MBA admission interview checklist

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Before shortlists arrive

• Read each institute's current admission process on its official website
• Note the components (WAT, GD, PI) and any published weightages for each institute
• Start reading a national newspaper every day
• Re-read your application form and CV — everything you say must be consistent with them

Your story

• Two-minute "tell me about yourself" that connects background, experience and the decision to do an MBA
• Specific answer to "why an MBA, and why now?"
• Answer to "why this institute?" using something concrete from its own website or students
• Clear short-term goal after the MBA, and a plausible long-term direction
• Honest, brief explanation of any gap, low score or career switch
• Three strengths and one real weakness, each with an example

Academics

• Revise the core subjects of your degree
• Be able to explain your final-year project or thesis simply
• Revise any subject you list as a favourite — you will be asked about it

Work experience (if any)

• Explain your company's business model in two sentences
• Describe your role and two achievements, with numbers
• Know your industry's main competitors and recent developments

Current affairs and general awareness

• A view on five or six major current issues, with the strongest counter-argument for each
• Basics of the economy: growth, inflation, key recent policy changes
• Your hometown and state: major industries, recent developments, what the place is known for

WAT and GD practice

• At least five timed WAT essays, each planned in the first two minutes
• Several practice GDs with feedback on contribution, not airtime

Mock interviews

• At least three mock interviews with people who will give honest feedback
• Recorded at least one, and watched it back
• Practised saying "I'm not sure" calmly instead of bluffing

The week before

• Documents, ID and any required printouts ready
• Formal clothes tried on and ready
• Route and reporting time confirmed, or device and connection tested for online interviews