The IIM B test for getting into a fellowship program which is also known as RAT is difficult. It can be challenging if you haven’t prepared for CAT/GMAT/GRE/JRF in the past or took any kind of prep course. The examination includes theory questions from specific areas of Game Theory, Calculus, or other advanced techniques from standard undergrad syllabus but the examination syllabus isn’t limited to these topics.  IIM B test isn’t an aptitude test like CAT. As these are area-specific tests, a good weightage is given to the test score for evaluation. 

Here are some useful tips which will help you prepare for IIM Bangalore interview.  Preparation tips-  Read as much as you can. Keep a regular check on current affairs, cross-country relations, the latest business trends and market, and sports. You are expected to have your own opinions and solutions regarding various issues of the world. Read newspapers, Finance magazines, watch news and discussion-based programs to stay updated.  You must know everything about the degree and institute. This way, you will be ready to answer questions like ‘Why MBA?’, and ‘What do you know about IIMB?’. Try to attend mock PIs. Most MBA coaching institutes have GD/PI sessions. They offer practice sessions, tips on handling questions, and personal feedback.  Know in detail about -  Know yourself well. This will help you answer basic questions about your strength, weakness, likes, dislikes, habits, hobbies, goals, etc.  You will be asked questions about your background. So, you must know details about your residence & native place, school & college, place of work, etc.  Do’s for interview -  Before going for the interview, make sure that you are dressed properly. Your appearance should be neat and professional.  Your etiquette, courtesy, and grooming will be under strict scrutiny. So, carry yourself well.  Try to appear as witty and confident but don’t overdo it. Keep your portfolio organized. Make sure your certificates, Marksheets, and Accolades are arranged chronologically and neatly. This will convey the notion that you are well-organized and serious about your candidature.  Admit your weakness -  During the interview, if you don’t know an answer to a question, admit it, rather than guessing.  Don’ts for the interview -  It’s natural to be nervous, but don’t make it obvious. Also, don’t be overconfident. Don’t boast about your academic record or test score. Try not to drag on a particular point. If the interviewer wants to elaborate on something, they will ask you.  Don’t appear as someone who is only interested in the placement.  Steering your interview -  The way you handle questions during interview can steer the conversation in your desired direction. While answering a question, try to make an impression that can prompt the interviewers to ask you the next question. This lead can be about some educational achievement, a project in which you have shown leadership skills, or a subject of which you have in-depth knowledge. But this should be done subtly.  These tips will help you to achieve a smooth experience at IIM Bangalore interview. 

IIM Bangalore has a beautiful campus. Life at IIMB Campus is enriching. You will get to meet students from different backgrounds.  The campus is full of greenery and there are trees all around the campus.  The hostel rooms are spacious. There is a study table, a rotating chair, whiteboard, big almirah, and bed. You can get your room cleaned by making a request on the online port. The washrooms have good facilities and get cleaned every day. The whole campus is wifi enabled.  The mess offers breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner. There are different varieties of food. The academics are rigorous and you will have to manage your time efficiently to keep up. Other than academics, there will be various other activities in which you can participate.   Overall, you will have a good time on campus. 

Honestly speaking, your academic record is average and even a very high percentile might not necessarily be enough to get a call for admission. IIM Bangalore especially focuses a lot on Past Academics. In the initial shortlisting, the 12th and 10th marks are given 15% weightage each which combined is quite a lot. During the final shortlisting, 10th and 12th marks are given 10% weightage each. So the only thing you can do is  Work really hard and score a very high CAT percentile, something around 99.5+ Target other IIMs Performance during the Personal Interview  You can go for other top B Schools like FMS and XLRI who give very little importance to past academics.

There are many interesting behind-the-scenes stories about IIM Bangalore that you will get to know, once you attend the institute. You will hear all kinds of stories from students praising opponent companies during interviews to asking funny questions to interviewers. I remember one of my friends shared that he got his Pre-placement offer, post the final round of placement. 

Decision Sciences is intensive Mathematics based field of study. To pursue this course you need to have a strong grasp of Statistics and Operations Research. For doctoral research, these are the areas that you need to study for your doctoral research.  Based on what I heard from my friends who attended the interview for FRM, I will say the interviewers are more concerned about your research aptitude and acumen in Mathematics rather than work experience. Relevant work experience can help your profile but it's not mandatory. 

You should opt for IIM Bangalore MBA Business Analytics if you are interested in having a career in analytics. The course is mathematically inclined and requires students to have some coding experience. The curriculum is designed meticulously and incorporates all topics that you will need to learn to have a successful career in analytics. There is not much information available for the course as it is fairly new. If you want to get an idea about the placement prospect, go through the recruiters from IT domain in the IIM B placement report. 

For selection, IIM Bangalore considers CAT score as well as academic performance. To get an interview call, you need to have above 80% in 10th, 12th, and graduation.  IIM Bangalore selection criteria for WAT-PI shortlisting are as below. Parameters Weightage  CAT score  25 WAT 10 PI 30 10th percentage  10 12th percentage  5 Graduation degree  10 Work experience  10 Total 100 If you are shortlisted, your final selection will depend on your interview performance and WAT. 

In terms of course structure, faculty, and learning resources, IIM Bangalore Executive program is top-notch. This program is great for people who are self-motivated or sponsored by the company.  You will learn from the same faculties that teach degree programs. In the executive program, faculties often teach their latest research.  The course curriculum is meticulously designed for the problems and challenges that you will face in your industry or job role.  The peer learning opportunities are great. You will share your lectures with experienced professionals.  There are no such placement opportunities after completing an executive MBA. But through the IIM Bangalore Executive MBA program, you will get the opportunity to network with accomplished professionals from your industry. You can use the network to get references for jobs in the future. The skills that you will learn in the executive program are greatly valued in the job market. 

For GEM, the CAT percentiles required to get an interview call from IIM Blackis, FMS, SP Jain, JBIMS, and MDI Gurgaon are  ABC and FMS: Both institutes required nothing less than 99.5. Those who get admission at a lesser percentile, usually don’t belong to the GEM category. There are many who don’t even get a call with 99.3. So to stay on the safer side, go for nothing less than 99.5. IIM Indore and Kozhikode: Both the institutes require percentiles around 97.5 for an interview call SPJIMR: This Institute has unique selection criteria under which CAT is given less value and calls are issued on the basis of the candidate's profile. The CAT percentile required in this case is less than the normal if you have a good academic profile along with work experience, MDI: This institute issues calls around the 96% mark. It’s important to know that these figures are based on trends and not on actual data so you will find exceptions everywhere. Moreover, it’s better you don’t waste time analyzing the CAT cutoff and start preparing for the same.