IIM Admission 2023: Know How Alok Singh Converted IIM Lucknow Admission Call
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
Admit Card - 5 Nov '25 - 30 Nov '25
Alok Singh, with 97.42 percentile, got an IIM Lucknow PGP call. Here he discusses his PI-WAT experience for IIM Lucknow admission. Read on.
Know How Alok Singh Dealt with IIM Lucknow PI and WAT
IIM Lucknow Admission 2023: Alok Singh from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, scored 97.42 percentile in CAT 2022. Based on his CAT score, Alok received admission calls for top b-schools, including IIM Lucknow. He completed a BTech degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from Madhav Institute of Technology and Science. Post completion of the BTech degree, Alok has been working as a software engineer at LTIMindtree.
In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Alok shares how he was depressed after he came out of the interview room. He claimed it was the shortest ever interview nearing 10 minutes. However, he has been able to convert IIM Lucknow admission call for PGP 2023-25 batch. Scroll down to read Alok’s PI WAT experience at IIM Lucknow, along with the PI transcript, WAT topic, and his thoughts after the interview.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
- IIM Lucknow Admission Call
- IIM Lucknow WAT Experience
- IIM Lucknow Interview Experience
- Thoughts on IIM Lucknow Personal Interview
- Read More MBA Interview Experiences
IIM Lucknow Admission Call
IIM Lucknow shortlists candidates for PI and WAT based on the CAT score. Alok got a 97.42 percentile in CAT 2022, which got him a PI WAT call from IIM Lucknow.
Also Read: IIM Lucknow Cutoff
IIM Lucknow PI WAT Process
The selection criteria for IIM Ahmedabad comprises shortlisted candidates to appear for PI and AWT rounds. Candidates are shortlisted based on their CAT scores. The final admission is done on the basis of collective performance in all selection rounds.
CAT is a highly competitive exam which is a must-have for admission to other top Management colleges and IIMs. A well-planned strategy along with a correct approach is essential for admission to MBA courses in India, especially in the top MBA colleges in India. A preparation strategy that will help you ace the CAT exam for admission to IIM Lucknow is as follows:
- Students must view the syllabus and exam pattern of CAT
- To improve your vocabulary, students must read books, newspapers and journals. Click here for VARC questions with answers
- Choose the correct reference book
- Solve as many CAT Mock Tests as possible. Download for FREE!
- Solve previous year's CAT question papers for thorough revision to reduce the scope of mistakes
Read more about the CAT preparation strategy.
IIM Lucknow has a multi-step admission process which students need to follow for admission. Starting with the application, students are required to go through the course-specific entrance exam followed by other selection rounds (if applicable). After the selection rounds are over, course-wise merit lists are released on the official website after which interested candidates can submit the fee and confirm their admission. A step-by-step process is mentioned in detail:
IIM Lucknow Application Process 2024 for Admission Year 2025
The application process of IIM Lucknow PGP courses takes place via CAT. Therefore, candidates need to visit the official website of CAT to register themselves. For more details, check out CAT application process.
For other courses, check below the application fee and steps to apply for admission:
- Visit the official website of IIML.
- Select the course and 'Apply Now'.
- Read the instructions and register with the basic detail.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload the documents and pay the application fee.
- Submit the application form.
Documents Required at the Time of Application:
- Scanned photograph and signature
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheet
- Graduation and post-graduation marksheet (if required), etc.
The application fee is tabulated below:
Course Name | Application fee |
|---|---|
Executive MBA | INR 1,000 |
IPMX | INR 5,000 |
FPM/ Executive FPM | INR 1,000 (INR 500 for SC/ ST) |
NOTE: The above-mentioned application fee is as per past years' data. Hence, is indicative.
2. Selection Round: Candidates selected for MBA based on their Class 10, Class 12, CAT qualifying and CAT final cutoff are called for further selection rounds, such as the Written Ability Test and Personal Interview. A commutative score is then calculated based on the performance of the candidates in all the aforementioned parameters. Similarly for other courses, candidates who meet the set eligibility need to go through the institute-specific selection process and get shortlisted.
3. Merit List and Admission Confirmation: After completion of the selection rounds, a category-wise merit list is released based on the Final Composite Score. The provisional admission offers are made accordingly, adhering to the reservation norms. Students who are willing to take admission now must pay the admission fee and confirm their seats.
- Written Ability Test: Abbreviated as WAT is a written test where the candidate is expected to write on a given topic in a pre-defined word limit.
- Personal Interview (PI): Almost all the b-school across India conduct a Personal Interview round to select candidates for MBA admission. An interview panel of two or more members get together to ask questions and gauge the overall readiness of the shortlisted candidate for admission
Also Read: IIM Lucknow Admission
IIM Lucknow WAT Experience
Alok went through the document verification process, post which a panel number was allotted to all the candidates. Each panel comprised 10 candidates. These 10 candidates had to take the WAT exam in a common room. Additionaly, all these 10 candidates in one panel had common interviewers.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
14 Oct '25 - 16 Oct '25
1 Aug '25 - 18 Oct '25
1 Aug '25 - 19 Oct '25
4 Nov '25
1 Aug '25 - 20 Nov '25
30 Sep '25 - 20 Nov '25
1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25
21 Dec '25
31 Jul '25 - 31 Dec '25
31 Dec '25
All 10 candidates were given a WAT topic for IIM Lucknow WAT process. All candidates were given two minutes to think about the topic and write about the same within 15 minutes.
Time limit to Attempt WAT: 15 minutes
WAT Venue: Catering College, Dadar, Mumbai
IIM Lucknow WAT Topic
Alok got a WAT topic regarding online content consumption. The context of the topic was “why students should have limited exposure to online content.”
Also Read:
Candidates seeking admission in an IIM Lucknow MBA or PGP course are required to complete the CAT registration process. Aspirants are requested to check out the minimum required eligibility criteria before filling out the application form. To do the same, the steps are provided below:
- First step is to visit the CAT official website.
- Register yourself by putting your basic details.
- Login with the ID and fill out the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee via credit/debit card or net banking.
Read more: CAT Registration Process 2024
Admission to PGPWE or Executive MBA course is based on CAT, GMAT and GATE score. Candidates are shortlisted for the WAT and PI round on the basis of their performance in the CAT, scholastic achievement and relevant work experience. CAT is the computer-based test conducted for providing admission to PGPWE course.
For admission PhD/FPM in IIM Lucknow, aspirants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Eligible candidates can download the application from the IIM Lucknow official website. After filling out the application, it has to be sent by post to the authorities. Further, applicants are shortlisted for the interview round based on merit in CAT/GATE/GRE/GMAT or JRF/SRF (UGC/CSIR/ICAR). The final seat allotment is carried out on the basis of candidates' overall performance in the selection rounds and academic records. A selection list shall be released and the candidates are also informed over mail or SMS.
IIM Lucknow Interview Experience
Alok’s PI for IIM Lucknow did not go as he expected. He was the second last candidate to be called for the interview inside the room. He had to wait around 2-3 hours for his call.
- Date of Interview: March 20, 2023
- Place of Interview: Catering College, Dadar, Mumbai
- Number of Panellists: 2 (both male)
- Duration of interview: 10 minutes
IIM Lucknow PI Questions
The space below mentions the PI questions and answers in words of Alok.
(As soon as I entered the room I greeted both of them and took their permission to sit)
P1: Good afternoon, Alok. Please introduce yourself.
Alok: I had already prepared for this answer beforehand as it is the most common question asked in any interview round. I mentioned about my city, my state level achievements in painting, my college, the cultural activities I was a part of in the college, my work experience and lastly about my hobbies.
(Meanwhile P2 was checking my WAT answer)
P1: What's the certificate about you mentioned in your intro? What was your contribution?
Alok: I answered this question (I received a certificate of Gender warrior in college)
(Before I entered the interview room, other candidates had already told me that they are asking only about academics, irrespective of the work experience)
P2: So you are from Electronics background. Tell me what's a bistable multivibrator?
Alok: I answered the question correctly with the defination.
P2: Draw its circuit diagram for us.
Alok: I told them that, I am unable ot recall the diagram at the moment.
P2: Okay, make the circuit diagram of JK flip flop(he also gave certain conditions)
Alok: I again couldn't answer. Said sorry.
P2: Looks like you have forgotten everything. It's just been 2 years.
Alok: To this I didn’t speak anything but, smiled nervously.
(Meanwhile, P1 was just staring with a weird expression)
Before moving fyrther, I was asked some more questions on Electronics. These questions were related to Power transmission lines, DC and AC differences. They also made me draw a circuit diagram of Transistor. I answered most of these questions correctly. However, they didn’t seem convinced with my answers.
Around 1-2 follow-up questions were asked from my academic history.
P1: Okay, we are done. Thank you.
Verdict: Converted
Thoughts on IIM Lucknow Personal Interview
Once I was told that the interview was concluded, I did not believe the interview panel, as it was the shortest ever interview. I was constantly hoping that they should ask me questions related to HR, or something from my work experience, or my hobbies. However, my shortest interview was over.
Everything during the interview was asked from Electronics. I had a belief that they wouldn’t select me, and even cried, thinking about the worst interview experience. Had lost all hopes. I knew I won't be able to make it.
Read More MBA Interview Experiences
The table below mentions some other MBA interview experiences at top colleges:
| Name of Candidate |
College Name |
Link for Interview Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Avi Shrivastava |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
Click here to read full interview |
| Sujit Kumar |
Click here to read full interview |
|
| Pratyush Adhikary |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Yash Kaviya |
XLRI Jamshedpur |
Click here to read full interview |
| Lavisha Taneja |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
Click here to read full interview |
| Kushagra Dash |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Siddharth Lilani |
Click here to read full interview |
|
| Saara Mehta |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Eshwar Naik |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Ankan Biswas |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Aditya Singh |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Saurabh Wani |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Umang Agarwal |
Click here to read full interview |
|
| Kislaya |
IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore |
Click here to read full interview |
| Bharat Karena |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
| Yash Singhania |
IIM Ahmedabad |
Click here to read full interview |
Read More:
- IIM Shortlist 2023 - 2025 OUT: Check PI Status, Final Result, Wait List, CAP, Cut Off, WAT-PI Dates
- Top 32 Questions to Prepare for Personal Interview (PI)
- 80 Group Discussion (GD) Topics for MBA
- Understand GD-PIWAT Process for MBA Admission
- MBA Interview Preparation Guide 2023
- 5 MBA PI Situations that may Stump You
- IIM Admission & Selection Criteria
- How to prepare for GD-PI
- 13 must-do things to crack GD-PI-WAT
- How to crack GD-PI-WAT rounds of Top B-Schools
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
14 Oct '25 - 16 Oct '25 | XAT 2026 form correction |
10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25 | XAT 2026 Exam registration |
1 Aug '25 - 20 Nov '25 | SNAP 2025 Registration Process |
28 Nov '25 - 6 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 admit card session 1... |
1 Aug '25 - 18 Oct '25 | NMAT 2025 Registration Window |
1 Aug '25 - 25 Oct '25 | NMAT 2025 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
28 Sep '25 | MAT CBT Exam 2025 (Sept ) |
25 Sep '25 - 28 Sep '25 | MAT CBT Admit Card 2025 (Sept ... |
1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25 | IBSAT 2025 Registration |
27 Dec '25 - 28 Dec '25 | IBSAT 2025 Exam Date |
13 Feb '25 | CMAT 2025 Result |
31 Jan '25 - 2 Feb '25 | CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release a... |
Dec '25 | MAH MBA CET 2026 registration ... |
2 Sep '25 - 4 Sep '25 | MAH MBA CAP 2025: Reporting to... |
Jan '26 | Publication of TANCET notifica... |
Jan '26 | TANCET registration window |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Candidates who did not appear for the CAT entrance exam can apply St. Xavier's College, Kolkata admissions as it is not a mandatory entrance exam. The candidates who wish to gain admissions into the MBA course of the institute have to appear for the Kolkata University entrance test for St. Xavier's
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
With a 300 SC category rank in CAT, your chances for NIT Trichy MBA are relatively high. Based on 2025 data, NIT Trichy generally shortlists SC candidates with CAT percentiles around 60-65. To achieve a 300 rank under SC category, you would need about a 65-70 percentile, or a score of roughly 60-65
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
PGCET and CAT serve distinct purposes. The PGCET is primarily conducted for MBA admissions in colleges in the state of Karnataka, specifically for government colleges and private universities with lower fees. CAT is a national level exam for top-ranking B-schools and colleges such as the IIMs that h
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
That's a wonderful goal to push your son toward right at the start. To obtain previous CAT model papers, you can check many available popular exam preparation books in any bookstore or online store. Coaching interest such as TIME, IMS, Career Launcher, etc., usually have mock tests and sample papers
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, you can get admission to Jaypee Business School (JBS), Noida for MBA even if you don't have CAT. JBS accepts scores from several other exams such as MAT, CMAT, XAT, GMAT, ATMA, and also CUET-PG. Just make sure you have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks, then apply with any of those va
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
I
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
For candidates pursuing MBA, the eligibility criteria includes merit and entrance based selection. Whereas, for BBA, candidates must qualify Class 12 with a minimum aggregate. JIIT CDOE MBA on the other hand, is offered based on the minimum aggregate of graduation. However, for the final admission,
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, students can get MBA admission into Galgotia University without CAT. The university accepts other national entrance exams for MBA programme. The university accepts entrance exams such as MAT, CMAT, XAT, SAT, and other. It is mandatory to qualify one of the entrance exams.
K
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, students can get admission in Greater Noida Institute of Technology without CAT. CAT is one of the accepted entrance exams at Greater Noida Institute of Technology. The other accepted entrance exams are MAT, NMAT, XAT, CMAT, and others. If a student's CAT score is not good, worry not other acce
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 weeks ago
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi offers various programmes and specilisations across various streams. For obtaining IIFT Delhi admission, candidates are required to appear for the prescribed entrance tests. Students can visit the official website of the IIFT Delhi to learn more regarding the
U
Contributor-Level 8
CAT is the common entrance test for a range of post management courses offered by the Indian Institute of Management. The CAT score is accepted for admission to PGP, MBA, Executive MBA, Ph.D. and FPM courses.
Here is the list of courses offered by every IIM.