Introduction
Okay, you passed the IPMAT written test? Congratulations- now the real game starts! This is the stage where your personality will be assessed , known as Personal Interview (PI) round, clarity of thought, awareness and presence of mind are assessed.
This has to be your IPMAT 2026 PI round tip sheet. Whether it is the most frequently asked ones or how to answer them in the most efficient manner, we will tell you all that and more, without jargons or fluff, simply what you need!
Understanding the IPMAT Interview
What is IPMAT PI Round?
After clearing the entrance exam, shortlisted candidates are invited for the Personal Interview. Here, panelists from IIMs evaluate you on various parameters — communication skills, confidence, academic background, general knowledge, and your motivation to join the IPM program.
Why is it Important?
The PI round may either kill your selection or bring the same. A low interview would drain you of the post even after putting a good score during the written exam. That is why smart preparation is the trick.
Types of Questions Asked in IPMAT Interviews
Interviews aren’t just about answering textbook questions. They test your personality, thinking, and awareness.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Type of Questions | Purpose |
| Personal Questions | Know you as a person |
| Academics-Based Questions | Check clarity in basics |
| Current Affairs & GK | Evaluate awareness & opinion |
| Situational/Hypothetical | Judge leadership and problem-solving abilities |
Common Personal Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Personal Questions
Tell me about yourself
Sample Answer:
I’m a class 12 commerce student from Lucknow, passionate about entrepreneurship and business strategy. I’ve always been active in school debates and recently completed a course on financial literacy. I’m now excited to join a program that gives me both academic depth and practical exposure.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Sample Answer:
The strong side of my personality is my secret of high organization of abilities and possibility of managing time. Overthinking is also a weakness, and I am working on it by performing decision-making practices.”
Why do you want to join the IPM Program?
Sample Answer:
I consider the decision to attend IPM as a way of combining management studies with a liberal art and analytics-powered background. An exposure in a leading IIM will mold me into a composite leader.”
Academic Questions
What was the reason to choose commerce/science/arts?
Sample Answer:
I decided to go into commerce since I was always wondering how businesses are run, how money systems are developed and how decisions are made which shape the way actions work out. It falls under my career agenda.”
Which was your favorite subject at school and why?
Sample Answer:
The subject I liked most in life was economics since it helped me to study the problems of the micro and macro-level. I was passionate about solving economics models to get my feel of the real world issues.”
How did you prepare for IPMAT?
Sample Answer:
I prepared a day wise time table taking up Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability. I also had routine mocks and I studied them with errors”.
GK and Current Affairs
What’s your opinion on a recent news headline?
Sample Answer:
I recently read regarding India moving towards e-vehicles. I think it is an excellent action towards sustainable development, but we have to have sound infrastructure and policies to facilitate a smooth change.”
Who is the current RBI Governor?
Sample Answer:
“As of 2025, the RBI Governor is Shri Sanjay Malhotra”
Situational/Behavioral Questions
What would you do if you were team leader and your team is not cooperating?
Sample Answer:
The first thing I would do would be to read the psyche and possibly even through some one-on-one discussions and then pull them back on track to the common purpose. In inspiration and communication things are always easier.”
How do you handle failure or criticism?
Sample Answer:
I consider failure as a stepping stone. I have a record where I write down the criticisms and attempt to work better on them without it affecting me.”
Presentation and Communication Tips
Body Language: You should be sitting straight with eye contact and should smile.
Dress code: Formal- shirt, trouser, and clean shoes (or salwar-suit in case of girls).
Voice: Talk slowly and clearly. Don’t rush.
Do’s and Don’ts During the Interview
Do’s
- Be honest
- People should listen and not talk
- Be positive even over challenging questions
Don’ts
- Learn not to memorize word-to-word answers
- Never disagree with panelists
- Never bluff – you may be caught!
Sample Q&A Table
| Question | Suggested Answer (Short) |
| Tell me about yourself | Background + interests + goal |
| Why IPM? | Unique curriculum + exposure + career goals |
| Strengths and weaknesses | Organized / Overthinking |
| Who is the RBI Governor? | Sanjay Malhotra |
| Favorite subject? Why? | Economics – real-world application |
| Recent News You Followed? | Electric vehicles push in India |
| How do you handle failure? | Learn, improve, and move on |
| Why did you choose your stream? | Interest in business and finance |
| How did you prepare for IPMAT? | Time management + mock analysis |
| What if team members don’t cooperate? | Understand problem, communicate, align with common goals |
Conclusion
Cracking the IPMAT 2026 PI is not about being intellectual, it is about being honest, relaxed and conscious. Know yourself, what you want and why you want to be there at IIM. When you are able to say that with a lot of certainty, you are halfway in the door.
FAQs
Q1. How long does the IPMAT PI usually last?
A: One takes about 15 to 25 minutes per candidate.
Q2. Can I speak in Hindi during the interview?
A: No. Formal interviews require and are preferably conducted in English.
Q3. Are there technical questions by panelists?
A: Occasionally, particularly based on your 11th-12th syllabus in case the same is non-obsolete.
Q4. Is it okay to say “I don’t know”?
A: Yes, when you are sincere and well behaved. Do not bluff.
Q5. Will my interview score alone decide my final selection?
A: No. It is a weighted decision which involves your test mark, PI and previous school.
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