IIM Interviews: Top 10 Questions & Expert Strategies from the “Other Side”

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: November 25, 2025

Synopsis: IIM interviewers share the most common and challenging questions they ask in WAT/PI rounds, revealing what they truly look for in candidates. This guide highlights ten key questions, plus strategic tips around current affairs, academics, personal background, and more, to help aspirants build confidence and clarity before facing interview panels.

Facing an IIM interview can be a nerve-racking experience, where every word, pause, and response is carefully weighed. To help candidates better prepare, Shiksha spoke to top IIM professors and seasoned interviewers to lay out the top 10 questions frequently asked along with expert tips to answer them with confidence.

What’s Inside: The Top 10 Questions

Some of the most common questions raised in IIM interviews include:

Tell me about yourself, covering academics and how you stay updated with world affairs.
By 2030, one out of five people globally will be Indian — what would be the implications of this?
Can an average student get into IIM?”— with nuanced answers based on CAT score, diversity, work experience, and academic profile. Shiksha
“What does feminism mean to you, and is it still relevant?” and “If you were RBI Governor, what steps would you take given rising inflation?”
Other questions explore global business developments, candidates’ hometowns and personal stories, leadership awareness, and their perspectives on the startup ecosystem.

What Interviewers Are Actually Looking For

Interviewers often assess more than just knowledge. According to insights shared:

General awareness is key: they ask about recent business events, economic policies, and global developments.
Academic grounding matters: expect to be questioned on your graduation subjects, class 10/12 scores, and technical concepts (especially for STEM backgrounds).
Work Experience / Resume Depth: Discussion may involve your projects, internships, career breaks, or leadership roles — and what you learned from them.
Personality & Interests: Be ready to talk about your hobbies, what makes you unique, and how your background has shaped your worldview.
Quirky or unexpected questions: Some interviewers use offbeat questions (like reciting a poem or singing) to assess spontaneous thinking and ease under pressure.

Pro Tips to Approach the PI / WAT Round

Be authentic — Honesty resonates more than rehearsed answers.
Stay conversant with current affairs, especially economic news, budget updates, and global trade issues.
Understand your own story — Prepare a coherent narrative of your academic journey, work experience, and future goals.
Do mock interviews — Simulating the interview experience helps with time management, articulation, and composure.
Prepare for diversity of questions — From your hometown to the concept of the gig economy, panels probe a wide spectrum.

Preparing for IIM interviews shouldn’t just be about accumulating “right answers.” By anticipating and thoughtfully planning responses to these top 10 questions, mixed with genuine insight, awareness, and self-reflection, candidates can present themselves as not just well-prepared but self-aware and ready for leadership.