MBA Admission Consultants
ISB Interview
What is the ISB Interview and How do you prepare for it?
The ISB interview is an interaction of 30 - 40 minutes with the ISB alumni panel.
The format of the ISB interview is conversational with a focus on behavioural skills.
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As an interviewee the key objective is to use every question to assert the fact that you are the right fit for ISB. The interviewer is there to find the right guy! The questions are meant to probe the areas of your personality that fit the gap.
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The Indian School of Business (ISB) is one of India's most prestigious business schools, offering a coveted MBA program that countless aspiring professionals seek. Securing a spot at ISB involves acing the GMAT/GRE, crafting a compelling application, and successfully navigating the ISB interview. This pivotal phase is where your application comes to life, and your aspirations, achievements, and personality are brought to the forefront. In this blog, we'll delve into the realm of the ISB interview, decoding the common questions asked and providing you with the insights you need to shine.
Here we cover the following aspects of the ISB interview preparation
1. How do you prepare for the ISB interview?
2. What are the common ISB Interview Questions?
How Do I prepare for ISB Interview?
Practice, practice, practice is the key for preparing for the ISB interview.
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Getting an interview call from the Indian School of Business (ISB) is a major accomplishment for any MBA applicant. However, the ISB interview can be a nerve-wracking experience for many, as it is an opportunity to showcase oneself and demonstrate why they are the best fit for the program.
These are the five steps to preparing for the ISB Interview:​
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Know your application inside out: Your interview will likely be centered around your application, so it's important to know it inside out.
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Research ISB: Research the school thoroughly, including its mission, values, and curriculum. Familiarize yourself with the program's structure, electives, and any other offerings that align with your interests.
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Practice your responses: The interview is an opportunity to showcase your story, so it's essential to practice your responses to common questions.
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Be genuine: Don't try to be someone you are not, as the interviewer will likely pick up on this. Be honest and transparent about your experiences, goals, and aspirations.
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Be Ready for Problem Solving: If you are going in to the ISB Interview, it is only obvious to assume that the interviewers may like to know how you solve business problems or similar situations.
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Preparing for an ISB interview requires research, practice, and confidence. By following these ISB Interview tips, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to showcase your strengths and achievements and demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate for the program.
ISB Interview Questions
What are the Questions asked in the ISB Interview?
Aspiring candidates who have applied to the Indian School of Business (ISB) are required to go through a rigorous interview process as part of their application process. We will discuss some of the commonly asked ISB interview questions and provide insights on how to prepare for them.
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Can you elaborate on your motivation for pursuing an MBA degree and your specific interest in obtaining it from ISB? This question aims to understand your reasons for pursuing higher education and your decision to pursue it at ISB. Please provide details on why an MBA is the next step in your career path and how it aligns with your professional goals. Additionally, explain what aspects of ISB's program appeal to you and how they will facilitate your personal and professional growth. This is one of the most common questions asked during the ISB interview process.
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The admissions committee wants to know why you have decided to pursue an MBA and why you believe that ISB is the right place to do it. It is important to research and understand ISB's unique features and offerings, such as its world-class faculty, global alumni network, and industry connections. Ensure that you explain how these characteristics correspond to your individual and career objectives.
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Describe a difficult scenario you encountered in your job and elaborate on the actions you took to resolve it. The panel intends to assess your approach to handling challenging situations in a professional environment, so be thorough in detailing the specific challenge, your response strategy, and the ultimate result. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response, and be sure to highlight the skills and qualities that you demonstrated in handling the situation.
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Can you elaborate on your immediate and future career aspirations, and explain how obtaining an MBA from ISB will facilitate their attainment? This question seeks to gain insight into your professional objectives and how pursuing an MBA aligns with your career plans. This question is designed to assess your career aspirations and your understanding of how an MBA from ISB can help you achieve them. Be sure to provide a clear and concise answer that outlines your goals and the specific skills and knowledge you hope to gain from the program. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable, and demonstrate how an MBA from ISB is a necessary step towards achieving them.
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What are your strengths and weaknesses? Be candid regarding your areas of proficiency and furnish precise instances of how you have exhibited them in previous situations. Evaluate your self-awareness and ability to provide concrete evidence of your strengths. When discussing your weaknesses, be sure to focus on areas that you have actively worked on to improve, and discuss how you have addressed them.
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Why you? This question seeks to understand your unique qualities and what you can bring to the program. This question is designed to understand why you believe you are the right fit for the ISB program. Exhibit your enthusiasm for the program and your steadfast dedication to maximizing the potential benefits it offers. This question intends to assess what you can bring to the table and how invested you are in the program's success. Please provide concrete examples of your exceptional qualities, experiences, and achievements, and elaborate on how you plan to leverage them in the program.
In conclusion, the ISB interview process is a crucial step in the application process. Preparing for the interview questions and having a clear understanding of your career goals, strengths, and weaknesses is essential to performing well in the interview. Practice answering these common ISB interview questions and be sure to prepare specific examples and stories to support your responses.
ISB Interview Dates 2023
Dates for Round 1 last year
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Deadline- 4th September
Interview Date - Interview City
Saturday, 8 October, 2022- Mumbai
Saturday, 8 October, 2022- Hyderabad
Sunday, 9 October, 2022- Mumbai
Sunday, 9 October, 2022- Hyderabad
Saturday, 15 October, 2022- New Delhi
Sunday, 16 October, 2022- New Delhi
Saturday, 22 October, 2022- Online - Hyderabad
Sunday, 23 October, 2022- Online - Hyderabad
Saturday, 29 October, 2022- Mohali
Saturday, 29 October, 2022- Bengaluru
Sunday, 30 October, 2022- Bengaluru
Sunday, 30 October, 2022- New Delhi
Saturday, 5 November, 2022- Chennai
Saturday, 5 November, 2022- Kolkata
Sunday, 6 November, 2022- Chennai
Sunday, 6 November, 2022- Kolkata
Sunday, 6 November, 2022- Hyderabad
ISB PGP Round 3 results will be announced on 10 March 2023
ISB MBA Round 3 Interview timelines:​
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Saturday, 18 February 2023 - Hyderabad
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Saturday, 18 February 2023 - Online
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Sunday, 19 February 2023 - Hyderabad
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Sunday, 19 February 2023 - Online
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Saturday, 25 February 2023 - Bengaluru
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Saturday, 25 February 2023 - Mumbai/Online
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Saturday, 25 February 2023 - Online
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Sunday, 26 February 2023 - Mumbai/Online
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Sunday, 26 February 2023 - Bengaluru
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Sunday, 26 February 2023 - Online
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Saturday, 4 March 2023 - Online
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Sunday, 5 March 2023 - Online
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PGP Round 2 Shortlisted Candidates (Rolling): December 2022 - February 10, 2023
PGP Round 2 Results: February 15, 2023​
ISB YLP Interview
Our interview preparation process includes the basic preparation, mock interviews as per the school format and setup. One on one coaching process includes deep dive into what the school is looking for and how your profile addresses it best.​
ISB MBA Interview
The ISB interview questions are profile based questions.
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The ISB interview questions are structured to delve into the personality of the applicant. From behavioural questions, situation based questions, business acumen, profile based questions to specific Why MBA, Why You, Why now, Why this school these 30 - 45 minutes are crucial to cut across the competition.
ISB Executive MBA Interview
The MBA interview is a great opportunity to make a mark. It leaves a lasting impression on both the parties involved. It is a once in a lifetime chance for the interviewee to set the expectations and steer his life towards unparalleled success after ISB. ​
ISB Interview FAQ:
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What is the ISB Interview like?
The ISB interview is not just a formality; it's a golden opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you beyond your written application. This interactive phase helps them assess your fit for the ISB community, gauge your communication skills, and investigate the reasons behind your MBA aspirations. ISB employs two primary types of interviews: the alumni interview and the admissions team interview. The former offers a perspective from someone who has lived the ISB journey, while the latter brings an official evaluation.
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What are the Common ISB Interview Questions?
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While the questions may vary, certain themes recur in ISB interviews. These include:
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Tell us something about yourself: This opening question lets you set the tone, showcasing your journey, values, and strengths.
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What drives your MBA aspiration? The admissions panel wants to understand your motivation behind pursuing an MBA at ISB.
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Why ISB? Here's your chance to exhibit your research and show how ISB aligns with your goals.
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Walk us through your career journey: Be prepared to discuss your professional path, challenges, and contributions.
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Describe a leadership experience: The interviewers will assess your leadership skills and strategic mind through this question.
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How do you handle challenges at work? Highlight your problem-solving skills and resilience.
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Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? This helps the panel understand your long-term vision.
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Tell us about a failure: Demonstrating self-awareness and learning from setbacks is key.
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What extracurricular activities interest you? Showcase your interests beyond work.
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ISB Interview 2023: How to Prepare?
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Preparation is your ally. Reflect on your journey, professional experiences, and personal motivations. Know your application inside out. Understand ISB's values, culture, and offerings. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Let’s explore some examples;
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Practicing mock interviews: You must keep practicing the strategy sessions and mock interviews to grow your confidence and communication level for your interview day. You may seek help from people who can help you frame unique answers.
Go through ISB: You will be asked questions to see if you have done your research well. You better be prepared with the history of ISB, which includes the clubs, colleges, events, alumni, and everything about the institute.
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Have a clear story about yourself: Most interviews start with asking about you. Make sure that your answer is a one-minute concise, crisp, and precise way to elevate your chances.
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What are some common ISB Interview Questions and Answers?
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Question: Tell us about yourself.
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Answer: "Certainly. I hail from a small town in Kerala, and growing up in a diverse environment fostered my adaptability.I started my journey with an Engineering degree.. I then joined XYZ Corporation, where my analytical skills paved the way for my transition from an engineer to a team leader. My penchant for problem-solving allowed me to lead a cross-functional team to optimize processes, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency."
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Question: What drives your MBA aspiration?
Answer: "My career journey exposed me to diverse roles, from technical challenges to strategic decisions. However, I realized that to steer businesses toward success, I need a broader skill set. An MBA from ISB will equip me with the strategic acumen and leadership capabilities needed to thrive in dynamic corporate landscapes."
What are the important behavioural interview questions for the ISB Interview 2023?
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Behavioral questions gauge your past behaviors as indicators of future actions.
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Situation: Describe the scenario.
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Task: Explain the challenge or goal.
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Action: Detail the steps you took.
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Result: Share the outcomes achieved.
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Demonstrating Fit with ISB:
ISB values students who align with its ethos. Showcase your research on the school, your understanding of its offerings, and how you intend to contribute to its vibrant community.
Nailing the Case Interview (for specific programs):
Practice is key for programs involving case interviews. Familiarize yourself with business concepts, practice logically analyzing cases, and clearly communicate your thought process.
ISB Interview 2023: Handling Challenging Interview Questions:
Facing tough questions gracefully is a skill. If you find it complex, take time and gather your thoughts. Do not rush.
: Dos and Don'ts of ISB Interview Preparation:
Dos:
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Research: Thoroughly understand ISB and its values.
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Practice: Rehearse your answers to common questions.
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Be Authentic: Let your true self shine through.
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Dress Smart: Present yourself professionally.
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Don'ts:
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Rush: Take your time to formulate responses.
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Overprepare: Avoid sounding rehearsed.
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Monologue: Engage in a conversation, not a monologue.
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Guess: If unsure, admitting and offering your thoughts is okay.
After the Interview: Next Steps:
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After the interview, stay patient. Await communication from ISB regarding your admission status. Once the verdict arrives, decide thoughtfully, aligning it with your aspirations and fit.
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As you embark on the journey to crack the ISB interview, remember that authenticity and preparation are your greatest allies. The ISB interview is your opportunity to present your story, aspirations, and uniqueness. Embrace the process, and with these insights in your arsenal, approach the interview with confidence, poise, and a determination to shine. Good luck on your ISB interview journey!
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Get in touch with us for mock interviews.
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ISB Interview FAQs
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How do I prepare for an ISB interview?
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Preparation is your ally. Reflect on your journey, professional experiences, and personal motivations. Know your application inside out. Understand ISB's values, culture, and offerings. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
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How many people are called for ISB interview?
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Interview to admit ratio is generally 5:1 for most schools.
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What is the acceptance rate for ISB?
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Most Indian schools including ISB don’t release the acceptance rate data. ISB doesn’t give this data in any of its reports but application to acceptance rate is around 6:1 for most schools. It’s 5:1 for Kellogg MBA, 7:1 for Schools like Wharton, MIT Sloan and Chicago Booth, 8:1 for Harvard.
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What is the male to female ratio at ISB?
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The male to female ratio in the Indian School of Business is known to be 63%: 37%.(class of 2023)
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