The Indian School of Business (ISB) interview is a crucial step in securing admission to one of the most competitive management programs in the country. It’s your opportunity to showcase your personality, leadership potential, problem-solving ability, and clarity of goals. While a strong application gets you to the interview stage, how you present yourself and respond to questions determines whether you make it through. Here are practical tips to help you prepare effectively and perform confidently.
Understand the Interview Format
ISB interviews are usually conversational but can be intense. The panel often includes alumni and faculty members who will evaluate your career achievements, academic record, personal goals, and fit with the program. While no two interviews are identical, they often cover:
- Your professional background and achievements
- Career goals and motivation for pursuing an MBA
- Knowledge of industry trends and global business challenges
- Behavioural and situational questions
- Hobbies, interests, and personal values
Being aware of the format helps you mentally prepare and reduces uncertainty.
Know Your Application Inside Out
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is failing to recall details from their own application. Every achievement, leadership story, and project you’ve mentioned could be questioned in depth. Before the interview:
- Review your essays, resume, and application responses.
- Be ready to elaborate on the stories you’ve shared, providing context, challenges, actions, and results.
- Prepare for follow-up questions that dig deeper into your contributions.
If you’ve claimed leadership skills, be ready with concrete examples that prove them.
Practice Through an ISB Mock Interview
A highly effective preparation strategy is participating in an ISB mock interview. These simulations replicate the real experience, exposing you to the types of questions you might face and helping you refine your answers. The benefits of a mock interview include:
- Identifying gaps in your responses
- Practising concise and confident communication
- Learning how to structure answers using frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Gaining feedback on body language and tone
Doing more than one ISB mock interview can help you spot improvement areas and build comfort with different question styles.
Strengthen Your Storytelling Skills
ISB panels appreciate candidates who can present their stories in an engaging yet professional manner. Avoid simply listing achievements; instead, narrate your journey with clarity and purpose. Focus on:
- Challenges you faced and how you overcame them
- The impact you created in your organisation or community
- Lessons learned from successes and failures
- How your experiences connect to your future goals
A compelling narrative not only makes you memorable but also shows your ability to inspire and lead.
Stay Updated on Current Affairs and Industry Trends
Business schools value candidates who are aware of what’s happening in the world. Expect questions related to:
- Major developments in your industry
- Economic policies affecting businesses
- Global market trends and emerging technologies
- Social and environmental challenges impacting commerce
Reading business newspapers, following credible industry blogs, and discussing current affairs with peers will prepare you for these topics. This habit also shows your curiosity and readiness for academic discussions.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Behavioural questions help interviewers assess how you’ve acted in real-life situations. Examples include:
- “Tell me about a time you dealt with conflict at work.”
- “Describe a situation where you failed and what you learned from it.”
- “Give an example of how you led a team through a challenge.”
Answering these requires structure and self-awareness. Practising through an ISB mock interview can significantly improve your ability to handle such questions without rambling.
Mind Your Body Language
Your communication isn’t just verbal; your non-verbal cues matter too. Maintain eye contact, avoid fidgeting, and sit upright to convey confidence. A warm smile can also create a positive first impression. Practising in front of a mirror or recording yourself can help you identify habits you might want to change.
Be Clear About Your Goals
One of the most critical parts of your interview is explaining your career goals and why you want to pursue an MBA at this stage in your life. Be specific:
- What role or industry do you want to enter after graduation?
- How will ISB’s curriculum, network, and resources help you achieve that?
- How does this align with your long-term vision?
Vague answers like “I want to be a leader” won’t work—you need a well-thought-out plan.
Handle Stress with Composure
It’s common for interviewers to challenge your ideas or ask unexpected questions to see how you react under pressure. Don’t get defensive. Take a moment to think, clarify the question if needed, and respond calmly. Your composure reflects your readiness for the rigorous environment of business school.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is the key to excelling in the ISB interview. By knowing your application thoroughly, sharpening your communication skills, staying informed about industry trends, and practising through multiple ISB mock interview sessions, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, the goal is not just to answer questions but to connect your story with ISB’s vision and values. With focused effort, you can walk into the interview room confident, well-prepared, and ready to make a lasting impression.
