The IIM interview process for all the colleges across the country is very robust, due to which the competition is very high. Yet, with the right set of documents, tips, tricks and strategies, students can easily crack the interview.
The IIM Interview process for the IIM colleges has not yet begun, but may commence anytime soon. The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled to be held on November 30, 2025, in three shifts. The CAT 2025 registration process is ongoing and will conclude on September 20, 2025. Those who pass the CAT 2025 exam will be invited to take part in the IIM interview process. These stages carry significant weight, contributing more than 50% to the CAT 2025 selection process . Only candidates meeting the IIM cutoff are summoned for the ensuing PI round, necessitating their presence at the designated reporting centre determined by the IIM. This article not only furnishes a comprehensive list of essential documents required for the PI round but also offers valuable insights and tips to navigate and excel in the IIM selection process.
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IIM Interview Locations & Centres
In preparation for the interview phase, candidates are advised to take note of the scheduled interview locations for various IIMs. When summoned for interviews, candidates should plan to travel to the nearest or preferred location as indicated below:
Institute | Interview Center |
|---|---|
IIM – Ahmedabad | New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad |
IIM – Bangalore | New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore |
IIM – Lucknow | Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Bangalore |
IIM – Indore | New Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai |
IIM – Calcutta | Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata |
IIM – Kozhikode | Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Kozhikode |
IIM – Shillong | New Delhi, Mumbai, Shillong, and Kolkata |
IIM – Rohtak | Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore |
IIM – Ranchi | Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore |
IIM – Raipur | Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore |
IIM – Trichy | Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore |
IIM – Udaipur | Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore |
IIM – Kashipur | Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore |
IIM – Nagpur | Information Not Available |
IIM – Bodh Gaya | IIM Calcutta |
IIM – Visakhapatnam | IIM Bangalore |
IIM – Amritsar | IIM Kozhikode |
IIM – Sambalpur | IIM Indore |
IIM – Sirmaur | IIM Lucknow |
Documents Required for IIM Personal Interviews in 2026
Check the list of all the documents that are required for the IIM personal interview round.
- Original and photocopies of the 10th, 12th and graduation mark sheets
- Printout of the CAT scorecard
- Valid Caste Certificate
- Certificates of your achievements
- Original Identity Card issued by the government
- Samples of your hobbies (if there are any), like Articles written by you or Paintings
- Work Experience Certificate along with the proofs to support your claims, like a Joining Letter or a Salary Slip
- Form filled for the particular IIM
- Resume
- Passport size photographs(Optional)
Common Questions Asked in an IIM Personal Interview
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There are numerous questions asked in the IIM personal interview. Provided below are some of the common questions that are asked in the interview round of IIM
- What’s your biggest weakness?
- Are you a team player or do you like to do things single-handedly?
- Why MBA?
- Why should we select you?
- What do you think is the reason behind poverty?
- Why exactly do you want to come to this IIM campus?
- What is your greatest achievement?
- What are your hobbies and interests?
- Why Finance/ Marketing, etc. specialisation?
- What is your expectation from this MBA programme?
- Walk me through your profile/ resume.
- What are your long-term goals?
- Who has inspired you in your life and how?
IIM Personal Interview (PI) 2026 – Tips, Skills & Guidelines
You must refer to the table below for topper tips, guidelines and necessary skills for acing personal interviews for IIM MBA admission:
Category | Key Points |
|---|---|
Tips to Crack the IIM Personal Interview 2026 | • Have clear goals related to MBA; avoid memorised or copied answers. • Stay updated on current affairs by reading newspapers and business news daily. • Prepare for the common “Strengths and Weaknesses” question with genuine examples. • If experienced, know your job profile, company background, and key responsibilities. • Revise undergraduate subjects, especially core concepts from your degree. • Maintain confidence, politeness, and a positive attitude throughout the interview. • Learn from IIM alumni tips and successful candidates’ interview experiences. • Be honest—genuine answers are easier to defend and sound more natural. |
Skills Required to Crack the IIM Interview | • Communication Skills: Clear, confident, and articulate expression during discussions. • Strong Subject Knowledge: Understanding of fundamentals and related industry trends. • Writing Ability: Clarity and coherence in written tasks like essays (WAT). • Positive Attitude & Open-Mindedness: Reflects adaptability and maturity. • Listening Acumen: Active listening shows respect and comprehension. • Leadership Qualities: Ability to guide, influence, and work with teams. • Confidence & Interactive Skills: Good engagement and meaningful conversation. • Presentation Skills: Ability to explain ideas clearly, even spontaneously. • Problem-Solving Ability: Logical, structured approach to questions and scenarios. |
Essential Guidelines for the IIM Interview | • Prepare thoroughly for common MBA questions and understand your motivations. • Study your CV in depth, especially skills, achievements, and work experience. • Carry required documents—resume, mark sheets, ID proof, certificates. • Ensure an attractive and accurate CV; know every detail mentioned. • Maintain good grooming and body language; dress professionally. • Show presence of mind by responding promptly and thoughtfully. • Craft strong answers to questions like “Tell me about yourself.” • Trust your instincts during tricky questions—avoid overthinking. • Brush up on academics, work experience, current business issues, taxation, etc. • Demonstrate strong speaking & listening skills; avoid bluffing or lying. • Be concise, avoid contradictions, and back your points with examples. • Stay diplomatic and avoid negative remarks about other institutes. |
Candidates are advised to go through the “About Us” and “About the Program” parts of the college before going for the PI round. They are also advised to stay calm during the IIM personal interview round.
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FAQs
IIM Interview is conducted after the CAT result declaration. Candidates who have satisfied the minimum cutoff of the college are called for the interview and other admission rounds.
Questions asked in the IIM interview are not fixed. The interviewer can ask questions from any topic. However, candidates are advised to be prepared with the answers of some of the important questions such as “Why MBA”, “What are your hobbies and interests?” and “Why finance/ marketing etc. specialisation?”.
Candidates should answer the questions in the interview confidently. Besides this, they should go through all the current affairs and important national and international events.
Some of the skills required to crack the IIM interview are Communication skills, Leadership skills, Presentation skills, Problem-solving ability and Listening power.
Some of the documents required for IIM interview are valid caste certificate, CAT scorecard, original Identity card, 10th, 12th and graduation mark sheets, certificates of your achievements and work experience certificate.
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