Answering The Most Difficult ISB Interview Questions

One of the most important things about my work as a B-school admissions coach is (surprisingly!) getting my mentees to relive their entire interview experience right after it happens—while it’s still fresh in their minds.

Getting them to replay the entire discussion, often with raw emotions and passion, helps me tailor strategies for future candidates. It’s a process I’ve done countless times with candidates from a variety of schools, and trust me, it’s eye-opening to see the different lines of questioning each B school brings.

Now, as many of you gear up for what could be the final leg of interviews for ISB’s current round in the coming weeks, I hope my insights from analyzing ISB interview questions will help you prepare.

Mastering the Toughest ISB Interview Questions

1. Let’s talk about one of the ISB interview questions that will probably catch you off guard: “Why do you think you’re a unique candidate? What makes you unique? Why should we take you!”

This is a question that many candidates forget to prepare for unless, of course, they’ve truly studied the ISB interview style. From my experience conducting mock interviews, about 8 out of 10 times, I hear short answers that fall flat, like, “My experience in healthcare consulting makes me a unique addition to the classroom…” (seriously, that’s just boring!) or

“I have extensive experience working with global stakeholders, so I’ll bring cross-cultural insights…” (okay, we get it, but that’s not the killer answer you think it is).

Many candidates at ISB have shared that one panelist, at least, will press them with: “Tell us something we haven’t heard before” or “Give us at least two reasons why we should take you.”

Truth be told, ISB has gotten ‘Murderously’ competitive over the years, and interviewers are now looking for more than just cookie-cutter answers.

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to nail this question, but the key is to give a truly personal and multi-layered response. It could be from your personal or professional experiences. Craft an answer that surprises the panel, one that digs into your most vivid, one-of-a-kind experiences. This is where you need to showcase the qualities that make you irreplaceable—the quirks, passions, and unique aspects of your journey that only you can bring to the table.

There is only one objective – that the panel remembers you long after they have interviewed all the candidates!

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While I can’t give you a step-by-step guide on how to create your very own perfect answer, I’m sharing a sample from a successful candidate to give you a sense of what stand out candidates say to such an ISB interview questions.

“
In 2013, I had one of the most grueling experiences of my life when I led a rescue mission during one of the most devastating Kedarnath floods in our lifetime. The devastation was unimaginable —just after the cloud burst, I had to mobilize my team of 40 soldiers within a 150 km radius in Kedarnath to save lives. With debris and bodies piling up around us, the urgency of the mission became overwhelming. I watched my soldier’s morale plummet in the terrible situation, and I had to summon all my strength to reassure them. The pressure only increased as securing critical communications equipment in the flood also became critical prevent a breach of national security. After 48 sleepless hours we fought through exhaustion and eventually rescued over 50 civilians. The recognition from the Army Chief meant a lot to me, I was surprised about my own stamina to keep going under emotionally and physically harrowing circumstances.

Since then, I have taken on equally challenging roles in information warfare. In modern-day warfare, adapting to emerging areas of technology is paramount. Since 20NN, I lead multi-facets of Information Warfare for India. Heading Network and Cyber Security operations on Kashmir frontier, I safeguarded military networks from 100s of pilferage attempts. Along Arunachal-China Border, I dealt with hostile tribal villages and resolved conflicts and expedited Network Capability projects, enabling Army’s strong defense-management systems. I also led a high-stakes diplomatic delegation to China during the tense 2018 Bum-La standoff, where Indian and Chinese troops confronted each other, and presenting critical incidents of Chinese infiltration to Peoples’ Liberation Army (China) in 2018 on the Chinese side at Bum-La, Arunachal Pradesh. One can acquire the best theories on management and leadership, but as I have managed men and critical resources in grim situations first-hand, I will bring my unusual practical experiences to ISB.” (a strong closing statement indeed!)

2. The second highly tricky question which many people prepare for, but will still fail to impress the panel at least 6 out of 10 times, is “Why do you need the PGP to attain your goals?”

I cannot believe how even really smart candidates sometimes will give super generic answers to this question along the lines of “I am seeking an MBA to enhance my business knowledge and broaden my perspective…” or

“While my professional experiences have given me valuable insights into various facets of the business world, I believe an MBA will provide me with a more structured understanding of core business concepts….”(not impressive, sorry!)

In an interview like ISB, the more generic sounding your answers are, the more susceptible you are to falling into the panel’s list of forgotten candidates. Just as with the previous question, the answer to “Why PGP” must show a strong connection between ISB and your future-aspired self.

What sparked that ‘aha!’ moment where you realized ISB was your desired next step? Maybe it was a conversation with a mentor or an inspiring chat with an ISB alum who’s now doing what you aspire to do. Tap into those personal anecdotes that highlight your deep, personal connection to the program. Talk about how the ISB network, its opportunities, and its resources will catapult you towards your goals. Cite specifics—like a conversation with an alumnus who is now shaping industry policy, or an interaction with a faculty member whose research aligns with your career vision. This is your chance to show the panel that you’ve done your homework, that you’re not just seeking another degree, but a gateway to something extraordinary. Only then will they see the real you.

Hope you will take inspiration from this winning sample, and write your own to win the panel to your side and rooting for your success.

“So far, as a Chartered Accountant working in Investment Banking, I have nursed insolvent companies back on their feet, within statutory framework. Now I want to develop skills that will help me detect stress signals early and implement preventive measures, safeguarding shareholder wealth for stressed companies much before they become insolvent. For this I intend to pursue a career in top-tier consulting firms renowned for resolving complex business issues. This would contribute towards my long-term vision of establishing and spearheading my own high-calibre practice specialising in business turnaround and restructuring.

India’s ability to handle business failures has a direct impact on availability of credit to our companies. As efficient resolution methods create a long-term conducive lending environment, fostering economic growth, building robust mechanisms would be imperative. I intend to contribute significantly in this trajectory.

To align with my future goals, the ISB tag is crucial. I have had the opportunity of working very closely with several ISB Alumni, including my immediate reporting partner in my IB firm over the last 6 years. I have personally seen the benefits of PGP from ISB manifest in academic excellence, managerial ease, and a close connection with diverse and distinguished alumni. The opportunity to engage with the Centre for Analytical Finance which has published papers on Borrower Distress and Debt Relief would be invaluable. In addition, I also look forward to leveraging my connection with the Insolvency Board of India, banks, and industry leaders to invite them as speakers to ISB’s flagship annual finance festival – “Artha” and to rope them in for the “Shadow a CEO” initiative. I have not been to a college before as I only did my CA, but having worked very closely with the CXOs of private and public sector giants, I look forward to playing an active role in ISB’s clubs like the “Finance Club”, by sharing my experiences. (how personal, as ISB would be the first time this candidate goes to an actual college)

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