WAT/PI Preparation

No one on this planet can predict what is going to happen in your interview process.
However, based on our experience and knowledge, we will give you some insights, which will
help you perform better. As you have cleared one of the toughest exams in the nation and
are proceeding towards the next step, which is GD/WAT/PI (group discussion, written ability
test, and personal interview), this article will further help you in the preparation of your next
step in a better way.

Some of the common questions asked in CAT interviews are - Why MBA? Tell me about
yourself? Your strengths/weaknesses/hobbies/interests, most challenging situation in your
life, tell us about your work experience? Where do you see yourself after 5/15 years?

Remember these questions won’t have standard answers. The answers will be different for
everyone in the majority of cases (they might match in some circumstances). Also, these
questions are most likely to have follow-up questions, for example: if you say you are
interested in latest technologies, you might get a question regarding some latest technology,
or they might ask you why did you choose ‘Management,’ why not Technology. These
questions must be answered in limited time (neither long nor too short).

If you have clear and confident answers to those questions, it is excellent, but for others, to
answer these common questions, before consulting others, spend some time on yourself and
think of those answers. If possible, draft the responses beforehand. If you are not clear about
your strengths and weaknesses, then discuss with your friends, parents, mentors or any other
person who knows you better. After drafting your answers, view them from the interviewer’s
perspective and try to eliminate the irrelevant points and include more relevant aspects

It is always better, to be honest in answering these questions, but try to give smart answers.
Similarly, you might have an answer to some question, which might not sound right to the
interviewer- so frame your responses accurately. For example, for why MBA, your honest
answer might be ‘money,’ but you should frame it in a better way, i.e. ‘want to have a well-
established career with financial stability and respect in the society, and I believe MBA will
help me to achieve my goal in an accelerated rate.’ Though the outcome is same, the way
you frame your sentence creates a significant impact on the perception of the interviewer.
You need not remember anything but frame your honesty in a better manner.
 Tell me about yourself
This question, if asked, will be the first question in an interview. Consider this as a golden
opportunity to attract the panel as you can get many follow-up questions based on your
answer. While answering this question, always try to give the information, which the panel
members do not have. For example, if your academic details are with the panel, don’t repeat
those details. Try to give some new information, which is not in your CV, your strengths,
hobbies, interests or any other achievement preferably the options, which you can relate
with your future, try to add some interesting aspects such that they can continue further
discussion based on that.

An example:

Good morning sir. My name is V.K. My father's name is Mr. R.S.K. He is a Branch Manager at
MewarAanchalikGramin Bank. My mother's name is Mrs. T.R.K. She is a beautician. I am from
Udaipur. I did my schooling from St. Paul's Senior Secondary School, Udaipur. In school, I was
a sportsman. I was an athlete. I also know swimming and boxing. I secured 86.4% in class
10th and 65.4% in class 12th. Then I took a drop to prepare for IIT JEE. After that, I did my
B.E. in Agricultural Engineering from C.T.A.E. College, Udaipur. In my graduation degree, I got
an O.G.P.A. of 6.75. In college, I took part in many essay and debate competitions and won
many prizes also. I also took part in National Level Competitions. My hobbies are reading and
poems. I also like learning new languages. I have leadership skills, team spirit and high level of
confidence. Thank You, Sir.

Analysis of the answer

1. Good morning, sir is redundant.

2. They are already acquainted with your name.

3. They are considering your candidature, not your parents'.

4. You are wasting your precious 'seconds' in emphasizing the name of your school as if your
alma mater is reckoned among the Ivy League Institutions.

5. Your inclination for sports is described very erratically and is devoid of any flow.

6. A finance or marketing company is not going to pay you a hefty remuneration for how
fast you run, how strongly you punch or how well you swim. (Boxing skills might prove to
be a strong CV point if the job profile offered is that of a 'recovery agent’s').
7. Your percentage and CGPA secured is mentioned clearly in your CV. There is no point in
reinventing the wheel. Moreover, the way you are categorically putting across your
'inconsistent' percentage might spell doom for you.
8. The greater the devil, the greater the saint' and even vice versa. You are boasting about
the 'drop' taken by you to prepare for 'IIT JEE,' and in stark contrast, after that, you take
admission in CTAE (as if it is some kind of MIT) to pursue Agricultural Engineering. Still,
another angle to this: According to Mark H. McCormack, the key marketing skill is
'Knowing all the facts. Emphasizing some of the facts, while 'de-emphasizing' others. (This
will be elaborated amply in the model answer).

9. 'Many' competitions! The level and gravity are not emphasized. Moreover, of what use
these skills can be to your prospective employer, that is not trusted upon.

10. 'Like' learning new languages.According to Napolean Hill, you are paid NOT for 'what you
know’… but, for 'what you can DO with what you know...

11. 'Leadership skills, team spirit, high level of confidence...' ... as the cliché goes... Are you
acquainted with their meaning? Are you prepared with concrete examples to endorse
what you have said? If your answer is NO... you are all set to write your professional
obituary.

12. Have you left some 'clue' for the interviewer to divert the interview towards your
strengths?

13. Thank you'... Lastly, after your boring and mundane 'speech,' you make your
soliloquy/monologue all the more obvious by 'topping' it with a 'thank you.'

Phewww... It is ironical, but factually speaking, the number of words required to show the
mistakes in an apparently decent and flawless answer of an 'average' student was much more
than double the words used in the above 'model answer.'

In the light of the above analysis, the 'apparently impeccable' answer seems like a 'dirty
duckling.' Now, what can be done in this regard? Actions speak louder than words... so, let us
see a better possible answer to the same question, for the same student, with same
credentials.

Modified Answer

(With a congenial smile) At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the privilege given to
introduce myself. Thank you, sir. Hailing from one of the most beautiful and salubrious cities
of the world, I am filled up to the brim with vigor, vitality, and vivacity. Since my father is a
banker, I have an innate proclivity towards finance. In conjunction with this, my
businesswoman mother has given me a nodding acquaintance with the market and an
understanding of business. Moreover, owing to the peripatetic career of my father, I have
traveled a lot,thereby acquiring a pan-India exposure. This, in turn, gave me a penchant for
learning new languages. I can read, write and speak in 6languages and I am instantly able to
connect with people belonging to different ethnicities. My education in a missionary school
infused me with traits of discipline and integrity, apart from helping me develop stellar
communication skills. These stellar communication skills came in handy for bringing laurels in
various essay writing and debating competitions at the National Level. In college, I decided
not to confine myself to academic learning and explored greener pastures of other
extramural activities like athletics, boxing, and swimming. My stint as a sportsman inculcated
in me team spirit leadership skills and confidence. My hobbies include writing poems and
reading business journals (pertaining to finance).

(In the last line, is he leaving a clue??? Actually yes.. )

Now, what would you call this? Same student same credentials, same question.

BUT... The 'dirty duckling' has been transformed into a 'dancing peacock.

Why MBA?
This question can be asked in different ways; they might ask you to relate it to your previous
background. For example, why MBA after engineering, why MBA after commerce, why MBA
after working for three years, etc. This question is what you have to think even before
attempting management exams, and it is not too late at this point. Connect your future with
this question and try to frame your answer correctly, and make sure the connection is
relevant.

Also, try to show what you know about management. Give instances in your life where you
have been involved in a group task, be it from your job or from your college (E.g., You might
have organized some event). Understand what management is, what profiles are offered,
where you would like to work. This approach would show that you have an idea of what you
are signing up for.

Where do you see yourself after five years?

Interviewers want to know clarity in your thoughts about your career. Carefully structure an
answer to this question. It is better if you describe it systematically as to what you are
expecting after completion of MBA, your first job, and about your future plans. By answering
this question, you should be able to convey your vision to the interviewer.

Strengths/Weaknesses/Hobbies
Try to tell strengths which are related to your course or future prospects. In addition, it is
better if you can connect it to your achievements. For e.g., if you have won any competition
related to mathematics like Mathematics Olympiad, you can structure your answer like, I am
good at mathematics,and I have also won the particular competition in school or college.
Prepare minimum three strengths. For every strength, think of some instance where you
have displayed that strength. For example, if leadership is your strength, you can follow up
stating that strength by saying, “I led a team of 4 people during my employment” or “In my
college, I was the leader of the music club of the college. “Remember; do not lie about any
example if you cannot think of one. It is better to downplay one’s strengths than to be caught
lying.

While answering to weaknesses, also tell what you are doing/have done to overcome it if
possible. Telling hobbies can be plus point in the interview so prepare well for it even though
you know about it. E.g., if you are saying reading is your hobby then you must tell about your
favorite author, his best work according to you and what did you like the most in that. This
would be the same for answering about interests. If you are saying you follow tennis, then
you should be able to answer who have won recent grand slams, also some notable
milestones and everything about your favorite player.

Current Affairs- Hot Topics

1. Recapitalisation of banking sector

 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/govt-
ties-recapitalisation-of-public-sector-banks-to-action-on-reforms-
agenda/articleshow/62329300.cms

 https://www.indianeconomy.net/splclassroom/what-is-recapitalisation-of-public-
sector-banks/

 http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/credit-growth-took-off-post-
bank-recapitalisation-govt/article10018249.ece

2. Financial resolution and deposit insurance bill 2017

 http://www.livemint.com/Money/XPNAcZ6A8iS5OxT4BTVY9K/What-is-the-
Financial-Resolution-and-Deposit-Insurance-Bill.html

 http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/the-financial-resolution-and-deposit-insurance-
bill-2017-4871/
  https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/why-is-
everyone-scared-of-the-financial-resolution-and-deposit-insurance-
bill/articleshow/61978631.cms
 http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/the-frdi-bill-and-concerns-of-the-
depositor/article21081902.ece

3. Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin

 https://blockgeeks.com/guides/what-is-cryptocurrency/

 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/what-is-bitcoin-
and-how-does-it-work/articleshow/60701874.cms

 https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/299425

 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/what-is-bitcoin-
and-how-does-it-work/articleshow/60701874.cms

4. Goods and Services Tax (GST)

 https://www.forbes.com/sites/krnkashyap/2017/07/20/how-goods-and-service-
tax-gst-impacts-these-five-sectors-of-indias-economy/#28f6265e83fd

 http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/what-is-gst-and-how-will-it-affect-
you-all-your-questions-answered/article19184910.ece

 https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/a-research-paper-on-an-impact-of-
goods-and-service-tax-gst-on-indianeconomy-2151-6219-
1000264.php?aid=82626

5. Delhi air pollution fight between NGT and state government

 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/delhi-smog-air-
quality-likely-to-get-worse-today/articleshow/61568222.cms

 http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/oddeven-game-between-
ngt-delhi-govt/article9958687.ece
  https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/delhi-smog-air-
quality-likely-to-get-worse-today/articleshow/61568222.cms

6. Dispute between the Chief Justice of India and the senior judges

 https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/four-supreme-court-judges-who-took-on-the-
chief-justice-1799341

 https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/4-senior-supreme-court-judges-
speak-out-against-cji-dipak-misra-say-need-to-preserve-institution-for-survival-of-
democracy/story-UqaLGhs4iCbyk4zckVmMbM.html

7. Identification of Shell companies and actions against them

 https://www.indianeconomy.net/splclassroom/what-are-shell-companies-what-
are-the-government-steps-against-them/

 http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/decoding-shell-
companies/article19704204.ece

 https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top-story/sebi-board-to-take-action-
against-suspected-shell-companies-117091800166_1.html

8. ISRO recent success

 http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/isro-feat-india-scores-a-ton-
in-space/article10029737.ece

 http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/isros-launchers-the-story-
behind-how-satellites-get-launched-2382527.html

9. Right to privacy Supreme Court judgement

 http://www.thehindu.com/news/resources/supreme-court-verdict-on-right-to-
privacy/article19551827.ece

 https://thewire.in/170303/supreme-court-aadhaar-right-to-privacy/
10. Kulbhushan Jadhav Case
 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kulbhushan-jadhav-the-story-so-
far/article18075599.ece

 https://www.thequint.com/news/india/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-live-icj-verdict-
today

11. Doklam standoff

 http://indianexpress.com/article/india/our-doklam-construction-legitimate-says-
china-5032023/

 http://indianexpress.com/article/india/doklam-india-china-bhutan-sikkim-
narendra-modi-4822205/

 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-is-fighting-the-
doklam-war-with-china-on-a-5-inch-battleground/articleshow/60192637.cms

12. North Korea, nuclear war threat

 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/north-korea-testing-nuclear-weapons-
170504072226461.html

 https://www.businessinsider.in/North-Korea-is-not-building-nuclear-weapons-to-
destroy-the-US-or-unify-Korea-the-real-reasons-are-much-more-
surprising/articleshow/62593635.cms

 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/09/18/the-risk-of-nuclear-war-with-
north-korea

13. One nation, one election

 http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/one-nation-one-election-
modi-asks-for-public-opinion-on-simultaneous-polls-118011701234_1.html

 http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-one-election-idea-is-a-
farce/article21261615.ece

 http://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2017/mar/19/bjps-next-big-gamble-
-one-nation-one-election-1582917.html
14. Padmavati Controversy

 http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/padmavati-controversy-from-
release-date-to-threats-to-deepika-padukone-sanjay-leela-sanjay-leela-bhansali-
10-developments-so-far/942848/

 http://www.huffingtonpost.in/abhinav-pandya/a-360-degree-view-of-the-
padmavati-controversy_a_23301349/

 https://thediplomat.com/2017/12/the-distortion-of-a-distortion-indias-
padmavati-movie-controversy/

15. Modi’s Israel visit and Indo-Israel relations

 http://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-narendra-modi-in-israel-benjamin-
netanyahu-reuven-rivlin-all-that-you-should-know-about-this-historic-trip-
4739085/

 https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/on-india-visit-a-roadshow-in-gujarat-with-
friend-modi-for-israel-pm-1799438

 https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2017/07/18/why-prime-minister-
modis-israel-visit-really-matters/#280d7f2478f3

16. America’s support for Israel – moving embassy to Jerusalem & Mike Pence visit

 http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/03/uneven-alliance-america-
pro-israel-170308064459862.html

 https://www.vox.com/2017/12/12/16761540/trump-israel-jerusalem-embassy-
evangelical-christians

17. The decline of ISIS control

 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/21/isis-caliphate-islamic-state-
raqqa-iraq-islamist
  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-decline-of-isis-control-across-iraq-and-
syria-in-maps-qrt2nxcnq

 https://www.voanews.com/a/isis-propaganda-declies-mirrors-losses-on-
battlefield/4144838.html

18. American government shutdown

 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-20/what-happens-in-a-us-government-
shutdown/9345858

 https://www.vox.com/world/2018/1/22/16919166/government-shutdown-2018-
global

 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/government-shutdown-
180117203918771.html

 https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-government-shuts-down-as-midnight-
deadline-passes-live-updates-1802448

19. Bullet Train and Indo-Japan relations

 http://www.livemint.com/Politics/AXIyUTEJaxNtX0Yv7npPiO/Is-Japans-bullet-
train-loan-the-best-deal-India-has-ever-ha.html

 https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-india-s-first-bullet-train-
project-will-be-based-on-japan-s-shinkansen-network/story-
Gz0T6AyPYtxVt7tlejxWiI.html

 http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/an-alliance-on-
track/article19672210.ece

20. Karnataka Assembly elections

 http://www.firstpost.com/politics/karnataka-assembly-election-2018-
siddaramaiah-makes-it-secular-vs-communal-as-bjp-awaits-narendra-modis-
charishma-4299087.html
  http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/karnataka-assembly-elections-and-
the-rajinikanth-factor/article22379960.ece

21. In Sports - India in South Africa/Transfers in Premier League/IPL Auctions/Australian Open

 https://www.premierleague.com/news/538420

 http://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/ipl-auction-2018-all-you-need-to-
know-about-the-big-days-1639275.html

 http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/2632/india-tour-of-south-africa-2017-
18/matches

 https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/908688/Australian-Open-2018-Rafael-
Nadal-injury-Marin-Cilic-Roger-Federer

Interview Experiences
PROFILE-
Graduation: B.Tech CSE (RCOEM Nagpur)
10th/12th/Graduation- 99.8/74/65.2
Work ex: Nil
I had my interview on 27th February in Mumbai in the post-lunch session. Firstly, we had
written ability test, and the topic was “Is it the moral responsibility of doctors and hospitals
to save the life of the patient as long as possible irrespective of the quality of life?”

After that, we headed towards our respective rooms for the personal interviews. My
interview went as follows:
Interviewer 1 (I1): Good afternoon, Krishna! Please have a seat.
(I thanked them and greeted them afternoon)

I1: Who is Krishna in Mahabharata?

Me: Krishna is 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and in Mahabharata he was the charioteer of
Arjuna, advising him in the cart on the battlefield. Also …
The Interviewer interrupted me and asked, “Who is Vishnu?”

(To be truthful I had no clue, just as I was about to tell something he asked me to complete
the answer to the previous question first.)
(With a big smile on my face and thanking Lord Vishnu for saving me)
I continued,
Apart from this, even Panchaliis known as Krishna, and hence the name Krishna is used for
females as well.
(I think the interviewer was expecting this answer because he gave me a very affirmative nod
and a smile when I mentioned this.)
(Hoping the Lord Vishnu question doesn’t come back)

I1: Who do you think is better Ram or Krishna?

Me: Both are incarnations of Lord Vishnu, so they are same. Moreover, both are legends. So, I
don’t think I am in a position to compare them.

I2: Don’t be diplomatic, give us your opinion.

Me: Both Ram and Krishna incarnated as humans to save the people on Earth, to restore the
balance in the cosmos. Since you are insisting, the feminist in me would choose Krishna over
Rama as Lord Ram asked his wife Sita to give the purity test.

I1: Tell us something about yourself.

Me: I am from Nanded which is a holy city of the Sikhs. I have done my schooling from there
itself. I completed my B.E in Computer Science from RCOEM, Nagpur. Currently, I am working
with my father in our family business which is a departmental store.

I1: What are the four sects in which Indian society is divided?
Me: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Shudras, and (pause)
(I started smiling because I couldn’t recollect the name of sect I apparently belong to…)
Then I used my presence of mind and said Baniyas with a grin.
The interviewers laughed, and I1 corrected me and said, “Vaishyas.”

I1: You are a Baniya, Kshatriya is a lower sect than Baniyas (vaishyas) so why do you want to
go from being a Baniya to Kshatriya?
Me: Sir, I think no sect is lower or higher. All are equal. Moreover, all these division of sects
and comparison is a thing of the past.

I1: You are from a business family, you are a Baniya, you managed to earn via the android app
(saw in my file) without any business experience, business is in your blood, and you don’t
need MBA.
Me: Sir, while working at the departmental store I realised I lack knowledge and skills
required for doing business effectively. Also, I don’t want to continue working in the family
business and start something of my own or get a management related job, and so I believe
MBA would be a perfect course for me.

I1: What will be the difference in teachings of your father and that in a b-school? Won’t he
teach you better business?
Me: No doubt, my father is an excellent businessman, and I have been learning a lot working
with him for the past eight months. But I am more interested in learning the managerial
business.
I want to learn the professional way of doing business. (I seriously don’t know if this makes
sense, but I1 nodded, so I guess it was alright)

I1: What are the fundamentals of business?

Me: Firstly, Ethics!
A Businessman should follow ethics because..(Interrupted..)
I1: So, your father hasn’t taught you ethics?
Me: He has been teaching me ethics and its importance right from my childhood, Sir.

I1: Is the market of your departmental store dynamic?

Me: Yes, it’s very dynamic. Recently DMartwas opened in Nanded. So, customers started
comparing the cost and complaining that they get better deals at DMart.
So, we had to explain to them how you will save your time in our shop since DMart is far
away from the city. We assured them that cost difference is because there is the difference in
quality. Moreover, we have customers coming to our shop from many years we told them;
we know what you need. Same won’t be the case there in DMart.

I2: What are your career goals?

Me: (I don’t know what happened, but I was blank)
Ma’am, as of now I have no long-term career goals.
(Face-palm, I knew I had landed myself in soup)

I2. What other extracurricular activities you participated in?

Me: I was the literary coordinator of my branch in 3rd year. I worked as Publication Head of
CSE branch in the final year. I worked as editor of branch magazine and received a letter of
appreciation for the same. Also, I was the hostel prefect in my final year. I was responsible for
organising all the events in the hostel and also was chief coordinators for hostel related
issues between girls and management.

I2: Were you not placed in college?

Me: I opted out of recruitment process in college as I was sure that I want a career in
business management. And hence I decided to join my family business to get a direct
experience of business. However, I showed them the pre-placement offer I received from the
company I interned in summers after the end of my 3rd year.

Overall it was an amicable discussion. I1 told me in the end that he loves to debate.
PS: I was smiling during the entire interview, I think that helped the most.
PROFILE-
Undergrad Major – 73.20 (BE CSE)
Work-Ex: NIL
X – 91.40
XII – 92.17

P1: Hi, please show us your certificates.

P1: *Going through the documents* Sriesh, nice name. What does it mean?
Me: Explained the meaning of my name.

P2: So, you are a fresher. What stream did you opt for in your undergraduate?
Me: Computer Science, Sir.

P2: Okay, tell me the difference between analog and digital.

Me: Explained *not so good*.

P2: He took a deep breath, and while pointing towards his watch, he asked, “This is analog or
digital”?
Me: Digital, Sir.

P2: Okay. How do they measure the temperature and display on the boards in bridges etc.
and what are those? Analog or Digital?
Me: A temperature monitor is used, which records date over time and displays it.

P2: Okay, good.

P1: What is a Turing machine?

Me: It is a computing machine which can use a predefined set of rules to determine a result
from a set of input variables. *Mostly out of the knowledge I gained from the movie, “The
Imitation game” and google*

P3: So Sriesh, why do you want to do MBA?

Me: Explained *shared a few things about my passion*

P3: So, you are passionate about aviation. Look at people like Vijay Mallya, you want to make
money too, right?
Me: A little confused, I tried to explain them that money is not a push factor for my decision
here.
P3: *Convinced* Okay what are you doing with your passion?
Me: Shared my internship experience at AirAsia, and told them how my passion gave me a
boost to work harder and efficiently.

P3: Thank you. You may leave.

Me: Thank you Sir.

Profile-

Undergraduate Marks- 79.04

Work EX- 2 Years (Infosys)
10th marks- 80.33
12th marks- 80.2

P1- How are you doing? Please brief us about yourself.

Me- Thank You. I am doing very well. Sir, I am an IT Engineer, and I am currently working for
India’s second largest IT company- Infosys, since past two years. Briefed a little about my
hobbies too.

P2- Tell me something about Infosys.

Me- I gave some data about Infosys like the year in which it was started, the domains it works
in, number of offices, employees, the location of headquarters, etc.

P2- Tell us how do you see Infosys. (Qualities and work culture)
Me- I spoke about the values and worked culture of Infosys.

P2- Current financial data of Infosys.

Me- Told then the current data like revenue, profit margins, etc.

P1- What are your views on the recent clash between Narayan Murthy and the board of
Infosys?
Me I gave my views on this matter. (Supported Narayan Murthy)

P1- How was your experience in the corporate world?

Me-I told them about the things I learned in those two years and the hardships I faced.
P2- What is India’s population?
Me-Answered.

P1- What are your strengths?

Me- Logical, Quick learner and I take a firm stand for what I think is right.
Gave one instance of each from my personal experiences.

P2- What was your favorite subject during school days?

Me- “Sir, I enjoyed algebra,” and hence, I landed up solving a few algebraic questions on the
spot.

P2- What was your favorite subject in college?

Me – “Data Structure and Operating System,” and to my surprise one of the panelists asked
me some questions about data structures (Array, Linked List, etc.)

PROFILE-
Graduation: CA, B.com (Mumbai University)
10th/12th/Graduation- 75/77/75.7
Work ex: Nil
I had my interview on 8th March 2017 in Mumbai at Hospitality Management Applied
Training Centre (HMATC). Firstly, we assembled in a small hall where CAP process was
explained, and all the documents were checked by the IIM representatives. A small group of
around 8 – 10 people were formed for group discussion and then we had the personal
interview.
My interview went as follows:
There were two professors who were taking the interview.

Interviewer 1(I1): Good afternoon, Mayank! Have a seat.

I1: Why do you want to join an MBA course?
Me: While interacting with people from the various domain in an organization while I was on
audit, I realized that there is a lot of things which needs to be understood while running an
organization. How the financial numbers impact management decisions on the number of
people and department. This was the point I realizedthat I need to do MBA.

I1: Tell us something about yourself.

Me: I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and a BCom graduate from Mumbai University. I
have received a certificate of excellence for outstanding performance from Talati and Talati
Chartered Accountant firm, from where I completed CA internship.

I2: What kind of work did you do at Talati and Talati?

Me: I explained the work I did at the firm.

I2: Who is the father of the Nation?

Me: Mahatma Gandhi

I1: His full name?

Me: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

I2: Why Gandhiji went to South Africa?

Me: (After giving a thought, I was confused whether he went to study law or he was a lawyer
and went to represent someone) To be a lawyer.

I1: Birth Place of Gandhiji?

Me: Porbandar

I1: Asked me to Solve a few mathematics problems? (Unable to remember the problem)
Me: I was able to solve few and politely said to those which I was not able to answer

I2: Birth Date of Jawaharlal Nehru?

Me: 14th November
I1: What is celebrated on that date?
Me: Children’s Day

Overall it was a nice experience. In between, they will try to crack jokes and make you feel
uncomfortable.

I was not prepared for this kind of questions as at that point of time GST, and US presidential
candidates and Brexit and similar topics were trending. I was in shock when my whole
interview went on Indian History. Like after every question, I was thinking when they will ask
about GST, Brexit. I think confidence, acknowledging the questions that you are unable to
answer, and communication skills matter most in this interview.

Profile:
Graduation: B.Com (Hons), DU
10th/12th/Graduation- 72.2/92.8/71.69
Work ex: Nil
I had my interview process on 21st February 2017 in the afternoon session of 12.30 PM. The
interview was at The Janpath Hotel, New Delhi. The topic for WAT was " Are humans
responsible for the destruction of the earth, and are we doing enough to avert this?".

After the WAT we were given 5 minutes to prepare, and then we were called for the
interview. I was the first person to be interviewed in my slot, and this increased my
nervousness, as I had no clue what was the expectations of the interview and being the first
in anything new is always scary.
So, when they called my name I knocked on the door and asked: "May I come in?" (Do not
use Sir or Ma'am if you don't know who are there inside), after that, I went in the interview
room, where there were two interviewers. After entering the room, I greeted them and
stood behind the designated chair for interviewee (Never sit unless you are asked to). I took
my seat when one of the interviewers asked me to.
Interviewer 1 = I1
Interviewer 2 = I2
I1 – Hello, Rahul! Tell us something about yourself?
Me – I did my graduation from Delhi University in the field of commerce, and I did my
schooling in commerce too. I am an avid reader and a fan of traveling, and I intend to make a
career in finance and commerce.

I2 – What's the difference between Finance and Accounting?

Me – Sir, Finance is about using the final statements for more prudent and analytical decision
making for maximizing firm's value whereas Accounting is the process of creating the final
statements.

I1 – What do you think of the Infosys Issue? ( at that time, Narayan Murthy had gone to the
media alleging corporate governance problems in Infosys)
Me – Sir, I think that this issue is more of a difference in thinking and business doing manner
between Mr. Murthy and Mr. Vishal Sikka. Mr. Sikka follows the USA model of business
wherein the top management is paid a hefty amount of salary, and instead here, Mr. Sikka
took a pay cut by moving from SAP to Infosys. I believe the founders have to, at some point of
time, leave the emotional attachment, and stop meddling in the day to day functioning of the
firm when the firm is doing quite well.

I2- So, what should have Mr. Murthy done?

Me – In my opinion, he shouldn't have gone to the media with this as it will hurt the firm and
especially right now at a critical time with a lot of uncertainty in the economy because of the
H-1B visa problem and the impending GST roll out. Hence it may have a negative impact on
the earning of the firm and their share price.

I1 – What is your opinion about GST?

Me – Sir, I believe GST would be a revolutionary tax system for the nation as it would ease up
the process of filing taxes and would be beneficial to the end consumers due to the removal
of cascading of the taxes. One more advantage that I think would be good for the economy
would be the reduction in truck checking and freight bill checking. I have talked to some truck
drivers for my college project, and they pointed out that a lot of their time is lost in the long
queues whenever they moved from one state to another.

I1 – If you were an auto manufacturer in Shillong then what would be the impact of GST on
your business?
Me – It would impact my business in various manners. There will be no cascading taxes so I
would be compensated for the taxes already paid by the suppliers of the raw materials, this
would reduce my costs.
Then there will be less delay due to less queue for checking of interstate tax receipts, this
would mean I would get raw material on time, and my goods would reach on time to my
customers, also I would pay less freight charge as fuel used would be lesser too.

Also, tax filing would be more comfortable; I wouldn't need to hire a CA to file taxes, which
again would help in reducing my costs.
With so many costs being reduced, I would be able to increase my sales as I would be in a
position to reduce the prices without compromising on the profitability ratio.

I2- If we gave 10 Million Rupees to you right now, tell us a start-up that you would form from
that money?
( I asked for a few moments to collect my thought )
Me – Sir, I believe there's an untapped market in the advertising domain, which is putting
advertisements inside cabs and autos, we see a lot of ads on the outside of autos and cabs ,
but those ads are not able to retain our interest for long as there is too much traffic on the
road and its not safe to divert your attention while driving, So, I believe if ads were placed
inside the autos, then it would attract more attention of the target Customers , and the
customers would be able to retain the advertisement's information for a longer time as there
is nothing else to do inside an auto or a cab but to look here and there. We could also use
geo-specific advertising, for instance, if there is a Doctor who practices in Laxmi Nagar in
Delhi, then we could place ads of him in those autos which ply in that area.
I1- But doesn't DTC and Metro already do that?
Me – Yes sir , they do place ads inside the buses and Metro , but they cannot put geo-specific
ads as a bus can go to any part of Delhi and metro travels a long distance so they cannot use
geo-specific ads that well, Secondly, buses and metros are almost always very crowded so the
commuters won't be able to give much attention to the ads as they would be fighting for
some standing space and our business model would be more personal in nature as compared
to buses and metro .

I1 – Thank you, Rahul! Good luck.

Me – Thank you, sir.
Overall the interviewers were very calm, and the interview was very amicable. I went out of the
interview room smiling.

******