Navigating the FMS and IIM Interviews: A Comparative Analysis

As an experienced applicant with a background in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a stint as a Business Analyst at UHG healthcare insurance, I faced the daunting task of preparing for both FMS (Faculty of Management Studies) and IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) interviews. In this article, I will share my experience and provide insights on the differences between the two, focusing on the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) sections.

Group Discussion and Extempore - Unique to FMS

FMS conducts a Group Discussion (GD) as the first round of assessment, followed by an Extempore session. This approach adds a layer of complexity and a different set of skills to the interview process.

The GD topic I discussed was "Social Security in India." This topic required a broad understanding of the social and economic landscape, which was a departure from the more academic discussions I encountered at other institutes. After the GD, I was keenly interviewed by three panelists - P1, P2, and P3.

P1 started by asking, “Tell us about yourself.” This question led to an Extempore speech on the theme of “Kurukshetra,” which is my alma mater, NIT Kurukshetra. The panel was particularly interested in my thoughts on healthcare, especially the limitations of healthcare insurance in the Budget 2018. This discussion allowed them to gauge my analytical and communication skills, as well as my ability to present a well-reasoned argument within a short time frame.

Personal Interview (PI) - A Common Thread Across Institutes

The Personal Interviews (PI) at both FMS and IIMs were similar in their structure and content, but they approached these universals in slightly different ways.

For FMS, the PI comprised questions like 'Why MBA?', 'Why not a specialized MBA?', 'Which college would you join?' and 'What are your hobbies?' The PI was slightly more traditional, allowing me to explain my career aspirations and reflect on my personal strengths. On the other hand, IIMs delved deeper into my past academic record and work experience, often trailing into more detailed questions about my CAT score and WAT/GD topics. The IIM interviews were generally longer, spanning anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, as compared to the 5 to 10 minutes I experienced at FMS.

Overall, the PI provided an opportunity to showcase my personality and attitude. I found the IIM PI to be more challenging and nuanced, but for FMS, the PI was a solid reflection of my background and aspirations. I was glad to have faced both and ultimately found that the FMS PI was a rewarding experience, given the time constraints and the need to convey my points succinctly.

The Difficulty Level - A Comparative Analysis

While the PI at FMS and IIMs shared a similar structure, the pre-interview sections presented a stark contrast in complexity and preparation requirements. The GD and Extempore at FMS added an extra layer of difficulty for me, as I had to manage the stress of a group discussion and quickly think on my feet to deliver an effective extempore speech.

In my experience, the GD at FMS necessitated a broader and more flexible understanding of current affairs, as well as the ability to articulate complex ideas succinctly. This was indeed unique, as I found the IIM GDs to be more focused on specific topics and less on a range of issues.

The PI sections at both institutions tested my ability to articulate my thoughts clearly and convincingly. I felt that the IIM interviews were more challenging in terms of the depth of questions and the range of topics covered, but the FMS PI was still a rigorous and valuable experience. The FMS PI was a bit shorter and more direct, which required me to be more concise and present my points efficiently.

My Final Verdict

In conclusion, the difficulty level of FMS and IIM interviews is different, with FMS having a more complex GD and Extempore session combined with a traditional but more structured PI. The IIM PI, on the other hand, is more in-depth and nuanced, with questions that delve into specific areas of the applicant's background and aspirations. Both experiences were immensely enriching, and I am grateful for the diverse perspectives they offered me.

For those looking to prepare for FMS and IIM interviews, here are a few tips:

Focus on current affairs and build a well-rounded understanding of the topics to handle the GD effectively. Prepare to think and speak quickly for the Extempore session. Practice concise and clear communication for the PI, as you will have limited time to convey your points. Highlight your unique selling points and how they align with the requirements of the respective institutes.

Lastly, always stay calm, be genuine, and let your personality shine through, as the interview panelists are looking for well-rounded individuals who can add value to their institutions.

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