SIBM BANGLORE GE PI WAT / GDPI Experience

Selection Process at SIBM for MBA Admission

Group Discussion:

• Average Duration: 15 mins
• No. of Panelists: 3
• No. of Participants: 10-15

Topics:

1. Where do you see India after 20 years?
2. Are MBA students moving away from Indian culture?
3. Should India follow a one-child policy?
4. Are celebrity endorsements beneficial?
5. Private sector vs. Government sector – which one is better?

Personal Interview:

• Average Duration: 15 mins
• No. of Panelists: 3

Excerpts From Interview 1:

• M.Tech. CSE student with 97.48 percentile in SNAP.
• Ayn Rand as a role model, questions on convincing about her philosophy.
• Analysis of business ethics scenarios.
• Views on the Delhi Gang Rape case, feminism, and the darker side of the online world.

Excerpts From Interview 2:

• 67.7 SNAP percentile with a background in Bio Tech.
• Questions about role models, Verghese Kurain, and choice of MBA over Biotech management.
• Technical questions on spectrometer and dendritic cells.
• Decision-making scenario about choosing between IIM and SIBM.

Excerpts From Interview 3:

• M.A. English student with 67 SNAP percentile.
• Questions about music preferences and Punjabi culture.
• Chandigarh description and paradox related to Punjab.
• Motivation for pursuing MBA and the relevance of Indian philosophy globally.

Excerpts From Interview 4:

• B.Tech. in ECE with 97.4 SNAP score and 28 months of IT experience.
• Questions about leaving the current organization, marketing, and selling lifebuoy on the road.
• Personal traits and how they contribute to the college environment.
• Managing cultural change between North and South India.

Excerpts From Interview 5:

• Miscellaneous questions about friends’ opinions, choice of MBA, role model, impactful life event, and a converted weakness into strength.

Feedback – Extempore:

• Conducted during the interview.
• Candidates are given topics to speak on, testing their ability to think on their feet.

Before Interview:

• Filling SOP form with questions on why pursuing MBA, role models, and how SIBM Bangalore will help in the management career.

Interview Experiences (Shortened Versions):

Interview 1:

• B.Tech. student with a falling trend of marks.
• Questions on achievements, future aspirations, and choice between a big brand and a small brand.

Interview 2:

• B.Com. fresher with 10th at 60%, 12th at 83%, and 60% graduation.
• Interpreting different situations and cross-questioning on answers.

Interview 3:

• B.Com. graduate with 10th at 73%, 12th at 81%, and 61% graduation with 9 months of work-ex.
• Cross-questioning on interpretations of situations and leadership roles.

Interview 4:

• B.A. graduate with declining academics and no work experience.
• Questions about the preferred newspaper, FDI, NCTC, and Ratan Tata as a choice for a day.

Interview 5:

• B.Com. graduate with 10th at 73%, 12th at 81%, and 61% graduation with 9 months of work-ex.
• Cross-questioning on interpretations of situations, leadership roles, and strategies for winning cricket matches.

Tips for Candidates:

1. Group Discussion:

• Express opinions clearly and concisely.
• Engage in healthy discussions and consider multiple perspectives.
• Maintain a balance between assertiveness and cooperation.

1. Personal Interview and Extempore:

• Thoroughly prepare answers to common questions about personal background, achievements, and motivations.
• Stay updated on current affairs and be ready to express opinions.
• Practice speaking confidently and coherently on extempore topics.

1. Before Interview:

• Pay careful attention to SOP form questions and ensure thoughtful responses.
• Reflect on how the MBA program aligns with career goals and personal development.

This overview provides insights into the selection process at SIBM, including group discussions, personal interviews, and extempore sessions. Candidates are advised to prepare comprehensively, showcasing their communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and suitability for the MBA program.

Selection Process at SIBM Bangalore for MBA Admission

Group Discussion (GD):

• Average Time: 15 mins
• No. of Participants: 10-12
• Topics:

1. Environment – What man is doing to Nature
2. Discrimination in the society
3. Odd Even

Personal Interview:

• Average Duration: 15 mins
• No. of Panelists: 3

Excerpts from Interview 1:

• Which city are you from?
• Why MBA? How will it help your career?
• Linking digitalization and smart cities.
• Strengths and discussion on smart cities.
• Why MBA, Why SIBM Bangalore.
• Discussion on hobbies.

Excerpts from Interview 2:

• Introduce yourself.
• Why MBA? Justify your low academic performance.
• GDP and measures taken by the government.
• Academic questions.
• Discussion on strengths and weaknesses.

Excerpts from Interview 3:

• Describe yourself in 1 minute.
• Last line of your autobiography.
• Long-term goals.
• Academic questions related to economics.
• Current headlines.
• Candidate’s questions.

Tips for Group Discussion:

1. Stay updated on current affairs and social issues.
2. Express opinions clearly and back them with relevant points.
3. Listen actively to other participants and engage in constructive discussions.
4. Maintain a balanced and respectful tone during the discussion.

Tips for Personal Interview:

1. Thoroughly prepare answers to common questions about personal background, motivations, and goals.
2. Be ready to discuss academic performance and provide justifications if needed.
3. Stay informed about current economic and business trends.
4. Highlight strengths and weaknesses with examples.
5. Demonstrate a genuine interest in the MBA program and the institution.

Candidates are advised to approach both the group discussion and personal interview with confidence, clarity, and a positive attitude. Preparation should cover a range of topics, including academics, current affairs, and personal achievements.

Selection Process at SIBM Bangalore for MBA Admission

Group Discussion (GD):

• Average Time: 15 mins
• No. of Participants: 10-12
• Topics:

1. Muslim Ban in the US
2. Demonetization
3. Are Indian women truly empowered?

Personal Interview:

• Average Duration: 15 mins
• No. of Panelists: 3

Excerpts from Interview 1:

• Tell us something about yourself.
• Difference between happiness and pleasure.
• Why SIBM Bangalore?
• Why MBA?
• What do you do in your free time?
• Other calls you have.

Excerpts from Interview 2:

• Describe yourself in 1 minute.
• The last line of your autobiography.
• Long-term goals.
• Academic questions related to economics.
• Today’s headlines.
• Candidate’s questions.

Interview Tips:

1. Know Yourself: Be prepared to discuss your background, achievements, and goals.
2. Current Affairs: Stay updated on recent events, especially those related to economics and social issues.
3. Why MBA and Why SIBM Bangalore: Have clear and genuine reasons for pursuing an MBA and choosing the specific institution.
4. Personal Interests: Be ready to talk about your hobbies and how they contribute to your personal and professional development.
5. Questions for the Panel: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the program or the institute.

Additional Note:

• Candidates are encouraged to explore the provided interview preparation links, especially those related to top B-schools.
• The interviews are relatively short, so concise and impactful responses are essential.
• Utilize any opportunities for free master classes offered for additional preparation.

Candidates should approach the GD and personal interview with confidence, demonstrating their knowledge, communication skills, and a genuine interest in pursuing an MBA at SIBM Bangalore.

SIBM (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management) Selection Process

Writing Ability Test (WAT):

• Process: Involves writing a story on a given picture and 4-5 words.
• Example Words: Make in India, Industries in India, Ease of doing business, Financial inclusion, Growth index, GDP of India.

Personal Interview:

Interview 1:

• Candidate Profile: B.Com Fresher
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduce yourself.
2. City of travel and airport name.
3. Budget opinions.
4. Tax on agricultural income.
5. Why MBA?
6. Specialization choice.
7. Difference between CA and MBA.
8. Knowledge about investment banking.
9. Names of five investment banking companies.
10. Chief guest on Republic Day.
11. Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
12. Hobbies.

Interview 2:

• Candidate Profile: Working in Pristine Ideas (17 months)
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction.
2. Business persons from India.
3. Women entrepreneurs.
4. Hobbies.
5. Martial arts and difference between Taekwondo and martial arts.
6. Use of compound interest in banking.
7. Why MBA when you can get money for a business plan without a degree?

Interview 3:

• Candidate Profile: Working in an IT company
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction.
2. Knowledge about marketing research.
3. Parameters of marketing research.
4. Number of states and UTs in India.
5. Rivers in the candidate’s state.
6. Social work experience and associated organization.
7. Why MBA?

Interview Tips:

1. Current Affairs: Stay updated on recent events, budget, and notable personalities.
2. Why MBA: Have a clear understanding of why you want to pursue an MBA and how it aligns with your goals.
3. Specialization: Be prepared to discuss your preferred specialization.
4. Industry Knowledge: Brush up on business-related knowledge, especially in areas like investment banking.
5. Hobbies: Have a brief but engaging discussion about your hobbies.

Candidates should focus on expressing themselves clearly, demonstrating their knowledge, and showcasing their suitability for the MBA program at SIBM.

SIBM (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management) Selection Process

Case Discussion:

• Topic: Google entering a niche market (Data given regarding Google and its rivals)
• Evaluate Google’s strategy.
• Discuss the potential impact on competitors.
• Provide recommendations for Google’s market entry.

Writing Ability Test (WAT):

• Process: A presentation with facts and data is shown. Candidates are required to write feasible solutions for the presented problem.

Personal Interview:

Interview 1:

• Candidate Profile: B.Tech (Civil), Fresher
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction.
2. Internship in marketing – Define marketing.
3. Importance of packaging.
4. Difference between sales and marketing.
5. General questions on the US and Indian economy.
6. GDP – Measurement and differences between Indian and Western GDP.
7. Other MBA calls.

Interview 2:

• Candidate Profile: B.Tech (CSE), Fresher
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction.
2. Why MBA? Shifting from technical to management field.
3. Manager of EXIM bank.
4. New monetary policies.
5. Names of five cement companies in India.
6. Learnings from the digital marketing internship.
7. Any questions for the interviewers.

Interview 3:

• Candidate Profile: B.Tech (CSE), Fresher
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction.
2. Long-term career goals.
3. Mathematics questions on discounts.
4. Awareness of India’s economic policies.
5. Detailed questions on economic policies.
6. Leadership style of Trump.
7. Basic principles of management.
8. E-commerce companies and high discounts.
9. Any questions for the interviewers.

Interview Tips:

1. Current Affairs: Stay informed about economic policies, leadership styles of prominent figures, and current affairs.
2. Marketing Knowledge: Understand the basics of marketing, including the importance of packaging and the difference between sales and marketing.
3. Economic Awareness: Be well-versed in economic policies and have a clear understanding of GDP measurement.
4. Career Goals: Articulate your long-term career goals effectively.
5. Technical to Management Transition: If transitioning from a technical background, justify the shift convincingly.
6. Digital Marketing: If you have experience in digital marketing, be prepared to discuss your learnings and experiences in the field.

SIBM Bengaluru Selection Process Feedback

Writing Ability Test (WAT):

• Duration: 10 minutes
• Word Limit: 100
• Topic: “If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed, and if you do, you are misinformed.”

Group Discussion:

• Number of Participants: 13
• Topic: Effect on news through Social Media – Good or Bad?

Personal Interview 1:

• Candidate Profile: B.Tech (ECE), Work Experience of few months
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction.
2. Stream in B.Tech and favorite subject.
3. Mechanism of undersea communication.
4. What is Kanchipuram famous for? How are the sarees washed?
5. Cricket-related question – Virat Kohli’s T20I innings.
6. Calculation of ball speed using Wireless Communication.
7. Work at KPMG in Risk Consulting – IT Advisory.
8. Process of Risk assessment and analysis stages.
9. Why MBA after a job in KPMG?

Personal Interview 2:

• Candidate Profile: Finance background, Work Experience of few months
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction and the reason for leaving the job in 6 months.
2. Balancing technical work with a specialization in finance.
3. Explanation of SEO.
4. Father’s occupation.
5. Academic performance and favorite subject.
6. Concepts of ROI and NPV.
7. Timing for investment.
8. Why pursue MBA if doing well.
9. Other MBA calls and questions for the interviewers.

Interview Tips:

1. Technical Knowledge: Prepare well for questions related to your educational background and work experience.
2. Current Affairs: Stay informed about social media’s impact on news and general current affairs.
3. Understand Your Resume: Be ready to discuss your work, projects, and achievements mentioned in your resume.
4. Why MBA: Articulate a clear and convincing reason for pursuing an MBA, especially if you already have work experience.
5. Financial Concepts: Brush up on financial concepts like ROI, NPV, and understand their practical applications.
6. Industry-specific Questions: Be prepared for industry-specific questions related to Risk Consulting and Finance.

SIBM Bengaluru Selection Process Feedback

Group Exercise:

• Number of Participants: 5-7
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Number of Panelists: 2
• Format: Interpretation and discussion on given topics or pictures.
• First Set of Pictures: Infrastructure delays in India, Fuel wastage, Lack of rural infrastructure.
• Second Set of Pictures: Farm law protests, Significance of farm laws.
• Overall theme: Impact of Developed countries on developing countries.

Written Ability Test (WAT):

• Topic: An argument between a Male and a Female discussing the impact of work from home on each other’s lives.

Personal Interview 1:

• Candidate’s Profile: B.Tech, M.Tech
• Duration: 12-15 minutes
• Number of Panelists: 2
• Questions Asked:

1. Introduction and covering academics and career goals.
2. Why the candidate dropped two years?
3. Handling conflicts with fellow mates in extracurricular activities.
4. Preference between completing work and maintaining good relations during conflicts.
5. Reason behind steel plants’ proximity and why corporate sector prefers Bangalore.
6. Questions about Indian Parliament, the longest dam in India, and a situation-based question on probability.

Personal Interview 2:

• Candidate’s Profile: B.Tech, Work Experience: 3 years
• Duration: 12-15 minutes
• Number of Panelists: 2
• Questions Asked:

1. Mathematical question about the time A catches B.
2. Background discussion, including the candidate’s mother tongue.
3. Willingness to leave Gujarat and reasons for choosing Bangalore.
4. Questions on gas power vs. coal-based power, examples, and specifics about power plants.
5. GK-based questions on US President, Vice President, and views on Trump and Biden.
6. Agreement or disagreement with Kamala Harris’ stance.

Personal Interview 3:

• Candidate’s Profile: Graduate
• Duration: 12-15 minutes
• Number of Panelists: Not specified
• Questions Asked:

1. Questions based on the candidate’s work experience.
2. Questions on RBI Governor, difference between RBI and CBI, Finance Minister of India.
3. GDP comparison between China and Germany.
4. Board in-charge for the stock market.
5. Alternative to lithium-ion battery.

Interview Tips:

1. Be Prepared for Interpretation: Practice interpreting pictures and expressing opinions coherently.
2. Stay Informed: Stay updated on current affairs, GK, and issues related to developed and developing countries.
3. Clarity in Goals: Clearly articulate why you want to pursue an MBA and your career goals.
4. Handling Conflicts: Be ready to discuss situations where conflicts arose and how you dealt with them.
5. Technical Knowledge: Brush up on mathematical and technical concepts relevant to your background.
6. General Awareness: Stay informed about political and economic leaders, both national and international.

SIBM Bengaluru MBA ’22 Admission Process

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Bengaluru, follows a comprehensive admission process for its MBA programs, focusing on SNAP scores and subsequent rounds of evaluation. Here’s an overview of the process:

Admission Stages:

1. Shortlisting (based on SNAP score):

• Initial shortlisting is done based on the candidates’ SNAP scores.
• Shortlisted candidates proceed to the subsequent evaluation rounds.

1. Writing Ability Test (WAT):

• Candidates are required to write on given topics within 10-15 minutes.
• Topics are based on current issues, recent happenings, and other relevant subjects.
• Candidates are evaluated on their ability to present opinions coherently in essay format. Sample WAT Topics:
• Future of cryptocurrencies
• Corporate experience’s role in entrepreneurship
• AI’s impact on the economy
• Ethical concerns regarding personal data exchange for health services
• Dialogue between a grandfather and granddaughter on societal changes

1. Group Exercise (GE):

• Conducted with groups of 12 participants.
• Topics provided through pictures or slideshows, covering debatable issues in management, business, education, etc.
• Each candidate has individual thinking and speaking time, followed by a 10-minute group discussion. Sample GE Topics:
• Coexistence of religion and science
• AI’s potential takeover of humans
• Role of robots in replacing humans with social, economic, and psychological impacts
• Specialization vs. Generalization for MBA graduates
• Language and technology-based exam inclusion improvement
• Relevance of technical skills for managers
• Workplace gender ratio imbalances

1. Personal Interview:

• Candidates who successfully clear the WAT and GE proceed to the Personal Interview stage.
• Duration: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Number of Panelists: Usually 2.
• Questions cover various aspects, including academics, work experience, current affairs, and opinion-based queries.
• Candidates may be asked to express their views, elaborate on their experiences, and discuss relevant topics.

Tips for Aspirants:

1. Current Affairs Awareness: Stay updated on current issues, business trends, and global affairs.
2. Opinion Articulation: Practice expressing opinions coherently in written and spoken forms.
3. Group Discussion Skills: Develop effective communication and listening skills for group exercises.
4. Technical and Managerial Awareness: Balance knowledge of technical aspects with managerial skills.
5. Interview Preparation: Be ready to discuss academic and professional experiences, current affairs, and personal viewpoints.

SIBM Bengaluru’s MBA admission process emphasizes a holistic evaluation of candidates, ensuring a blend of analytical, communication, and managerial skills.