How to Answer "Why MBA" Question in Personal Interview? Sample Included
Among the some of the frequently asked questions in Personal Interviews for MBA admissions, "Why MBA?" stands on top. This article helps candidates to how to prepare for the 'Why MBA?' question, how to answer, with a sample answer.
Check how to answer Why MBA question in a Personal Interview round
How to Answer "Why MBA?" Question: Personal Interviews can be even more daunting when one is aiming for PG admission to MBA courses. Personal Interview is typically a part of almost all MBA admissions. The admission process to pursue an MBA course typically starts with completing registration for the desired MBA entrance exam. Entrance exams are conducted at the university, state, and national levels. Every Institute decides the MBA cutoff to prepare a shortlist. Candidates who are shortlisted appear for MBA selection rounds such as Personal Interviews (PI), Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), etc.
Among other frequently asked questions for MBA personal interviews, “Why MBA?” is the most common MBA PI question. Answering ‘Why MBA?’ can be tough in some cases, while proper PI preparation can help your answer to become a deal-breaker. This article on the MBA PI question series will guide you on why this question is important, how to prepare for this question and how to answer the “Why MBA” question. This article also hosts a sample answer for why MBA questions help candidates give the best in the MBA Personal Interview round.
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What is the Purpose of Interviewer behind “Why MBA” Question?
Interviewers derive conclusions on whether to select a candidate for admission based on the answers. The answer for “Why MBA?” will come in handy to help them decide whether the candidate would be a worthy student or not. The motive behind the “why MBA?” question is to know:
Q: Can I get direct admission at IIM Calcutta?
Q: How to get into IIM Ahmedabad?
The application process of IIM Ahmedabad for PGP takes place via CAT. Therefore, candidates need to visit the official website of CAT to get admission to IIM Ahmedabad. The institute will further shortlist the candidates based on CAT score and send emails to shortlisted candidates. However, for executive courses, the application process can be done via the official website. Details are as follows:
- MBA-PGPX: Candidates can submit their application through an online portal.
- ePGD: Applicants can submit their applications online. Application to the ePGD-ABA programme is a two-step process - registration & application form submission.
Q: What is the structure of CAT question paper?
- How important is an MBA degree for the candidate
- Future plans of the candidate
- Ambition
- Discipline
Some interviewers want to understand what candidates believe they can achieve through an MBA program that they cannot attain without it. Others are interested in knowing why candidates have chosen a particular business school. Based on the candidates' responses, the interviewers determine whether the candidates are genuinely eager to gain knowledge from the course or if they simply seek the MBA tag.
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Undoubtedly, better scores would come to those who express their willingness of gaining knowledge by pursuing an MBA course, or who knows how an MBA degree aligns with their future career plans.
How to Prepare for “Why MBA” Question?
Interviewers are looking for a well-researched answer. Some of the key preparation tips for the ‘why MBA’ question will include the following:
Analyse course curriculum of the b-school
One must analyse what they will learn from an MBA degree from the particular b-school. The answer that will have course details will help the interviewer interpret what you are actually willing to gain from the course.
Q: How can I get admission in IIM Bangalore?
To be selected in IIM Bangalore, candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% or an equivalent CGPA (45% for candidates belonging to the SC/ST/PwD category). IIM Bangalore admission 2024 is completely entrance-based. Admission to the flagship course, i.e., the MBA of IIM Bangalore, is based on a valid score in the CAT exam, followed by a personal interview (PI) and written ability test (What) round. IIM Bangalore offers admission to Indian students via CAT and international students via GMAT/GRE. IIM Bangalore conducts the IIM-B tests for admission to Executive MBA (EPGP) and PhD courses.
Q: Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?
Q: How can I get seat in IIM Kozhikode?
As per the admission process for MBA at IIM Kozhikode, candidates are selected based on CAT scores. In order to apply for this course, candidate must pass graduation as per the basic educational qualification and qualify for CAT entrance exam. The IIM Kozhikode MBA admission process consists of the following steps:
- Registration: Aspirants have to register online on the official website of IIM Kozhikode with graduation score and CAT percentile last qualifying exam
Find below the minimum eligibility requirements as per various parameters:
| Category | CAT Percentile | Sectional Percentile | Class 10 & 12 Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 85 | 75 | 60 |
| OBC/ EWS | 75 | 65 | 60 |
| SC | 65 | 55 | 55 |
| ST/ PwD | 55 | 45 | 55 |
- Shortlisting of candidates through AIS: Candidates who successfully submit the registration form and fulfil the basic eligibility will be shortlisted for WAT & PI rounds. The list of shortlisted candidates in each category will
be prepared based on an Aggregate Index Score (AIS). It includes performance of candidates in CAT 2023, Class 10 & 12 Gender/ Academic diversity criterion, and work experience. The weightage of each component in the AIS is as follows:
| Component | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2022 Index Score | 45 |
| Class 10 & 12 | 40 |
| Gender/ Academic Diversity Score | 10 |
| Work Experience | 5 |
- Final shortlisting via WAT & PI: The shortlisted candidates will be called for a Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. The weightage of each component for all the selection round is as follows:
| Component | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2022 Index Score | 35 |
| PI | 35 |
| WAT | 20 |
| Resume Score | 10 |
Q: How can I get a seat at IIM Trichy?
IIM Trichy has a highly competitive and rigorous admission process for all its programmes. The selection process typically involves an initial screening of candidates based on their CAT percentile scores, followed by a Personal Interview and Written Analysis Test. Apart from CAT, the institute also accepts scores from other national and international level entrance exams such as GMAT, GRE, and GATE.
The candidate's academic records in their bachelor's degree, high school education, and any relevant certifications or diplomas are also considered. Work experience is particularly important for executive programmes as it helps the admission committee understand the candidate's exposure to the corporate world and their potential for growth in the programme. Overall, the admission process is highly selective, and only a small percentage of candidates are selected for admission to the various programs at IIM Trichy.
Q: How can I get seat in IIM Indore?
To secure a seat in IIM Indore, candidates need to satisfy the minimum eligibility criteria for their desired course and appear for the entrance exam accepted and other selection rounds conducted by IIM Indore for that course. The candidates need to match the final cut off set by IIM Indore to become eligible for further rounds of selection.
For admission to the flagship PGP course, aspirants need to appear for CAT. Candidates who meet the final IIM Indore cut off will be invited for the WAT/PI round.
Admission process of other IIM Indore courses is also similar. Interested candidates need to appear for the relevant entrance exam and get shortlisted for further rounds on the basis of marks secured in the entrance exam.
Find below the minimum eligibility and selection criteria of IIM Indore courses:
| Course Name | Common Eligibility | Selection Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| PGP/ PGP HRM | UG degree or completed a professional degree (CA/ CS/ ICWA/ Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) with at least 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for SC/ ST/ PwD) | CAT + PI + WAT + Class 10 & Class 12 marks + Diversity + Work Experience |
| IPM | Candidate must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board | IPMAT+ PI |
| E-PGP | Bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate Or Three-year bachelor's degree and a master's degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate in each Or Five-year integrated course with a minimum 50% aggregate. And minimum of five years of managerial/ entrepreneurial/ professional experience after completion of bachelor's degree as on application deadline, i.e. Nov 30, 2023 | |
| FPM | PG degree with 60% aggregate or Professional degree with 60% aggregate (55% aggregate for SC/ ST/ PwD) | CAT/ GRE/ GMAT / JRF (Economics) / GATE |
| E-FPM | PG degree with 60% aggregate or professional degree with 60% aggregate + 5 years of experience | CAT/ GRE / GMAT / JRF (Economics) / GATE/ RAT | RAT + PI for E-FPMG |
Check the course testimonials of the b-school
Testimonials would help candidates gain in-depth knowledge of how this course has helped the alumni. The key highlights of the course will be included in the course testimonials. Candidates can design the answer based on the primary features of the course.
Research about the applications of the skills obtainable
Once you know the skills obtained from the course, you must research how these skills are helpful in the real world. Design the answer by laying a use case of the skills and how you will be solving a bigger problem.
Draft more than one reason to pursue the course
To personalise the answer, one can share why they want to pursue a particular MBA specialisation from a particular b-school. This would help you personalise the answer, and in turn help the interviewer analyse that you have done the research beforehand. While laying out the benefits of the course, prepare an outline of more than one benefit of the course from a particular college. Some of them can include:
- Pedagogy
- Class strength
- B-school Reputation
- Placement reports
- Notable alumni
Some generic benefits that a candidate should add in the answer should include:
- Career advancement
- Skill development
- Enriching professional knowledge
- Networking opportunities
Also Read:
- How MBA helps you in building a strong career foundation?
- How doing an MBA can boost your career
- An MBA graduate has unlimited career choices. Here’s why
Prepare a brief answer beforehand
An answer beyond 200 words might lead to a boring conversation. Prepare a short answer, of word count ranging from 150 to 180 words. Try adding as many details as possible by keeping the sentences short. Show the interviewer that you can add key points concisely. A one to two-minute answer will keep the conversation smooth without diverging from the topic.
Anticipate follow-up questions
Based on the answer you practised, check for all possible questions that the interviewer can ask. For example, the interview panellists could ask:
- Why would you consider XYZ college over other admission calls you received?
- Where else have you applied? What other calls have you received?
- How will your batchmates benefit if we select you?
- What attempts have you made to know about our MBA course?
- Why don’t you consider doing an executive MBA while working?
Also Read: MBA Interview Preparation Guide
How to Answer “Why MBA” Question in MBA PI?
One is required to explain how the MBA course can help them have the last laugh. Explain why a PG management degree is chosen over any other masters degree course. Candidates must emphasise skills that are obtainable from the post graduate programme in Management and how these can help in your future career track, including the field of your interest, job function, industry requirements, and more.
The only way to answer the question is, to be honest. You can explain your reasons for pursuing an MBA course. Interviewers will catch when you try to outsmart them with an answer which you designed to impress them in the first place. If you are not sure of how an MBA could help you in your career path, and are pursuing only to explore other options in future, tell them honestly. Answer with the skills that are obtainable from the course, and tell the interviewer that you will be exploring options while pursuing the course.
Also Read: 5 MBA PI Situations that may Stump You
MBA PI Sample Answer for “Why MBA?”
Here is an example of the “why MBA” question that could help you draft your answer with a holistic approach:
My short-term career goal is to get placed in a flourishing startup and use the management skills obtainable from the course to take the business to new heights. In the long term, I would use my leadership and people management skills to work at a senior position in a global leading company.
I currently work as an operations associate at a mediocre organisation. I wish to enter the e-commerce sector with all the knowledge of the sector which is possible with the help of the MBA in Supply Chain Management course offered at this b-school. I am aware that the alumni of this college are placed in some leading e-commerce organisations, I could leverage the networking opportunities from the college.
I did rigorous research into different business schools before applying here. I am impressed with the offerings at the institute via the pedagogy, alumni network, cultural diversity, and RoI of the college. I firmly believe that an MBA from your institution can prepare me for future career endeavours.
GD/PI Experience at IIMs
Besides PI, candidates need to have top-notch GD preparation. The table below mentions the experiences of IIM students with GD-PIWAT:
| Student Name |
IIM |
Interview |
|---|---|---|
| Tushar Sarkar |
IIM Calcutta |
|
| Akshay Mehendiratta |
||
| Anchal Taatya |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Ananya Mishra |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Pratham Mani |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Omkar Mukherjee |
||
| Vaibhav Jatin Shah |
||
| Parth Agarwal |
||
| Anshul Aggarwal |
IIM Kozhikode |
|
| Ankur Parmar |
IIM Kozhikode |
|
| Priyanjit Biswas |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Ruchika Bhartiya |
||
| Parth Agarwal |
IIM Bangalore |
|
| Ankit Anand |
IIM Bangalore |
|
| Pratham Mani |
IIM Calcutta |
|
| Aditi Agarwal |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Gursimran Ahuja |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Biswanath Chakraborty |
||
| Nishant Shah |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Biswanath Chakraborty |
IIM Bangalore |
|
| Achintya Bhattacharya |
IIM Bangalore |
|
| Biswanath Chakraborty |
||
| Shubham Varshney |
IIM Ahmedabad |
|
| Shubham Ranka |
IIM Calcutta |
|
| Dhiraj Bedi |
IIM Calcutta |
|
| Wasim Khan Pathan |
IIM Calcutta |
Read More:
- IIM Admission & Selection Criteria
- How to prepare for GD-PI
- 13 must-do things to crack GD-PI-WAT
- How to crack GD-PI-WAT rounds of Top B-Schools
- How your dress might affect your GD-PI score
- Top 80 Group Discussion topics for MBA admission
- Dos & Don’ts of Group Discussion
- Tips to Appear for Virtual GD/PI
With a creative soul, Abhishek is inclined towards anything in the creative space be it drawing, painting, craft, or writing. He has been working in the ed-tech industry since he started his career. Besides creative... Read Full Bio
No, IIM Calcutta admission to most of the courses is entrance-based. The application process of IIM Calcutta for PG courses takes place via CAT. Therefore, candidates need to visit the official website of CAT to get admission. The institute will further shortlist the candidates based on the CAT score and send emails to shortlisted candidates. Moreover, for the Executive MBA course, GMAT score is accepted and for DPM, candidates without CAT score can apply with GMAT/GRE/GATE/UGC-JRF or another accepted exam score. Read more on IIM Kolkata amission.