The initial application asks only for your resume and GMAT/GRE score . It doesn’t even require essays. Interview invitations are given based on those. If you get an interview invite, you will be asked to write 2 essays. Although IIMA doesn’t ask for LOR’s, it requires you to give the names of three professional references who can be contacted to verify your background and achievements as mentioned in your application.
The adcom looks for many factors, academic ability, diversity, quality of experience etc. The final offer is based on your interview. The professors must want you in their class in the first place. It’s really hard to say what exactly they are judging in the interview but it would perhaps be a platform to get to know you personally better and to see a fit as you would be a part of IIMA for a year if selected. Your quality of experience, your goals post MBA (and how realistic they are), all play a part. For more information about interviews, I suggest you check the following videos by current PGPX students who share their preparation strategy, from GMAT/GRE to application to interviews:-
https://youtu.be/feQZz02xZnEhttps://youtu.be/GMCuKKF4dqEPosted from my mobile device