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MBA Interview Questions – How to prepare for an interview (Part II)

Praqtise — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 10:42:45 +0000

Are the MBA entrance exams not enough? Why oh why do we have interviews?!

Despite being a long journey in itself, an MBA entrance exam is just the beginning. They serve the purpose of filtering the total number of applicants to a manageable size. This smaller crowd is then put through more tests to see if they are indeed the real deal. An interview is generally the final step in this process. This usually small interaction reveals more to the selectors than any other part of the admission process. The prospect of facing MBA interview questions however, does seem scary to many.

The following conversation between two fellow candidates portrays some of those fears, and a possible approach for resolving them:

Milind: I keep wondering all the time, what is it that the interviewers will ask me? There are just so many things in my CV. I don’t know what to do.

Mahesh: Well, being so negative will certainly not help… you need to apply yourself more objectively…

Milind: Well, it’s easy to just say that! We all know how weird and outlandish the MBA interview questions can be.

Mahesh: You are obsessing about the trick questions too much. Should you not first try and tell your story to the interviewers?

Milind: What do you mean?

Mahesh: That’s what they are looking for! Why you chose that particular stream for undergrad? What do you think about your job? What things are you passionate about? Are you simply following the herd or are you pursuing MBA with a purpose?

Milind: Wow! I never thought of it that way. Guess I should work on my story first!

MBA Interview Questions- Are you conditioned or are you thinking?

Put yourself in the shoes of a selector. As an interview candidate, you are one among hundreds of potentially good ones. That is why you made it so far. However, now they have to choose between comparable and more or less deserving candidates. They are looking for something beyond the facts and figures.

A candidate who is simply going through the motions will not convince the selectors. An interviewee needs to convince the selectors that

His/her choice for pursuing MBA is not an accident or involuntary, but a conscious one
He/she sees MBA as a part of bigger journey, which started in college and will continue into their professional life
He/she means what they say about themselves, through their profile/CV

As an aspirant, you must be wondering how to make this happen. The tips for interview given below will help you organise your preparation.

Let’s talk about academics!

The interviewers will mostly focus more on recent academics. The MBA interview questions will probe your choice of graduation (or post-graduation), professional certifications etc. The idea here is simple- cover all your basics. The interviewers are trying to assess how much have you actually learnt.

The answer to ‘Why this stream of studies?’ need not be grand and beautiful. Interviewers realise that students do not have adequate foresight after completing 12^th They are bound to be influenced by parents, peers or their own ease with different subjects during school/junior college. Give an honest answer.
Cover the basics of all subjects. In simple words, you should have a concise and convincing reply for ‘What was your key learning in XYZ subject?’
Do not ignore the not-so-likeable subjects, especially the boring ones

Fresh graduates should take this aspect very seriously. Their academic record is the one substantial professional aspect that interviewers can examine.

How to portray your professional life?

Two words matter here- the bigger picture. Let’s see what that means:

This is a no-brainer, but explain the significance of your role within the organisations. How did your projects/initiatives impact the organisation? What was the significance of your achievements/awards? When talking about awards/achievements, you have the chance to direct the interview to the ‘how’ aspect. This can put in a position of advantage.
Develop an understanding about your company and the industry it is in. Do not focus only on the specifics of your job role. Try and understand the role you play in the larger scheme of things.
You may have picked a particular job only for the salary. There is nothing wrong or unjustifiable about it. State the facts objectively. You can say that you wanted to make the most of the earning opportunity. Explain how this choice has improved the quality of your life.
For many of us, our current jobs are simply those that were the ‘best option available’ at the time of seeking. There is no need to be nervous about this. Do not focus on the lack of options, focus on your learning.

Even if you are not happy with your current job, do not stress on the negatives. MBA is your gateway to better opportunities. The interviewers realise this. They would prefer a person who made the most of circumstances over someone who wants to keep blaming them.

What about hobbies/interests?

The most important thing is to be genuine. Hobbies and interests can help a candidate truly standout. MBA interview questions pertaining to them do not require extensive preparation. Speaking about something you are passionate about should come very naturally.

Be careful of the ‘I love reading’ trap. It is alright to not be a voracious reader. If you are not into reading avidly, it is unlikely that you would bring it up. If the question does surface, be genuine and only talk about books/content that you have truly read and value.
Do not compare interests or extra-curricular activities. For instance, one might feel that playing a musical instrument beats being a foodie. This is not the case. The interviewers would want to see the intensity of your passion for food. Show them how sincerely you pursue food; don’t worry about not being able to play a guitar.
Be specific- everyone loves ‘music’. Not everyone loves ‘classic rock’, or ‘jazz’, or ‘carnatic music’ or ‘Kishore Kumar’. This goes a long way in showing that your interests are genuine and not just namesake.

Interview preparation for current affairs/business/economy

As a candidate, preparation for this aspect must have begun much earlier (for general awareness section). For the interview, try and develop a perspective rather than just knowing facts. Selectors will want to know what your opinion is and why.

Try and understand current issues objectively. Read reports/write-ups from different sources. Look at both sides of an argument. This way you would have a fuller understanding of the issue, and be able to justify your stand better.
If the interviewers bring up an issue that you are unfamiliar with, do not panic. State calmly that you do not know about the topic. The interviewers might try to pressurise you, but you can turn the situation around. Tell the interviewers to share some basic information, so that you can provide an instinctive opinion about the topic. You can say that this will help in gauging what kind of general perception is likely to build up for the topic.
Do not prepare for general awareness without discussing with friends. It is very easy for you to skip or miss out on something important, despite keeping track of events daily. Regular, small discussions can help you cover more topics and more information in shorter span of time. However, be sure to verify the facts cited in such discussions, do not go by hearsay.

Why MBA and the bigger picture?

This is a very meaningful aspect of the interview. One can consider this to be among the make or break questions. However, answering this question is easier than it seems.

Most of us decide to pursue MBA with the aim of getting into a specific business domain (eg. HR, marketing, sales etc.). Develop some practical insights about the domain, preferably by talking to professionals from the field. Let the interviewers know that you have done the groundwork.
Being specific improves the quality of your answers, for ex, stating marketing versus saying branding strategy. Freshers may find it difficult to narrow down preferences greatly, but it is always better to not have vague perceptions. After all, doing appropriate research before beginning your course will ultimately benefit you.
Interviewers usually pose the ‘Where do you see yourself in X years?’ question as well. There is no need to come up with a fanciful or creative reply. Be confident, yet show sensibility. Structure your answer in terms of goals for short term, medium term and long term. A short term goal can be landing the right job; in the medium term you can talk about leading a division; and of course the long term aim can be senior leadership position or an entrepreneurial venture.

The above tips will help you structure your interview preparation better. Further, there are some essentials relating to grooming and body language that you must take care of.

What is your approach on tackling the MBA interview questions? Is there any aspect that we have missed? Please let us know in the comments.

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5 Success Stories of Students Against IIM Interview Questions

Praqtise — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 10:08:31 +0000

Suresh and Naresh are two friends that had always dreamt of joining an IIM. For Suresh this dream became a reality as se secured an admission into IIM Ahmedabad but Naresh was not as fortunate. But he was not disheartened and decided to take a second crack at it in a year. He never had much problem with CAT exam, but the IIM interview questions were the stuff his nightmares were made of.

Before the IIM interviews of the following year, Suresh decided to help out his friend by sharing not only his experience but experiences of some his classmates and friends as well. This was a huge help to Naresh because of which he was able to secure an IIM admission.

IIM Interview

To preface this, yes we do understand the obvious fact that not everyone has the same experiences and yes we also know that not everyone handles a situation in the same manner. But learning about how others were successful in a similar, if not exact, situation would be immensely helpful. Learning from other’s experiences with IIM interview question would help you in developing a baseline regarding the MBA interview questions & answers, so that you prepare accordingly.

Success Stories

We will tell you about the experiences of 5 people that achieved success with IIM interview questions. We would not be disclosing names and other confidential information (similar to witness protection). Only relevant information including some of the question and responses will be included. These experiences will definitely help you with your own IIM interview.

Story #1

A current student at IIM Ahmedabad revealed that the interviewers ascertain whether the candidates can comprehend and adapt to a

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situation and their ability of thinking on their feet. She was asked on a variety of topics. A general theme, however, was asking questions on current affairs related to her field of interest.

Highlight of the interview: Since the applicant was from Delhi, the interviewers asked her whether Delhi should be given statehood or not. The reply of the candidate was that the presence of central government in Delhi would make it difficult but she did recommend transferring more authority to the Delhi government.

Story #2

A funny anecdotal story is relayed by a friend of the selected candidate. The interviewers gave the candidate a task, before asking any of the conventional IIM interview questions,

The candidate was asked during the interview by one of the interviewers to sell the interviewer’s laptop which had a market price of 70,000 Rs. at a very high price than the market price. The candidate was thrown off at first but then wrote his phone number and gave it to the panellist. After that he took the laptop and left the room. The interviewer worriedly called the candidate after a few hours. The candidate picked up the call and answered “Sir sorry for the inconvenience caused. But if you want your laptop back please pay Rs 1,00,000”. The candidate was selected.

Story #3

Rohan Jain, eventually an IIM A student, had also appeared for an interview for IIM Kozhikode. He was asked to explain the relation between his size of shoe and CAT scores. The student was stumped by the question (obviously) but then recovered enough to answer the IIM interview question by pointing out that coefficient can be used to prove no correlation between the two.

Highlight of the interview– the interviewers sometimes do not look for prepared answers instead pose random question to throw candidates off and ascertain who are best suited for IIM.

Story #4

This anecdote pertains to a student who cleared the IIM interview questions to get into IIM Calcutta. The student was clear about the areas he was comfortable with and areas that he needed to avoid. He found that even though one of the interviewer had a strict demeanour but still laughed at a faux pas that made everyone, including the student himself, in the room laugh. But the interviewer did come back to gauge his technical prowess.

Highlight of the interview: The applicant’s family owns a business in the tourism sector. This led the interviewers to have a debate with the applicant on the ethics of tourism. This particular strategy was to examine the experience of the student and gather their ability to adapt under pressure.

Story #5

The last success story we have is of a boy with excellent academic record. His experience with IIM questions was also pleasant. Looking at his grades one might think that the questions would revolve around academics. But it wasn’t the case as they did not dwell on it too much. The candidate was instead asked more about his hobbies and life experiences in general. We can say that as the academic prowess of the student was obvious, the panellists were keener on knowing about the other aspects of his personality.

Highlight of the Interview: The interview was routine and so were the questions but at the end of the interview the interviewers displayed their jovial side by asking the applicant to take a cashew despite his hand being full of toffee and cookie.

Analysis of IIM Interviews

One can expect the pattern of interview to keep changing with candidates. The interviewers get a lot of cues from the resume, profile and the candidate’s behaviour in person. They would usually try to learn more about the candidate by probing them in different ways.

Here are some of the areas which might be touched upon during IIM interview:

Forget VAT remember WAT (Writing Ability Test)

Your WAT should not only be up to the mark but you should also remember what you wrote. More often than not the IIM interview questions revolve around the topic. Hence, you must be able to justify your opinion.

Interests matter

Don’t mention interests just because it sounds impressive. Even if you have read up on it, it could backfire. The interviewers could ask questions that are not general but a corollary of a theme or a philosophical aspect. Be genuine and the process would be a lot easier for you.

We know that you can’t help feel overwhelmed but there is no need to be nervous. Stick to your opinion (not unfounded ones) and back it up with concrete facts and irrefutable logic.

What are your biggest concerns about facing the MBA admission interview? The experts at Praqtise would be glad to suggest solutions. Please let us know in the comments.

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Is it worth taking a one-year drop for CAT?

Praqtise — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:28:03 +0000

Manoj and Swati have cleared MBA entrance examinations with good percentile and have begun getting calls from many of the top B-schools in India. However, neither Manoj nor Swati have secured a call from the B-school where they want to study. Manoj plans to take a one-year drop for CAT and other MBA entrance examinations. The following is a conversation between Manoj and Swati:

Manoj: Hey, Swati, how are you?

Swati: I am fine, how are you?

Manoj: I am fine too, but I am a little worried because I haven’t gotten a call from either of the top IIMs, which is where I wanted to study.

Swati: Yes, even I am a little worried because even I haven’t gotten a call from the IIMs. However, I have received numerous calls from the newly opened IIMs and many other B-schools across India.

Manoj: Yes, even I have received numerous calls from the other IIMs and most other B-schools. However, I don’t think I am going to accept the calls. I think I will take a one-year drop for CAT and appear for CAT and other MBA entrance examinations again. I will surely get into one of the top IIMs if I have more time to prepare.

Swati: Let me stop you right there. My mother tells me that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Do you understand what it means?

Manoj: Of course, I know what it means. But I have always wanted to study in one of the top IIMs, and that is where I will study, even if it means a one-year gap after graduation.

Swati: You may be making the right call for yourself, but I think I will accept an admission into the best B-school into which I get admitted. I don’t want to waste another year going through the same repetitive routine every day. I believe, even after graduating from a slightly inferior B-school, I can capitalize on the entire year, instead of taking a gap year for CAT, toiling it away.

To drop or not to drop, that is the question!

This is the case with most students who do not get accepted into the B-schools of their choice. However, is it a wise decision to wait another year in the pursuit to secure an admission into an institute of your choice? Or is it a more prudent decision to accept an admission into a slightly inferior B-school and capitalize on the time that you would otherwise toil away. Some believe that taking a gap year for CAT and other MBA entrance examinations and getting into a B-school of their choice will open a world of fortune to them. Others think that waiting another year to get into a marginally better B-school would not make much of a difference.

There is no decisive answer to this question. It is entirely based upon the thought process of every individual. No one choice is better than the other – both the choices have their advantages and their disadvantages. You are the best judge of what is a better option for you out of the two. However, after reading this blog, you might have a better answer to the question than you had before. This blog will provide a better understanding of the gap year after college pros and cons as well.

One-year drop for CAT – Is it worth the wait?

Taking a gap year for CAT is often a risky choice because of the uncertainty involved. If you wait for another year, there is no guarantee that you will score better than before. Even if you score better, what if the others score better than you? If that happens, there are chances that you will score lower percentile than before. Another risk is that even if you get an interview call from the B-school of your choice, you might have to learn how to explain gap year in MBA interview. There are workarounds to this question, but it is sure to arise in the interview, and you must have a satisfactory answer for the interviewer. Here are some points that you should consider if you plan to take a one-year drop for CAT and other MBA entrance examinations to get into a better B-school.

Prioritize top B-school based on your percentile

After the results of the entrance examinations are out, make an exhaustive list of colleges which will accept you based on your percentile. Narrow down to a list of five or ten top B-school which are likely to accept your application based on your scores. If you get into either of the colleges from your list, then there is no scope to drop a year and apply again next year. If you plan to take a one-year drop for CAT to get into IIMs, make sure that you aim for only the best. Waiting for another year to prepare for MBA entrance examinations only to get into a marginally better college cannot be justified.

Let’s say that you are likely to get into a B-school that usually stands between ranks 11-15 in most rankings. Waiting for another year will be actually worth only if you are able to secure a b-school in the top 5 ranks. As an aspirant, you are likely to be more emotional when deciding on such things. It is, therefore, better to seek advice, ideally from a B-school pass-out.

Economic changes that can affect your prospects

If drastic economic changes take place during the year when you plan to take a drop, it can also affect your chances in top B-schools. For example, during the catastrophic economic meltdown in 2008, many people lost their jobs. Many of them turned towards further education and appeared for MBA entrance examinations. Then, what happened was, that top B-schools started selecting candidates with work experiences, as compared to those without. So, if you are a student, and you don’t have work experience, this is an important consideration that you should bear in mind.

Probable changes in fee structure

The fee structures in the top B-school keeps on changing often. Most of the top B-school increase their tuition fees every year to cover the costs that they incur. Hence, if you plan to take a drop and wait to get into one of the top B-school, this is an important financial consideration you must bear in mind. We had some insights from an IMT, Ghaziabad alumnus, after getting into a conversation about waiting another year to get into a B-school of their choice. He could not get into the B-school of his choice on his first attempt. Hence, decided to take a gap year after graduation. On his second attempt, he got into IMT, Ghaziabad.

When he commenced business studies, the fees to complete business studies at IMT, Ghaziabad was around 10.5 Lac. Whereas, had he gotten into IMT on his first attempt, he would have been able to complete his education in a mere 8 Lac rupees. One might think that as the fees increase, so must the placement packages – however, that is not the case. The average placement packages don’t increase much in comparison with the changing fees. Hence, if finances are a constraint, then you must think about this before taking a one-year drop for CAT and other examinations.

Don’t just prepare for the entrance examinations

If you have decided to take a one-drop for CAT and other examinations, you must plan your activities meticulously. You cannot justify a one-year drop for CAT and MBA, by saying that you were preparing for the entrance examinations. Hence, you must be able to answer the question – How to explain gap year in MBA interview – with efficacy. Most people can easily prepare for the entrance examination within three to four months, even when they have a job. Here are a few things you can do while preparing for the MBA entrance examinations:

Contribute to a social cause of your choice and be an active participant
Apply to short-term online courses from reputed websites
Look for a part-time job, which can help you gain perspective into the subjects in which you want to specialize

There are numerous personal and professional factors which affect the decision whether or not to drop for one year. However, aforementioned are some of the major factors which you must consider before making a decision. Even after considering all the points, if you still decide to take a one-year drop for CAT, then you should plan the year meticulously. For more information to help you plan your drop year, you can also seek the help of experts at Praqtise.

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Choosing the Best Education Loan for MBA in India

Praqtise — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:21:22 +0000

The first loan of my life!

With each passing day, the MBA life becomes more and more a reality for Joyjeet. He is someone who cannot help but worry himself to death over everything. After spending the last week worrying about hostel life, he has a new obsession now- choosing the best education loan for MBA in India. One afternoon, he engages his father Mr. Banerjee in a discussion:

Joyjeet: ‘All these years, studying was free! I mean, for me at least…’

Mr. Banerjee: ‘You are right, but I can tell you how much it cost if you feel guilty…’

Joyjeet: ‘Oh come on Dad! Don’t pull my leg…I have enough on my plate with this education loan!’

Mr. Banerjee: ‘Why are you so tense? You know that we can afford the MBA fees but you yourself insist on the loan!’

Joyjeet: ‘I know but this is a great chance for me to take on some financial responsibility. I may still need your support in the future, but for now…’

Mr. Banerjee: ‘I understand, so why don’t you read up about educational loans in India? You can even talk to some of your friends or my friends working in banks. I am sure this is easier than your CAT exam…’

Joyjeet:’Ah, I always do this don’t I! Making a mountain out of a mole…thanks Dad! I shall be bothering everyone who I think can help for the next few days now!’

Mr. Banerjee: ‘You have my blessings…’

Know thy policy

It is natural to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of loan products available in the market. Every scheme can look attractive if you do not know what you are looking for. The best way to clear the clutter is to first realise what you are entitled to by default.

The Indian Banks Association has drafted a model loan scheme for higher education. It has been backed by RBI and serves as a base for banks to structure educational loans. The purpose of the scheme is to make higher education affordable for all students.

In the following sections we will look at the most relevant aspects of the scheme for MBA aspirants.

Which courses qualify for loans as per the scheme?

This should not be a major worrying factor for most students. Top MBA colleges in India such as IIMs, XLRI, JBIMS, FMS and others easily qualify for this. Additionally, the scheme mentions ‘recognised colleges/universities recognised under UGC/Government/AICTE’. This would cover all reputed institutes, whether regional or national.

The key factor that banks look into is the placement potential, which is something that aspirants do as well. Hence, one can be more or less sure of being able to secure an education loan for MBA in India.

What types of expenses are covered under the loan?

The major expenses include basic tuition fee and other mandatory fees such as hostel, library, mess etc. Spending on books, computer, project work etc. is also covered. When calculating the loan amount, the full amount of mandatory expenses (tuition fee etc.) is considered. Other expenses such as expenses for books etc. may only be partially covered.

How much loan can an MBA student avail?

The scheme suggests general ceilings for higher educational loans. A student seeking an education loan for MBA in India can thus avail a loan of up to 10 lakhs. However, this limit is only indicative.

Students getting into top institutes can avail a higher loan amount. Moreover, loans exceeding 10 lakhs can still qualify for the interest subsidy which is usually applicable for loans below 10 lakhs.

Is there a margin requirement?

Margin means a portion of the loan that the borrower has to pay on his/her own. No margin is required for loans up to 4 lakhs. For loans above 4 lakhs, a 5% margin is applicable. There are provisions for securing ‘Nil’ margin loans up to 7.5 lakhs under the Credit Guarantee scheme.

Is there a need for securing the loan?

For an education loan for MBA in India up to 4 lakhs, there is no need for a security. Loans above 4 and up to 7.5 lakhs require a security, which can be in the form of a third party guarantee. Loans above 7.5 lakhs require a collateral security that is suitable to the bank.

Except for special cases, banks require parents to be joint borrowers for any such loan.

What about the interest rate?

Interest rates may vary depending on the size and attributes of the loan. However, simple interest has to be charged till the repayment term begins.

How long will the loan approval take?

The approval for an education loan for MBA in India usually takes about 2-3 weeks. Leadings banks and loan institutes may process loans much faster. If the bank is rejecting the application, the controlling authority of the branch should be involved in the decision. Also, the reason for rejection is to be conveyed to the student.

How long is the repayment holiday period?

The repayment holiday/moratorium is generally the duration of the course plus one year. There are some important suggestions that the scheme makes in this regard:

Banks can consider giving a relief for periods of unemployment during the loan tenure. Such relief can be given 2-3 times for a period of 6 months each.
Students who set up their own business venture can be given a moratorium of 2 years.
A 2 year extension can be granted to students unable to complete the course in the standard tenure.
If a student services the interest accrued during the course and moratorium before the repayment term begins, he/she is eligible for a 1% subsidy in interest.
EMI in the initial years can be lower, with a step-wise increase subsequently, such that EMI is proportionate with salary.

What other factors have to be considered?

Insurance

Certain banks may require the student to have life insurance coverage so as to be eligible for the loan.

Processing charges

Banks generally do not charge a processing fee, as per the suggestion of the scheme. However, some banks/third party lenders may charge a fee.

As mentioned earlier, the suggestions of the policy are meant as guidelines. Loan policies can vary greatly from lender to lender.

In short, the key factors to watch out for are…

Interest rate
Moratorium/repayment holiday
Convenience in terms of applying, documenting process
Flexibility in EMI amounts and scheduling
Processing fee
Additional benefits such as interest subsidy, credit guarantee

Why should you consider going for an education loan for MBA in India?

The best student loans in India are a very attractive proposition

Student loans fall under the priority sector lending norms for Indian banks. Consequently, borrowers can avail the benefits of very favourable terms

Low interest rates
Simple interest till the moratorium
Interest subsidies on early repayment
Relaxed security and margin requirements

Tax savings

Interest repayments on educational loans are tax deductible under section 80E of the Income Tax Act.

A good start for your credit history

Proper repayment of educational loan can boost your credit score. If this is your first loan, it can be a great beginning for your credit record. It can thus help in forming a strong base for seeking loans in the future.

In other words, an education loan for MBA in India is perhaps the most beneficial loan you can avail.

Comparing student loans on offer

There are numerous information portals and blogs which go into the specifics of loan schemes of various banks. For starters, you can see a summary of interest rates offered by some prominent banks and financial institutions below:

Source: Bank Bazaar

Taking a cue from Mr. Banerjee, we recommend reading up all you can on the various loan schemes. You can also consult friends or peers who are likely to be well-informed on this topic.

Or, you can simply shoot a query to our experts here at Praqtise. We will be glad to resolve any student loan related queries. Please share with us in the comments.

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Top B-schools in India that stand out for Regional Presence

Praqtise — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:32:50 +0000

Look out for the hidden gems!

Anubhav and Rohit are two colleagues working for a leading investment bank. Both are excellent finance professionals who want to give their career an additional thrust. They wish to pursue an MBA from one of the top B-schools in India. However, Anubhav has a few concerns which he shares with Rohit.

Anubhav: ‘I really love working in Mumbai, but there is one thing that I do not like…’

Rohit: ‘And what would that be?’

Anubhav: ‘Only one or two of the top 10 MBA colleges in India have their campuses in Mumbai. Presuming that our exams go well, this would mean that we have to move out of here. I’m not very keen on that as Mumbai is perhaps the ideal place to be for building a career in finance.’

Rohit: ’Hmmm, I understand what you are saying. But I don’t think you are seeing things clearly. Mumbai has numerous excellent colleges. Just look at our colleagues, not everyone is from an IIM! We have industry veterans from colleges you would not hear a lot about.’

Anubhav: ‘You are right! It’s strange though, why are these colleges not in the limelight as much…’

Rohit: ‘Well, let’s call a spade a spade- not everyone can be in the top 10! A college in Mumbai cannot always have the luxury of a sprawling campus. But, they can still offer career opportunities comparable to the ones from the top 10. This is because they have the trust of the regional industry network.

Anubhav: ‘You are right! Well I guess I don’t have to necessarily leave Mumbai then. And besides, getting into IIM Ahmedabad means going to a dry state right…’

Rohit: ‘Haha! You are absolutely hopeless…’

The advantage of picking a reputed regional college

Not all colleges hold a national appeal. However, this does not mean a lower quality of education or inferior career prospects.

On the contrary, there are certain distinct advantages of pursuing MBA from regional colleges:

Being in the lap of the industry: From the perspective of recruiters, campus placements represent a significant investment in time and effort. Regional colleges offer a pool of bankable talent very close to home. This discourages many companies from traveling far for recruitments. As a result, many regional b-schools are able to offer profiles comparable to the ones at top ranking institutes.
Lower cut offs: MBA entrance exams are insanely competitive. Once a student crosses the 90%tile mark, luck does play an important part. Getting 1-2 questions right or wrong can make a huge difference. An aspirant who has barely missed out on the cut-offs of dream institutes need not be discouraged. Rather than wasting another year, they can apply to top ranking regional colleges. The pedagogy and placements will definitely be up to their expectations.
Unique courses: As we’ll see in in this post, regional colleges show a greater propensity in offering unique courses. Specialised degrees in healthcare management, banking and so on are more prominent among regional b-schools.

Our pick of the top b-schools in India that are hidden gems

Firstly, we would like to say that by no means is this list exhaustive. Secondly, we have an entire section dedicated to the best b-schools in India. Hence, in this list we are including only those colleges that we have not covered previously.

Here are some of the top b-schools in India on the basis of their regional presence:

Goa Institute of Management

Better known as GIM, the college was established in 1993. GIM offers two main post-graduate programs. The first is the flagship PGDM program. Students can specialise in the conventional domains of marketing, finance, IT, general management and HR through this program.

The second course if the PGDM program in Healthcare Management (PGDM HCM). The course is intensive and covers major aspects of the healthcare business comprehensively. It is among the few courses that offer a unique specialisation.

The course fee for PGDM is approximately INR 14 lakhs, whereas that for PGDM HCM is approximately INR 7 lakhs. Hostel fees depend on the type of option chosen the student (single/double occupancy, AC/Non-AC).

GIM 2016 Placement Summary

International Management Institute, Delhi

Established in 1981, IMI Delhi is the oldest of the three IMI campuses functioning today. There are 3 courses available for students- PGDM, PGDM (HRM) and PGDM (B&FS).

The PGDM course equips students with cross functional knowledge. PGDM (HRM) and PGDM (B&FS), as the names suggest, provide domain specific knowledge in HR and Finance respectively.

Tuition fees for self-sponsored students are nearly INR 15.5 lakhs. Hostel and mess charges amount to around INR 1.5 lakhs. Tuition fees for students who are being sponsored by companies are above INR 28 lakhs.

Summary of IMI Delhi 2017 Placements

Vinod Gupta School of Management, IIT Kharagpur

Better known through its parent institute IIT Kharagpur, the b-school was established in 1993. The flagship program is the 2 year full time MBA program. The program does not specify any Majors qualifications. Students have to go through the core courses and choose seven electives depending on their field of interest.

The cumulative fees (tuition, hostel etc.) are below INR 10 lakhs.

SOM IIT KGP 2016 Placement Summary

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai was established 2004. It offers two full time programs, the PGDM and the PGPM program. The PGPM is unique as it is one of the few courses with program duration of 1 year. The Institute does not specify Majors options; it follows the format of having fixed core courses along with electives from different domains.

The course fees for the PGPM program are around INR 18.5 lakhs. For the PGDM program, the course fees are around INR 15.5 lakhs.

Great Lakes PGDM 2016 Placement Summary

Great Lakes PGPM 2016 Placement Summary

Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research, & Entrepreneurship Education

Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research, & Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), more commonly known as Sydenham, was established in 1983. Located in the heart of Mumbai, SIMSREE offers two full time programs- MMS and PGDBM.

Both the programs offer Majors degrees in Finance, Marketing, Operations, systems and HR. Hostel facilities are available but only for students living outside Mumbai.

The core course fees are around INR 70K per year.

SIMSREE 2016 Placement Summary

What are your thoughts on the above mentioned colleges? Are there similar institutes that you would place on this list? Please let us know in the comments.

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5 examples of group exercises for MBA aspirants

Praqtise — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 12:20:58 +0000

Ravi and Dhruv are two great friends who have been preparing for MBA entrance examinations. Ravi and Dhruv are neighbours, and while Ravi is an engineer, Dhruv has graduated as a Bachelor of Business Administration. Both aspire to get into a prestigious B-school in India, and they have been working very hard to crack the MBA entrance examinations. While Dhruv seeks professional guidance for securing admissions into a prestigious B-school, Ravi plans to study by himself and get in too. But Ravi has no idea about the group exercises for MBA, and Dhruv plans to enlighten him about it. The following is the conversation that takes place between them:

Dhruv: So, how are your preparations going?

Ravi: Very well, I have been scoring very good marks in the mock examinations. How about you?

Dhruv: Oh, my preparations are going great; even I have been scoring well on practice examinations. Say, by any chance, do you know about the group exercises and management games for MBA aspirants?

Ravi: Well, now that you mention it, I have heard about it, but I am very confused as to what they really are.

Dhruv: See, this is exactly why I wanted to meet you. I wanted to tell you what they are and give you some tips for prepare for group exercises for MBA aspirants. Last week, we attempted a few mock group tasks at the guidance institute.

Ravi: Can you give me a few examples of group exercises for MBA? What are the most common group task topics?

Like Ravi, there are many students who have no idea what to expect and what to do during group exercises. Most students have no idea what the interviewers are looking for during group exercise, and they just focus on completing the tasks.

Group exercises for MBA – an overview

A group task or a group exercise for MBA aspirants is an effective evaluation of the psychological aspects of the candidates. Group exercises help the examiners understand how the candidates behave when they are alone as compared to when they are in a group. In most group tasks or group exercises, a predefined number of individuals have to perform a predefined task. The important part of the group task is that it must be performed in compliance with the restrictions that are imposed. One of the most important things in the group tasks or group exercises is to identify the inherent problem with the task.

Why are the group exercises conducted?

Most top B-schools employ group tasks and group exercises to test different capabilities of a person. The group tests and group exercises for MBA aspirants are designed in such a manner that they help evaluate various skills of an individual. Sometimes, business simulated exercises are employed to test the aspirant’s performance in real-life situations. There are many essential skills that the interviewers look for in the aspirants when they seek to get admitted into top B-schools, for example:

Leadership skills, negotiation skills, organising skills, reasoning skills, team spirit, decision-making skills, and confidence.

The following are some other skills that can help you in getting selected during group tasks:

Ability to take the initiative, ability to cooperate with other team members, determination and perseverance, Attitude, ability to persuade others, motivation, and assertiveness.

Different kinds of group exercise for MBA

Depending upon the testing requirements and the resources that are at the disposal of the interviewers, they may give different kinds of group tasks and group exercises for MBA aspirants. Most common group tasks involve indoor practical tasks, outdoor practical tasks, role plays, case studies, creating proposals, and performing impromptu skits. Different kinds of group exercises for MBA aspirants are employed to evaluate different qualities in the aspirants. Here are some group task examples:

The interviewer blindfolds a group of eight students and gives them a long continuous rope. He then asks the students to arrange themselves to form an eight-pointed star in a given time frame.

Now, this may sound like an easy task at first, but one must remember that the students in the group do not know each other. Hence, it would be much more difficult for the students to communicate with each other effectively. In such a task, the key to finding the solution is an effective solution. First, the students have to brainstorm and come up with probable solutions. Then, the students have to decide which of the solutions seem the most feasible and which ones they should actually try.

Once, they have decided as to which solution they want to try, each student can select a number which corresponds to the number of the corner where they should stand. One of the group members can volunteer to give oral instructions to all the other students, which they must follow in order to complete the task. One of the possible solutions is that the students arrange themselves in a small circle. Then one after the other, each student criss-cross each other until then form an eight-pointed star.

The interviewers blindfold a group of students and give them a rope. The interviewer then asks the students to arrange themselves to form a square.

The students may accomplish this task using similar strategies using which the blindfolded students formed an eight-pointed star. However, instead of crisscrossing each other, they can just make pairs and take a few steps back as far as the rope permits. If the students all take small steps, they are likely to make a shape which will resemble a square. However, the accuracy of the square depends upon the variation in the length of the steps that the students take.

The interviewers keep a box full of marbles at one end of the room and a bucket at the other end of the room. The interviewers then give the candidates half-split hallowed bamboo sticks and stand shoulder to shoulder. The game requires students to move the marbles from the box to the bucket, using only the bamboo sticks to move them. The rules forbid the students from walking while they are holding the marbles. The students can make a chain and keep changing positions to increase the length of the chain till they reach the bucket. If they drop the anywhere midway, they will have to start over.

There is no special trick here to solve the game. It is simply a test of the teamwork and coordination between group members. As the aim is to transfer the maximum number of marbles, it is the efficiency of the group that will matter. Minute aspects come into play. For example,

Controlling the speed of the marble by tilting the bamboo stick accordingly.
Ensuring that each group member runs ahead promptly after passing the marble so as to continue the chain
Covering a greater distance by standing with your legs spread out, and thereby enhancing balance as well.

The group is provided with some basic craft material (paper, glue, scissors, etc.) The interviewer then asks the students to make a product using the materials. Usually, there is a special instruction, such as “make something that is useful for your hostel stay’. After making the product, the group has to pitch it to the panel. The total time for doing the task is usually not more than 15-20 minutes.

The panellists are not expecting excellent craftsmanship. This task is set to specifically test creativity. Candidates usually end up restricting their thinking after seeing the material. For example, making paper bags as paper is the main material. However, one can think of more creative products:

A special calendar/timetable for the course, as well as hobbies such as dates of football matches, etc. One does not have to make the entire calendar; an elegant sample for just one month will suffice.
Tearing the paper to smaller pieces for making a scribble pad/notepad. Each page can have a funny or inspiring quote at the top or bottom. Again, one does not need to make the entire pad, just a few sample pages.

The interviewers give the students a case study about a business school. The interviewers then ask the students to identify the changes which they would make in the curriculum, the examinations, and the evaluation methods to prepare the students for the industry in a better manner.

The students can first quickly study the case while noting down the important aspects that the case study covers. Then, the students should begin discussing what are the important points which keep the industry from absorbing the students. The students can also make a note of the points upon which everyone agrees. This way, they can come up with the results quickly. The group should give all the students a chance to every member of the group to present their perspective, and then critically analyse all the perspectives. The interviewers judge the students based on the skills that they display during the group exercise. The interviewers don’t judge the students only on the basis of whether or not they complete the task.

These are just some group task interview examples, which give an idea about the design of the group tasks. When performing group tasks, it is important to understand the rationale behind the group task. Just performing for the sake of completing the task only reduces the chances of selection of that candidate. For selection through the group task, it is not important whether the group wins or loses. It is necessary for the candidates to display a certain set of skills.

The group exercises for MBA test the aspirants’ leadership skills, their ability to handle pressure and to form and work in teams. The newer management practices focus more and teamwork. Hence, it is essential for the candidates to be able to work as a part of the team. The group exercise for MBA aspirants is designed to simulate real-life dilemmas that the managers face.

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Thinking beyond fees- the real cost of doing MBA in India

Praqtise — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:06:13 +0000

Paying more than the fees…

Trupthi and Janhavi are in the same boat. They have been friends since junior college, and completed B.Com together. Both of them are busy preparing for the upcoming GD/PI rounds. Most of their talks these days pertain to getting into an MBA course. One evening, they are having a discussion about the ever increasing college fees. Janhavi brings in a different viewpoint about measuring the cost of doing MBA in India.

Janhavi- ‘Personally, I do not like to think about the college fees too much. It is just one aspect and it is clearly defined…’

Trupthi- ‘How can you say that? We will either have to burden our parents or take an educational loan. We certainly cannot ignore the money aspect…’

Janhavi- ‘I am not ignoring the money aspect. I am trying to say that fees are not the only thing. Have you thought about living expenses, lifestyle, and the prospect of exchange programs?

Trupthi- ‘Oh my! Somehow I did not consider these things!’

The real cost of doing MBA in India

In the admission phase, an MBA aspirant has many things to think about. He/she keeps wondering about the challenges coming up in GD/PI rounds. The idea of not getting a call from the preferred college is unbearable. Additionally, there is also a constant thought about the course fees. However, MBA graduates will testify that the actual cost of doing MBA in India includes much more than just the fees.

We look at some other factors that aspirants must consider:

Forgone Earnings

This factor is particularly relevant to those taking a career break for pursuing MBA. One aims for the best b-schools in India so as to give a thrust to their professional life. However, he/she is also foregoing the salary for almost 2.5 years.

The placement scenario is always dynamic and sensitive. Quite often, MBA graduates end up accepting pay scales much below their expectation. In many cases, the salary jump is not significant enough to justify the two year career break.

This is a grim reality, but one that aspirants should consider very objectively. It is not just a matter of losing out on salary but also on the benefits of longevity. For people working in multinationals, it can also mean missing out on opportunities for abroad transfer.

Candidates with work-ex are therefore advised to be more demanding and prudent while selecting MBA colleges.

Living expenses

Most of the top MBA colleges in India offer residential programs. The college fee usually includes hostel and food charges. However, there are additional expenses that one may not anticipate initially.

Upgrading of tech gear is one of the most common and logical expenses. One tends to invest in buying a new laptop at the beginning of the course. Additionally, one may also invest in accessories such as portable hard drives, speakers for their convenience.
At some point, one tends to become tired of the hostel mess and spending on food increase exponentially. By the end of the course, this amount does become considerable.
Other than this, there is also the obvious factor of hostel life itself. Be it spontaneous parties on campus, or outdoor trips- one would naturally get involved (even in unplanned activities). This will vary from person to person, but aspirants looking to explore and experience a different lifestyle during their MBA days should consider it. Living expenses and consequently the cost of doing MBA in India will be greatly affected by lifestyle.

Career Growth

Some aspirants might consider this argument to be ridiculous. The whole idea behind pursuing an MBA degree is to give a boost to your career. One takes up education so as to become qualified for the better jobs.

However, starting off in new sector/profile means being a beginner. One will have to put in effort to establish himself/herself. Students with work-ex will wonder if the new designation is significantly better than what would have been in their pre-MBA jobs.

This is particularly true for sectors such as IT or Financial Services. These companies are among the major recruiters from b-schools. However, majority of the job profiles on offer are for senior analyst or junior associate profiles. While freshers might welcome these designations, the same may not be true for those with work-ex.

Why do certain sectors hold back while designing job profiles for MBA students? Aspirants should realise that businesses have a differing perspective. Justifying the superior job offer made to someone purely on the merit of the degree is difficult. Employees will start questioning the value of loyalty and longevity. Hence, certain sectors have to walk a tight line while recruiting.

How to arrive at a decision with this new approach?

Considering the real cost of doing MBA in India is meant to help you decide better. It can affect your decision about the choice of college, or the timing of MBA itself. You can even look at the sector/industries in a different way and set preferences accordingly.

The aim behind sharing this information is not to intimidate aspirants, but to put forth some ground realities. One tends to be lured by the limelight of extraordinary job offers publicised in dailies. However, even the best MBA colleges in India cannot produce such offers for each and every student.

At the end of the day, the goal is to make the best decision for your career.

Do you agree with the thoughts shared in this post? What aspects have we missed out on? Which arguments do you disagree with? Please tell us in the comments.

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5 Habits of Group Discussion Winners

Praqtise — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 13:55:10 +0000

All the discussion about group discussion

It is the month of March, the time that leads up to MBA admission interviews in April/May. Everyone applying for an MBA college is gearing up for the next phase. Sahil and Nikunj are classmates from BBA. They see that the talk in most online forums is revolving around one topic – group discussion.

Sahil is someone who enjoys the prospect of group discussions. He has competed in events that involved group discussion rounds and has been successful at them. Sahil does not understand why so many applicants are in frenzy about the GD rounds. He speaks his mind to Nikunj.

Sahil- ‘I do not understand all the fuss about group discussion.’

Nikunj- ‘Easy for you to say, I am pretty nervous about it. Not everyone is a GD champ like you.’

Sahil- ‘Hey… it’s not as if I was born to crack any group discussion! I happen to find it easy, just as you find it easy to talk to the ladies…’

Nikuj- ‘Oh come on! I’m serious here, how do you keep your wits in a GD? Everyone is so keen to drive the discussion and stand out. Seriously, I want to know your secret!”

Sahil- ‘Haha… there is no secret my friend! But I’ll be more than happy to tell you how I approach GDs.’

The habits of GD winners

As Sahil tells us, doing well in a group discussion is a matter of approach. There is no special secret that one needs to know to crack a group discussion. Following are some of the traits that make some people consistently good at GDs.

Adapt to your environment

Each phase of the MBA admission process tests a different quality/attribute. Through a group discussion, the colleges are looking for someone who can drive for consensus. What this means is that one may have to play different roles when participating in a GD.

The environment of each group discussion is different. In one instance, one may have a group of loud and aggressive individuals. In another, one might have to take the lead in a group of reserved and restrained participants. The panellists and the topic that they give also influence the settings.

People who handle group discussions well are able to identify their role early on. In an aggressive group, one can try and be the calming influence, providing a broader context to the discussion. In a passive group, one may have to raise questions and bring out opinions. Defining your role will help you participate in the discussion smoothly and effectively.

It’s not about the group discussion topics, it’s about discussing them

Let’s say you are a non-engineer. The topic for the group discussion is ‘Advantages of having V-shaped engines in automobiles’. Safe to say, this is not likely to be your area of expertise.

However, just by looking at the topic there are some questions that pop up naturally? You cannot ask the obvious ‘What?’ directly, but you can ask tangential questions.

Is this a new technology? Is it very niche or prevalent in some regions?
Can India be considered to be ready for this technology? If not, why?

Let’s say that one person points out that road infrastructure is not up to the mark. The discussion can then be driven towards how infrastructure needs to be revamped. This is one area that you would perhaps know more about.

And this is how you can drive the discussion in your favour.

Create the opportunity to speak, don’t keep waiting for it

During a discussion, it is easy to be left out if some participants are in flow. Though it might appear rude or obtrusive to break in, keeping silent is definitely not going to help. Get into the discussion in a formal and polite way. Say ‘Sorry to interrupt you, but…’ and then present your opinion. A more natural way would be ‘That is an interesting point, can I also suggest…’ Remember, you need not argue or counter the viewpoints. Agreeing with the other participants or adding to what they are saying is natural and something that you can use to your advantage.

Take the initiative to involve everyone

Learning from the experience of past applicants, one of the most insightful GD tips is to involve everyone in the discussion. There are instances when panellists stop a discussion and ask some of the inactive participants to speak out. Although this is not necessarily a bad thing, in the true spirit of a discussion it is better to have everyone participate.

However, you might feel that trying to involve people would undermine your own chances. This is not the case as panellists will notice and appreciate your effort to make the group discussion more open.

Also, having more viewpoints will enhance the quality of the discussion. This is something that will not just benefit one individual but the whole group. Panellists will be very picky while selecting participants from a bad round of discussion. The opposite is true for a balanced, objective discussion- all participants appear in a good light.

Bring in some original perspective

Try and think of the GD phase from the viewpoint of the selectors. They have to listen to hundreds of aspirants speaking on a limited number of topics. Especially in the case of GD topics on current affairs, it is easy for the discussion to become banal.

In such a scenario, an original thought or perspective is like a breath of fresh air. Expressing your genuine opinion about the issue and providing the rationale behind it will make you stand out. Outlandish opinions can also be justified.

To quote an instance from one particular GD, the topic at hand was ‘Corruption in India’. The group made a meal out of the topic. Most participants were quoting facts and statistics and taking up the usual anti-corruption stand. One participant, however, suggested that corruption can make life easy sometimes. Using the example of accidentally breaking the traffic signal, he said he would prefer paying a small bribe rather than following the prevailing procedure of depositing his license and paying the fine at the traffic authority office.

While certainly not an ethical suggestion, it was a practical one which was welcome by the panel.

What are your key tactics to crack a group discussion? Let us know in the comments.

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Why do some colleges prefer a group exercise over a group discussion?

Praqtise — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 05:56:27 +0000

It is always fun to read about the admission experiences of MBA aspirants. Well, not always, it is not as exciting when nothing weird or unusual happens. This is how I felt while preparing for my own admission process. Little did I know that my own admission experience would turn out to be so unique! All thanks to the ridiculous group exercise that I went through!

I had prepared for a lot of things, but I was not prepared for being tied with ropes. Yes indeed, we were a group of 6 people. Two of us, including myself, had our hands and legs tied with some serious knots, and our team was supposed to free us without touching the ropes or us. We could not free ourselves but came very close. Although pretty weird, it is one incident that I remember very fondly!

Over the years, we have all become familiar with the concept of group discussions. There are voices in favour of as well as against the use of group discussions. Many selectors feel that group discussions are not the optimal way of bringing out a candidate’s qualities. This is why; students in the recent past have been dealing with a new monster – group exercise.

Some of the anecdotal incidents that you may hear about group exercises would feel downright unbelievable. In this article, we would paint a clear picture about group exercises and provide some useful tips as well.

What is a group discussion?

A group discussion is exactly what the name states it is. Selectors/panellists want to adjudge the communication skills of participants. They throw up a topic, either pertaining to some current affairs or an abstract one. The idea is to get the group to come to some conclusion. The topic can be in the form of a debatable argument, or a statement that is open to interpretation.

Selectors look for individuals who are able to set the tone of the discussion. They look for initiators and moderators within the group. The volume of your input is not as important as the value of your input. A person might speak only 3-4 times and still walk away a winner.

What are the shortcomings of the group discussion method?

A group discussion can be skewed if the topic is technical and some participants have subject matter expertise. One can even argue that introverts are naturally at a disadvantage in group discussions. The biggest argument against group is the fact that the actions of a few individuals can adversely affect the performance of all. It takes just 2 people to turn a good discussion into a fish market. In pressure situations, this tends to happen quite frequently. While salvaging a discussion can bring victory to you, it is not always possible.

What is a group exercise and what makes it better than a group discussion?

The problem with group discussions is attributable to one factor- they inspire participants to focus more standing out rather than contributing to the discussion. One tries to be loud rather than meaningful.

A group exercise turns this problem on its head. It makes participants think about the common goal rather than individual achievement. One still has the opportunity to shine out as a star player, but only by ensuring that the team succeeds.

In a group exercise, participants might have to alter their approach and even go adapt their nature. A natural leader would have to become a follower for the benefit of the group. Here, the participants are learning to let go of their primary instincts. The group needs to think as a whole unit and evaluate strengths and weaknesses accordingly. The idea is to collaborate and achieve what one cannot achieve individually.

What can one expect in the group exercise phase?

Institutes have been highly creative when it comes to setting group exercises. Here are some examples of the types of activities one can expect:

A few members are tied with ropes. The other members are asked to free them without touching them.
A single brick is placed on the floor and the entire group is asked to stand on it.
A bucket and a box of marbles are placed at a large distance from each other. The group is supposed to get the marbles into the bucket. One cannot walk while holding a marble and is not allowed to touch them. Only hollow sticks can be used to transport the marbles.

Which colleges prefer conducting a group exercise for admission?

Many of the top MBA programs in the country are turning towards this approach for selection. Some of the prominent names here are:

SIBM (Pune)
SCMHRD
MICA

The popularity of the group exercise method is growing. More colleges are likely to incorporate it in their admission routine in the future.

What is being judged in a group exercise?

The best b-schools in India look for candidates with some specific attributes. These are the qualities that the aspirants must demonstrate during the group activity.

Team ethic: The primary focus should be on performing well as a group. Being able to accomplish the task is the best result for all. It is also likely that some extremely difficult tasks are set just to test the team spirit, without much concern for the outcome.
Adaptability: Group tasks might force individuals to go out of their comfort zone. A quiet, introverted individual might have to become vociferous (and vice versa). This role reversal is reality in the corporate world.
Versatility: While most of the admission process is about proficiency in language, numbers and reasoning; group tasks test a different set of skills. They can put to test aspects such as dexterity, wit, camaraderie and leadership.
Composure: In a group task, one has to handle not just themselves but the group as well. Composure is a key trait as some members are sure to be more anxious or jittery. Maintaining composure under pressure can be the difference between success and failure.
Interpersonal skills: Aspirants are well aware of the importance of interpersonal skills. However, we can highlight that leadership, persuasion, and negotiation skills are basic qualities that all institutes wish to see in their students.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what a group exercise involves, do you feel more confident about it? Would you prefer a group activity over a GD? Have you been through a group task, if yes then how was your experience? Please let us know in the comments.

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HOW TO HANDLE STRESS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS LIKE A PRO

Praqtise — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 05:39:04 +0000

Under Pressure!

Ramesh and Kala are very good friends and are preparing to get into one of the business schools. Kala is an engineering graduate with no work experience while Ramesh is a Business Administration graduate with three years of work experience. As the MBA entrance exams draws close, Ramesh asks Kala if she has been preparing for MBA interviews. He comes to know that Kala is unaware of stress interview questions:

Ramesh: Kala, MBA entrance examinations are around the corner. Have you been preparing for the Personal Interviews that follow?

Kala: I haven’t really given much thought to that because I have been very busy preparing for the entrance examinations.

Ramesh: I thought so too, but you have no experience facing interviews. So, I think it’s about time that you start focusing on preparing for the interviews too.

Kala: But we had been practicing how to appear interviews when I graduated out of college. However, I don’t think that would suffice the purpose at hand, would it?

Ramesh: No, it would not. Mock interviews in colleges are not even remotely close to what you will face. I have heard that the top business schools subject the aspirants to very difficult interviews. I have even heard that some institutes even resort to stress interviews to decide on their choice of candidates.

Kala: What are stress interviews? This is the first time I’m hearing about them. How are they different from regular interviews? Are the stress interview questions very difficult?

Like Kala, there are many MBA aspirants who have no clue about the interviews. However, Personal Interviews are very important. Along with preparing for entrance examinations, it is also essential that the students prepare for important interview skills, especially for stress interviews.

What is a stress interview?

Most MBA aspirants do not know what to expect in personal interviews. However, the prospect of stress interviews can turn into a nightmare. The reason is that most of the students have no idea what a stress interview is. They say that to defeat an enemy in a battle, the most important part is to know your enemy well. Similar is the case with stress interviews – to successfully crack one, you must understand what a stress interview is. So, first, let us get a basic idea of what stress interviews actually are.

The primary aim of a stress interview is to test the ability to handle stress and often, bad and awkward behaviour of interviewers. The purpose of stress interview questions is to see how well the candidate can perform when they are subjected to stress or out-of-the-ordinary situations. Stress interviews helps the interviewers analyse whether the candidates can maintain their calm and composure when faced with awkward and often, difficult situations. In order to create an environment of stress and to intimidate the candidate, the interviewers often asks aggressive and intrusive questions, or behaves in the most unexpected ways. The interviewer may also resort to asking questions in the form of puzzles to test the presence of mind of the candidates. The candidate may also be asked the same questions repeatedly to make him feel that he has not answered the questions correctly.

What is the need for stress interviews

Most major business schools conduct stress interviews for executive MBA programs. This helps them to find out whether or not the candidate will be able to perform under stress. The students in top business schools often face multitudes of pressures and performance stress in academics. The primary aim of the interviewer in conducting a stress interview is to find out whether the candidate will be able to survive the pressure. Moreover, stress interview questions also help the interviewers evaluate if the candidates can maintain their composure when faced with awkward or difficult situations.

How to find out whether you are facing stress interview questions

Most candidates are caught off guard by the interviewers whenever they are facing questions in an interview, especially IIM interview questions. If the candidates are unaware about the concept of a stress interview, then they often end up making mistakes. This mistakes often lead to the dismissal of the candidates or often, the rejection of their candidature. However, there are many indicators from which you can infer that you are being subjected to stress interview questions. Here are some common indicators which can be of immense help to candidates:

The interviewer behaves in an aggressive or arrogant manner
They pretend that they are not interested in your answers
There is no direct eye contact and pretends to look elsewhere while you talk
Panel continues interrupting you while you are talking
Interviewer displays a hostile attitude
Panelists pretend that they failed to listen to you
The interviewer seems to take long, awkward pauses between questions
The interviewer keeps on taking notes during the interview while ignoring you
Selector asks intrusive questions
Interviewer keeps on repeating the same questions over and over
Interviewer disagrees with all your opinions
The interviewer passes snide comments about your responses

Tips to handle stress interview questions

There is not much you can do when you are faced with a stress interview. However, the key to cracking stress interviews is to maintain your calm and your composure throughout the interview. Do not lose your cool at any point during the interview. That is exactly what the interviewer needs you to do if he wants to reject your candidature. The moment you lose your cool, the moment you get angry, you will be disqualified. Remaining composed and maintaining your calm are the key weapons to cracking a stress interview.

Here are some more valuable pointers which can help you crack the stress interview questions successfully.

Maintain the structure of your thoughts

Always listen to the interviewer’s question, contemplate over it, put your thoughts in order, and then answer the question. Never rush into answering the question. A structured response is always better than a quick jumbled response.

Be assertive, not aggressive

Whenever you are confident about your answer, never shy away from conveying your opinions to the interviewer. But always remember, there is only a fine line between being confidently assertive and being aggressive. The key in stress interviews is to be assertive and confident and never be aggressive while answering the questions.

Always be open to accepting your mistakes

When you are faced with a stress interview, there are chances that you will make a mistake. In such a situation, the best course of action is to accept your mistakes graciously. Do not be defensive, rather accept your mistake and then ask permission to correct it.

Take a stand for what you believe

While faced with a stress interview, the interviewer will often try to deviate you from the answers. This is for testing your confidence. However, when you are confident about the answer, do not be shaken by the interviewer’s attempts. Rather, take a stand for what you believe, repeat the facts, and arrive at the answer that you have planned.

Be objective

In stress interviews, the interviewer may try to sway your confidence by asking your opinion of events. However, as long as you have your facts right, don’t be swayed by the interviewer’s interruptions. Even if you must state an opinion, be sure to back it up with credible facts and reasoning. One of the trickiest part in stress interviews is when you have to make assumptions. In case you must resort to making assumptions, always state to the interviewer clearly that you are making an assumption and explain it further as and when required.

Express gratitude at the end of the interview

At the end of the interview, be it any interview, especially a stress interview, always thank the interviewer. Thank the interviewer sincerely with a smiling face, and remember – always maintain eye-contact.

Always remember, PATIENCE IS THE KEY.

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