How To Prepare for an ISB Interview in 9 Steps

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is one of the top business schools in India, known for its excellent management programs and impressive global reputation. 

The ISB interview is a crucial part of the admission process, where the admissions committee assesses your fit for the program and evaluates your potential as a future leader. 

Here, we’ll go over the essential steps to prepare for your ISB interview and increase your chances of securing a spot at this prestigious institution.

Step 1: ISB Mock Interview – Start with Practice

Before diving into the real interview, one of the best ways to prepare is by taking an ISB mock interview. 

These mock sessions will simulate the actual interview environment, helping you get comfortable with the format and style of questions that may be asked. They provide a safe space to practice your responses, improve your communication skills, and receive valuable feedback on areas for improvement. 

Mock interviews are highly recommended because they help you identify gaps in your responses and make necessary adjustments before the real interview.

Step 2: Understand ISB’s Values and Mission

ISB’s values and mission guide the kind of students they want in their program. 

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these values and integrate them into your responses during the interview. Research the school’s culture, its core objectives, and how it differentiates itself from other top institutions. Be ready to align your answers with ISB’s emphasis on leadership, diversity, innovation, and global perspectives. 

This will demonstrate that you are well-informed and truly motivated to be part of their community.

Step 3: Know Your Application Inside and Out

Your ISB application is your personal narrative, so you should be well-versed in every detail you have mentioned in it. 

Be prepared to elaborate on your academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities. The admissions team will likely ask you about specific projects or experiences you listed in your application. Practice discussing them clearly, highlighting the skills you gained and how they will contribute to your success in the MBA program. 

You should also be able to explain why you chose ISB over other institutions and how it fits into your career goals.

Step 4: Be Ready to Discuss Your Career Goals

One of the main topics in an ISB interview is your career goals. 

The committee wants to understand why you are pursuing an MBA, what you hope to achieve post-graduation, and how ISB will help you reach those goals. Reflect on your professional aspirations, both short-term and long-term, and articulate them in a clear, structured way. 

Avoid generic answers like “I want to be in leadership” and instead provide a more specific, well-thought-out career plan that shows you have a clear vision for your future.

Step 5: Master the Common Interview Questions

Prepare for the common ISB interview questions that have been asked in previous years. These include questions like:

• Why do you want to pursue an MBA at ISB?

• Tell us about a time when you displayed leadership.

• How do you handle challenges or failure?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Describe a situation where you worked as part of a team.

Having well-thought-out responses to these questions will help you present yourself as a confident and prepared candidate. Practice answering these questions, but ensure you avoid sounding rehearsed.

Step 6: Showcase Your Leadership and Teamwork Skills

ISB values candidates who have demonstrated leadership potential and the ability to work effectively within teams. 

During your interview, provide examples that highlight your leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and problem-solving mindset. Whether it’s a professional experience or a personal achievement, showcase moments when you took charge or worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal. 

This will reassure the interviewers that you have the qualities needed to thrive in a diverse, fast-paced learning environment.

Step 7: Brush Up on Current Affairs

The ISB interview often involves questions about current affairs, especially in the context of business and global markets. 

Stay updated on the latest developments in the business world, such as market trends, economic policies, and major global events. This will not only make you feel more confident in discussing these topics but will also show the interviewers that you are well-informed and have a strong interest in global issues. 

Prepare to discuss how current events may impact business strategies or industries you are interested in.

Step 8: Exhibit Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

Emotional intelligence is a key factor that ISB looks for in its candidates. 

During the interview, demonstrate self-awareness by talking about your personal growth, strengths, and areas where you are working to improve. Be honest and authentic in your responses, and show that you are open to feedback and self-improvement. 

Additionally, display empathy and interpersonal skills, as ISB values candidates who can effectively navigate complex social dynamics and build strong relationships with others.

Step 9: Be Confident and Authentic

Finally, one of the most important aspects of your ISB interview preparation is to remain confident and authentic throughout the process. 

Don’t try to be someone you’re not, as authenticity is key to connecting with the interviewers. Be honest, articulate your thoughts clearly, and maintain a positive attitude. Even if you are asked tough questions, approach them calmly and confidently. 

Remember, the interview is not only about understanding your qualifications but also about evaluating your personality and fit for the ISB program.

Conclusion

Preparing for an ISB interview can be an intense but rewarding process. By following these nine steps, you’ll put yourself in the best position to showcase your strengths, experiences, and aspirations effectively. Remember that a successful interview is about presenting yourself authentically and aligning your goals with the values of ISB. So, whether you’re preparing for your ISB mock interview or facing the real one, make sure you’re ready to take on the challenge with confidence and clarity.