Date: 08-04-2015, Slot - 11:00, Interview Panel - 3
PROFILE:
Acads:
X - 88 (CBSE)
XII - 72.4 (CBSE)
Undergrad Major - 7.06 (Mech - NIT Silchar)
CAT %ile: 93.42 (NC-OBC)
Work-Ex:
Sector - Power/Manufacturing - Alstom India Ltd {Project Mgt (30), Business Development (2)}
Number of Months: 32 months (Feb'15)
I was in the 11 am (LOL) slot. We were called for document verification at around 5 pm.
GD:
Topic: Should women get 50% of their husband's income in case of a divorce.
Number of Ppl present: 8
Time: 20 mins
It was one of the most civilized GDs you get to hear about. Starting from questioning a set 50% alimony and how custody of the child involved would matteer; to misuse of such a power in the hands of women and how clause for domestic violence is misused by women. I spoke 3rd. A different point I personally put in; that courts should assign counselling before trying any divorce case, as most genuine cases are the result of misunderstandings two mature people are completely capable of resolving with a little help.
We were asked to summarize in the last 2 minutes. Everybody was in consensus. It was a successful discussion.
PI for PGDIM & PGDISEM:
I went and sat outside the interview room after the GD. There was only one person before me. As the person before me went in, this other guy came and looked worried as he had a filght at 7.30 and it was already around 6. So, I let him go in before me. He came out smiling, so I was pretty sure the panel inside would be easy to handle. I couldn't be any more wrong.
There were 4 people. A lady in her early 30s say, L1 & 3 middle aged male professors say, M1, M2 and M3. M2 I think was the head of Operations.
Anyway, I went in all smiles. Wished L1, Good evening followed by the 3 Ms. M1 went out for a break as I was sitting while M3 asked me for my form. M2 asked me to sit down once I'd handed the form.
M2: So, Arnab! Tell us about yourself.
Me: Sir, I'm from Guwahati, Assam. I spent almost all my conscious life in Assam, schooling in Guwahati and graduation from NIT Silchar. The job being my first long term exposure outside NE. I am currently working as a Market Development Engineer in Alstom, but the chunk of my experience comes from Project Planning as a part of Project Management in the same co. Continued with how I aspire to climb rapidly be at the helm of some co. ASAP and so MBA is the next logical step.
M3: You have done a lot in Extra Curriculars. Can you elaborate a little more.
Me: Told them about representing school in quizzes and choirs. How I learnt guitar, got addicted to music and decided to coordinate the college's music festival. How the cultural shock during its promotion at GIR made me help pioneer the 1st AIESEC center the NE and how it was nationally appreciated.
M3: Why have you mentioned Green belt in Tae-Kwon-Do? Its a very basic belt.
Me: Sir, there was a limited space and I wanted to make it more diverse. I have also played football with a small time club in Guwahati, but that isn't certified.
M2: Ok, So, you are a quizzer. What is April 8th?
Me: (Mar Gaye!!) Sir, I haven't come across anything. (there's nothing, Phew!)
M2: Ok, then What's April 7th?
Me: Sir, I do not recall,
M2: Try, It was only yesterday.
Me: (batti jali) Sir, Health Day!!
(Everybody is laughing now, around 10 mins done, Interviews going great... dropped my guards... BIG MISTAKE!!)
M3: I have a Question. Why do all watches show a time of 10:10 in ads.
Me: Sir, I have read about two theories. One is that the inventor of watches died at 10:10 and it is offered as a sign of respect. The other more rational theory is that the watch looks symmetrical, looks like its smiling and at 10:10 the Brand logo is perfectly framed.
M3: Both your answers are wrong!! It was the time of the first assassination.
Me: Sir, I've read only these two. Now I have a 3rd theory. I still think my 2nd one is more logical.
(It is actually the 2nd one, the assassination theory is a emotional marketing stint linked with Lincoln, Kennedy or MLK Jr and quite a successful one judging from M3's reaction)
M3: Well, you're wrong!!
M2: Okay, you're from Mechanical Engineering, What is cutting speed.
Me: In respect of Material removal, its volume of material removed per minute.
M2: No, its not.
(Discussed this for 2/3mns. Never arrived at the correct answer)
M2: Okay, What's Reaming?
Me: It's used to machine the insides and enlarge an existing hole. (partially correct)
M2: Then what's Boring?
Me: Boring is also used to enlarge a hole.
(Meanwhile M1 has come from his break)
M2 to M1: He's saying reaming is for hole enlargement. (both laugh)
M2: What's the difference then?
Me: MRR?! (not really confident here)
M2: Which one is used when?
Me: I don't remember.
M2: You had Theory of Machines. What's Mechanical advantage.
Me: No idea, sir!
M2: What is your purpose of being a ME? All machining is to create Mechanical advantage. What is it?
Me: I really don't recall sir.
M1: Silchar is not that happening a place. Itni masti kaha ki? Padhai nahi karte the?
Me: Sir, it has been almost 3 years. Technical stuff can always be looked up. I have concentrated on personal development and my job requirements. (Failed attempt to change subject).
M3: Okay, Tell us about your project.
Me: We analysed Comb type Micro-capacitive Accelerometers and proposed a new design for detection of minute vibrations.
M2: Why did you do an electronics project being a mechanical engg.
Me: We were studying Non traditional manufacturing methods and accelerometers are one application.
M3: Okay, Explain. L1 is an Electronics Engineer.
Went to the blackboard and drew up the designs, explained why this small modification is more sensitive. How it could be used in seismographs and pre-quake tremors can be detected and other applications.
M2: Very well. (to other panel members), Let's ask about Work ex.
M3: What do you do.
Me: Explained.
M2: How come being single point coordinator of Bearing manufacturing be in any way be Project Planning. Its production planning.
Me: Explained how the roles were different.
M2: But bearings are a small item and mass produced. How come you call that Project.
Me: Sir, I handle Bearings for Hydro project which have humongous bearings, sometimes the size of this room. These are made to order. and apart from bearings i have worked in Hydro projects as well.
Further discussion on Bearing manufacture lead time, and responsibilities in new profile for 3-4mins.
Said thanks and left.
Total time : 35-40
Chances are slim. Maybe if percentile and GD have good weightages. God be merciful. 😛