[ADAS]

Hello all,

After my last post about my experiences during interview at IIT-Kanpur, I planned to share my experiences of my interview at IIT-Kharagpur.

IIT kharagpur was my second successful interview out of 3 interviews, thus would like to share some worthy experiences.

My Experience:

I did my Bachelor's degree from west bengal, and was acquainted to bengal, thus IIT-KGP was one of my targets to pursue higher studies. My all India rank was high enough, that I was confident that I would get a call, and it happened as I expected. As I entered the campus, and was enthralled after seeing the green and serene campus of IIT-KGP. The ambience made me forget about the interview. I reached at evening and roamed around the campus, the whole evening. A must visit is the tech market, especially the food stalls, present there, selling local food and beverages. The breeze, the dusk, and the bengal flavor made me nostalgic. So, the first suggestion for the candidates will be, to enjoy the campus and surroundings, along with the food spots, and relax themselves.

Now comes the part, everyone will be reading for, ie, the interview experience. Honestly speaking, the professors in the panel were very friendly, and as I mentioned in my previous post about IIT-Kanpur, had a good sense of humor. All the candidates were asked to sit in a lecture room, and after sometime, names of victims were called one by one   . As my name was called, with great enthusiasm, I stood up and went inside in front of the panel. It is very important to be enthusiastic, coz M.Tech is not just a degree, it's an experience, you sought the most.

As I sat in front of the professors, I was asked the most unexpected question. They asked me to do a SWOT analysis of myself. Many of you, who don't know what SWOT analysis is, it is analysis of your personality through analysis of your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. This is how, they wanted to understand me and my personality. Thus, it is very important to know yourself which is one most important aspect of one's persona. Believe in yourself and tell the truth.

After the SWOT analysis and some light discussions about personal life along with few jokes and fun filled moments (NB: making your panel laugh or lighten their mood is on you), I was asked to describe my research interest. Here, don't go for some fancy stuff, rather state something more practical and achievable and about which, you have ample knowledge. As I stated my research interest, just like at IIT-Kanpur, I was dragged into the loop. Somehow, I managed to escape the trap, and was able to convince the panel, I was worthy enough for a master's degree. They smiled and asked me to leave. I got an offer from IIT-KGP, but finally joined IIT-Kanpur for my master's.

Takeaway lessons:
1. Live the life, and enjoy the ambience. Success and failures come and go, but these experiences will stay forever. Thus explore the campus, enjoy the moment.
2. Be confident. If you don't know something, don't be nervous or ashamed, just tell the professors, the truth.
3. Don't be fancy about research topics. Even the professors know, how capable a graduate can be. Be practical.
4. Know yourself. This will help you in all interviews.
5. And as I always say, stay calm and do your part. Your life and future is not decided by a single success or a failure. Strive hard to succeed, and work harder to stay at that position.

Best of luck to all the aspirants.

PS: Those who scored low or didn't get success and looking for NITs or other options, I'd suggest, drop a year, and reappear for GATE. One decision can change your life.

Enjoy life in present. One should not be a prisoner of the past, nor should be future phobic.

--ADAS