PI Preparation: Format, Personal Interview Questions, Tips, Tricks, FAQs

Personal Interview (PI) 2021 ( PI )

Abhishek Dhawan
Updated on Sep 17, 2025 17:25 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

PI Preparation: Several colleges offering UG and PG admissions conduct a Personal Interview round as part of the selection process, commonly known as counselling. PI is not limited to admission at top b-schools such as IIMs, PI is conducted for admission to NIFT, SIMB, etc. Several degree courses, including MBA, have selection rounds that include Group Discussion, Personal Interview and WAT/situation test/ psychometric test. Qualifying a Personal Interview (PI) round acts as a prerequisite for admission in reputed colleges offering professional courses under Management, Design, etc.

Typically, a PI round is facilitated by a panel of interviewers. However, new age admissions processes have also seen PI rounds driven by Artificial Intelligence. The overall purpose of AI interview or the one facilitated by a human remains the same. Candidates are shortlisted for a PI round based on their scores from an entrance exam or a qualifying exam scores. Candidates may find Group Discussion (GD) administered before a PI process. Personal Interviews are conducted to evaluate communication skills, confidence, body language, critical thinking skills, and more. It also helps analyse the candidate's approach towards stressful situations via his/her verbal and non-verbal responses. Thus, preparing for a personal interview is equally important.

Scroll down for tips on preparing for a Personal Interview, including the format of a PI, preparation tips, important PI questions, and more.

Also Read: MBA Preparation: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Table of content
  • What is Personal Interview?
  • Personal Interview Format
  • Personal Interview Preparation Tips
  • Top Personal Interview Questions
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What is Personal Interview?

A face to face interaction between a candidate and a panel to asses suitability for UG or PG admission is known as a personal interview (PI). A PI rounds helps evaluate candidate's communication skills, subject knowledge, overall personality and clarity of goals. While judging a candidate based on the personal interview, the interview panel checks the overall readiness of the candidate for admission to the institute. PIs usually focus on candidate's interest, past achievements (academic or non academic), and future plans. PI rounds may also revolve around candidate's past work experience (if any). Personal Interviews can be conducted in any of the following ways

  • In-person at a designated centre
  • AI-based interviews (no human presence, an AI model asks questions)
  • Online interview (with human presence)
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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How should I introduce myself in a personal interview?
A: 

During a personal interview round, an introduction must include candidate's name, place of residence, educational background, key achievements, and hobbies. At the UG level, candidates are expected to include theur school-related achievements or other co-curricular activities. Whereas, at PG level, candidates must include achievements from their work experience, internships, and academic projects at UG level.

Most of the personal interviews will start with an introduction of the candidate, therefore, one must prepare an answer for the same. An introcution during PI round must be structured, simple and relevant to the program. Additionally, the introduction must not be too long. This will helo the panel to judge a candidate's confidence and clarity of thoughts.

Q:   How should I plan my PI preparation if I do not have any prior work experience or achievements to share with the panel?
A: 

During a personal interview, one of the key topics of the conversation revolves around candidate's achievements and past work experience. While preparing for the PI round, candidates must focus on their academic strengths, reasons for choosing the course, interests, and learning attitude.

Lack of achievements can be compensated by showing clarity of thought towards the future goals, and interest in the learning outcome. Candidates can also talk about some related school projects, small competitions, or self-learning efforts put in by them to advance in their career path. For PG candidates, if there is no work experience, they can highlight academic projects or internships. Additionally, candidates can explain how they plan to gain experience after admission.

Q:   What do interviewers expect when they ask ‘Why this course?
A: 

During a personal interview round, interviewers want to know if the candidate has a clear reason for choosing the course. Several candidates apply for a course due to peer pressure, or if parents force them to choose a particular course. In order to invest two to three years into a particular program, candidates must find the subjects interesting.

The answer to 'Why this course? ' should show an alignment between career goals, candidate's interests, and what the course has to offer. The answer will help the panel assess if the decision is informed or just random. A good response to this question will connect the dots between the career goal of a candidate with the course offerings. Before preparing for this answer, candidates must gather insights about the course content and try to relate it with the career goal.

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Personal Interview Format

The interview process for Design admission or MBA admission is generally conducted by institutes ditching any centralised process. Some colleges also include PI and GD rounds as part of the counselling process. An institute conducting PI appoints three to four expert members to ask questions from the shortlisted candidates. Questions in a PI round are both generalised as well as personalised. The duration of the round can lie anywhere between 15 minutes to 40 minutes depending on the conversation.

Generally, PI is conducted physically at a predefined centre; however, PI has also been conducted virtually owing to the situations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: Tips to Crack Virtual GD/PI

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How should I handle questions in a PI round if I don't know the answer?
A: 

During an interview, in case a candidate doesn't know the answer, he/she must admit it politely instead of guessing or answering incorrectly. Candidates can answer with "I am not sure, and will look into it" will show willingness to learn and honesty. Interviewers usually don't expect every answer to be correct. The primary parameters to judge a candidate during a PI round includes the attitude and confidence. Trying to bluff while answering a question may leave a bad impression on the panel.

Q:   How do I talk about my weaknesses without sounding negative during a personal interview round?
A: 

While answering a question where the panel has asked about a weakness, candidates must mention a real weakness that does not directly impact their ability to succeed in the course. While answering the question, candidates must include how they are trying to overcome this weakness.

Candidates must avoid sating “I have no weakness” or mentioning traits like poor time management without a solution or plan for improvement.

Q:   Do I need to prepare subject-related questions for a personal interview round for college admissions?
A: 

Yes, candidates appearing for an interview must go through the topics they have studied in the past. Interview panel may expect candidates toi have a basic subject knowledge, especially if the candidate is aiming for a technical or specialised course. At UG level, questions are based on 11th and 12th standard subjects. Whereas, at the PG level, the panel may ask about graduation topics, projects, or field-related terms.

Revising core subjects, definitions, and key concepts related to the course will help candidates build the overall confidence. This will show a candidate's preparedness for the course.

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Personal Interview Preparation Tips

Personal Interview is one of the most important components of the admission criteria at top institutes, including IIM, NIFT. Some IIMs including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Bangalore provide more weightage to a candidate's performance in a Personal Interview than the CAT exam. Admission based on NIFT Entrance ExamNID Entrance Exam and CEED also has PI round included in the selection process. Here are some simple yet effective tips to crack the Personal Interview round for college admissions.

Also Read: Personal Interview: 5 Situations That May Stump You

Do the Research

One must go through extensive research of the institute. The panel might ask questions on why the candidate is willing for admission to a particular institute. Check the rewards and recognition along with the collaborations with global institutes. In addition, check the average and highest placements offered to the students of the institute beforehand.

Be Clear with Objectives

One must be clear with the objectives to appear for the interview. With the “Why ABC course?” or “Why ABC institute?”, the interview panel analyses your future goals and objectives. Preparing these questions and analysing your end goal you could achieve with an MBA degree from ABC institute can help during the interview.

The interview panel evaluates your determination towards your goal. For instance, you tell the interview panel that you are pursuing an MBA program only for a PG degree and not to grow on professional and personal aspects, chances are the candidature would be rejected.

Worried about How to Prepare for GD/PI for admission to Higher Education courses? Check GDPI Preparation Guide

Inculcate Skills Focusing Your Goal

Attaining on-the-job skills that could help you become an efficient professional is one way to impress the interview panel. You should have several certifications that could enhance the soft skills along with the measurable abilities. Having multiple skills help provide you with context to talk more during the Personal Interview round.

Dress Professionally

Although, some institutes do not have a dress code for the Personal Interview round. However, candidates must always dress professionally during the personal interview. Dressing professionally will not only boost self-confidence but also have a strong impact on the interviewer.

Work on Self Confidence/ Non-Verbal Communication Skills

Listening to the questions carefully and answering the same confidently can make a big difference. You must have eye contact with the interviewer at all times. Shaking legs, playing with the pen are few signs of nervousness that must be avoided.

While communicating, the interview panel shall be evaluating both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Non-verbal communication can be evaluated using body language, and expressions.

Also Read: How Your Outfit Might Affect Your GD/PI Score

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What if I get nervous or forget something during the personal interview?
A: 

It is normal to feel nervous during a personal interview round. In case a candidate forgets something, they can take a short pause and ask to come back to the question later. Staying calm and breathing slowly will help candidates manage nervousness. While preparing for an interview, candidates must practice mock interview to build confidence. Interviewers will understand that a candidate may feel pressure and might not penalize minor mistakes.

Q:   How important is body language in a PI round for college admissions?
A: 

During a personal interview round, body language reflects honesty, confidence, and communication skills of a candidate. Candidates who maintain eye contact, sit straight, and use natural hand gestures are considered to be confident. Those who are contsnatly shaking legs, looking down, avoiding eye contacts are considered to be nervous during an interview round.

Candidates must enter the room, greet the panel, and thank them before leaving the room. Non-verbal communication also plays a big role in online as well as offline interviews. Both posture as well as facil experessions matter during an interview round.

Q:   Are AI-based interviews harder than human interviews? How do I prepare for them?
A: 

Personal Interviews that are driven by an AI model are not harder compared to an in-person interview b ut might require a different appraoch. AI based model is designed to records answers, speaking style and facial expressions of a candidate. Candidates may not find a live panel, therefore, they must speak clearly and maintain eye contact with the camera at all times. 

While preparing for an AI interview, candidates must go through more of mock video questions. Check lighting conditions, and stay within the time limit for each question.

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Top Personal Interview Questions

Here are few most common questions asked in a personal interview round:

  1. Tell me something about yourself?
  2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  3. Why ABC course? Also Check: How to Answer Why MBA Question in PI?
  4. Why and which specialisation would you prefer?
  5. Tell us about your interests and hobbies?
  6. Tell us your institute preference if you receive calls from other institutes?
  7. What is the most important decision you have made in life?
  8. Tell me about your home-state/hometown?
  9. What if you are not selected in the PI round?
  10. Where do you see yourself 5/10/15 years from now?

Also Read: Top 32 Questions to Prepare for Personal Interview

Besides the above-mentioned questions, a Personal Interview round shall also have personalised questions based on your studies at bachelor’s level, work experience, social-economic causes, etc.

Read More:

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How do I answer the Why MBA question in an MBA selection interview?
A: 

Candidates must not focus on spreading their charm by playing across words. The answer required by the interview panellist is about what the candidate wishes to achieve from the MBA degree. Candidates must answer the question with honesty and authenticity by explaining how the programme aligns with their interests and goals. Additionally, candidates must answer why an MBA degree makes the most sense in achieving the goals.

Q:   What weaknesses should I mention in case the panellists ask for the same?
A: 

During personal interviews, it can be tempting to impress the panel by presenting your strengths as weaknesses. However, doing so may not work in your favor as interviewers are likely to have heard such responses numerous times before. Instead, it is advisable to be honest and answer the question truthfully. If you have a weakness, acknowledge it, but also explain how you are working to improve in that area. This shows that you are self-aware and willing to learn and grow, which are valuable qualities in any job candidate. By being truthful and showing a willingness to improve, you are more likely to make a positive impression on the interview panel.

Q:   What should a person wear in a personal interview?
A: 

When attending an interview, it is important to dress appropriately. A formal attire is usually the best option. You should wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Wearing formal clothes can also help enhance your body language, allowing you to appear more professional and confident during the interview. It is recommended that you choose dark-colored clothes without any pattern or prints for a more suitable and professional look. This will also help you make a good first impression and increase your chances of landing the job.

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Answered a month ago

Aspirants who are selected based on their scores in entrance exam are called for group discussion and personal interview round after the announcement of KIITEE Management entrance test results. The final selection is based on performance of the candidates in GDPI, WAT, career marks and their entranc

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, it is mandatory to pass the PI round conducted by SCMS Pune for admission in BBA (Hons) or Global BBA programmes. Those who have passed SET are further called for PI round for final selection. The college prepares the final merit list based on performance of the candidates in both entrance test

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

The dates of the GD & PI at SIBM Hyderabad are usually released in the month of February. Moreover, the institute itself conducts GD & PI. The university assigns 10% of the weightage to GD and 30% to PI out of 100%. Candidates must perform decently in both parameters to get admission into the MBA co

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Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, candidates who pass the first-level selection process of Dr. DY Patil Dnyan Prasad University School of Management & Research are called for the personal interview round. The first-level of selection for UG and PG programmes is based on entrance exam scores. Aspirants who have applied for Diplo

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15