WAT-PI Recall : How I made it to IIM-B!

Going forward with “I cracked the PI” series, Shiksha touched base with a PGP student of the Indian Institute of Bangalore (IIM-B), Hari Prasad Vasudevan (2012-14 batch).

Hari Prasad Vasudevan

Twenty-seven-year-old Hari pursued his Bachelors of Engineering from The College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai. Post-campus placements, Hari joined Adobe as a software engineer in 2006. He changed firms to join a start-up in 2010.

“I always wanted to pursue an MBA, even while in college. But later decided to acquire some work experience and understand my strengths,” says a candid Hari. In 2006, Hari joined a two-year preparatory course in an MBA coaching institute.

In 2009, Hari attempted CAT for the first time, scoring 94 percentile. He got a call from IIM Shillong but could not convert. He took a break and re-took CAT in November 2012. This time, Hari scored 96.29% and got calls from IIM Shillong and Bangalore. He got in both the institutes but opted to go for IIM Bangalore. “I had applied at IIM-B since it looks at the candidate’s profile too along with CAT scores,” says Hari.

 Here’s Hari’s preparation strategy and run-up from application stage to final admission call.

Application package

Hari had to submit the following documents within a month of getting the call:

• A statement of purpose (SOP)
• Details of professional background
• Details of academic background
• 2-3 recommendation letter from previous managers or professors

Preparation Strategy

“The SOP is quite crucial in the IIM-B interview. So I was thorough with my profile and application package, knowing your profile is important. Apart from it, my preparation for Written Ability Test (WAT) & Personal Interview (PI) was based on general topics such as current affairs, looking at previous years’ patterns, visiting online websites for tips and info and looking at probable new questions. I also had some friends in IIM-B who gave some inside tips, such as what the institute expects,” informed Hari.

The Day

The big day arrived at the end of March. Hari arrived at the IIM-B campus and went through the formalities of verifying document etc. By this time the institute had announced the interview process, wherein Hari’s turn was scheduled towards the end of the day.

The WAT

Just before the interview, Hari’s group of 15 candidates were called in a room and asked to sit down for WAT. The topic was – Will 100% FD in retail affect Indian economy? About 15- 20 minutes was allotted for it and candidates had to fill-up the given space on paper.

Hari recalls, “I had looked at the topic from two perspectives for the Indian economy – the pros and cons.” 

The PI

After the WAT, Hari went in for his PI. The interview panel had three people – two professors and an institute alumnus. This is what happened thereafter:

Candidate: No, sir. I am still thinking of what questions you’ll be asking in the interview.

(Politely introduced himself and spoke about his academic and professional background)

I have been contemplating pursuing an MBA since my college days. My first CAT attempt was in 2009. I had got a call from IIM Shillong, but could not convert.

(Elaborated his experience with product development companies) It gives me a narrow look at software development companies. With an MBA, I’ll get broader perspective of how business goals are achieved.

Executive MBAs are for people with more than seven years of experience. Also, most of the candidates for executive programmes are already in managerial positions with practical exposure. A two- year PGP is much more suited for me.

(Gave an overview of profiles and how MBA will be a value addition)

No, I don’t have any.

(The panel discussed Hari’s profile for about 10 minutes) 

I like to read books, play chess, watch movies.

Currently, I am reading Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.

Actually, I have just started reading it. 

Since I just started reading the book, I have not come across any such crucial word so far.

(Hari gives an overview of first few lessons)

Generally popular fiction such as Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners. 

Sruti – The part of Vedas that are supposed to have been heard by sages directly from God; Smriti – The part of philosophical texts that are remembered by sages through contemplation; and Samhita – Compilation of various texts of Vedas. However, I am not very sure about the definition Samhita.

(Later on, Hari checked and found out that he had given correct information)

All my managers told have said one thing – I have strong technical skills but not very good communication skills. Often, my technical knowhow is overshadowed by lack of communication.

No, sorry. 

(Asked about courses and clubs in the college)

The entire PI went on for about 25 minutes.

Results

The result of WAT and PI was declared after two months. 

Hari’s take

“While attempting the WAT, you need to be logical in providing your views and write coherently within the space provided. Since time is limited put down your thoughts and main points to frame an outline in the initial few minutes provided for thinking which can be expanded when you write. When it comes to PI, it is best to prepare about your background and give honest answers. The interviewers do not expect you to know everything.”