The first thing you need to do to get into a B-school is to prove your mettle through the Common Admissions Test
(CAT). If you are among the lucky ones to receive a call from the highly regarded Indian Institute of Management
(IIM) in Kozhikode, your next priority should be nailing the selection rounds as per their admission criteria.
Even if you are hoping to be invited to attend these rounds, it is imperative that you prepare for IIM-K’s
further screening. Now that you have to contend with some of the brightest brains shortlisted by the institute,
you must know about the process and frequently asked topics and questions.
The evaluation methods used by IIM-K help determine whether or not the shortlisted candidates possess an
appropriate level of knowledge and experience to meet the requirements of the relevant coursework. The admission
panel judges the personality, values, mental capacity, and other traits of the candidates.
About IIM Kozhikode
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kozhikode, was started in 1996. In the history of IIMs, it is the fifth
to be founded. IIM-K is the first one to be accredited by the AMBA, joining the ranks of prestigious
institutions like London Business School, INSEAD, and HEC Paris. The institute offers PGP in Management,
Finance, Business Leadership, and Liberal Studies. IIM-K also extends executive, doctoral, and faculty
development programmes.
IIM Kozhikode - Selection Process
A list of qualified applicants is compiled after considering the candidates’ CAT scores, academic grades,
work experience, gender and academic diversity. Those that make the cut will be required to take a
written ability test (WAT) and a personal interview (PI). Finally, the candidate’s
inclusion in the admission list is decided as per their performance in CAT scores, PI, WAT, and overall profile.
IIM Kozhikode - Interview Experiences
Topics Given in IIM-K’s WAT
Candidates are given almost 25 minutes to compose an essay on the assigned topic for the WAT phase. It is
possible to write between 250 and 300 words in the allotted time. The topics are generally inspired by current
affairs in the corporate, economic, and societal arenas. Here are the WAT topics allotted to the candidates
during IIM-K admissions in recent years:
- The concept of nation-states no longer has any relevance.
- When it comes to rural hardship, data and technology are not helpful.
- Should India prioritise Smart Cities when 30 crores of its population lack access to electricity?
- Can we say that India is prepared for a cashless economy?
- Using a social cause in advertising helps humanise a corporation.
- For the sake of political neutrality, should student unions be banned from universities?
- Public sector pushes employment, and Private sector promotes employability
- Instead of fighting for peace and prosperity in the future, humans would fight over scarce resources like
water and air.
Questions Asked in IIM-K Interviews
A group of two panel lists ask the candidates questions about their education, work experience, interests, and
general knowledge. Each interview lasts 15-20 minutes. Some candidates also face questions about the State or
city where they were born. Following is the list of interview questions that formed part of IIM-K’s
interviews in the last few years:
Personality Traits & Goals
- Tell me about your hopes and dreams. Where does your dad work, exactly?
- What subfield do you see yourself focusing on?
- Which organisation is your preferred workplace?
Academics & Work Experience
- What was your area of expertise? So, tell me, whatever aspect of economics most excites you? How well-versed
are you in the jargon of Wall Street?
- Tell me about your role at J.P. Morgan. Can you explain your interest in pursuing an MBA at this time?
- I was wondering whether you could advise me on a product management strategy. I'm trying to understand
how Swiggy's and Zomato's product management strategies vary.
- Why is silicon so crucial to electronics? How can one get their hands on some silicon?
Current Events & General Awareness
- What do you see as the most pressing issue that non-governmental organisations must deal with today? What
would you do differently if you were in a position of authority?
- Tell me the difference between the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Hobbies & Extra-Curriculars
- How did you spend your free time throughout university? If you were in charge of the mess, what were your
duties?