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What to Expect in IPMAT Interviews Preparing for Personality and Aptitude Rounds

CL Team June 13 2025
5 min read

What to Expect in IPMAT Interviews

Preparing for Personality and Aptitude Rounds

By Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi

Introduction: Cracking the Final Frontier

After clearing the IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test), you’ve surpassed one of the toughest entry hurdles for aspiring managers straight out of school. Now comes the final — and often unpredictable — phase: the Interview Process.

Whether you're targeting IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, or other top institutes offering the IPM program, remember this:

The interview is not just about academic scores — it’s about how you think, behave, speak, and reflect.

At Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi, we've helped thousands of aspirants crack this round through mock interviews, grooming sessions, and aptitude re-training. This guide gives you everything you need to face the panel with clarity and confidence.

Overview: IPM Interview Structures

IIM Indore

  • Process Name: Personal Interview

  • Components: Personality Questions, Academics, Current Affairs

  • Duration: 15–25 minutes

IIM Rohtak

  • Process Name: Personal Interview (plus Aptitude Test in some years)

  • Components: Personal, Situational, Logical Reasoning

  • Duration: 20–30 minutes

IIM Ranchi, Jammu, Bodh Gaya

  • Process Name: Personal Interview

  • Components: Academics, Communication, Goals

  • Duration: 15 minutes

Note: Most interviews are conducted online, though some may shift back to in-person formats.

Section 1: What Are They Really Testing?

Interviewers are not just checking your knowledge. They're evaluating:

  • Communication Skills – Are your thoughts clear and well-articulated?

  • Presence of Mind – Can you think logically and quickly?

  • Self-Awareness – Do you understand your strengths and choices?

  • General Awareness – Are you curious and informed?

  • Academic Rigor – Do you understand your subjects well?

  • Motivation for IPM – Do you have a clear reason for pursuing this path?

Important: This is not a memory test. They’re looking for thinkers, not just toppers.

Section 2: Personality Interview — What to Expect

A. The Icebreaker: “Tell Me About Yourself”

This is your chance to steer the interview with a strong, clear introduction.

Tips:

  • Keep it under one minute

  • Break it into three parts: Academic, Personal Interests, Future Goals

  • Speak calmly and naturally

Sample:
“I’m a Class 12 student with a strong interest in problem-solving and public speaking. I’ve represented my school in debate competitions and also run a blog on youth finance. I believe IPM will help me build leadership and analytical skills early on.”

B. Academic Questions

Even if you come from commerce or humanities, expect basic math or logical questions.

Common Topics by Stream:

  • Math: Algebra, Percentages, Logical Reasoning

  • English: Vocabulary, Reading Interpretation

  • Commerce: Basic definitions (GDP, Budget, Profit)

  • Humanities: Views on social issues or current events

Tip: Don’t guess or bluff. Say something like:
“I’m not sure, but I’d love to learn more about that.”

C. Situational and HR Questions

These test your judgment, ethics, and emotional maturity.

Examples:

  • Ethical Dilemma: “What would you do if your friend cheats in an exam?”

  • Group Role: “Are you a team player or a leader?”

  • Challenge Handling: “Describe a tough situation you’ve faced.”

Answer Strategy: Use the STAR method —
Situation, Task, Action, Result

D. “Why IPM?” and Career Clarity

This is one of the most frequently asked — and most important — questions.

Avoid Saying:

  • “My parents told me to apply.”

  • “It’s a shortcut to an IIM.”

Do Say:

  • You’re interested in management and leadership

  • You’ve explored the program through webinars, internships, or mentors

  • Your skills align with the IPM curriculum (analytical, communication, etc.)

E. General Knowledge and Current Affairs

You’re not expected to be a news anchor — but awareness matters.

Example Questions:

  • “What’s your opinion on the New Education Policy?”

  • “Who is India’s Finance Minister?”

  • “What recent global event caught your attention?”

Preparation Tips:

  • Read editorials from The Hindu or Indian Express

  • Use summary-based apps like Inshorts

  • Review weekly GK digests or summaries

Section 3: Aptitude Rounds — The Curveball

Especially relevant for IIM Rohtak, some institutes may ask you to take an online aptitude test before or after your interview.

Areas Covered:

  • Logical Reasoning: Series, Directions, Blood Relations

  • Quantitative Aptitude: BODMAS, Ratios, Averages

  • Verbal Ability: Grammar, Synonyms, Sentence-based MCQs

Tip: These are not technical, but are time-based. Practice with speed and clarity.

Sample Aptitude Questions

  1. What comes next in the series: 2, 4, 8, 16, ___
    Answer: 32

  2. Statement: All apples are fruits. Some fruits are mangoes.
    Conclusion: No definite conclusion follows.

  3. Word Similar to “Resilient”:
    Answer: Flexible

Section 4: How to Prepare – The CL South Ex Weekly Plan

Week 1:

  • Draft your personal introduction

  • Practice 5 common HR questions

  • Attend a personality development session

Week 2:

  • Solve 10 academic or aptitude mock sets

  • Practice 3 HR questions daily

Week 3:

  • Read daily news and editorials

  • Prepare answers to 2 current affairs topics each day

Week 4:

  • Attempt 2 full-length mock interviews

  • Collect feedback and improve weak areas

Checklist Before Interview Day

  • Test your webcam and microphone (for online interviews)

  • Wear formal clothing (top to bottom)

  • Keep a pen and notepad ready

  • Sit in a quiet space with internet backup

  • Keep a watch or timer to pace your answers

Section 5: Real Student Experiences (CL South Ex Alumni)

Radhika, IIM Indore IPM:
“I was asked about feminism and how it’s misunderstood. My mentor had prepped me on this just a week earlier!”

Ayush, IIM Rohtak IPM:
“They asked about cricket stats, then switched to questions on my blog. It was informal but required confident, clear responses.”

Neha, IIM Jammu IPM:
“They asked why I left science. Since I had a structured, honest answer, they appreciated my clarity.”

Section 6: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Speaking too fast – Practice 4–7 second answers

  • Memorized answers – Get real feedback, not scripts

  • Ignoring GK – Read news for 15 minutes a day

  • Overconfidence or name-dropping – Stay grounded and genuine

  • Neglecting aptitude – Do 15-minute practice drills regularly

Section 7: Sample 10-Question Personality Practice Set

  1. Tell me about yourself.

  2. Why do you want to join the IPM program?

  3. Who is your role model and why?

  4. What is your biggest failure and what did you learn?

  5. How do you handle stress?

  6. What recent book or article did you read?

  7. What are your views on social media and teenagers?

  8. How is IPM different from BBA?

  9. Should voting be mandatory in India?

  10. What will you contribute to our campus?

Task: Write 3–4 line answers. Record yourself or review with a mentor.

Final Words

The IPMAT interview is not a barrier — it’s your platform to stand out.

Be real. Be ready. Be reflective. Be consistent.

What Career Launcher South Ex Offers

  • One-on-one mock interviews

  • Live sessions on current affairs

  • Aptitude re-training (for IIM Rohtak)

  • Feedback from expert panelists

  • Confidence-building workshops

We help you sharpen your voice, vision, and values — to present your best version.

Want Our 30-Day IPM Interview Prep Workbook?

Includes sample answers, practice scripts, and daily review trackers.

Just ask — and we’ll get you campus-ready.