. All the best to others.
20. NIKHIL_AG
Just had my interview. It was the telephonic interview (international location) and it lasted 19 mins. Seemed like they were in a hurry. They started of with tell me what division of the company you work in and what kind clients you cater to and what is your role in that. what are the levels of CMMi. (I had mentioned CMMi somewhere). help me understand what you want to do immediately after your MBA. why do you want to do an mba, dont you think experience alone will get you in that position in 4-5 years from now? your'e not trying to emulate someone's career are you? are you ready to do an MBA right now? not from the designation perspective but do you personally feel that this is the right time for you to do an MBA? when and how did you realize that you wanted to do an MBA. what are your long term goals 10-15 years. stumped me by with this one "lets change the game take and all this IT out of the picture.. what do you want to do generally after an MBA.. how do you think you will help clients.. what aspect of consulting intrigues you the most (i kept talking about coming back to IT after MBA so i guess i was inviting this ) asked me about my hobby and why i enjoy it.. asked me some questions specific to my hobby asked me if i had any questions. i wouldnt be impressed with my responses. all the best to the rest of you.
21. PGPX13 (GMAT 720 | ENGG | POWER | 7 YEARS)

Here is my interview...3.20 PM, Delhi....1 prof 2 alumni....
Q1 Why MBA Q2 Ques. from essay (abt achievements?) Q3 asked abt what whole incident and what steps did i take to solve to prob? Q4 Asked abt 1 more professional achievement, from the application form. Q5 questions from essay 1 and 2 Q6 They said why do i need MBA when i m doig already good Q7 Any questions from us? And that is all...20 mins duration...
ISB FACT Since its inception in 2001, ISB received highest number of applications in 2011 for Co2013. Expect tighter competition!
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22. SKYRON
Just done with the interview. Went about ok. It was via skype. The panel had two alumni. 1. Started with basic introductions, who they were and who I was. 2. Then straight into my job profile and what is it that I do. 3. Explain what is the current project you are working, size of the team I work with, how would you define success in your team. 4. Where exactly do you want to be after 5 years, and if you don't get admitted to ISB, how much time will it take you to get there. What are the roles for technical growth in your company. 5. I had written about a student organization I was leading in college. Asked details on that and what effect it had on college, events we undertook, main goals. 6. Any questions I had? Asked about tie-ups with various companies that ISB has, why they don't have any admission events in the middle east and do they have an active alumni network in the middle east. Overall, the interview was pretty chilled, no direct questions like why mba/ISB. Mostly it was about my essays and work profile. Oh, one more thing, the voice quality on skype/phone was pretty bad and it kept echoing all the time. I told them in the end that I was pausing every so often just because of these issues, and they said they understood that there are technical issues while doing phone/skype interviews and won't hold them against me.
23. MANISH_2387
Just done with my ISB interview today, To be honest it was not as planned, since I was expecting lot from my past achievements but Adcom took a U turn and asked mostly about my future aspirations. I strongly recommend all candidates out there to be really strong in what you want to do in future. Overall, I was very much comfortable during the course of interview and I believe that Adcom was very supportive to make you realize that it is just a normal discussion. My hopes are still alive and if I get it I will be back on this post,
24. NIKHILTB (GMAT 750 | ENGG | CONSULTING | 5 YEARS)

GMAT: 750, Undergrad: NIT, Work Exp: 4 years 10 months as of Apr 2012, 2 years 10 months as Software Developer in R&D, 2 years in Management Consulting/Analytics, Re-applicant: Yes. Current Location: Chicago. Time: 12-13 minutes. Questions: 1. Describe what you have done since you started working. 2. How do you keep yourself updated? I said internet and stuff. 3. Do you read trade journals? No. Not a subscribed reader. But if found one lying around I would pick it up and read. 4. Do you follow up on what you read? Definitely yes. 5. Have you found anything very difficult to learn? No. I might take a little more time to understand certain things but I have found it very difficult to understand. 6. How do you manage your team? Gave some funda. 7. Do you have any questions for us? No. Some of my close friends are ISB alumni and I have done my research about the school. Feeling after the interview: The interview was too short and they were not interested in my essays or anything else that I had put in my application. Still not able to understand what they were trying to understand about me from the questions.
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25. CHIPS08 (GMAT 660 | ENGG/MS | ENERGY | 8 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

-B. Tech. (IIT) and M.S (USA) -8 yrs of full time work ex. in environmental and renewable energy domain (includes 3 years of international work ex. and 1.5 yrs of my own start-up experience) -Currently working in a start-up but have worked with large MNCs earlier - Above average acads. Good extra cirruculars in college but nothing much in ECs post school - GMAT not worth mentioning - 660 Interview exp: Panel had 2 members - I guess one was a faculty and other an alumni. I reached an hour before my interview slot and so, was called for interview 30 mins ahead of the scheduled time. It was more of a discussion and no grilling. 1. Tell us about your company (team size, revenue, projects)? 2. What type of investment does the 'other' company has in your firm? This was asked because a FI has invested in our company and I have taken a recommendation from one of the directors (who i report to) of the investor company. 3. 3-4 other questions related to my field 4. You seem to be at a comfortable position, why an MBA now? Talked about higher goals in life and referred to my essay as well, in which I had mentioned entrepreneurship as a long term goal. 5. A couple of questions about the business I want to set-up. 6. A couple of questions on what kind of company I want to join immediately after ISB. 7. Asked me to name a few such companies. Since, hyderabad is a hub of power companies, I gave them a long list 8. Any questions for us? How does the ISB entrepreneurship cell help a student in kickstarting his business idea? The interview lasted for 30-35 minutes. I am not sure what to make out of it. I guess better to wait and watch.
26. SOMFRODO
Had my interview yesterday. Two gentlemen from the adcom were in the interview panel. Place : Kolkata Duration : 30 min Started with standard reapp questions - what went wrong last time? What all did you do to improve it etc. Then they started profile specific questions on my job role, achievements etc. There were some crossquestioning. Moved to goals questions and wanted to know more specifics about it and why it can't be achieved otherwise. Then they asked me some questions on my interests and activities I'd mentioned in the essays. Overall it was more of a casual discussion; now the wait begins for 15th.
27. SD111880 (ADMIT CO2013)

I have almost close to 9 years of experience in public relations and media communications with 5 years in managerial role and as a visiting faculty in some communication colleges. Is looking at ISB for career progression to pure marketing and branding. Also, to learn and unlearn few things and to hone skills. Interview was quite casual, there were two alums(one from Ad Com) and it was more of a discussion about my career etc. No questions, but discussions... and i was not very happy that I was not grilled more about why ISB, what after ISB etc. No such questions but just on my experience. Not sure what to make of it... Maybe they already decided that they do not want a profile like mine to join Interview Tip: Approximately 9% of the Co2013 R1 candidates were asked guesstimate (also called sizing) questions. You should be ready to face a guesstimate question. You can use a widely used format: (a) Ask Questions, (b) State your Assumptions and finally (c) Explain your Approach.
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28. RA62156 (GMAT 740 | ENGG | IT | 6 YEARS)

My interview experience was as follows: Date: 19/Oct/2011, Place: London (via skype), Time: 7 am BST, GMAT: 740, Industry: IT, Exp: 6 years. Background: B Tech (CS), Duration: 27 mins The panel consisted of 2 men.. I presume 1 was from the faculty and the other from the alumni - but I have no idea because of the reason given below. I started skype. Their video did not come up. I asked if there was some problem.. One of them said that was fine. So we proceeded. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF LCD TV MARKET IN INDIA? a. Population = 100 crore Panel: What do you do at **** (My organization) b. Families = (a)/4 = 25 crore Me: Said something. c. Urban families = 10% of (b) Panel: What is your current role d. Upper Middle Class Families = 10% of (c) We spent a few minutes talking about it. e. Answer is approx 0.25 crore Panel: 3 challenges faced working on the project. Me: Answered. Panel: What have you learnt in your time in London. Me: Said something about having learnt about the domain im working on because it was new to me when I started off earlier this year. Panel: What did you learn technology/domain aside? Then we spent what seemed like ages discussing this point. Eventually one of them said - Quite frankly, you're not prepared for the interview.. Me: Tried to retrieve the situation, but I guess it was beyond retrieval. Panel: Couple of Qs about my second achievement - about starting a band in college. Me: Answered. Panel: Any questions for us? Me: Asked something. Panel and I: Thank you very much. There was none of the following - extempore, why mba, why ISB, future plans/goals. The writing's pretty much on the wall for me. If I make it through this one, it's gonna be the biggest comeback since Lazarus.
29. KAPS12
Had a telephonic interview at 11.30 PM my time..skype dint work. Dint go well for me..just for 20 mins and interviewer dint sound happy Interviewer was ok not the cordial kinds. He was looking to know why i wanted to go to VC industry. Here are the questions Why MBA? Why now? Why do you want to be in VC Industry? Do you need an MBA for that? What have you done for getting into VC industry? - Screwed the answer here. He kept on asking more and more and i blurted something that was stupid Describe your Achievement .. 1 question on that What do you do besides work? Case Study - Take a startup and anayze it analytically to decide on funding .. Fooled around without giving him any clear answer He asked me again and i gave him some points and he ws like ok thanks The other guy stopped and asked for a question .. My 2 cents - Be prepared with essays. Dont fool around, better to say no than do something u will regret a lot later. Feels so bad that 20 mins can screw u so badly..
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30. ASHISH091985
I did my i/v on 16th Oct. On the spot essay "empathy", 50-100 words.. Then a long wait.. i/v was scheduled for 2.40pm but started at 3.45 pm. A panel of 2... only introduction was exchange of names.. so i dnt kno if they were alums/ad com/faculty.. 1. It lasted 30-35 mins 2. Started with questions about my job profile - simple discussion on what I do and have done so far 3. Discussion on Career Goal? This discussion got linked to why I need MBA and why ISB and why its the right time for me?.. 4. Contingency to MBA.... and then contingency to ISB ?.. where else am I applying ? 5. Last question about job achievements ? .. Which i explained in details. Overall, no pressure... just easy going discussion... (similar to a lot of people's i/v). Finally, one question I want to ask ISB.... Overall, nothing outside the scope of essays and work ex...!! The panel was quite friendly.
31. NITINKH86
Just got done with my i/v a few hours back. Panel comprised of 1 adcom and 2 alums. They started off with my work and continued on that for a good 10-12 minutes. Contrary to my expectation, they did not seem interested in my achievements/challenges/learning etc. The entire discussion was on the nature of the project (not sure what to make of this!!) ISB FACT Some questions around the skills required for my future goal. Opinion on Selectivity ratio is 9:5:1 - for Manesar trade union stand off (whooo wonder where that came from!!) every 9 applicants, 5 are interviewed and 1 gets final A case study that lasted for around 7-8 minutes (think i handled this quite admit. well) Overall the Adcom member looked a quite disinterested. Was busy fiddling with his phone and showing something on his phone to one of the Alums (lol). Infact, the two even walked out in the middle of the i/v for a couple of minutes. Wonder if all this was a deliberate ploy ;-) So kinda weird i/v experience, left me with a dissatisfied feeling. Felt the more interesting aspects of my work/personality were not even talked about in the interview (maybe they were already convinced or disinterested. hoping for the former )
32. ICEDEEPEYES
Had my i/v today morning....it was a good discussion...LAsted for around 30 min....both the interviewers were ISB alums....none tried to build a stressful situation for me.....here are the questions asked... 1) when did you arrive at hyd...where are you staying... 2) describe your job and responsibilities...(a lot of discussion on this) 3) recent work you did in past two weeks... 4) did you interact with ISB alums in your company... 5) why has your boss not written your reco 6) why are you targeting so specific area for your career 7) which companies will you target.. 8) why did you prefer contemporary over semi classical dance. 9) any situation where you showed out of the box thinking. 10) one more such situation 11) Why ISB if same thing you can get with your current qualification. 12) any question for us. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF SHAVING RAZORS MARKET IN BANGALORE? a. Total population = 8 mn b. Males 50% of (a) = 4 mn c. > 18 years 50% of (b) = 2 mn d. Answer = 2mn * 13 = 26 mn Assumptions I. A person changes razor once in 4 weeks. So 52/4 = 13 razors required per person/year
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33. SUBRATA.DASS
Had the interview at around 2:10 Pm Panel of 3 members .....one guy from ISB (Karthik) and the other two being Alumni (Forgot the names ) Anyway ........... I reached two hours before interview and there were two people waiting for their chance of interview .........I waited and waited for 2 hours .....around 2 o clock I was given an essay to write (Topic= Exaggeration)...I was thinking on exaggerating on that and was half way ...when I was called in ....said that I have not finished my essay yet and was told that it does not matter , you can finish your essay later and give it to us Interview started Alum1=X Karthik=K and Alum 2 =Y K : Tell us what you do at work Me : (Thinking , what no intro ok here goes ) blah blah blah , something about a white paper K: So u say that ur whitepaper was about an existing Oracle Database feature so why did u write it then Me : Blah Blah Blah Y: What do you think about cloud computing Me : Blah Blah blah X: So you think Oracle and the other companies are trying to move into service space Me : Blah blah blah Y: Can you tell me if Oracle is hiring or is it looking for any acquisition Me : Told them that Oracle is trying to recruit 3200 people in India in the next one year and that since Oracle has just finished with takeover of Java hence may not be looking for new acquisition Y: Any particular company Oracle can acquire Me : Blah blah K: Question from essay 1 Me : Blah blah blah X: Where were you based when you were in this project Me : Texas near Dallas (in my nervousness forgot the name Arlington which was the name of the place where I had gone K: Some cross questioning on achievement Me: Blah blah blah K: What do you want to do right after u get out of ISB Me : Management consultancy K: Any particular company Me: Since my brother works in BCG it will be nice to get in there ....also getting in ISB is only the first step to get into such a company since these companies have very strict recruitment procedures Y: So you think only studying and topping the class will get u into management consultancy Me : Blah blah ...nothing like that ...blah blah ...extracurrics ....blah blah ...I was this and that ....blah blah ...quizzing .....blah blah was secy of college grp blah blah....well rounded personality needed .....blah blah blah K to X : You want to ask anything X : No K : Any questions for us Me : (In my mind .....ho gaya ???? itni jaldi ......no question on extra currics ????) ....blah blah blah ...question on scholarship K: Blah blah blah Me: Thank u ..... Came out .....finished the essay ......submitted it and came back Interview Tip: If you feel your interview duration is really short (< 15 minutes) then you may use this final question from ISB panel (Any Questions for ISB?) to be on the hot seat for some more time. One should keep 1 or 2 questions ready. You can use the questions if situation demands so! More time on hot seat means more data points for the interview panelist to make decision about your profile.
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34. AWADH123 (GMAT 740 | CA | BANKING | 4 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

Have been lurking here for quite some time and taken benefit of all your posts (particularly those relating to interview experiences). Had my interview on the 20th, below is my profile and interview experience: Profile: CA, CFA II, 740 GMAT, Work Ex (4 Yrs in Private Equity and Investment Banking) Interview Experience: The one-word essay was "Money". Wrote that and was called in for an interview 20 minutes before the scheduled time (3 pm vs scheduled 3.20 pm) Interviewed by a panel of 2 people, guess both were Adcom members, no alumni Question 1: About my current work profile, current firm and responsibilities - replied about my investment banking job, my role in leading transactions, etc. Question 2: So, why do you need an ISB MBA? replied about my short / long term goal of investing in rural opportunities and how ISB will help me achieve it Question 3: What are the trade-offs between an inherently financial vs strategic decision making? replied through giving an example about a potential investment which I could do and how strategic thinking would help in the short term to realize financial benefits in the long term Question 4: If you were preparing a case study after selection to ISB on Infrastructure Issues in India what would be the key points you would consider? replied about regulatory issues in the power sector, coal supply issues in the power sector, etc Question 5: If I were a financial investor investing in a power company, what would be the issues to consider? replied about the various financial metrics / valuation multiples to be considered Question 6: You wanna get into Pvt Equity post graduation, how would you do it? replied that I would need to utilize my own network apart from ISB campus placements, since not a lot of PE Firms visit the ISB campus Question 7: Asked me about a Vipassana meditation course I undertook and what did I learn from the experience? replied about my experiences INTERSTING QUESTIONS ASKED To an Investment Banker: Cost of Final Question: Any questions for us? MBA in ISB costs approximately 22 asked a question about doing a research project in ISB which would lakhs. Analyze MBA plan as a help me get exposure to rural investing / rural business models business model! Overall - the interview lasted about 18-20 minutes; no grilling / crossquestioning from the panel apart from interrupting in a couple of To a SCM Specialist: Analyze places where I went too much into details (they wanted me to just dabbawallas working model touch broadly on each of the topics) So fingers crossed now, the long wait has begun! All the best for other PUYs who have interviews lined up and also to people awaiting calls! To a Sales Person: Role play and sell a product to Interview Panel
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35. PHATPHISH
I had my interview at ISB yesterday. The interview was scheduled at 10:50am but was actually called in at around 12noon. The panel consisted of three alumni. Q1: Tell us about your current work? Q2: What made you move from your first job to the second job? Q3: Seems like a lot of job changes. What made you move from your second job to your third job? Q4: What did you do in your previous job? Q5: A question about my salary in my previous job. Q6: Tell us about an experience where you had to manage a conflict in your team? MY INTERVIEW TIP Be very opinionated and stick to your opinions.
Q7: Tell us about an experience when you had a nightmarish experience when you started the company India in your previous job. Q8: How was the experience working in the middle east? Q9: What were the discussions that you had with the person X? (I had mentioned that I got some inspiration to work in my target industry through discussions with an ISB alum working in my target field and they were classmates). Q10: Why do you want to get into your target sector? Q11: More discussion on my target sector. Q12: Why do you need an MBA? You seem to be learning a lot even otherwise. Q13: What do you think are going to be the game changers in your target industry? Q14: Why is ISB the right place ? Why not X? Q15: Tell us about this non-profit that you have been running? Any questions for us. Over all, I think I did fairly well and felt satisfied when I came out. Maybe my answers could have been structured slightly better. But I guess it is better to sound instantaneous rather than over-practiced. My 2 cents: Be very opinionated and stick to your opinions. Don't look at the whole thing as a Q&A interrogation. But rather look at it as a discussion where the other party is try to learn more about you. Don't wait for them to ask certain questions to bring out the good qualities in your application. I think the one thing that I did very well is that I brought out each and every aspect of the application and discussed it irrespective of whether they asked the question about that or not(without really digressing, of course). Overall, I think it went on for about 40-45mins. Good luck to you all !!! Interview Tip: Most guesstimate/sizing questions starts with an estimated size of population. So it is a good idea to know the approximate population of your country, state and city. You can assume number of males and females to be equal. Refer page 34 for population details of major cities of India.
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36. DONTWORRY2011
Got interviewed yesterday, was made to wait for 2.5 hrs, my panel was running late. IT Consulting, Bangalore, 2-3 yrs work ex Was asked to write 100 words on "Marathon" Interview went as follows: ->General Intro ->They were not convinced on my social service bit, asked to explain on that -> asked about my work, what I do, detailed explanation -> case study where I was the client and a big MNC approaches me to implement enterprise solutions(role reversal, I work in IT consulting for BI solutions) ->asked about hobbies, what all i read.. I told them about Fortune at Bottom of pyramid(asked to explain whats so special, explain a case study from that) ->they questioned me about my 2nd achivement(did I do pre-sales work etc) ->future aspirations, target industry etc... -> Asked why should they take me (2-3yrs work) when people with 8-9 yrs exp are applying(answered with work I did in the past, could help them with organizing events etc.). grilled further that they have enough such people etc, why more.. BLAH BLAH BLAH Lasted about 25-30 mins. ->In the end asked me about music influences(I play the guitar), if I was going to the Metallica concert(hell yeah!!) Was a bit nervous, cant deny that.. Drank water twice during the interview, throat was drying up Will hope for the best and wait till 15th ... All the best to guys who have their interviews next week.. Checked the register at the gate, around 32-33 guys get interviewed on weekends. 4-5 on weekdays. Guy in interview area handing out the essay topic told me that around 2000 people are called for the interview in Round 1 for approx 40-50% of the seats.
37. MBANEXT2012
did with my Delhi interview today. 1 adcom and 2 alums 1 AL - R u a number guy (I am a CA) 2 AL - Tell us about ur current work 2 AL - U changed job almost every year .. why is that ( Expecting that one right at the time of application) 1 AD - U deal with you international clients. U have a meeting with them, what 3 things would u tell them about their expectation and 3 things u expect from them. 2 AL - Why MBA 1 AD - U have interest in M&A - Tell us three recent deals 1 AD - Do u follow the action (in M&A) 1 AD - Which companies are u targeting 2 AL - How would u convince them 1 AD - Case study - A company is planning to setup a power plant in orissa. How would u help it raising the capital. 2 AL - How would u add to the diversity of ISB. 1 AL - We meet in 2021, what would be the situation then ! I think there were few more .. but don't remember clearly. Overall it well kinda average .. did fumble a bit ( two case study/ situation oriented question foxed me !!) Hoping I have a bigger smile on 15th of next month!
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38. SHASHKRISH (GMAT 720 | ENGG | IT | 5 YEARS)

OK, here's my first meaningful in PG after a long hiatus. I realize that such forums serve as valuable nuggets of information and wanted to share my two cents. B.E from NIT Surat Work Ex: 5+ years in IT consulting, more than half of that in a "non-engineery" profile. GMAT: 720 Interview: 21st October, Skype and voice call (6:45 AM EST!) I woke up at 6:00 AM, got all suited up, said a few encouraging words to myself, logged on, and practiced a few answers (although they didn't help much; read on to know more). I called them at 6:43 AM and simultaneously called the skype id for the video. They picked up the phone, but did not answer my skype call. If I remember correctly, as soon as I introduced myself, they told me that my first assignment would be to talk on a word they provided. I told them that there was some problem with the skype connection and wasn't getting any video that they actually opened their skype. Then they introduced themselves one by one, slowly rotating the camera so that I could see them. The panel: Ms. Hima Bandu (Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid) Mr. Kaushik (2010 Alumnus and into some entrepreneurial venture) Ms. Preeti (current student and was earlier in the healthcare industry if I remember correctly) Back to the interview, they told me that I would be given a couple of minutes to think about a word they gave and I was to speak about it for a minute or so. Truth be told, I was completely taken by surprise with this opening, because even though I've heard that ISB has this as standard procedure, I had somehow convinced myself that this would not be possible for a telephonic interview. The word I got was "proximity". Since my job profile involves a lot of conversational skills, I thought I could give an on-the-fly extempore presentation. In hindsight, that was both premature and immature. I got stuck after a few sentences and didn't know which way I could lead the topic. They realized it too, and moved on to other questions. 1. Tell me something about the work you've done in (a mega CSR initiative in which I was one of the leads). Since I prided myself on my work in this particular area, I had tons to talk about and probably rambled a bit, going of on tangents and coming back. I guess I was interrupted toward the end with the next question. The following questions may not be in the exact order, but is an approximation. 2. What do you want to do after this MBA? (Sort of like a "goals" question) 3. So you think (x profile - my short term goal) is easier to get than (y profile - my long term goal)? ---> No, but a different experience is crucial to obtain in order to excel at my long term goal. 4. Name the top three (x profile companies)! (Totally unexpected) 5. Name the top (y profile company) in India. 6. Describe your career progress thus far. (Since my role is rare for people with my profile, I described how I managed to convince my managers and others to give me the opportunity to "DO SOMETHING ELSE") 7. Your salary was initially in INR and is now in USD. How did that happen? (I gave them the spiel about how I was internally transferred to the US because I could serve the company better from here)
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ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs 8. How long have you been in the US? 9. Why ISB? Why not a US b-school, since you're already established there and have all the companies you're looking for there? 10. (This followed in response to my earlier answer...) After you graduate from ISB, if you're given a job with the highest pay in (z profile in the US), and a job with (x profile in India - my short term goal), are you saying that you'll prefer the latter? (I told them that I couldn't say offhand with just this parameter; I would have to look at many other parameters before I could deliver a verdict on my choice, but pay definitely matters) 11. What if you're offered a job in your current company? Won't they be willing to take you back. (I said they'd be delighted to take me back and I'm not averse to such an option, but I couldn't say for sure) 12. What's your favorite movie? 13. How do you keep abreast of current affairs and events? (Google Reader!) 14. So have they selected a Republican candidate? (Seemed to me like a trick question, the Republican candidacy hopefuls are furiously campaigning to get selected) 15. So what's the 9-9-9 plan? What do you know about it? 16. Let's hear some news that happened yesterday. (Gaddafi died, Indian stock market crashed, some banter about USD-INR which us folks generally keep track of <wink wink>) 17. What about today's news? (I just woke up, gimme a break!) 18. That's it from us, any questions you have for us? (We were just about reaching the half hour mark, and they decided to end it right about then. I asked them a couple of questions, they gave me the answers, and everything was wrapped up in the next 2-3 minutes) I'm sure there were a couple more questions here and there. I can't seem to recall them right now, but will add them to this post if/when I do. Overall: It seemed like a stress interview with more cross-questioning than I had expected. (They even asked me to prove that I read the news, for crying out loud!) Not sure what exactly their perception of me was, but I hope I didn't ding it, interview-wise. Nov 15th is not far away, fingers crossed until then. Hope this post helps you puys. Edit: Forgot to mention - as we were bidding goodbye to each other, a fourth person - an elderly gentleman - made his way across the camera. I guess he was there the entire duration of the interview as a silent observer. He was probably there to take notes on my general behavior on screen. P.S. This fourth man reminded me of "The Third Man" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041959/). And that reminded me of the favorite movie question. (Answer's here - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/)
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39. NAADAANBAALAK
Finally the interview day arrived and I reached ISB for the interview.I was given a word 'sacrosanct' for writing the essay.The sad part - I didnt knew the meaning of it :P But the creativity was the only thing that helped in the situation. After an hour I was called for the interview. The panel comprised of 2 men and 1 lady (Dont know if they are from Adcom or alum, introduced only with names). The shower of questions started straight away. 1. You applied last year. Did you seek feedback on your application? Me: No. I didnt...(sudenly next question, didnt get time to explain) 2. Why didnt you seek feedback? Me: Because so and so and so and so... 3. 4 things that you would get in ISB, if selected? Me: first one this..second one.... (Interviewer interrupts - But you can get this outside also, by so and so) Yes Sir, thats true but in ISB this is also there and that makes this right place. (Interviewer - Good! ) Second, third, fourth... This question was similar to why ISB (specific) and why MBA (in general). So the answer has numerous points (not limited to 4). For eg industry interaction, world class faculty, case study based learning, surrounding of top brains, networking, interaction with industry leaders, diversity in classroom... etc etc.. 4. You want to go in business development. Why do you need MBA for that? There are people without MBA and working in BD. Me: Thats right sir but number of such successes is very less as compared to MBA stories...example so and so.. hence this and that. (this time 'fine' ) TOP 5 QUESTIONS FROM ISB INTERVIEW PANEL 1. Current Job profiles (85%) 5. How has your profile changed since your last 2. Short term goals (56%) application? 3. Questions for ISB (49%) Me: Explained as written in app. 4. Why MBA? (33%) 5. Why MBA Now? /Why ISB? (22%) 6. What work you do in your organization? Me: Answered as prepared. Percentage calculated based on the interviews 7. Who is your client? experience shared by candidates of Co2013 R1. Me: X 8. What is the revenue of the organization and how many people are employed? Me: I dont know but I can guess based upon my knowledge of similar organizations. (Interviewer - go ahead) So and so based on this and that of Y company that I have worked with. 9. What are the figures for Y? Me: Answered. 9. How are you unique and why should we select you? There are number of applicants having similar profile? Me: I work this..blah blah... and hence different from other candidates. 10. Any other person in your position will do this. If he/she doesnt then its inefficiency of him/her. Me: Thats correct sir.. infact inefficiency of others are our opportunity... blah blah.. (one more 'fine' ) 11. Any questions for us.. Me: No..
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40. GAGVIRK (GMAT 740 | ENGG | IT | 8 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

I got interviewed on 29 Oct at Delhi. Interview time was 1020 hrs so i reached at 0900 hrs. got a word to write a page on -'homogenous'.. so wrote something on that.. strange word and seems others arnd me were also dithering and taking their own sweet time over it. Around 10 of us were in a large business conference room (it was at Raddisson Blu hotel) and were scribbling away merrily. and then the folks were called one by one by diff panels as per the timings an all. my turn: There were 2 gentlemen to interview me- both youngish looking chaps- def seemed to be alumni- early to mid 30s max. all questions were based on my appl only and my essays. Nothing was asked abt world/current affairs or GK or anything. Q- u have an Army backgrnd.. etc etc.. so how has this moulded you? easy enough.. i blabbered on Q- seems like u had quite an incident in Prague (something i wrote in an essay) can u elaborate on that? easy enough.. i blabbered on Q- what work are u doing currently? what is the size of the team u handle? talked abt my work.. Q- seems like u have decent work exp already (i have 7.5 yrs in the IT domain) so why an MBA for consulting now? told them why it wud help me.. and why i aint progressing at work like i'd wish Q- where do u see yrself down the line? i talked abt my short trm and long term goals .. told them kinda what i was talking abt in my essays already Q- what companies and roles are u looking at ? this one i didnt answer that well.. knew the consulting companies but not the exact role n all.. so this was a lil vague from me. Q- if yr subordinates at work had to discuss u candidly, what wud they say? i mentioned 1 positive thing abt me and 1 negative thing. (didnt wanna keep it too goody goody and say only good things Q- there is a lot of diversity at ISB amongst students n all. can u work with such grps? answered this happily abt working with diverse folks.. onsite handlings.. and outgoing nature etc Q- what will u do if 1 of the guys in yr work grp at ISB is a slacker and doesnt do anything. how will u handled this situation? will u confront him or let it slide.. etc - we discussed on this for 5 odd min.. my response. then counter ques etc.. so it was more of a to and fro discussion rather than grilling. few others ques arnd my work front and some achievements i had written and all.. since it was mostly out of my essays there were no issues in answering them. Overall it was not a grilling type of interview.. but more of the conversational types.. some answers cud have been better but overall since it was application/esaay focused it
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41. MGA (GMAT 710 | ENGG | IT | 7 YEARS)

Got interviewed yesterday on 29th Oct in Delhi. There were 8 panels, and each panel had to interview 10 applicants, so a total of 80 applicants from Delhi region got interviewed yesterday. I believe a total of 200 applicants might get interviewed from Delhi region in 4 days.(40+80+60+40). Again it's just a guess. In my panel, there were 2 people, both were Alums. The official time of my iv was 2.20, but i think the panel was running late and i got inside at 4.15 PM. Total interview time: 30-35 min(came out at 4.50) Q1. Y MBA ? Q2. Can't you proceed in your company to a pdm role without MBA? Q3: Since i talked about tablets above, the next question was Why do think tablets are being sold at such a pace? What's so good about them? Huge discussion followed on this and many cross questions were asked on different platforms, OEM's, difference in price points, consumer behavior etc. Since my prior experience is on mobile and tablets, they asked me lot of technical questions based on these platforms. Q4. What are your roles and responsibilities ? Q5. Do you lead a team? How do you motivate your team members? What is percentage of individual contribution in your role? Q6. Challenges in your job ? Q7. Questions around my company and its products. Lot of discussion and cross-questioning here. I asked couple of questions on which discussion went around for another 5 min or so. Overall, the interview experience was nice but I am little worried since both of the members on my panel were alums and no adcom member. My target was to engage them for at-least 30 min(since last time i was out in flat 13 min) and i think i achieved that. Hoping for the best and good luck to all who are yet to face their interviews.
42. EMIN3M
I got interviewed today as well in Delhi; I think my experience was on the similar lines as all of you. Stress + not the usual stuff and very particular q.s about the work profile. somethings that I had never imagined, were asked in the interview. Spontaneity beda paar karegi ya nahi, yeh toh waqt he batayega In my panel, all 3 were alums and seemed young (<30) ... good or bad for me.. 15th nov will tell
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43. ACHALENDRA (ADMIT CO2013)

Hey guys.....Just finished my interview Was today (30th)....went of OK...was more of a conversation The panel had 3 members...2alums and a prof.... Here are the questions: 1. Tell us something about your work.. Answered that easily...in detail 2. What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your work? Easy again...told them about process preparation and all 3. What about the process preparation is so challenging? Answered them about composites being a niche field and all 4. Asked me about a couple of challenging situations Answered that as well a. b. c. d. e. TRY THESE SIZING QUESTIONS How many burgers do McDonalds sell per day in your city? How many petrol bunks (gas stations) are there in your city? How many bottles of mineral water are sold in India every month? How many motor bike service centers are there in your city? What will be the sales figure for a Mercedes Benz (luxury car) in India for 1 year? What is the market size for disposable diapers in India?
f.
5. One of the alums asked me about one of specific projects from the evaluations Wasn't difficult either 6. Next they asked me whether i knew about the manner of allocation of electives at ISB.. Didn't know...so i told them that. They then told me the process in brief and asked my view on that. Specifically wanted to know the shortcomings that i could think of. 7. A couple of questions related to work again 8. Future goals Told that straight from the essay. 9. Asked me why I wanted to be a manager. Told them that I'm good at PR. 10. Why do u think u r good with people? Is it because of your speaking skills? No. Its because I'm a good listener. 11. A few other work related questions 12. Have you an idea of what electives are offered at ISB? Wasn't aware..and told them that. Said I needed more prep but couldn't do it because of work pressures. Said I had time till Aprill 2012, so that shud work...:-D 13. What if ISB doesn't have an elective that you want? I said its not possible. And even if it so happens, there's always the exchange program. 14. Any questions for us? I asked what student life at ISB is like? they told me about the hectic schedules but also that its super-exciting. On the whole, an easy-going interview. Went off decently well. Predominantly focused on my work, so was comparatively smooth sailing. Now keeping my fingers crossed for the D-Day!!!
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44. MBAHELP11 (GMAT 700 | ENGG | EDUCATION | 3 YEARS)

My interview was on 28th at Delhi. Panel 2. 3 people. 2 Alums & one from Adcom. The one from Adcom was from IIT-Kgp (1990 batch). It was a general discussion more than anything else. First they asked me when I reached Delhi from Jaipur. As I came from Agra & not Delhi they asked me the reason for it. Than they asked me whether I like the idea of coaching institutes & what is my view on Mr. Narayan Murthy's views that 80% of the IIT grads are unemployable. I told them about my views (everyone has their own views). Than they asked me the purpose of an exam that was conducted by our company. I told them it is to let student know their orientation. Than one of the alums who was a doctor asked me whether I have heard the name of a movie. I told him no. Than he told me that the movie talks about a technology where they will take the blood sample at the time of the birth & tell us when we will have troubles in life like heart attack etc. They asked me whether I agree of this technology & would I recommend say to my grandchildren to use this tech. I told them that every technology has gud & bad side like the nuclear tech. It varies from individual to individual to use the technology or not. I cannot give generalized statement for all, but in my case I would not recommend the use of such tech. They asked me than in my case will u recommend. I said no, but the final call will be urs. Than they asked me to mention 2 things that my team member will say -ve about me. Than they asked me why my team members visit school. Than they asked for a role play where they are school principals of Mayo, Ajmer & asked me to sell our school integrated program. I think I made some convincing remarks there. Then there was some discussion on the social activities that I was involved with. Finally, they asked me to ask question if any for them.
45. MAVENIK
Just cant sleep. So I thought at least I can help fellow applicants. Jus had my interview. Interviewers were Chakrapani and Naveen. 30 min interview.. Went as follows: Q1: How did Icontribute to the success of my company? Q2: One of the interviewers had worked on Semi-active vehicular suspension. Asked me how I thought it worked. Sort of related to my work. Q3: Why ISB? Q4: Why MBA? Q5: Why not in the US? Q6: How will you contribute to the ppl here. There might be chartered accountants, etc. Q7: Any Questions? Asked them how many case studies are pertaining to Indian businesses as opposed to non-Indian. One of them said my answer was vague to Q6. Overall, I felt that they were not convinced as to why I wanted to come back and get and MBA.
46. GMATGMAT40
Just finished with my interview : Total time : 18min. intl / 710 / 5 years total /semiconductor Started with introduction, what you did in this project, why don't you grow in your field, why MBA, what do you do in your pass time, any example of you resolving conflicts within your team, any question for us. Sometimes I was fluent in my answers, sometimes I goofed up. Overall I think it went like a flash. Does it happen with everyone : that you feel "Oh,I could have said this or that for that question ??
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47. TATERWAY (GMAT 740 | ENGG | CIVIL | 3 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

I/V in Delhi on 30th. Panel : 1 (1 M,2 L). Profile (Male/Civil Engineering/Roads and Highway Sector/2.5 years/GMAT 740). One Word Essay (About 50 Words) : Pen M : So you have travelled extensively across the country..Where all have you been to.. Ans : Covered the entire northern and Eastern region.. L : So what do you think is the difference between people in Himachal and J&K Ans : As they both share borders ,not much of a difference in cultures..but between say Assam and J&K there are differences as the perceptions are different..explained with reasons L : So you believe there is not much of a difference between Himachal and J&K People Ans No mam POPULATION OF MAJOR CITIES a. India 1200 million L No exposure to the south b. Delhi 13 million Ans : Have been to south as a traveller but haven't lived for a long period. c. Mumbai 14 million d. Bangalore 8 million M : So what is this bridge you have talked in your essay... e. Kolkata 5 million A : Went up to the board to explain it..drew a diagram..explained how f. Chennai 5 million the forces were acting etc etc g. Hyderabad 4 million h. Your State - __________ M : So what's the practical application of such a kind of bridge i. Your City - ___________ A : Explained that since it's made of paper can't use it's practically but it's an attempt to show that Civil Engineering has no limits of innovation..gave example of how army uses bamboo sticks to make bridges.. M : So can we use bamboo in this kind of a truss A : No, gave reasons L : Already doing Project Management Role,why MBA A : Explained about holistic learing and different persective (Gave examples of studying with Armymen,Doctors) L : Asked details about Budgets and Billing Schedule (BS)../How did you distribute it../Whats your innovation into it..(Loads of questionning,must be around 10 mins on this) A : Answered..Explained the innovation part in it.. M: If the BS was good then why hasn't one of your recommenders not mentioned it.. A : I am surprised he hasn't (I hope the other one has as he said ne of them) M : What companies you are targeting and why A : Answerd M : What other course can you do & from where A : Answered M : Any professional body you know of which is doing well in Project Management training A : Can't recall a particular name M : Heard of PMI A : Explained about PMP courses and why havent done the same til date.. M : Why couldnt you recall it/ Do you know who does the maximum PMP in India A : Answered (Said certianly not Civil Engineers,he said right it's people from the IT background..Why so can you tell me..said "perhaps a lot of people are not aware about it"
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M: Any other sector you are looking at apart from Construction post MBA A : No.. M: But MBA is not just about project management..infact we don't have a infra related course.. A :told about the upcoming center at Mohali and as it going to be fuctional in 2014,would want to be part of the team that establishes it as I can give an insider perspective on that.. L : yes yes you are correct.. L : So do you have any questions for us A : Asked Then the bomber M : before I answer your question , I have a point to make,I think you should reconsider doing an MBA A : Tld him that I respect his opinion ...Another round of 10 mins discussion on why PMP is not sufficient (Not Classroom program etc etc..).. Lasted almost 45-50 minutes. Can't make much out of the last 10 minutes. Hope it helps..feedback from fellow pgs can settle some nerves.
48. NEUTON85 (GMAT 700 | ENGG | BANKING | 5 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

I had my i/v yesterday.. one adcom and two alums... 1. talk us thru your acheivement #1 2. more questions on achvmnt #1 - i had a feeling that the first alum was trying to show off his knowledge in the sector.. some of his qns had no correlation to my work.. i tried to explain this to him.. most other questions were very relevant.. 3. asked abt my prevs job in detail... 4. asked abt my current job in detail.. explained challenges and scope for future.. 5. why isb ? more questions on why isb.. 6. asked abt for ideas for business opportunities in financial inclusion.. i had mentioned that i had a few ideas to experiment with in the goals essay.. 7. asked if there was something not in the app that i may want to tell them - spoke abt my interest in a particular subject.. and whether courses are avlbl in isb.. (he gave an example of the hockey captain from ISB - its like the hockey captain is like ISB's permanent USP now !) 8 . questions for us - asked a few. .done overall i was happy with a lot of the questions.. gave me the opportunity to talk abt the stuff that i wanted to highlight.. some questions were inane.. they were trying to quantify my projects in terms of money.. maybe they tried to get a grasp of the amt of investment that i was held accountable for..
49. BY MANISHKRIS (GMAT 780 | ENGG | ANALYST | 4 YEARS)

I know this is coming super late. Profile: IT (engineering for 2yrs, Business Analyst for 1.5 yrs, ). GMAT:780. GPA:7.3. NITT. Good ECs. But for the benefit of late R1 interviewees and R2 candidates... here's my interview experience. The interview was pretty chatty. I think I spoke too much Date: Oct 2 , Duration: 30 mins, Interviewers: 2 alums. I forget their names. 10 mins about an extra-curricular venture 10 mins about my job profile, problem solving experiences 8 mins on a guesstimate problem "How many barbers are there in Bangalore" (refer page 38 for ans) 2 mins on.. "Any questions for us"
nd
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50. VKB001
I have been a silent spectator of this forum for over a month now. Wanted to share my thoughts about ISB and the interview experience. I have been invited for an interview in Oct and it was not a good experience. Mainly for two reasons, that were totally out of my control. (1) I was the last to be interviewed that day (last on the list bearing candidates' names). I was allotted a panel and was waiting for them to call me. The interview process was one hour behind schedule. I was startled to see my panel members leave with suitcases (they were alumni who wanted to catch a flight back). I was then allotted a different panel which was then running 1.5 hrs behind schedule. (2) I was the last one. Everyone else either left or were already in the interview rooms for over 15 mins. Eventually, I was called in. I could sense the panel members' rushing to get done with the interview. They asked me about my work and my pay (the answer to which raised their eye-brows and they thought I was lying). Two questions done and they moved on to asking me puzzles!!! I felt I was sitting in Microsoft's interview. I was approaching the solution but was put another question. I wasn't given the time to even think. They were like hungry wolves waiting for words to drop off my mouth. No sooner had I answered (a sub-optimal answer), that one guy said the interview's done. Four questions and the interview's done!!! Hardly ten minutes. No questions like "Why ISB? Why MBA now?..." I felt like I have been cheated. I flew all the way from Bangalore and they could have put some more time to listen to me and why I thought of some solutions the way I answered, why I wanted to do an MBA, why I felt ISB was a great place to achieve my dream. I felt the "ETHICS" part of their job was missing. This entire experience enlightened me. I am not in for ISB even if they shortlist me. A panel leaves even before doing its job, the other panel wants to finish off with the interview. The term "world-class" is evident only in ISB's infrastructure - only in body and not in soul. I am sorry if I seem like a maverick or some sort of guy who's crying for not doing his interview well. But, this is ground reality and I felt I need to post this to make people here aware of such alumni. And I really dont care if some of you throw your curse words on me. My advise for the rest of you guys, be prepared for the worst. And if you get selected, years later, when you interview candidates, try not to be like your seniors, even if it means missing a flight.
51. THISGUY (GMAT 720 | ENGG | IT | 10 YEARS)

So finally I am done with my interview. Here is how it went. Total number of candidates interviewed today was 78 (I checked in the list). Before lunch the essay word was "Verdict" and post lunch it was "Goal". I wrote it for "Goal". A person came to call me and introduced himself on the way to room. There were total 3. Remaining 2 introduced themselves and there was a round of handshakes. I don't really know but I think 2 were alumni and one was faculty. Whole of discussion was on my essays. No general topic and no puzzles this time. The interview lasted around 45 minutes. I went in around 2:15 (was scheduled for 2 PM) and came out at 2:57. Conversation started with where I am staying in Hyderabad and whether I had lunch or not. After the general stuff done with... the questions started on essay. As almost all the questions were specific to my essays I will not post the exact questions but the questions were of 1. How did you accomplish your achievement #1? 2. What are your roles and responsibilities in your company and more specifically how did you accomplish achievement #2? 3. What are the challenges you have faced in leading team? 4. I had talked about retail in essays so was asked what are the challenges in retail in India? 5. How has your role changed in last one year and how effort you have made in order to bring that change? That's all about it. One of the advantages of getting interview call late is that I don;t have to wait long for final results.
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52. CHHOTASAKEEL
Had my interview today morning at ISB campus, there were 5 panels (nearly if not all with 3 members each).. Here is my interview experience (total time 30 mins): 1. Introduce yourself 2. Difference between current and earlier role 3. Why has your company has not been doing well over the past year and a half? 4. Example from your work where you resolved a conflict - Counter question based on the reply... 5. You have mentioned innovation, give and example of where you innovated and how it helped 6. Who do you believe are going to be main competitors for your company in the next 3-5 years and why? 7. Why do you want to do an MBA 8. What will you do if your goal of getting selected for a Biz consultancy does not work out 9. You had applied last time as well. Why did it not work out at that time. 10. Any questions for us? Mine was the first interview for the panel for the day, it was conducted in a very pleasant manner (which I am told and also know by experience can often mean a bomb on results day ) The interview questions were primarily aimed at probing my business knowledge for my industry (perhaps because my profile is techno consultant+presales) . Good luck to other fellow applicants... happy to help if anyone needs any assistance.
53. RAHULSAHAYA (GMAT 700 | ENGG | AUTO | 5 YEARS)

Done with my interview today...there were two alums - a boy n a gal... it started with a goof-up as the gal asked if i was aware of my evaluations and i said yes (mistaking evaluations for my last yr feedback i gt from ISB)...but i immediately clarified that n then the actual interview started.. 1) they asked abt the feedbaki got 2) why MBA and then the next 10-15 mins on cross questioning on my answers 3) slowly they moved towards questions on automotive industry (i work for an automotive company) 4) my current roles and responsibilities 5) how my subordinates see me at work 6) if i wud like to ask something (bole to the end of the interview) overall they gave me sufficient time to ans their questions and the atmosphere was very friendly...now m keeping my entire body crossed for the results...
Interview Tip: Approximately 20% of the Co2013 R1 candidates were asked work on a case study (based on area of work experience) in interview. Use this link to practice case study online - http://goo.gl/zK3bE. Below are the steps to approach a case study (from Case in Point by Marc P. Cosentino). 1. Listen to the question 2. Take notes 3. Summarize the question 4. Understand the objective 5. Ask clarifying questions 6. Organize your answer 7. Work your numbers 8. Manage your time 9. Be creative 10. Bring closure and summarize
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54. DHANANJAY1203 (GMAT 680 | ENGG | SALES | 3 YEARS)

hello everyone !! just had my interview yest. gmat : 680 , wex 2 yrs 8 mths as on mar 2012. - b.tech etrx 2 alums and one adcom. ( m1, m2 , m3 ) m1 : u r from it background right me : no sir , i did electronics engg. core electronics m1 : how come u moved from core engg to sales and marketing ? me : gave some gyaan of ec activities in coll , took a profile which was a blend of both.... m2 : which all prodcts u sell...how ur company is ?? ur profile...then he grilled me on my competitors , how do i sell ? value addtion etc.. me : gave a lot of gyaan on this...this section lasted abt 10 mins m1 : so u have mentioned abt roi and project report in ur appln ...can u do a rough calculation for us ? HOW MANY BARBERS ARE THERE IN BANGALORE? a. Total population = 8 mn b. Males 50% = 4 mn c. > 18 years 50% of b = 2 mn m3 : why do u think samsung has become an d. Total hair cuts required = 2 mn * (52 weeks/8) = 13 mn indistry leader in tvs ?? e. Total barbers = 13 mn/2600 = 5000 Assumptions me : gave some gyaan on consumer behavior I. A person requires hair cut required once in 8 weeks and how samsung is able to establish that II. A barber performs 50 haircuts per week. Total 2600 (50 * connect with the audience. drew some diagram 52) per year and explained. me : did on paper ....showed him some baisc numbers...i wish i had done that in more detail...however...sliipped out of my mind.. m2 : what do u want to do after isb? me : told them strategic consulting and den eventually set my own business up. m3 : ur to broad. be specific... me : ok. so i want to do strategic consulting and help org.develop their business and grow it to a sustainable level... m2 : what if u dont get strategic consulting. me : where there is a will there is a way...so i will try my best to get in...but if dont...will take up role similar to the same...budiness dev in an org will teach me all thts reqd to learn abt setting up my own business venture. m2 : when do u intend to set up ur own business>> u ve mentioned longterm? what is tht ?? 50 yrs ?? me : no sir...8-10 years post mba. m2 : what kind of business me : told him to be very honesh havent planned by bv yet..coz i feel i am not ready to venture out yet.the realisation has been very late...so went ahead and told how i realised i wanted to do my own business.. m1 : he talked abt some stuff in my undergrad... me ; gave a gen answer... panel : do i have any questions ? i asked on wgcp and exchange program.so it wasnt a stress interview, it was ok..they are warm.
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55. TRAVELLERSOUL (GMAT 700 | MS | MANUFACTURING | 5 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

I was interviewed today at ISB. I confirmed, today was the last day for R-1 interviews. 41 applicants were interviewed today. (Everyone I met was a re-applicant!) Topic (post-lunch): 'Role' 2 members: a prof (or some1 from ad-com) and an alum. 1. Tell us abt yourself. 2. Where have you learnt scuba diving? How many times have you dived? Max. depth? Favourite spot so far? 3. Tell us everything about your business - what's the product, what's the size, who are the competitors, what's the initiative you talked abt in essay-1, and what's the future? (the alum kept on raising his hand and asked questions in between - with no intention to grill me) 4. Asked me about a product I want to initiate. 5. Senior guy: seems like you have done an excellent job in your business, you already are on the right track... why MBA? (This was the question where I said something and he cross questioned a bit then I said something and before I give some strong example, he looked at the watch and said "Okay.. we are done") I have no idea if I could convince them about why MBA part! I wish I could have finished that answer! (not that I would be completely satisfied with my interview later on!) Lasted about 20-25 minutes! ATB to everyone waiting for final results!
56. WANDERINGSOLACE (GMAT 740 | ENGG | IT | 5 YEARS)

R1 re-applicant / 740 GMAT / 4.5 years of experience in Technology and General Management across Family Business,an Investment Bank and an Indian Telecom Company / Good EC / Excellent(school times) to Avg(college times) Academics. An all -alumni 3 member panel .All of them very cordially introduced themselves to me. Here's how my interview went Alum1 : Where are you travelling from currently ? Me : Cleared some confusion as my latest place of work was put in wrongly in the app .(obv my fault) Alum2 : Asked about my current role and project .initiatives i have taken here Me :answered Alum3 :Asked me to explain my career transition from technology to General management and why still an MBA now Me : explainable all job transitions and answered why still i need an MBA Alum 2: Asked about the significant achievement i had mentioned and asked for another scenario where i had achieved results through similar means Me : answered .Though the second scenario i spoke out was nt a very strong example( very contextual) Alum 1: Asked about the second achievement in detail and learnings derived from the experience Me: answered Alum3 : asked about volleyball and my role in my team . Me : Have played in a national level tourney .Explained. Alum 1: any plans to go back to the family business Me : Put a no forward with reasons . Alum3 : asked for two strengths and two weaknesses in very convoluted language Me : answered .One of my weaknesses is that i tend to forget ppl's names if i have nt had a detailed interaction with them .I could very nicely prove it to them when they asked me to repeat their names .I remembered just one and could not map the face to the name (embarrassing .:-|) Asked if i have any questions .I asked one and they all answered it nicely. The interview lasted about 2530 minutes(better than the 70 minute grilling interview i had 2 years back )
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57. SF1161 (GMAT 740 | MARKETING | 3 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

Apologies for the late post (as I'm not much of a pg-user and the past couple of weeks have been quite a roller-coaster ride). I thought I'd share my R1 interview exp. in case it helps. I hope I'm not too late! My background: F/24/2.5-3 yrs work exp. Marketing in the education industry GMAT 740 I was asked to write the 100-word essay on the word 'Goal' which was easy enough. The panel was running a bit late, and I was one of the last people to interview. Here are the questions they asked me (not particularly in that order): - Give us a brief introduction about your career. - What does your company do? MY INTERVIEW TIP - Does it also do corporate training? Dont over prepare and be - What is the split between your public and corporate training courses? YOURSELF in the interview! - You've written about <an initiative I had mentioned in my achievements essay>, tell us a little about that. - How did you convince the management about this initiative considering it was not profitable? (I pointed out here that it was profitable, but not in a direct manner.) - You've gained leadership experience in the past year. Tell us about challenges you have faced. - What are your responsibilities at work? - Tell us about your favourite marketing campaign at work. - Asked about my role in the campaign or if it was done through an agency. - Asked about any recent marketing campaign that I particularly liked. - A lot of candidates mix up Sales and Marketing. Can you tell me the difference? - Why MBA, why ISB? - You're a re-applicant, what has changed since then? - ISB is hectic. Have you thought about how you will handle the academic rigor? - A bit about my future goal. How will you understand the Indian consumer culture as you haven't lived here? - What if companies think that you don't fit and you don't get any offers in the marketing function in these companies? - Any questions? All in all, the interview had a nice flow to it, and was very normal. It was like speaking with colleagues and the panel had a very conversational/informal demeanor. None of those stress i/v tactics. They genuinely just wanted to get a sense of your professional experiences and fit for the school. My advice to R2 shortlisted candidates is the same as many may have mentioned before: 1) Don't be nervous. You've been shortlisted because they spotted something they liked in your application, so you're already on the right track. 2) Spend a day or two writing down all the possible questions you can think of that they could ask, based on past i/v experiences, your field, future goals, essays etc. and roughly think of what you would answer. 3) Don't over-prepare or rehearse answers word for word. Not only will you sound silly, but this may cause you to become nervous and freak out if there's an odd-ball question. Accept and expect that there will be unexpected and spontaneous questions. Keep a cool head and answer as you would've in a normal conversation. 4) Don't fib. If you aren't sure about something, be honest w/o undermining your abilities/worth of course (by saying something like I don't know yet, but I sure will find out!). 5) Always talk about your employers/boss/challenges/team/country in positive light. Even if there may have been friction, focus on the good and the resolution. Also, always maintain integrity and ethics. 6) Be to the point. Answer the question. 7) Clear your mind completely on the day of the interview. Be fresh as a baby, and don't mull over consequences/odds etc. Have faith that everything happens for the best. Relax 8 ) Most importantly - BE YOURSELF!
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ISB 2013 R1 Debriefs

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ISB 2013 R1 Debriefs

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ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

(Compilation of over 50 interviews from PG) Dec 6, 2011

INSIDE THIS GUIDE

To all the ISB aspirants of 2013 and of future!

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

HYDERABAD CITY GUIDE

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB CO2013 R1 INTERVIEW SNAPSHOT DATA ANALYTICS by saads1999

How many folks in the interview panels?

Who were taking interviews?

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs What is the average time of an ISB interview?

How do candidates rate their interview experience?

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

BREAK UP OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ASKED FOR R1 APPLICANTS Questions Votes %

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

TYPES OF ISB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

1. ADIMAN (GMAT 750 | MS | IT ENGR | 7 YEARS)

2. GURMUKH SINGH (ADMIT CO2013)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

10. CRAZYDIAMOND23 (GMAT 720 | ENGG | BANKING | 3 YEARS)

And yeah, the word for the essay was 'wolf'.

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

11. PAWANVERMA (ADMIT CO2013)

12. HPETOGET (GMAT 730 | ENGG | IT | 6 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

13. THEMANGOMAN (ADMIT CO2013)

14. SUP9 (GMAT 700 | ENGG | 4 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

16. TOPAL (ENGG | IT | 4 YEARS | ADMIT C02013)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

19. AP81 (GMAT 640 | ENGG | POWER | 7 YEARS)

21. PGPX13 (GMAT 720 | ENGG | POWER | 7 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

24. NIKHILTB (GMAT 750 | ENGG | CONSULTING | 5 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

25. CHIPS08 (GMAT 660 | ENGG/MS | ENERGY | 8 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

27. SD111880 (ADMIT CO2013)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

28. RA62156 (GMAT 740 | ENGG | IT | 6 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

34. AWADH123 (GMAT 740 | CA | BANKING | 4 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

38. SHASHKRISH (GMAT 720 | ENGG | IT | 5 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

40. GAGVIRK (GMAT 740 | ENGG | IT | 8 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

41. MGA (GMAT 710 | ENGG | IT | 7 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

43. ACHALENDRA (ADMIT CO2013)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

44. MBAHELP11 (GMAT 700 | ENGG | EDUCATION | 3 YEARS)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs

47. TATERWAY (GMAT 740 | ENGG | CIVIL | 3 YEARS | ADMIT CO2013)

ISB Co2013 R1 Debriefs