ISB Interview

My 2nd ISB Interview and 3rd Application

Date : 17th Jan 6:00 P.M.
Essay :
How will you solve the fuel problem in India

My ghissa pitta answer:
a. Reduce consumption through public transport, etc
b. Alternate energy sources to reduce the pressure on oil fired generators
c. Bio Fuel crop plantation like jatropa in waste lands

Anyone wud have answered the same or may be made it even more .

After the essay, then a wait.
The person from Adcom called me in. I smiled, but he refused to smile back. My bad... :(
I go inside, shake hand with all (1 prof and 1 alum) and then take a seat. First question from adcom.

Adcom: U are a reapplicant, so what was the reason...
Me: (Little taken aback by the first question which was too direct. I would have expected they asking how have you improved, but asking why were u rejected is too uncool but anyway) I said I believe I couldnt impress the team that I will add a lot of value to ISB (stupid answer!) and the feedback said communication has to be improved

Adcom: You improved it?
Me: Ya, I joined TOASTMASTERS (Love you ITMC). Also, I have started taking up lots of speaking roles and my work in CSR and Green Corridor requires me to speak to people a lot. All of this have improved my communication

Adcom: You studied in IIT Roorkee Saharanpur Campus. Whats that and how does it work
Me: (Blunder! Blunder! Blunder!) IIT roorkee Saharanpur Campus is a dedicated facility at Saharanpur which is part of IIT Roorkee... Something similar to what ISB has at Kolkata (Ha Ha Ha.... Poor Google search! ISB Kolkata is some other institution all together. Adcom and rest were shocked. My face lost color) I said oh sorry, i think i confused something else... really sorry)

Alumni: Tell us something not there in ur application
Me: (Talked about long term goal. Went on sometime, Questions like whats different, Is it there other places, Safal is not successful. why? etc... answered as much as cud)

Prof: What are the things u need to do to make it successful. If someone sponsors u.
Me: (Stupid me. was trying to talk about Green corridor project expansion. Then he corrected saying no, if u start ur venture, while I again digressed after some point back to Green Corridor which he didnt want to listen.. But then when he interjected again, i gave an incomplete sa answer, which he wasnt convinced muh i feel... short spate of question and answers about law, infrastructure, etc.. which he tried digging in rather than me throwing on his face... May be he got interested in the project. I had already told about crore of rupees potential only in corporates and Infosys participation. Though i dealt it weakly but shud have been major reason for taking me)

Adcom: Tell us more about Green Corridor
Me: Talked about Rural Tourism and Kasapuura village, work being done their, about our collaboration with Unnati, etc (Strong answer)

Alumni: What will you add to ISB class of 2011
Me: diversity and interest in rural (2 Trillion USD market.. money all start drooling), multiple roles played in Infy and strong leadership which can be utilized in GSB (Graduate Students' Board)

Adcom: Anything u wud like to ask us?
Me
a. What % of projects does ISB does in Rural India or with Government?
Adcom answered
b. If I would like to start my social venture right after ISB, what type of support does ISB give me
All 3 competed to answer.... They answered well over 5 mins... I showed as if I was impressed :)

Was about to ask third question when Adcom interjected and said, Ok Udayan, tell us more about ISB Kolkata :P Did you actually think ISB has a campus at Kolkata

I blushed a little and said, I got confused. No, I never was interested in ISB Campus at Kolkata so never researched on it as well.

Well, it was over and I came out imagining I have screwed whatever chances I had...

Was real pleasantly shocked when got the result... May be what they liked is that I did things when others said they want to do. Otherwiseit may be just that they thot this guy came back 3rd time, and blessed me for the loyalty