💬 Interview Experience

IIM Visakhapatnam Interview Experience: CSE Graduate with Artistic Background

Real IIM Visakhapatnam interview experience of a CSE graduate with 18 months TCS experience and artistic hobbies. Learn exact questions on operating systems, OOP, machine learning, personality traits, and B-school comparisons asked by IIM-V panelists.

by

Table of Contents

1 Overview & Stats 2 Challenge Yourself 4 Candidate Profile 5 Interview Timeline 6 Readiness Quiz 7 Preparation Checklist 8 Key Takeaways 9 FAQs
From Code to Canvas: A CSE Graduate’s Artistic Edge in the IIM Visakhapatnam Interview. This detailed interview experience reveals how a Computer Science professional with 18 months at TCS—and a unique passion for commissioned artworks—navigated India’s top B-school interview process. Discover the exact questions on operating systems, OOP concepts, ML data types, personality traits, and B-school comparisons that IIM-V panelists use to evaluate IT professionals seeking a creative pivot into management education.

📊 Interview at a Glance

Institute IIM Visakhapatnam
Program PGP (MBA)
Profile CSE + TCS (18 Months) + Artist
Academic Background 92% / 77.2% / 6.7 CGPA (CSE)
Interview Format 20-25 min (2 Male Panelists)
Key Focus Areas Technical CS, Hobbies, Geography, B-School Compare

🔥 Challenge Yourself First!

Before reading further, pause and think—how would YOU answer these actual interview questions?

1 The Resignation Question

“Describe your job role at TCS. Why did you resign last year?”

This probes your work experience depth and tests whether you’re escaping a job or strategically pursuing MBA.

✅ Success Strategy

Structure your answer in three parts: (1) Role description—highlight project responsibilities, tech stack, team size, and any achievements with metrics; (2) Growth realized—what you learned about yourself and business; (3) Strategic pivot—frame resignation as pursuing structured business growth via MBA, not escaping TCS. Example: “At TCS, I worked on [project] using [tech stack], coordinating with [team]. I realized I enjoyed the client-facing and strategic aspects more than pure coding. MBA provides the structured path to transition from execution to business leadership.”

2 Technical Deep Dive

“What are the differences between Linux and Windows? Between C++ and Java?”

As a CSE graduate with IT experience, you’re expected to explain technical concepts clearly and comprehensively.

✅ Success Strategy

Go beyond surface-level differences. Linux vs Windows: (1) Open-source vs proprietary; (2) Command-line centric vs GUI-focused; (3) File system (ext4 vs NTFS); (4) Security model (permissions vs ACL); (5) Memory management approaches. C++ vs Java: (1) Compiled vs compiled-to-bytecode (JVM); (2) Manual memory management vs garbage collection; (3) Platform-dependent vs platform-independent; (4) Multiple inheritance vs single inheritance with interfaces; (5) Pointers vs references. Pro tip: End with a practical observation: “In my TCS projects, we used [specific choice] because [reason].”

3 The Introvert Question

“Can an introvert succeed in an MBA program?”

Tests self-awareness about personality and understanding of what MBA programs actually require.

✅ Success Strategy

Absolutely yes—frame introversion as a strength, not a limitation: (1) Reflective decision-making—introverts often think before speaking, valuable in strategic discussions; (2) Deep work—excel at analysis, research, and focused tasks; (3) Active listening—crucial for understanding stakeholders and building genuine relationships; (4) Diverse teams need diverse personalities—both introverts and extroverts contribute uniquely; (5) Many successful business leaders are introverts (Bill Gates, Warren Buffett). Key point: “MBA success isn’t about being the loudest in the room—it’s about adding value. Introverts contribute through thoughtful analysis, written communication, and one-on-one relationship building.”

4 B-School Comparison

“What other calls do you have? Why IIM over IMT Ghaziabad?”

Tests your research depth and ability to articulate preferences without being disrespectful to other institutions.

✅ Success Strategy

Be honest but diplomatic—never disparage other institutions: (1) Acknowledge IMT Ghaziabad’s strengths—strong marketing specialization, good placements, NCR location; (2) Explain IIM preference through positives: “IIM brand carries long-term value across industries, IIM-V’s mentor relationship with IIM-B ensures strong pedagogy, and the diverse batch profile appeals to me”; (3) Address location pragmatically: “While IMT’s NCR location is convenient, I believe the two-year investment should prioritize program quality and peer learning over geographic convenience”; (4) Show you’ve done research: mention specific IIM-V programs, clubs, or placement trends that appeal to you.

🎥 Video Walkthrough

Video content coming soon.

👤 Candidate Profile

Understanding the candidate’s background helps contextualize the interview questions and strategies.

🎓

Background

  • EducationB.Tech (Computer Science)
  • Work Experience18 months at TCS
  • CAT Percentile93.3
  • Unique AngleCommissioned Artwork Creator
📊

Academic Record

  • 10th Grade92%
  • 12th Grade77.2%
  • Undergraduate6.7 CGPA
  • NoteDip in 12th needs explanation
🎤

Interview Panel

  • FormatIn-Person/Online
  • Panel Composition2 Male Interviewers
  • Duration20-25 minutes
  • StyleMixed: Exploratory + Comparative Deep Dive

🗺️ Interview Journey

Follow the complete interview flow with all questions asked and strategic insights.

1
Phase 1

Self-Introduction & Background

“Tell me about yourself (TMAY).”
Classic opener—opportunity to showcase unique profile
💡 Strategy

Set the stage by blending professional, creative, and academic experiences. For candidates with artistic hobbies, it helps to show personality depth. Example structure: “I’m a CSE graduate working at TCS for 18 months, where I [role]. Beyond tech, I pursue commissioned artworks—it’s taught me client management and creative problem-solving. This blend of analytical and creative thinking drives my interest in MBA.”

“What kind of commissioned artworks do you create?”
Deep dive into your unique differentiator
💡 Strategy

Be specific—mention mediums (digital, oil, watercolor), clientele (portraits, corporate, events), and how it complements your analytical side. Connect to transferable skills: “I create digital portraits and event illustrations. Each commission involves understanding client needs, iterating on feedback, and delivering under deadlines—skills that translate directly to consulting and client-facing roles.”

“Describe your job role at TCS. Why did you resign last year?”
Critical question about career transition
💡 Strategy

Highlight project responsibilities, tech stack used, and emphasize your decision to resign as part of pursuing structured business growth via MBA. Frame it positively: “I worked on [project type] using [technologies], coordinating with [team size]. I resigned to prepare full-time for MBA, recognizing that my long-term goals align with business leadership rather than technical specialization.”

2
Phase 2

Technical & Domain Questions

“What is an Operating System (OS)? Give examples.”
Fundamental CS concept
💡 Strategy

Define it clearly as system software managing hardware-software interaction. An OS is the intermediary between users and computer hardware—it manages memory, processes, files, and I/O devices. Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS. Mention both desktop and mobile OS to show breadth.

“Differences between Linux and Windows? Between C++ and Java?”
Comparative technical knowledge
💡 Strategy

Go beyond surface-level. Linux vs Windows: open-source vs proprietary, command-line vs GUI-focused, security model differences, file systems (ext4 vs NTFS). C++ vs Java: compiled vs bytecode (JVM), manual vs automatic memory management (garbage collection), platform-dependent vs platform-independent, pointers vs references. Connect to your work: “In TCS, we used Java for enterprise applications because of JVM’s portability across client systems.”

“Difference between class and superclass?”
Object-Oriented Programming fundamental
💡 Strategy

OOP fundamental—superclass is the base/parent class from which subclasses inherit properties and methods. Example: “If ‘Vehicle’ is a superclass, then ‘Car’ and ‘Bike’ are classes that inherit from it. The superclass contains common attributes (wheels, engine), while subclasses add specific features (Car has doors, Bike has handlebars).”

“What are the different data types used in Machine Learning?”
Testing ML awareness—increasingly relevant for CSE grads
💡 Strategy

Talk about numerical (continuous like temperature, discrete like count), categorical (nominal like colors, ordinal like ratings), and time-series data. Add examples: “Numerical: stock prices, age. Categorical: gender, product category. Ordinal: customer satisfaction ratings. Time-series: daily sales, sensor readings. The data type determines preprocessing and model selection.”

“Draw the graph of |x – 3|.”
Mathematical/quantitative aptitude
💡 Strategy

Know how modulus shifts graphs horizontally. y = |x – 3| is the basic V-shape of |x| shifted 3 units RIGHT. The vertex lies at (3, 0). For x ≥ 3, y = x – 3 (line with slope 1). For x < 3, y = -(x - 3) = 3 - x (line with slope -1). Practice sketching common modulus transformations: |x|, |x+a|, |x-a|.

3
Phase 3

General Awareness & Personality

“Who is the current President of India and the previous one?”
Basic civic awareness
💡 Strategy

Stay updated on constitutional positions. Current: Droupadi Murmu (since July 2022)—first tribal woman President. Previous: Ram Nath Kovind (2017-2022). Know a few facts about each: Murmu’s background as former Jharkhand Governor, Kovind’s legal background. This is basic GK—not knowing it reflects poorly.

“Tell us about your oratory awards from school.”
Exploring extracurriculars and communication skills
💡 Strategy

Share 1-2 highlights to show communication skills—link it subtly to your MBA aspirations. Example: “I won the inter-school debate competition in 12th grade, arguing for technology regulation. It taught me to structure arguments quickly and think on my feet—skills I’m excited to develop further in MBA case discussions.”

“Can an introvert succeed in an MBA program?”
Testing self-awareness and understanding of MBA dynamics
💡 Strategy

Absolutely yes. Emphasize adaptability, reflective decision-making, and how diverse personalities contribute to team success. “Introverts bring deep thinking, active listening, and focused analysis. Many successful leaders are introverts—they succeed through preparation, written communication, and building genuine one-on-one relationships rather than dominating group conversations.”

4
Phase 4

Preferences & Location Awareness

“What other calls do you have? Why IIM over IMT Ghaziabad?”
Testing B-school research and preference clarity
💡 Strategy

Address program quality, faculty, peer group, and long-term brand value—even if location is farther. Be diplomatic: “IMT Ghaziabad is excellent, especially for marketing. However, IIM’s brand recognition across industries, the mentor relationship with IIM-B, and the diverse batch profile align better with my long-term goals. The two-year investment should prioritize learning quality over geographic convenience.”

“What states fall under NCR?”
Geographic awareness—especially if you’re from/near NCR
💡 Strategy

NCR (National Capital Region) includes: Delhi, parts of Haryana (Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat), parts of Uttar Pradesh (Noida, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida), and parts of Rajasthan (Alwar, Bharatpur). Know this if you mention NCR-based work experience or institutes.

“What is the capital of Andhra Pradesh? Isn’t Vizag the new capital?”
Testing knowledge about the IIM’s state—crucial
💡 Strategy

Acknowledge Amaravati as the legislative capital, and note the ongoing administrative shift toward Visakhapatnam. “Amaravati is the de jure capital, but after the bifurcation from Telangana, administrative functions have been distributed. There’s been discussion about making Visakhapatnam the executive capital, though the situation is still evolving.”

“(Lectured on lack of research about Vizag)”
Panel noted insufficient research about the institute
💡 Strategy

This is a warning for all candidates—always research the IIM’s location and unique aspects. Know: Vizag is Andhra Pradesh’s largest city, major port, naval base, IT hub (GITAM), beaches (RK Beach, Rushikonda), and industrial corridor. It shows respect and genuine interest. Never go to an IIM interview without knowing at least 5 facts about the city.

5
Phase 5

Closing

Interview concluded after geographic discussion
Final impression after feedback on research gaps
💡 Strategy

If you receive feedback (even critical) during the interview, acknowledge it gracefully: “Thank you for that insight—I’ll definitely research more thoroughly. I appreciate the opportunity to learn.” A humble, receptive attitude can recover a weak moment. End with genuine interest in the program.

📝 Interview Readiness Quiz

Test how prepared you are for your IIM Visakhapatnam interview with these 5 quick questions.

1. When explaining why you resigned from TCS for MBA, what’s the best approach?

✅ Interview Preparation Checklist

Track your preparation progress with this comprehensive checklist.

Your Preparation Progress 0%

Work Experience & Hobbies

Technical CS Knowledge

General Awareness & Personality

Institute & Location Research

🎯 Key Takeaways for Future Candidates

The most important lessons from this interview experience.

1

Integrate Your Hobbies and Passions Into Your Narrative

This candidate’s commissioned artwork hobby became a talking point that showed personality depth beyond typical IT profiles. Creative pursuits demonstrate client management, feedback iteration, and deadline handling—all transferable skills. Don’t hide your interests; weave them into your story strategically.

Action Item Identify 2-3 hobbies or side projects. For each, prepare how they’ve taught you skills relevant to business: client handling, project management, creativity under constraints, etc.
2

Be Clear on Technical Differences—OS, Programming Languages, and OOP

CSE graduates face deep technical grilling. This interview covered OS concepts, Linux vs Windows, C++ vs Java, OOP fundamentals, and ML data types. Surface-level answers won’t suffice—panels expect CSE grads to explain these concepts clearly and connect them to practical experience.

Action Item Create a one-pager covering: 5 OS differences (Linux/Windows), 5 language differences (C++/Java/Python), key OOP concepts, and basic ML terminology. Practice explaining each in 30 seconds.
3

Know Your Target IIM’s City, State, and Regional Details

This candidate was lectured on lack of research about Vizag—a painful moment that could have been avoided. Panelists expect you to know the city you might spend two years in. Research the IIM’s location, state capital situation, nearby attractions, and economic significance.

Action Item For each IIM you’re interviewing at, prepare: city name and state, capital of that state, 5 facts about the city (economy, landmarks, history), and how you’d travel there from your hometown.
4

Expect B-School Comparisons If You Have Multiple Converts

The “Why IIM over IMT Ghaziabad?” question tests your research and preference clarity. Be honest but diplomatic—never disparage other institutions. Focus on what attracts you to this IIM rather than what’s wrong with alternatives.

Action Item For each B-school you’ve converted or might convert, prepare: 3 positives about that school, and 3 reasons why your target IIM is a better fit for YOUR specific goals (not generic reasons).
5

Stay Composed During Subtle Grilling—It Tests Knowledge AND Attitude

One panelist was exploratory while the other dove deep into comparisons and expectations. This mixed approach tests both your knowledge and how you handle pressure. When you don’t know something or receive feedback, acknowledge it gracefully rather than becoming defensive.

Action Item Practice handling critical feedback: “That’s a valid point—I should have researched more thoroughly. Thank you for highlighting that.” Graceful acknowledgment can recover a weak moment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about IIM Visakhapatnam interviews answered by experts.

How should IT professionals explain their resignation for MBA?

Frame resignation as strategic career investment, not escape:

  • Acknowledge value: “TCS gave me strong technical foundation and client exposure”
  • Show self-awareness: “I realized I enjoy business aspects more than coding”
  • Connect to MBA: “MBA provides structured path to business leadership”
  • Avoid: Criticizing company, mentioning only salary, or sounding impulsive
Practice this question →

What technical questions do CSE graduates face in IIM interviews?

CSE graduates should prepare for fundamental technical questions:

  • Operating Systems: What is OS, Linux vs Windows differences
  • Programming: C++ vs Java, Python basics, language comparisons
  • OOP Concepts: Class, inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation
  • Data Structures: Arrays, linked lists, trees (basics)
  • Emerging Tech: ML data types, AI basics, cloud concepts
See technical questions asked →

How important is researching the IIM’s city and location?

Extremely important—this candidate was lectured for lack of research:

  • Basic facts: City, state, capital, major industries
  • Travel route: How to reach from your hometown, states en route
  • Local knowledge: Famous landmarks, beaches, economy
  • Why it matters: Shows genuine interest in spending 2 years there
  • AP specifics: Know Amaravati vs Visakhapatnam capital discussion
Check your location research →

Can introverts succeed in MBA programs?

Absolutely yes—frame introversion as a strength:

  • Reflective thinking: Better preparation and analysis
  • Active listening: Understanding stakeholders deeply
  • Written communication: Excel at reports, emails, documentation
  • One-on-one skills: Build genuine relationships
  • Examples: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett are introverts
Practice this answer →

How do I compare IIM with other B-schools diplomatically?

Focus on positives of your choice rather than negatives of alternatives:

  • Acknowledge other schools: “IMT has excellent marketing specialization”
  • Explain IIM preference: Brand value, pedagogy, peer diversity
  • Be specific: Mention IIM-V’s IIM-B mentorship, unique programs
  • Avoid: “IMT is not as good” or ranking-based arguments
  • Personal fit: Connect to YOUR specific career goals
Read comparison strategies →

Should I mention creative hobbies in my MBA interview?

Yes—unique hobbies can differentiate you and show personality depth:

  • Connect to business: Art teaches client handling, feedback iteration
  • Show balance: Analytical (tech) + Creative (art) = well-rounded
  • Be specific: Mention mediums, clientele, achievements
  • Prepare for follow-ups: They may ask details about your work
  • Don’t oversell: Keep it proportionate to your overall narrative
See how hobbies were discussed →

What is the capital of Andhra Pradesh—Amaravati or Visakhapatnam?

This is a nuanced answer—know the full context:

  • Amaravati: De jure (official) legislative capital
  • Visakhapatnam: Proposed executive capital for some functions
  • Background: Post-bifurcation from Telangana (2014), AP governance is evolving
  • Three-capital proposal: Legislative (Amaravati), Executive (Vizag), Judicial (Kurnool)
  • Safe answer: “Amaravati is the designated capital, though administrative functions are distributed”
Check your location knowledge →
📋 Disclaimer: The above interview experience is based on real candidate interactions collected from various sources. To ensure privacy, some details such as location, industry specifics, and numerical figures have been altered. However, the core questions and insights remain authentic. These stories are intended for educational purposes and do not claim to represent official views of any institution. Any resemblance to actual individuals is purely coincidental.

Ready to Ace Your Interview?

Get access to 50+ more interview experiences, personalized mock interviews, and expert feedback.

Explore More Experiences View Our Courses

Leave a Comment