A Date with IIMs

So I m done with the common WAT/PI process of the 6 IIMs. Here goes the story:


Date & Slot : Feb 23, 2012
Location: IIM L-Noida Campus
Cat percentile: 98.20 ( QA-97.45 VA-95.66)
Work Ex: 28 months as of today
WAT Topic : Democracy is hindering the growth of Country
WAT Experience : It was a descent topic to think about. Started well with terminology. Coined few terms and I think, I was able to do justice.


Details about interview panel (no of interviewer etc) :2 panelists lets say P1 and P2 and myself A


Questions asked in PI :


P1: Abhinav can tell us something about yourself?
A: Started with my graduation. Came to work and then told how I landed up in my present job.
P2: Interrupting, which city are you from?
A: Sriganganagar, Sir.
P1: I know this city.
(I was about to add about the city, interrupted by P2)
P2: So you worked in Infosys. Asked me reasons to leave Infy.
A: Answered(they looked satisfied)
P1: So, why din't you try for a Biotechnology company earlier?
A: Told 'em it was recession when I passed out. More over I was more interested in a combination of software and Biotechnology.

P1: Define Biotehnology.

A: Answered

(In all this time P2 was looking at my folder and checking my certificates)

P1: So how is it diferent from Biosciences? And how both are different from Microbiology?

A: Told. 

P1: Looked satisfied. Asked me have you heard about Stemcells, can you tell us about that?

A: Tried to explain it in layman terms.

P1: Asked me something why do we take the cells from umbilical chord, why not we graft person's skin?

A: Answered (P1 convinced but wished to know more and I could not dwell it into technicalities)

P1: Asked me about Mummies. The Technique used to preserve Mummies.

A: Answerd how the aging process is delayed by chemicals.
P1: Do you know the chemicals the mummies are wrapped with?

A: Admitted I knew but cant recall.

P1: Can you tell us the Major players in healthcare ?

A: Answered well. Told them about my client Merck.

P1: So tell us what are the different Verticals in Johnsons and Johnoson?

A: Could tell them only the few ones I knew.

P1: How about Pfizer?

A: Told them what I knew.
P1: Pushed me further.

A: Sorry Sir, can't recall of any other.

P2: So what are you interested in?

A: Sir Business.

P1: No Abhinav, we don't want to hear about your long term goals. Looks like you have not been to any institute for gdpi prepration.

A: No Sir. 

P1: Very Evident from your answer (smiles all around)

P2: We wish to know about your hobbies. How you spend your free time.
A: Sir I like playing cricket and solving puzzles.

P2: Puzzles. Both the panelists gave me a sarcastic smile. 

P2: If you are given 8 balls and out of which one is heavier. And we give you a weighing machine. Find the heavier ball for us in just 2 weighings.
A: Thought for a moment. Sir Lets take 6 balls on first go. Weigh them 3 Vs 3. Now if this is equal we can get the heavier ball from the other two in another reading. Sir there can be another case in which the heavier ball is present in first 6 balls we choose.
P2: Smiling, its ok solve another one.
A: I solved this one too in a minute (Pannelists looked satisfied & pleased)

P2: So which state you belong to?

A: Sir, I come from the state of Rajasthan.
P2: Do you have any idea about the states touching your state?

A: Yes Sir. Five states Punjab, Haryana, UP , MP and Gujrat. In the left we have Pakistan Border.
P2: Punjab touching Rajasthan, are you sure?

A: Yes Sir its just 5 kms from my home city.

P1: Yes he is right. 

P2: How about Delhi? Does it touch Rajasthan Boundry?

A: No Sir.Just the 5 states ( Both Panelists look satisfied)
P2: Ok Thankyou (Smiling)

P1: All the very Best (Smiling)

A: Than kyou Sirs.

Interview Experience : Good
Any other details you want to mention : Keep ur Calm.
Advice to other candidates : Enjoy the process.
Verdict : Awaited.