A predefined group of 12 students are made to sit for a Group Discussion that lasts for about 15 minutes. The second round is the Personal Interview.

Group Discussion

Most of the topics given were general in nature. Thus students must be well read to give a successful performance. The number of moderators in all the GDs was 3-4.

In some cases 3 minutes were provided to students to think on the topic and then they were asked to start the discussion. The sitting pattern was either semi-circular or circular. Total time for discussion was about 15 minutes.

GD Topics:

1. America’s war on Iraq was a disaster.
2. Human cloning should be banned.
3. Is the Indian IT industry truly world class?
4. Winning is not everything, it is the only thing.
5. POTA
6. China versus India
7. Should India go for full convertibility of rupee?

Interview Feedback:

The number of panelists was 2-4. The PIs generally lasted 10-12 minutes. Since IIT Soms are specialized institutes only for engineers students should prepare their academic subjects really well. The panelists were looking for candidates with the right attitude. Students should hone their softer skills. In general stress was not created in most of the interviews. In some cases the folder carried by the candidates was not opened. Candidates with work experience were asked a lot of questions on their job profile, responsibilities undertaken, the company itself, promotions earned etc. Candidates should always answer the questions asked clearly and correctly. Candidates should not try to fool the interviewers. It might work to their detriment.

Sample PI questions:

1. How does Mydooms virus works?
2. Differentiate between c and c++
3. Differentiate between a program and programming language.
4. What do you mean by normalization process in DBMS?
5. What is the meaning of object encapsulation?
6. What is the role of a system manager?
7. What is TQM?
8. What is the meaning of your name?
9. What are you doing these days?
10. What is your favorite subject and speak on it for 60 seconds.
11. What are OS (operating systems) and related questions
12. What is your father’s business and related questions on it.
13. Differentiate between two latest motorcycles released in the market. (Technical difference)
14. Why don’t you have a job offer after doing your BE?
15. How many colleges did you apply to?
16. What is marketing?
17. Who is your role model and why?
18. What newspapers do you read?
19. What books have you read?
20. What is management?
21. What salary would you expect after completing your MBA?