FMS Delhi Interview Transcript #5

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, is one of India’s premier business schools, renowned for its academic excellence, industry-oriented curriculum, and exceptional return on investment. Established in 1954 under the University of Delhi, FMS offers flagship MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs. Known as the "Red Building of Dreams," it boasts a legacy of producing top corporate leaders and entrepreneurs. With a rigorous selection process, a dynamic peer group, and strong corporate connections, FMS provides a transformative learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

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Candidate Profile:Background: General Engineering Male

(GEM)

Academics: 10th – 89.8% | 12th – 84.8% | Graduation – 69.1%

CAT Percentile: 99.93

Panel Composition: 3 Members – 2 Female (P1, P2), 1 Male (P3)

Interview Questions & Responses

P2: Naman, tell us something about yourself.(This interview was after a month-long gap since my last one, so I was slightly unprepared for my usual answer. I mentioned my graduation and work experience but forgot to cover my hobbies.)

P2: Do you know of any recent M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) in the pharma industry? Not very recent, but Ranbaxy was acquired by Sun Pharmaceuticals.

P2: Why do you think M&As take place? To capture market share and reduce competition. I explained with an example of Flipkart acquiring eBay India (which had happened just a day or two before the interview).

P2: Okay, now P1 will give you your extempore topic.(I had butterflies in my stomach, hoping the topic wouldn't be too difficult.)

Extempore

P1: You have to speak on the topic "Namaste" for a minute.(I was relieved to get a simple topic!)

Spoke about how "Namaste" is very closely associated with me since it is the meaning of my name. Explained that it is the first word many foreigners learn when they come to India. Mentioned that it is used to greet people and show respect, and that it is synonymous with "hello." Concluded with "That’s all I can think of."

P3: (First time speaking, with humor) "Kisi ko bhagana ho toh bhi bolo Namaste."(Everyone grinned.)

P1: Tell me three women entrepreneurs.I could only name one – Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.

P1: Which organization does she lead? Biocon.

P1: Tell me some industry experts instead. Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo) and Arundhati Bhattacharya (SBI).

P1: How long have they been working in their respective organizations?I don’t know, ma’am.

P3: Why MBA? Talked about my career plan and family business.

P3: What is the turnover of your family business? Told.

P3: How do you judge a company’s performance? Talked about financial statements, mainly the income statement and balance sheet, and what each of them represents.

P3: Do you know any financial ratios? Initially said I didn’t have much finance knowledge, but then suddenly remembered and blurted out: "PE Ratio, sir. The Price-to-Earnings ratio." (Sigh of relief!)

P3: IIM Calcutta results were announced yesterday. Did you convert?Didn’t convert, sir.

P3: Why? Didn’t answer a couple of questions well, and CAT score weightage is lower there.

P3: But you’ll get the benefit of weightage here. Yes, sir!

Closing Remarks

Verdict: Direct Convert! 🎉