IIM Ahmedabad MBA Program Guide 2026

I was the second candidate for that panel. The reporting time was 8:30 am. The panelists were 2 prof... Read More

I was the second candidate for that panel. The reporting time was 8:30 am. The panelists were 2 professors. Started off with the extempore. Topic - Should India implement a digital tax on global tech giants? I misunderstood the question and since I couldn't come up with a lot of points for it, I went against it. They tried to ask me questions to bring me on track and there were a lot of rebuttals, which I handled calmly. Then they asked me about my work ex, about the cities where I'd lived. Some other random questions like is Bangalore only known for startups in IT/ITES. The vibe was surprisingly light and fun. The interviewers were laughing and smiling, and it felt more like a great conversation than an interrogation. They even gave me a toffee on the way out. Read Less

Debrief - 2nd Oct 1:30 Location - IIMA total 4 panels, 2 interviewer in each panel 1 male (P1 - ... Read More

Debrief - 2nd Oct 1:30 Location - IIMA total 4 panels, 2 interviewer in each panel 1 male (P1 - Marketing professor) and 1 female (P2 - Organizational behavior professor) in my panel. P2 ushered me to the interview room. I Entered the room, greeted the P1. Even before sitting properly P1 - what is packaged application? (resume qus) Me - Answered P1 - so Ms office is also packed application? Me - yes sir P1 - ok, now you can pick a chit, think for few min and then start speaking for or against of the topic. If you're not comfortable, you can change the topic but that will be binding. Me - sure sir, I picked the chit, topic was - initiatives like make in India or make America great again are stopping Globalisation and pushing towards re-shore Took some time to think, clarified the scope of topic then jotted few notes although didn't refer to those. Me - started speaking in the direction that Globalisation won't be hurt despite the make in India or MAGA schemes. It may promote local businesses but Globalisation can't be stopped by these schemes. Etc etc Completed my argument P1 - but how can you say that tariffs are not going to impact India? What India has to offer which can't be transferred to other countries. Me - answered, or atleast tried to answer P1 - No, apart from cheap labor which can be outsourced from anywhere, how will you justify this? Me - answered P1 - No no, but I want to know what India can offer to other countries which is groundbreaking or something which is never done. Don't tell me cheap labour and expertise as our engineers are doing normal jobs in TCS and rest of the companies but their businesses mostly comes from US only. Me - answered, tried to convince but also told that we are not innovating something which is groundbreaking at this stage, but whatever we do, in that, our expertise lies. P1 - laughed and still No no no no... P2 stepped in P2 - what is the big heart award (resume) Me - explained P2 - so don't you think CSR that companies do is hypocritical in nature as they can do better things with that money? Me - tried to justify P2 - can you justify CSR with logic, why your Company should have responsibility of doing CSR rather than may be hiring more people if you're so much concerned about making difference in people's life? Me - tried to defend P2 - Let's just keep company law or country's law aside, then will companies would be interested in doing CSR? Me - told that not all but few will still do. P2 - what would you do if you have your own company? Me - told that I'll do P2 - but don't you think CSR is spoiling people to enjoy freebies Me - explained P2 - but you train people from IIT, NIT and other people, how they are marginalized, they are well off and doing great? Me - told that we don't train people from IIT or NIT, but from partnered NGO who only get diploma degree free of cost and we also help them to learn what is needed to get into our companies and how they can learn things. P1 - so do you agree with 5000 Rs freebies govt is spending to people. Me - explained and told govt policies and told I don't agree P1 - but you were agreeing to CSR but why this shift in stance? Me - told them that 1 specific scheme and why we can't stop distribution of money, but in other scheme where blanket money is getting distributed to anybody who enrolled, that I don't support, as it can be optimized further by redirecting money to specific set of people. P1 smiled and told I'm done P2 offered me chocolate and asked me to leave. Read Less

As I walked in I was asked to pick a chit which will give out a topic. I’ll have 30 seconds to pre... Read More

As I walked in I was asked to pick a chit which will give out a topic. I’ll have 30 seconds to prepare my views on the topic and then I’ll have to defend my take. Topic - private deemed-to-be-universities are simple money making businesses I went against the topic. Put forth a few points which they countered. I countered with a few more and told them that their points are also valid. Basically I felt they have such topics which can have both sides and thus only to pressure test a candidate. Beyond this, were the standard goals, why MBA and why now type of questions. What started with them trying to put me off later eased into a conversational discussion of them trying to get to know me and the direction I wish to head. Lasted for about 30 min or so. Read Less

Extempore Topic: “Are Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning just buzzwords? Will they repl... Read More

Extempore Topic: “Are Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning just buzzwords? Will they replace human creativity?” My approach: I Started by defining AI and ML, supporting with relevant examples. Stated they are not just buzzwords, citing use cases like CAD optimization and digital twins. P1 then challenged the example, saying such technologies existed earlier and were not novel. Upon reflection I realized I misquoted example of “digital twin” and redirected to automation benefits in CAD using AI. P1 and P2 didn’t completely agree and then P2 asked me about second statement of the extempore (Will they replace creativity?). I asserted that AI could complement but not replace human creativity. P1 gave counterpoint: AI-written novels on Amazon. I responded by saying AI lacks emotional depth. P2 countered that AI can emulate emotions if prompted. I then shared example of J.K. Rowling’s creation of Dementors from personal experience. P2 dismissed it as a marketing gimmick and quizzed on Rowling’s full name (I didn’t know!). I then tried to cite an example of a campus photograph taken by Tushar (One of IIMA Staff), which the colleague featured in its yearbook (I had seen this on linkedIN), but this was again dismissed of saying that AI can generate such image too and that it was journal not yearbook. Post-extempore Discussion: P2 asked "What has changed since your last application?" I shared quantifiable updates viz. Promotion (Contributions I did at work); Greater clarity on goals (via alumni discussions); Increased leadership through NGO and CSR involvement. P1 then grilled specifically on CSR work, dismissing my involvement and demanding specifics. P1 then asked, "Why not an online MBA?" I explained desire for Rigorous, immersive learning, In-person case-based pedagogy, Campus experience (library, peer interaction). Interviewers remained unconvinced highlighting digital alternatives (e.g., online library access). Read Less

Gave on the beautiful red-green campus of IIM A: Started with Brief Introduction about myself to the... Read More

Gave on the beautiful red-green campus of IIM A: Started with Brief Introduction about myself to the 2 professors and was asked to pick a chit from a box of chits for extempore. Roughly the Topic was on QS rankings of universities are mostly advantageous for western countries and more of marketing gimmick and new universities struggle to place their position there. There was an option to choose another topic, but I continued with the same and I told FOR this topic. We had a very great discussion on people following brand names, IIT tags, IAS tags. Post the topic the interview started with questions about my professional journey, then went down with what was mentioned in my essay (I'd written empathy as my key strength), and hence was asked if it's a good thing or not? I gave several examples to justify what I wrote. Then I was asked about my goals, and which companies I'm targeting. What if the company doesn't come in the campus for placements. To this I answered that I have my network who had changed sectors from similar role as mine, and I'd use that to make similar transition. I was asked which B school they went, to which I told JTC. I was asked if I had applied to JTC. I told that my date clashed with my IIM A interview, hence I had postponed it. I was asked if there are peers in my company in the A campus. Then discussion revolved around my workplace, shifts operated, gender ratios in my workplace. 2nd last question came if I follow Indian economy. It ended with "any questions for us?" Can DM me for details of the answers I gave. After a month I received a congratulatory mail from them, which made me more proud of my efforts, as I did everything (from GMAT to application to interview prep) on my own. Read Less

Just finished with my PGPx interview. I showed suited up, they had called us to 5 Star Hotel... Wai... Read More

Just finished with my PGPx interview. I showed suited up, they had called us to 5 Star Hotel... Waiting room Jitters: Relax and interact with people present, I did just that. Everyone is a bit tensed up in that room, finding common conversation topic helped me. The wait could be long so it's best to make good of the time available. Interview Proper: Faced a 2-person panel, couldn't ascertain their credentials. Started right of with my extempore. Rebuttals came mid-way, don't expect they'll let you complete, they want to push you off from your planned path and cross question you. Just be calm and try bringing back the discussion to your familiar path, avoid conflict or defensive tone. Interview shifted to a very small discussion of my work ex; they just had some doubts no grilling here. Next topic discussed was expectation from MBA, I said something consulting so they asked how my present work ex will help me become a consultant (I am from what people refer to as diversity background). I tried my best STAR method. Out of the blues came 2 math questions, one was probability (couldn't solve) other was calculus (solved). Thats it 25-30 mins of fighting time. Takeaways: Current affairs topics have a good chance of showing up for extempore, it's good to stay current. The tone of interview is professional and strict, things tend to stress up rather than going relaxed. Topic shifting will be very dynamic and quick, best to stay mentally alert. Play by your strengths rather than covering your weaknesses, try taking the discussion in your strong area. Stay calm and enjoy the process. Read Less

Hello all, Had my interview at Mumbai in the second half today. Started with my background and aske... Read More

Hello all, Had my interview at Mumbai in the second half today. Started with my background and asked why I wanted to switch jobs(basically why MBA) and then went on to the extempore. Topic was " Indias dependence on imported tech is a threat to national security". I think it well i made some points and the panel countered it and I agreed to their points but gave a few more of mine as well. Asked which companies I am targeting and after that we had a discussion on ecommerce vs quick commerce. Overall it was a very conversational interview, they were not cutting me short and weren't rude or anything either. Read Less

I had my interview at Mumbai today in the 1st half. Extempore - Reliance on foreign tech can become ... Read More

I had my interview at Mumbai today in the 1st half. Extempore - Reliance on foreign tech can become a national security threat. Otherwise was very conversational. Seemed like faculty was not very interested in me since my extempore went horribly. And otherwise the interview seemed very bland. Other peeps who I met today, I’d love to be in touch with y’all! (Missed getting anyone’s number as I couldn’t get my mind off of the bad interview) Read Less

Few R2 extempore topics : - One nation, one election - Self driving cars : actual or gimmick? - Med... Read More

Few R2 extempore topics : - One nation, one election - Self driving cars : actual or gimmick? - Media / News Consumption : sources and biases - Campus v/s Online MBA - Tech giants acquiring smaller companies : abuse of power? - India as a market for packaged food industry - High CXO salaries : Is it justified? - Indian : Population v/s Opportunities PS: These are just plot points and not the exact topics asked. For some of us, the extempore chit had a 4-5 line description of the topic and it itself covered most of the general points of discussion! Read Less

Interview R2 , Delhi- extempore was on whether population control is important for prosperous future... Read More

Interview R2 , Delhi- extempore was on whether population control is important for prosperous future of India. Panel was easy going, they asked me if I had lunch and if I was comfortable , mine was not at all a stress interview. After extempore there were some follow up questions, then they asked questions about my work ex and then generic ones like why MBA, then how convinced am I that I will get my post MBA goals fulfilled and some other follow up questions. Then one panelist asked me a mathematics question about graphs, asked me to draw a graph. Lastly they asked me some static GK questions like name of my state’s finance minister, vice president etc. Overall I have no idea what to make of it, they did not interrupt me or grilled me or built any sort of pressure, also mine was the last interview for that panel😬 Read Less