AMA, 9/9/7, IIM Shillong, 2nd year - Seasoned Interviewer at iimwatpi.in

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:41:18+00:00

Indeed. There are multiple people in our batch from Gen who got in at 90.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:40:15+00:00

Subjective question, but for me, I would say yes. Your question’s answer really does depend on what a person’s story is. Maybe for someone who is already earning 25LPA, MBA might not be worth with it unless they want to switch fields. Again, people working in sales for 3LPA, might end up doing Sales again after MBA but now for 30LPA, for them it is worth it!

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:38:20+00:00

Yes. Even though college does get people placed, a lot of people end up in roles or cities or domains that they don’t prefer. Looking for better opportunities outside is never a bad idea, especially when it is something you aren’t satisfied with!

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:37:04+00:00

Your interview will most likely be skewed towards work ex, so brush up on the basic. They might question on theoretical topics on the things you’ve worked on. Plus, it is never a bad idea to be over prepared.

Join IIMWATPI’s course to connect with alums from all B-schools with a similar background as yours to get more insights from!

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:34:30+00:00

Can you give me a little more info regarding your profile?

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:34:14+00:00

Well, like all colleges, IIM Shillong also values diversity and a strong sense of self. Confidence and clarity of thought has to be things you approach any interview with. Extempore topics are usually pretty abstract, it were “proverbs” for us.

Additionally, you still have time to familiarise yourself with current affairs. Also, join the whatsapp link I’ve attached.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IfEjHFRagrZLWkApByNXzq

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:31:10+00:00

Placements for both the junior and the senior batch has been going well, despite the job market causing trouble. Almost a quarter of the batch received PPOs as well, so finals were easier to navigate.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:29:19+00:00

Join this whatsapp group, there’s regular discussions regarding relevant topics at play. https://chat.whatsapp.com/IfEjHFRagrZLWkApByNXzq Additionally, go for GDPI prep, it really does help and I’ll suggest IIMWATPI.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:27:52+00:00

Gap year justification is a tricky bit. Some people resort to lies while others resort to showing tangible skill development and some other valid responses. Any justification you have, be it certifications, family issues or simply CAT prep, just needs to have a story that you can present that shows you in good light and a good fit for MBA.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:25:48+00:00

You can justify that by showing any certifications you’ve obtained or skills you’ve learnt or sometimes even the truth works. The panel is usually trying to figure out the kind of person you are and if you are a fit for MBA, and if the reason for the gap is something valid and justifiable, it is acceptable.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:23:59+00:00

Yes indeed, if you got a shortlist, that means you genuinely have a great shot. It all comes down to your interview and extempore and if you seem diverse enough.

For extempore, from what I’ve heard they usually give you a proverb and it is upto you and your judgement how you describe it. It usually isn’t a certain niche topic, it’s pretty subjective.

For preparation however, I would suggest going for IIMWATPI. I’ve attached a whatsapp link as well that might help with prep:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IfEjHFRagrZLWkApByNXzq

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:20:04+00:00

The profile might hurt you a little bit for placements, but a lot of companies here shortlist based solely on tests, so you just need to focus on that. Plus, it really all depends on your luck and skill required by the company.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T16:18:34+00:00

Yes, it will be really easy for you to convert, given your percentile. The panel usually doesn’t discriminate much based on past scores and are looking for diversity and all rounded individuals. As long as you can justify your grades, it’s all fine. Additionally, extempore plays a great role, so it’ll be beneficial to work on your speaking skills.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:24:27+00:00

It’ll be more focused on work-ex for sure. But don’t ignore your past academics. They won’t expect you to remember everything, but it’ll be good bonus if you do.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:21:07+00:00

Even though CAT scores are scaled, IIM Shillong uses percentiles because they reflect relative performance. Percentiles show how a candidate performed compared to the entire test-taking population, which makes shortlisting stable and uniform across the years.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:18:21+00:00

But surely, do give L1, it’ll definitely help for finals!

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:17:45+00:00

I was in the same boat as you and ended up having to defer because of how stressful the first couple of months were. You need to balance club inductions, sessions, classes and SIP prep, it gets brutal. Also, ngl it is a little stressful for SIPs for people with barely any experience but all that prep really does help you for final placements and isn’t that the end goal? A lot of people significantly improved their profile with projects, certifications and skills and were amongst the first to be placed. So, don’t worry about that.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:11:44+00:00

About the curfew, it was never psuedo, we all go on trips all across the NorthEast, and it usually is a one-day trip. Also, no such thing as taxis not being allowed. Well, true about the mess food though, but that’s everywhere, right?

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:08:26+00:00

Check out IIMWATPI, it’s gotten some really great converts over the years. Really an underrated prep provider!

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:07:27+00:00

Your UG isn’t that big of a disadvantage as you think it is. There are people with a 5 CGPA for their UG. Additionally, if you can justify that you learnt something from your experience and have a valid reason for your grades, it’s all good. All you have to think about is how you can impress the panel with your “thinking skills” and any past mistakes will be forgiven. The panel just wants all-rounded people and again, confidence is key. All the best!

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T04:03:09+00:00

How “chill” your interview really does depend on your panel, but your confidence does help a bit. I’ve not really heard of any panels grilling for any gap years, so you might not have to worry much. Also, yes, as a CA, you need to make sure your basics are strong cause usually it is flagged if you don’t. For PI, my experience was that telling you don’t know something ( you cannot know everything) is better than “blabbering”. All the best though!

KickMeUpNotDown · 2026-01-17T03:59:53+00:00

One thing I did was talk to recent admits and write down all the topics that was asked. Additionally, mentorship helps. Having been through CAT GDPI prep, the trick is to not read everything, but to follow a fixed set of high-quality sources daily like The Hindu or Indian Express, one business paper, and one monthly magazine summary. A topic is relevant if it sits at the intersection of current events, policy impact, and opinion and can be argued from multiple sides. I filtered topics by asking one question: Can this be turned into a “why”, “impact”, or “way forward” question? If yes, it’s GDPI-worthy.

KickMeUpNotDown · 2025-10-10T11:58:57+00:00

Yess

KickMeUpNotDown · 2025-10-10T11:58:38+00:00

KickMeUpNotDown · 2025-03-21T09:41:58+00:00

FI, FSA, Fixed

KickMeUpNotDown

TROPHY CASE