This was my first-ever interview, and naturally, I was nervous. But I reminded myself of the challenges I had faced and overcome to reach this moment. Every struggle, every late night spent learning, had led me here. With that thought, I walked into the room, ready to give it my best shot.
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IIM Lucknow Personal Interview Experience
Venue: IIM Lucknow | Date: April 10, 2024 | Morning Slot
Profile: 7/9/8 (NC-OBC) | Panelists: P1 (Female) and P2 (Male)
WAT Topic: Creativity or Productivity: Which one should be preferred?
I was the first candidate on the panel. When I entered, P1 lightened the mood with her first question.
P1: “Your name is Khushahal. Does that mean you’re always ‘khush’ (happy)?”
Me: “I try to stay happy as much as possible.”
She smiled and quickly moved to the first substantial question.
P1: “You received a call for PGP-ABM as well. Why didn’t you opt for the interview?”
Me: “I’ve always been focused on pursuing PGP because it aligns better with my long-term career aspirations. While PGP-ABM is a fantastic program, it isn’t in line with my goals.”
The discussion quickly shifted to my introduction and various academic and technical questions:
P1: “Tell me more about yourself.”
Me: I shared my background, how I transitioned from a Hindi-medium school to excelling in graduation, and how I decided to pursue an MBA.
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P1: “What is clean transportation?”
Me: I gave a structured answer about clean transportation methods, focusing on reducing environmental impact through electric vehicles and alternative fuels.
She asked a related technical question on battery technology, where I fumbled slightly but managed to explain what I knew.
Then, P2 stepped in with questions centered on my domain expertise:
P2: “What do you know about drone transportation? Give an example.”
Me: I spoke about how drones are revolutionizing logistics, especially in remote areas. I cited examples from India where drones have been used for delivering medical supplies.
P2: “Can you name any companies in this field?”
Me: Unfortunately, I didn’t know specific company names and admitted as much.
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We then discussed some concepts from my graduation.
P2: “What is linear programming? Can you explain the Simplex Method?”
Me: I explained to the best of my ability but stumbled on certain points. He asked me to draw a graph, which I attempted, though I knew my explanation wasn’t flawless.
P2: “What subjects did you study in courses like 'XYZ' and 'ABC'?”
Me: Since I hadn’t revised those topics recently, I gave a general overview and admitted that I’d need to brush up on them.
P2: “Which subjects do you like most?”
Me: I shared a couple of subjects I enjoyed, but they didn’t dive deeper into that area.
The panelists then steered the conversation toward how I’d adjust at IIM Lucknow without prior work experience:
P1: “Why would we select someone with no work experience over a candidate with industry exposure?”
Me: I emphasized the fresh perspective I could bring as a recent graduate, my adaptability, and my eagerness to learn from peers and professors.
P2: “How will you sustain yourself in IIM Lucknow’s rigorous environment, especially with case studies and terminologies that may require work experience?”
Me: I shared how I thrived during graduation despite my initial struggles with English and lack of exposure. I also highlighted my willingness to seek help from classmates, study ahead on unfamiliar topics, and make extra effort to excel.
Finally, they asked if I had any questions for them. I thanked them and said, “No questions, but I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my journey with you.”
P1: “Remember to stay happy, just like your name!”
Walking out of that room, I wasn’t sure if I had given my best or fallen short. But I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had faced one of the biggest challenges of my life. Weeks later, when the results came, the joy of converting my call in the 1st merit list itself and securing admission to IIM Lucknow was immeasurable.
For anyone who thinks they might not be good enough, I hope my journey reminds you that where you start doesn’t determine where you can go. What truly matters is how hard you’re willing to try.
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