Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, is one of India’s premier business schools, renowned for its academic excellence, industry-oriented curriculum, and exceptional return on investment. Established in 1954 under the University of Delhi, FMS offers flagship MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs. Known as the "Red Building of Dreams," it boasts a legacy of producing top corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. With a rigorous selection process, a dynamic peer group, and strong corporate connections, FMS provides a transformative learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
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Candidate Profile:
Academics: 10th – 89.33% (ICSE) | 12th – 89.33% (ISC) | Graduation – 9 CGPA (Honors in Sociology)
CAT Percentile: 99.60
Interview Format: Conducted offline at FMS Delhi. Traveled from Kolkata to Delhi for a 10-minute interview.
Panel Composition: 2 Female Panelists (F & N)
Interview Questions & Responses
F: Please introduce yourself. Gave my introduction. They listened as patiently as they could, but after this, the conversation felt rushed.
Extempore
Topic: "City of Chaos" (15 seconds to think, 1 minute to speak)
At first, I was baffled by the topic—it was so abstract. Took a second to calm myself and thought of Delhi. Talked about how it was my first visit, how different it was from my hometown, and how people there are always on the move.
Made up a scenario from my metro ride that morning: a group of teenagers creating chaos, talking loudly, munching on food, while another group sat quietly, lost in their own thoughts, dealing with the city of chaos in their minds.
Not my best extempore, but I tried my best. Thankfully, I was cut short when my minute was up.
F: We see that you have been a basketball player for quite a while now. Is there an NBA in India? Told
F: What is India’s ranking in world basketball? Told (I could have made my answer more engaging by mentioning separate rankings for men and women instead of giving a generalized response.)
F: Prachi, what have you been doing since 2021?Ma’am, I graduated in July 2021 and wanted to pursue an MBA. Hence, I decided to prepare for CAT properly. Simultaneously, I continued regular basketball practice and gave tuitions.
F: You do a lot of MUNs as well. State in bullet points the relevance of the UN in today’s world.The UN was established to save future generations from war. However, the world is currently witnessing a major war between Russia and Ukraine. While imposing economic sanctions is one deterrent, the focus should be on saving civilians caught in the crossfire.
N: Why do you say so? Hasn’t the UN done anything so far?Yes, ma’am, there have been meetings and sessions at the UNGA and UNSC. However, the existing UN structure limits its effectiveness. Russia’s permanent membership and veto power have been problematic in containing the situation.
N: What can the UN do to help the situation on the ground?(I went blank for a moment but refused to accept defeat, especially on a topic in my comfort zone. Took a risk by mentioning something I wasn’t very sure about.)
Ma’am, the UN has something called the UNCT (United Nations Country Team), which is functional in all member nations. They can deploy assistance in Ukraine through neighboring countries and carry out rescue operations. Saving innocent lives should be the topmost agenda, and UNCT can facilitate that.
F: What is your ambition in life?(Went blank again. Something was definitely off with me that day.)
Umm… Ma’am, I wish to contribute to an organization and become a significant decision-maker, leading to both the organization’s growth as well as mine.
F: Which organization are you talking about?(Literally crying inside at this point.)
Umm… wherever I’d be working.
F: Yes, but you must have some organization in mind. BCG. (Could have given a more thoughtful answer, like any organization aligned with my goals, but no—I had to dig my own grave!)
F: Who is the head of BCG in India?I am not aware, ma’am.
F: What is the business model of BCG in India? Sorry, ma’am, I am not aware.
F: These are business-related questions. How do we know that you are genuinely interested in business?Ma’am, I am very eager to learn about the business world. There are two key reasons… (Went on to explain my "Why MBA" answer.)
F: Which other calls do you have? Told
N: What are your reading habits? What types of books do you read?Ma’am, I read fiction more than non-fiction.
N: Favorite book?Harry Potter! :D
N: Why do you like it? What lessons did you learn from it? The most important lesson I learned from Harry Potter is the value of perseverance. Only by standing strong during difficult times can you experience the good times.
F: What is the key message you learned from J.K. Rowling?Umm… Ma’am, J.K. Rowling never stopped writing even after completing the Harry Potter series. She continued to publish books on the magical world, many of which have been adapted into movies. So, again, the message is one of perseverance.
(I should have mentioned how she pursued what she loved despite multiple rejections and never gave up until she made it to the top. Ugh!)
Closing Remarks:
N: Okay, Prachi, we are done. Thank you!
Verdict: Converted! 🎉
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