How to Crack IPMAT Personal Interview?

The five-year Integrated Program in Management offered by IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak and IIM Ranchi is one of the top choices for students in India. It provides in-depth knowledge about management studies along with global exposure through internships. IPMAT Interview is a crucial part of the selection process of these IIMs. This is the final stage of the admission process and is highly competitive. Clearing personal interview of IPMAT is difficult because the number of seat is quite limited 450 (combined for all three IIM Institutes) and the number of students shortlisted for interview is quite high. This article outlines strategies and tips on How to Crack IPMAT Personal Interview.

What Is IPMAT Personal Interview?

After clearing an IPMAT, the next step is the personal interview. A good performance in this interview will showcase the candidate’s knowledge, confidence, personality and overall communication skills. Based on these skills, the college either selects or rejects a candidate.

Why Is a Personal Interview Important in IPMAT?

IPMAT Personal Interview holds significant weightage in the overall selection process. Below is the weightage for PI for all three IIM institutes.

Weightage of IPMAT Personal Interview

PI is given considerable weightage. Hence, PI can significantly determine eligibility for any IIM institute. 

How to Crack the IPMAT Personal Interview?

Candidates must prepare thoroughly to pass the PI. Below are some strategies and tips to help you do so. 

1. Learn Everything About the IPM Program

Before the IPMAT interview, it is necessary to visit the college’s official website to learn all about it, including its mission, curriculum, academic culture and faculty. Researching other websites about the college is also helpful to gain more insights. It will show that you are interested in the program in the real sense. Interviewers may ask, “Why do you want to join the IPM program at this IIM?” 

2. Revise and Refresh Your Academic Knowledge

Since the academic profile carries significant weight, assessing your educational expertise before the interview is necessary. It is wise to comprehensively revise high school subjects like English, maths and economics. Interviewers evaluate a candidate’s analytical skills and logical reasoning. 

3. Learn About the Current Affairs

It is necessary to be up to date with national and global events. Interviews ask questions about current affairs to check your general awareness. You can read newspapers or follow current affairs on social media or news apps.

4. Develop and Enhance Communication Skills

Good communication skills are essential when it comes to cracking a personal interview. They demonstrate your confidence and conversational skills to the interviewers. Ensure you speak clearly and to the point without going overboard. Avoid fillers and long gaps after a question is asked. Learn to display confident body language, such as sitting upright, making eye contact, avoiding fidgeting, and avoiding excessive hand movements. 

5. Create and Work on Your Introduction

More often than not, “Tell me something about yourself” is the first thing that interviewers say. It would help if you prepared an introduction that enlists information about you, your education, and your achievements. Ensure to keep it balanced. Avoid talking excessively about personal details. Focus more on talking about your education qualifications and your achievements.

6. Prepare for Personal Questions

Personal questions are always asked in any personal interview. It helps to create a rapport, and interviewers analyze how you answer basic questions. The best practice is to go with honest, spontaneous answers rather than a memorized answer. Be authentic with your answer. Also, you can utilize this question to show that your personal strengths have benefitted you academically.

7. Avoid Overconfidence

Where confidence is appreciated, overconfidence can come off as rude and ill-mannered. Hence, it is always necessary to draw a line between confidence and overconfidence. Work on basic things like letting the interviewer complete the question, avoid arguments, and also avoid looking casual.

8. Dress Professionally

Dressing formally is necessary when going for a personal interview. Dressing correctly shows that you take the interview seriously and respect the interviewers. 

• Formal attire for men includes a formal shirt, trousers, tie and formal shoes. 
• Formal attire for women includes formal shirts and trousers; even formal Indian attire works.

9. Take Mock Interviews 

Taking mock interviews is crucial to prepare for a personal interview. You can either record yourself or practice in front of a mirror. It will help you to understand how you will look to the interviewer. Mock interviews assist in understanding the areas of improvement. Candidates who undergo mock interviews have gotten higher scores in the Personal Interview.

IPMAT Personal Interview Question Examples

Some questions are more likely to be asked in a personal interview. Below are some personal interview questions that interviewers ask candidates.

• Introduce yourself/Tell us something about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to be a part of the IPM program?
• Which other institutes have you given an interview at?
• Where do you see yourself after 10 years?
• Which is the last book you read?
• Why have you selected a career in management?
• Why do you prefer IPM over other courses?
• What are your thoughts on the latest budget?
• How would you describe your style of management?
• Do you believe in teamwork? Tell us an example.
• Are you able to perform under pressure?
• What is the importance of management in an organization?
• What are the qualities of a skilled manager?
• What makes a leader different from a manager?
• What will happen if you disagree with a teammate?
• Explain the difference between micro and macroeconomics.

Conclusion

After you have cleared the IPMAT, the next big challenge is clearing the Personal Interview. To crack the IPMAT personal interview, you need to be thoroughly prepared in all aspects. You must ensure that you have revised important academic topics and are informed about current affairs. You need to practice giving answers calmly and composedly without sounding casual or overconfident. Practice sample questions as much as you can. Lastly, dress appropriately, as the first impression is the last impression. Good Luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare to answer the questions about current affairs?

The best practice for preparing for current affairs is to read newspapers daily. You can also subscribe to authentic new channels and sources on social media. It is also suggested that you practice structuring your answers around such topics.

What is the weightage of the IPMAT personal interview for getting selected for the IPM program?

To be selected for the IPM program, personal interviews carry a 35% to 40% weightage. The weightage for the personal interview at IIM Indore is 35%. For IIM Rohtak, it is 15%, and for IIM Ranchi, it is 30%.

What is the dress code for an IPMAT personal interview?

The best options for men are formal shirts, trousers, ties and formal shoes. For women, it is either a formal shirt and trousers or formal Indian attire like a simple salwar suit or a simple saree.