Admission Story: Tafhim Ahmad, IIM Trichy, 98.70, CAT

Tafhim Ahmad is currently a PGDM student at IIM Trichy, he scored 98.70 marks in CAT and had a previous work experience of 1.25 years with Oxford Tanners.

Tafhim Ahmad Profile

Current institute: IIM Trichy
Graduation College: Christ Church College
CAT score: 98.70
10th Percentage / GPA: 80.67
12th Percentage / GPA: 86
Graduation Percentage/GPA: 58.25
Work Experience: Oxford Tanners, 1.25 years, Accounting

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Admission Experience

Did you avail of the benefit of any reservation?

Tafhim Ahmad: “OBC”

Describe the general setting of WAT / GD (if any)?

Tafhim Ahmad: “CAP process doesn’t have GDs. It includes WAT and PI. WAT was held in a hall where single chairs and tables were there in several rows. A single sheet was provided with space on both sides. Total time given was 20 mins which involved both times to think and write. Topics were provided in envelopes and as soon as they asked to open the topic, the timer started.

My topic was privatisation. Every slot has a different topic which checks creativity, awareness and writing skills.

My tip would be to practice writing on any news, a topic you hear. Reading newspapers and articles will definitely help.”

What was the WAT / GD Topic?

Tafhim Ahmad: "WAT topic - Privatisation”

What were your answer/points put forward for the WAT or GD respectively?

Tafhim Ahmad: “Wrote what’s happening around, Govt’s plan, merits and demerits, and what it means for Indian Economy”

Describe the general setting of your personal Interview.

Tafhim Ahmad: “2 panelists , Both Male in 40s. They were IIM Ranchi faculty. Cap interviews mostly have professors from IIMs. Interview was online before Covid pandemic happened. Now, the interviews are happening online. Interview duration was 15-20 mins with basic academic Questions on Economics and Maths. It was chill.

Drive your interview on your strengths and never panic. They just want to check your personality and how you conduct yourself.”

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Mention at least 5 interview questions that were asked to you and your responses to each of them.

Tafhim Ahmad: “1. About yourself

2. Why so low marks in graduation? ( He also said CAT you cleared by fluke? Just to check how i react)

3. Which subjects should I ask questions on?

4. Basic demand-supply questions in Economics

5. Gave a weighted average Question which I calculated orally and he was impressed.”

Mention 3 reasons why you chose this college over other colleges which you converted.

Tafhim Ahmad: “1. CFA certified course curriculum. Better finance domain roles are offered as compared to other new iims.

2. Single occupancy rooms - All other IIMs had sharing occupancy but IIM Trichy provides single occupancy rooms.

3. Location advantage - IIM Trichy is very near to the airport and has good connectivity with Bangalore and Chennai. This opens up more prospects.”

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What was the reason for you not converting to other colleges?

Tafhim Ahmad: “I couldn’t convert IIM Kozhikode and MDI Gurgaon.

Interviews are very abstract and can go anywhere. IIM K interview went on unexpected lines where I couldn’t perform. The interviewer was keen on checking the career planning, decision-making aspect.

MDI Gurgaon interview went well but I couldn’t speak much in GD as it became a fish market. Be prepared for such a scenario in GDs and put your point.”