IIM Shillong Interview Transcript

IIM Shillong
12/3/25, 8 a.m.
Radisson Blu, Delhi

Two panelists, M1 was in his mid 40s, while M2 was in his 30s.
Extempore: The show must go on

M1: So you have studied economics. Tell me what is multicolinearity.
Me: Couldnt answer
M1: Ask me another question on econometrix
Me: Sorry sir, but I am more comfortable with Micro and Macro economics.
M1: Explain the prisoner's dilemma in relation to Radisson Blu and Vivanta hotel.
Me: Answered.
M1: Tell me what are inferior goods and giffen goods with the help of an example and draw their graphs.
Me: Answered, but mess up the graph of inferior goods.
M1: If there are 3 blue balls, 2 red and 2 pink balls. What is the probability of picking 2 blue balls. (Question was something on similar lines)
Me: Answered correctly.

M2 asked me many questions and from varied topics. I don't remember all of them.
M2: What industries have very low tariffs and trade barriers in India.
Me: Answered chemical industry and reduction of BCD in Budget 2025. Couldnt think of another industry so mentioned Telecomm.
M2: What about airline industry?
Me: Mentioned that upfront costs for airlines is high.
M2: What are various costs for airlines.
Me: Mentioned about maintaining the fleet, fuel costs, administrative costs, training of employees, etc.
M2: But the fleet can be leased so its not expensive.
Me: Goes on to talk about recent Spicejet case and their Boeing aircraft were grounded.
M2 seemed dissatisfied.
M2: What is the current price of Crude oil?
Me: Had zero idea so mentioned 80$ per barrel.
M2: What is a barrel? How do you convert barrel in dollars to rupees?
Me: Had zero idea where he was going with this so mentioned via exchange rate.
M2: Who dictates crude oil price?
Me: Mentioned market forces, OPEC.
M2: When was the last time crude oil price was negative?
Me: Couldnt answer.
M2: What industries will get impacted negatively if crude oil price falls to 50$ per barrel.
Me: Mentions EV industry and how petrol cars and EV cars are subsidiary goods.
M2 again seemed dissatisfied.
M2: What is the per kilometre cost for using an EV?
Me: Answered.
M2: What are other day to day costs for running EVs other than charging?
Me: Had zero idea, so mentioned road taxes, insurances, etc.
M2 seemed dissatisfied again.

M1: So you have mentioned you have learnt music professionally. Do you still perform?
Me: No sir, I have switched to playing instruments nowadays. I am learning to play drums.
M1: So you don't perform? Are you sure?
Me: (Stupid me didn't realize he was asking me to perform for him at that point) I refuse again.

That will be all. Thank you. Offerred me a toffee.

Overall, I had a bad interview experience. I did not understand what M2 was trying to gauge. Questions were a little random in that sense.