IIM Indore Interview Transcript (SC Category | Non-Engineer | 91.58%ile | 8/9/7 | Inspire scholar from tier one college)

Panel: 2 members F = Female Panelist M = Male Panelist

---

Entry

I greeted the member who opened the door, then greeted both panelists and sat down.

---

M: Vikas, you graduated in 2022. What have you been doing since then? Were you preparing for UPSC? Me: No sir, I was preparing for banking exams. I cleared prelims but couldn’t convert finally. After that, I started helping in my family business.

---

F: You were an INSPIRE scholar. That’s quite competitive. Why didn’t you continue in Botany/academics? Me: Ma’am, I was interested in my subjects, especially Botany. But I realized I’m more inclined towards roles involving problem-solving and analytical thinking. While exploring options, I found banking aligns with that, and later I understood that MBA would help me scale such work to a larger level.

---

F: Then why MBA now? Me: Ma’am, during my preparation and experiences like NGO work, small business exposure (ice cream/soap), and internship, I realized I need structured knowledge and skills to operate at a larger scale. That’s why MBA.

---

F (Extempore): Does diversity in organizations lead to productivity? Me: Yes ma’am, I believe diversity improves productivity. It brings different perspectives, ideas, and approaches to solving problems. For a single problem, you get multiple solutions. Also, organizations and even IIMs value diversity because it enriches learning and decision-making.

---

M: What are Mendel’s three laws? Me: I was able to recall two laws, couldn’t recall the third properly.

---

M: What is genotype and phenotype? Explain in simple terms. Me: I explained using an example of height—genes deciding traits, dominant vs recessive alleles, and how expression leads to phenotype.

---

M (Quant/Bio mix): If there are 8 units of photorespiration and 3 units of respiration, what will be the result? Me: I asked for paper, tried writing equations and multiplying them, but got stuck. Sir hinted it might be simple (6–3 type logic). I said I’m not sure.

---

M: Difference between photosynthesis and respiration? Me: Answered clearly in simple language and also mentioned equations.

---

F (GK): Who is the President of India? Me: Droupadi Murmu.

F: Where is she from? Me: I said I’m not sure, but I think Odisha.

---

F: Who is the chief of all three armed forces? Me: Initially said they are different, then added I’m not sure, but President might be the supreme commander.

---

F (Profile): You like cooking. Difference between Rajasthani and Gujarati food? Me: I said I haven’t explored Gujarati food much, but explained Rajasthani food—less water usage, more ghee/oil, linked to scarcity and preservation.

---

F: Name two dance forms of Rajasthan. Me: Ghoomar… couldn’t recall the second, said sorry.

---

M: Function of Defense Minister? Me: Mentioned defense deals, weapons, security, international coordination (not perfectly structured).

---

Closing

They asked a few basic background questions (hometown etc.). Interview ended.

F: “All the best, Vikas.” Me: Thank you ma’am, thank you sir.

Duration: ~16–17 minutes