Flattery backfires. The more you praise the IIM, the less they believe you.
When you say "IIM-A is the best," you're telling them what they already know — zero information. Worse, excessive praise triggers skepticism (Cialdini's scarcity principle inverted: if you seem too eager, you appear desperate). What works is specificity — mentioning a professor's research, a club you'd join, a peer you'd learn from. Specificity signals genuine interest; flattery signals desperation.
Based on: Cialdini's Liking Principle + Specificity = Credibility
Why IIM Panels Ask This
Surface Reason
To check if you've researched the school
What They're Really Evaluating
To gauge if you'll actually come if selected, or if this is a backup. Also tests your ability to differentiate — can you see differences others miss?
Cognitive Bias at Play
Distinctiveness bias — panels remember candidates who mention specific, unusual things about their school that show deep research.
The The ONLY Framework(ONLY)
O - Only here
Name something this IIM has that others don't. A specific course, professor, club, exchange program, location advantage. "IIMB's NSRCEL is the only IIM incubator with 200+ startups..."
Psychology: Uniqueness creates differentiation — shows you see what others miss
N - Need alignment
Connect that unique thing to YOUR specific need. Not "it's great" but "I need it because..."
Psychology: Self-referential framing increases memorability
L - Lived research
Show you've done more than read the website. Mention a student you spoke to, an alumni webinar you attended, a LinkedIn conversation.
Psychology: Effort signals commitment — you don't research backups this deeply
Y - Your contribution
End with what you'll add to campus. "I'd bring my rural fintech experience to the NSRCEL community."
Psychology: Reciprocity — flip from taking to giving
How Different Schools Probe This
IIM Ahmedabad
They'll test if you want IIMA or just "the best IIM." Academic rigor is their identity.
Cultural context: IIMA's case method and CP culture is distinctive. Mention it with understanding.
Expect follow-up: ""You mentioned our case pedagogy. What's a case you've read? What did you learn?""
IIM Bangalore
Tech and entrepreneurship alignment. They want to see you've thought about the Bangalore ecosystem.
Cultural context: IIMB's location in India's startup capital is a key differentiator.
Expect follow-up: ""You want to do a startup. Why not do it now? Why waste 2 years in MBA?""
IIM Calcutta
Finance and consulting depth. They'll probe if you understand IIMC's strengths.
Cultural context: Joka's finance club and consulting placements are legendary.
Expect follow-up: ""You want finance. What kind? Investment banking? Asset management? PE? Why?""
FMS Delhi
ROI awareness without being transactional. FMS's low fees are a known advantage.
Cultural context: Don't mention fees directly — they know. Focus on Delhi's policy ecosystem.
Expect follow-up: ""Everyone wants FMS for the ROI. What else about FMS interests you?""
Generic vs. Ideal Answer
Generic Answer
"IIM Ahmedabad is the number one B-school in India with excellent faculty, great placements, and strong alumni network. I've always dreamed of studying here and I believe the rigorous curriculum will help me achieve my career goals. The brand name of IIMA will open many doors for me."
Why It Fails:
- •"Number one" is common knowledge — zero information added
- •"Excellent faculty" without naming anyone is empty praise
- •"Always dreamed" sounds like fan worship, not professional choice
- •"Brand name will open doors" is transactional and passive
- •Could apply to any top IIM — no differentiation
Ideal Answer
"I want IIMA specifically for two reasons. First, Professor Saral Mukherjee's work on behavioral strategy directly relates to my interest in consumer decision-making. I read his paper on framing effects in Indian retail, and it changed how I think about the pricing problems we face at my company. Second, I spoke with Rahul from the PGP '23 batch through the IIMA admissions connect program. He mentioned how the chaos committee and pressure of WAC forces you to lead when you're not ready — that's exactly the discomfort I'm seeking. I've been a top performer, but always in my comfort zone. I'd contribute my 4 years in FMCG distribution — I've worked with 800 distributors across UP. Most classroom cases discuss metros; I can bring Tier 3 realities to discussions."
Why It Works:
- •Names a specific professor and paper — can't be faked
- •References a real conversation with a student — shows effort
- •Identifies a specific growth area (leading when not ready) — shows self-awareness
- •Offers clear contribution (Tier 3 FMCG experience) — reciprocity
- •Avoids rankings, brand name, or placements entirely
When Things Go Wrong
Scenario: Panel asks: "But you've applied to IIM-B and IIM-C too. How do we know you'll come here?"
Recovery: "Yes, I've applied to both. But here's the honest truth: IIMA's case intensity scares me the most. And I've learned that I grow most when I'm scared. If I get all three, I'll choose the harder path."
Why this works: Honesty + self-awareness + commitment to growth. Don't pretend you haven't applied elsewhere.
Scenario: You can't remember any specific professor or program name.
Recovery: "What specifically attracted me was conversations with current students about the classroom culture — the way disagreement is encouraged, not just tolerated. That's rare, and I need that environment to unlearn my corporate politeness."
Why this works: Pivot to culture and learning style — harder to verify but equally valid.
Common Mistakes
Leading with rankings or placements
Why it happens: It feels like safe, objective ground. But it's generic and transactional.
How to avoid: Never mention rankings. If you must mention placements, link to a specific role/company you're targeting and why this IIM places well there.
Excessive flattery ("best in Asia," "legendary faculty")
Why it happens: Candidates think praise builds rapport. It doesn't — it looks desperate.
How to avoid: Replace praise with specifics. "Best faculty" → "Professor X's research on Y."
Memorized website copy
Why it happens: Candidates do surface research and regurgitate.
How to avoid: Go beyond the website: LinkedIn alumni, YouTube talks, research papers, student blogs.
Pro Tips
- 1
Prepare a different answer for each IIM. If your answer works for all of them, it's too generic.
- 2
Find one professor whose work connects to your background. Read at least one of their papers.
- 3
Connect with a current student or recent alumnus. Name-drop them (with permission).
- 4
Mention something about the city/location that isn't just "business hub" — show you've thought about living there.
- 5
If you genuinely don't know why this IIM specifically, ask yourself: should I even be applying here?
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