Question 1 - Tell me about yourself
I was born and raised in Jalandhar. My interest in business began
early, as I helped my maternal uncle with his general store. To
deepen my understanding, I pursued commerce after class 10 and
actively participated in national and international competitions.
After class 12, I chose [Link] (H) to gain a well-rounded
perspective on business, interning at multiple startups to explore
marketing, finance, and HR. I was also part of the Placement Cell
while maintaining a solid GPA. In my second year, I developed a
strong interest in marketing and advertising, which is the key
reason I want to pursue an MBA. In my free time, I also write about
marketing and advertising on Quora.
Tips
Plant Follow-Ups: Mention points that invite follow-up questions to
steer the interview in your direction.
Distraction/Curiosity: Start with an intriguing point to grab
attention & prevent interviewers from focusing on your resume.
Lasting End: End with the topic you’re most comfortable with to
increase the chances of getting questions on it.
Chronological Flow: Structure your introduction logically from
childhood to present, ensuring a smooth flow.
Long Introduction: Keep this answer longer (2-3 minutes) to
provide enough material for follow-up questions.
No Name: Skip introducing yourself with your name; the
interviewers already have it.
Filler Gaps: Leave some details vague (e.g., “decent GPA”) to
prompt follow-up questions.
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Question 2 - Why do you want to
pursue an MBA?
I want to pursue an MBA to gain a comprehensive understanding
of business. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by my family’s
business and even helped my uncle scale his own. I now seek
formal knowledge in finance, marketing, and stakeholder
management to build a strong foundation—ultimately aiming to
start my own venture after graduating from this B-school.
Tips
Use the ARC Framework: Start with a direct answer, provide a
personal reason, and conclude with future consequences.
Avoid Generic Answers: Make your response unique by tying it to
your personal story rather than using common clichés.
Definitely Not Placements: Do not mention salary or placements
as your motivation for pursuing an MBA.
Introspect: Even if unsure about your exact path, craft a thoughtful
story instead of saying you’re doing it to "find your interest."
DYOR (Do Your Own Research): Be specific about professors,
courses, and opportunities to show genuine interest in the B-
school.
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Question 3 - Why do you want to
join this particular business school?
After my MBA, I aim to excel in marketing, which is why I’ve chosen
this B-school. I look forward to learning from esteemed faculty like
XYZ, who have worked closely with FMCG brands, gaining hands-
on experience through clubs and societies like ABC, and
connecting with a strong alumni base of successful marketers like
PQR. Additionally, the institute’s legacy, prime location, and vibrant
culture align perfectly with my goals and interests.
Tips
It is a Priority: Always present the B-school as your top choice and
justify it with specific reasons.
Research: Highlight the institute’s unique strengths—faculty, clubs,
case studies, or alumni—to show genuine interest.
Convenience: Location, climate, or language can be minor
supporting points but not the main reason.
Counter Questions: If asked about other options, confidently affirm
your research and commitment to this B-school.
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Question 4 - What are your short-
term and long-term career goals?
Considering the rapid evolution of careers today, it’s hard to
predict where I’ll be in 5-10 years. However, my immediate goal
after graduating from this B-school is to build a career in
investment banking and gain in-depth knowledge of the finance
industry. Regardless of the path I take, my broader objective is to
continuously learn from my network, expand my expertise, and
contribute to the community—whether through my job or a future
entrepreneurial venture.
Tips
Be Honest: Avoid unrealistic long-term predictions; focus on your
immediate next step instead.
Next Step: Define your post-MBA goal based on role or function, not
a specific company.
Overarching Goal: Share a broader vision that aligns with your
values and adaptability.
Softer Side: Highlight how you aim to create an impact beyond
personal career growth.
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Question 5 - Why should we select
you over other candidates?
The three key strengths I bring to the table are my knowledge of
the commerce field, my passion for advertising, and my curiosity
about startups. I applied for this program not only to learn from
my peers, professors, and alumni but also because I believe my
diverse perspective can add value to the batch and the institution.
If selected, I plan to leverage the institute’s marketing research
repository, participate in the special marketing workshops held in
September, and take up the Innovation Live course by Prof. Apurv
to make the most of this opportunity—ensuring I fully justify the
privilege of being part of this institution.
Tips
Top 3 USPs: Highlight what makes you unique—academic
background, work experience, skills, or hobbies. Avoid generic traits
like “team player” or “hardworking.”
Learner Mindset: Show humility by expressing excitement about
learning from peers' diverse experiences.
Research-Based Fit: Connect your strengths with the institute’s
USPs, demonstrating a clear game plan.
Gratitude & Responsibility: Convey that you deeply value the
opportunity and take it seriously.
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