💬 Interview Experience

IIM Visakhapatnam Interview Experience: TCS Engineer’s 9-Minute Rapid Interview

Real IIM Visakhapatnam interview experience of a TCS engineer in just 9 minutes with 9.0 CGPA. Learn exact rapid-fire questions on databases, Python libraries, Adani case, and political awareness 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
Short but Sharp: A TCS Engineer’s 9-Minute IIM Visakhapatnam Interview. This lightning-fast interview experience proves that IIM panels can assess candidates thoroughly in under 10 minutes. With a stellar 9.0 CGPA and 3.5 years at TCS, this electrical engineer faced rapid-fire questions on databases, programming libraries, political awareness, and the Adani stock controversy. Learn how to stay composed when every second counts and every answer matters.

📊 Interview at a Glance

Institute IIM Visakhapatnam
Program PGP (MBA)
Profile TCS Engineer (3.5 Years)
Academic Background 90% / 90% / 9.0 CGPA (Electrical)
Interview Format Just 9 Minutes (2 Male Panelists)
Key Focus Areas Technical, Adani Case, Political Awareness

🔥 Challenge Yourself First!

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

1 The Adani Investment Dilemma

“As an investor, should I invest in Adani or not?”

Tests your ability to form balanced opinions on controversial topics while demonstrating investment thinking.

✅ Success Strategy

Show balanced thinking—avoid extreme positions. Structure: (1) Acknowledge risks: “The Hindenburg report raised governance concerns; regulatory scrutiny remains”; (2) Acknowledge opportunities: “Infrastructure is a long-term India growth story; stock has partially recovered; business fundamentals in ports and energy are strong”; (3) Framework: “As an investor, I’d consider risk appetite, time horizon, and portfolio diversification”; (4) Your stance: “For a long-term investor who can stomach volatility, selective exposure after due diligence might be reasonable—but definitely not putting all eggs in one basket.” Never say “definitely invest” or “definitely don’t”—show nuanced thinking.

2 The LIC-Adani Question

“Why did LIC invest in Adani despite the controversy?”

Tests your understanding of institutional investment logic and market dynamics.

✅ Success Strategy

Present multiple possible reasons without being cynical: (1) Long-term investment thesis: “LIC invests with 10-20 year horizons; short-term volatility matters less”; (2) Valuation opportunity: “Stock crash created attractive entry point if fundamentals are believed to be intact”; (3) Diversified exposure: “LIC’s Adani holdings are a small % of total portfolio—diversification manages risk”; (4) Government alignment: “Some argue PSU investments align with infrastructure development priorities—though this is debated”; (5) Due diligence: “LIC has research teams; they may have concluded the business fundamentals outweigh governance concerns.” Present objectively—avoid politically charged commentary.

3 The Programming Libraries Question

“How are libraries used in programs?”

Basic technical question for IT professionals—tests if you understand your daily work tools.

✅ Success Strategy

Explain simply and practically: “Libraries are pre-written code packages that provide reusable functions, classes, or modules. Instead of writing everything from scratch, developers import libraries to save time and ensure consistency.” Give examples: “NumPy for numerical operations, Pandas for data manipulation, React for UI components.” Benefits: (1) Faster development—don’t reinvent the wheel; (2) Tested and reliable—community-vetted code; (3) Standardization—consistent approaches across projects; (4) Maintenance—updates handled by library maintainers. Add business value: “At TCS, using standard libraries meant faster delivery and fewer bugs for clients.” Shows you understand both technical and business aspects.

4 The Vice President Role Question

“What is the role of the Vice President of India?”

Tests basic civics knowledge that every educated Indian should know.

✅ Success Strategy

Cover key functions: (1) Chairman of Rajya Sabha: “Presides over Upper House proceedings, maintains order, and casts deciding vote in case of tie”; (2) Second-highest constitutional authority after President; (3) Acting President: “Assumes presidential duties if President is unable to discharge functions (death, resignation, removal, or absence)”; (4) No executive powers in normal circumstances—primarily ceremonial except Rajya Sabha role; (5) Term: 5 years, elected by Electoral College (MPs of both Houses). Current VP: Jagdeep Dhankhar (since August 2022). Add: “The VP’s role gains significance in coalition politics where Rajya Sabha numbers are crucial for legislation.”

🎥 Video Walkthrough

Video content coming soon.

👤 Candidate Profile

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

🎓

Background

  • EducationB.Tech (Electrical Engineering)
  • Work Experience3.5 years at TCS
  • SectorIT Services
  • Profile TypeGEM (General, Engineering, Male)
📊

Academic Record

  • 10th Grade90%
  • 12th Grade90%
  • Undergraduate9.0 CGPA
  • StrengthExcellent academic consistency
🎤

Interview Panel

  • FormatIn-person/Online
  • Panel Composition2 Male Interviewers
  • DurationJust 9 minutes
  • StyleStraightforward, to-the-point, brief

🗺️ Interview Journey

Follow the complete interview flow—all packed into just 9 minutes!

1
Phase 1 (~4 min)

Work Experience & Technical Background

“Tell me about yourself (TMAY).”
Opening question—keep it crisp in a short interview
💡 Strategy

In a 9-minute interview, your TMAY must be under 90 seconds. Structure: “Electrical engineering graduate from [college] → Joined TCS 3.5 years ago → Currently working on [specific project/domain] → MBA to transition from technical execution to business leadership.” End with a clear hook for follow-up questions. Every word counts—practice cutting unnecessary details.

“What was your role at TCS?”
Direct work experience probe
💡 Strategy

Describe key responsibilities concisely: “I work as [designation] in [domain]. My responsibilities include [coding/client handling/team coordination/system design].” Quantify if possible: “Led a team of 4,” “Handled 3 client accounts,” “Delivered projects worth ₹X crore.” Be ready for follow-ups on any technical domain you mention.

“Database-related questions.”
Candidate couldn’t answer one—honesty was key
💡 Strategy

If you work with databases, review basics: SQL queries, normalization, joins, indexes, ACID properties. If asked something you don’t know: “I haven’t worked extensively with [specific topic], but I’m familiar with [related concept].” The candidate couldn’t answer one—but staying calm and honest is better than bluffing. Pivot confidently to what you DO know.

“How are libraries used in programs?”
Basic technical concept for IT professionals
💡 Strategy

Explain simply: “Libraries are pre-written code packages providing reusable functions. We import them to save time and ensure reliability.” Examples: NumPy, Pandas, React. Benefits: faster development, tested code, standardization, easier maintenance. Connect to work: “At TCS, using standard libraries meant faster delivery for clients.” Shows practical understanding, not just textbook knowledge.

2
Phase 2 (~5 min)

General Awareness & Decision-Making

“Who is the Governor of West Bengal? Who was the previous one?”
Testing knowledge of current political figures
💡 Strategy

Stay updated on high-ranking officials, especially recent transitions. Current Governor: CV Ananda Bose (since 2023). Previous: La. Ganesan (acting), before that Jagdeep Dhankhar (who became Vice President in 2022). If unsure, say “I believe it’s [name], but I’m not 100% certain.” Partial knowledge with honesty beats confident wrong answers. These questions test whether you follow news beyond just business.

“What is the role of the Vice President of India?”
Basic civics knowledge
💡 Strategy

Key functions: (1) Chairman of Rajya Sabha—presides over proceedings, maintains order, casts tie-breaking vote; (2) Second-highest constitutional authority; (3) Acts as President if position is vacant; (4) Elected for 5-year term by MPs of both Houses. Current VP: Jagdeep Dhankhar. Add relevance: “The VP’s Rajya Sabha role is crucial for passing legislation, especially when governments don’t have majority in Upper House.”

“What happened in the Adani stock crash?”
Major business news awareness
💡 Strategy

Summarize key points: “In January 2023, Hindenburg Research published a report alleging stock manipulation and accounting fraud across Adani Group. Market reaction was severe—Adani stocks lost ~$100 billion in value. The report claimed use of shell companies and undisclosed related-party transactions. Adani denied allegations and called it a ‘calculated attack.’ SEBI and Supreme Court got involved. Stocks have partially recovered since.” Present factually without political bias.

“As an investor, should I invest in Adani or not?”
Testing investment thinking and balanced judgment
💡 Strategy

Show balanced thinking: “It depends on risk appetite and time horizon.” Risks: governance concerns, regulatory scrutiny, concentrated ownership. Opportunities: infrastructure is India growth story, strong fundamentals in core businesses, valuations corrected. Framework: “I’d consider diversification—not putting all eggs in one basket. For long-term investors comfortable with volatility, selective exposure after due diligence might work.” Never give extreme advice—show nuanced thinking.

“Why did LIC invest in Adani despite the controversy?”
Understanding institutional investment logic
💡 Strategy

Present multiple perspectives: (1) Long-term horizon—LIC invests for decades; short-term volatility matters less; (2) Valuation opportunity—crash created attractive entry if fundamentals are believed intact; (3) Diversified portfolio—Adani is small % of total holdings; (4) Infrastructure thesis—aligned with India’s development priorities; (5) Due diligence—LIC has research teams who may have concluded differently than short-sellers. Stay objective—avoid political commentary.

📝 Interview Readiness Quiz

Test how prepared you are for a rapid-fire IIM Visakhapatnam interview with these 5 quick questions.

1. What is the primary function of the Vice President of India?

✅ Interview Preparation Checklist

Track your preparation progress for a rapid-fire interview.

Your Preparation Progress 0%

Technical Readiness (IT/TCS)

Current Affairs & Business News

Political & Civic Awareness

Short Interview Mechanics

🎯 Key Takeaways for Future Candidates

The most important lessons from this 9-minute interview experience.

1

Even a 9-Minute Interview Can Be Impactful—Stay Sharp and Concise

This interview was just 9 minutes, yet covered technical skills, current affairs, and political awareness. Every second counted. The candidate had no time for rambling or lengthy explanations—only focused, direct answers could make an impression. Short interviews favor prepared candidates who can articulate quickly.

Action Item Practice answering common questions in 30-60 seconds. Time yourself. Cut every unnecessary word. In a 9-minute interview, a 2-minute answer is 22% of your total time.
2

Review Work-Related Topics Like Databases and Programming Libraries

Despite 3.5 years at TCS, the candidate stumbled on a database question. Technical fundamentals from your daily work can catch you off guard if you haven’t consciously reviewed them. Panelists test whether you truly understand your job or just execute tasks mechanically.

Action Item List 10 technical concepts related to your work. For each, write a 2-sentence explanation a non-technical person could understand. Review SQL basics, programming concepts, and any technology stack you claim to know.
3

Be Well-Versed in Major Current Affairs Like the Adani Case

The Adani-Hindenburg saga dominated business news for months. Three consecutive questions tested the candidate’s knowledge and investment thinking. MBA aspirants are expected to follow major business stories and form nuanced opinions—not just know headlines, but understand implications.

Action Item Identify the top 5 business stories from the past 6 months. For each, prepare: What happened? Why does it matter? What’s your balanced opinion? Practice discussing controversial topics without extreme positions.
4

Know Your Geography and Key Political Figures in the News

Questions about West Bengal’s Governor and the Vice President’s role surprised this candidate. Political awareness goes beyond just knowing the PM—IIMs expect awareness of state governors, constitutional positions, and recent political transitions. These basics are often forgotten by technically-focused candidates.

Action Item Create a quick-reference sheet: President, VP, PM, Chief Justice, Finance Minister, RBI Governor, your home state Governor and CM. Know their names, when they took office, and basic roles. Update monthly.
5

Stay Calm and Honest If You Don’t Know—Composure Counts

The candidate couldn’t answer a database question—but the interview continued, and the outcome depends on overall impression. Getting flustered destroys confidence for remaining questions. Acknowledging gaps honestly while pivoting to strengths shows maturity that bluffing never can.

Action Item Practice the phrase: “I haven’t worked extensively with [X], but I’m familiar with [related Y].” In mock interviews, have someone ask questions outside your expertise. Practice staying composed and redirecting professionally.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about IIM Visakhapatnam interviews answered by experts.

Can IIM interviews really be just 9 minutes?

Yes, interview durations vary significantly:

  • Range: IIM interviews can be 8-40 minutes
  • Short interviews: Often straightforward profiles where panelists decide quickly
  • What it means: Not necessarily bad—could indicate clear profile or decisive panel
  • Key: Every second counts; no time for rambling
  • This case: 9 minutes covered technical, current affairs, and political awareness
See how 9 minutes were used →

What technical questions are asked to TCS/IT professionals?

Common technical questions for IT professionals:

  • Databases: SQL queries, normalization, joins, ACID properties
  • Programming: Libraries, frameworks, languages you claim to know
  • Projects: Detailed questions on what you built and how
  • Basics: OOPS concepts, data structures, algorithms
  • Tip: Review everything on your resume—don’t list what you can’t explain
Practice technical questions →

How to answer “Should I invest in Adani?” type questions?

Framework for controversial investment questions:

  • Acknowledge both sides: Never give extreme “definitely yes” or “definitely no”
  • List risks: Governance concerns, regulatory scrutiny, volatility
  • List opportunities: Business fundamentals, valuation correction, long-term thesis
  • Framework: “Depends on risk appetite, time horizon, diversification”
  • Your stance: Give nuanced opinion with caveats
Test your investment thinking →

What if I don’t know a technical answer?

How to handle knowledge gaps gracefully:

  • Don’t bluff: Interviewers can tell; it damages credibility
  • Be honest: “I haven’t worked extensively with [X]”
  • Pivot: “But I’m familiar with [related concept]”
  • Stay calm: One missed question doesn’t end the interview
  • This candidate: Couldn’t answer one database question but interview continued
Learn from key takeaways →

What political awareness is expected in IIM interviews?

Expected political knowledge for MBA aspirants:

  • National: President, VP, PM, key cabinet ministers
  • State: Governor and CM of your home state + interview location state
  • Constitutional: Basic roles of President, VP, PM, Governors
  • Recent transitions: Who took over from whom and when
  • This interview: Asked about West Bengal Governor and VP’s role
Complete your preparation checklist →

Does a 9.0 CGPA guarantee an easy interview?

High academics don’t exempt you from tough questions:

  • Higher expectations: Panels may expect more from high scorers
  • Technical depth: May probe harder on academic subjects
  • Current affairs: Expected to be well-read regardless of CGPA
  • This case: 9.0 CGPA candidate still faced rapid-fire on all fronts
  • Key: CGPA gets you shortlisted; interview performance gets you in
View candidate’s profile →

How to prepare TMAY for a short interview?

TMAY strategy for rapid interviews:

  • Duration: 60-90 seconds maximum—not a second more
  • Structure: Education (10 sec) → Work (30 sec) → MBA motivation (20 sec)
  • Cut ruthlessly: No childhood stories, no elaborate details
  • End with hook: Something that invites follow-up questions
  • Practice: Record yourself and time it; cut until under 90 seconds
See how TMAY fits in timeline →
📋 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