Is IPMAT Personal Interview & Written Ability Test: What to Expect After the Exam?

The IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is not the end of a long process of selection of students who want to study management in the most reputed IIMs, such as Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi, Bodh Gaya, and Jammu. After clearing the IPMAT written exam, you have just started. The Personal Interview (PI) and, in some cases, the Written Ability Test (WAT) are the next important stages in the process of admission to a particular IIM.

In this elaborate blog, we shall discuss what to expect next after the IPMAT exam, the structure of the PI and WAT, how to prepare, and what makes a candidate distinct. Here is your one-stop shop to the second round of selection following the successful completion of the IPMAT exam.

What Happens After You Clear the IPMAT Exam?

Once the IPMAT written test is passed, shortlisted students are invited to:

• Personal Interview (PI) - IIM Indore, Rohtak, and others

• Written Ability Test (WAT) - It is only administered by a few IIMs, such as Indore (depends on the year)

These additional tests are aimed at testing your communication ability, clarity of mind, general awareness, character traits, and general capability of fitting in the integrated management program.

We can examine each of these two elements.

What is a Personal Interview (PI) in IPMAT?

Personal Interview is an important part of the final selection. It takes about 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the panel and how you respond.

Key Features of IPMAT PI:

The PI is not just about knowledge; it's about how well you express yourself. Confidence, articulation, honesty, and clarity of thought matter more than giving the “perfect” answer.

What is the Written Ability Test (WAT) in IPMAT?

The Written Ability Test (WAT) is used by some IIMs (like IIM Indore) to evaluate your written communication skills, argumentative clarity, and awareness of current and abstract topics.

Key Features of IPMAT WAT:

The WAT is often considered equally important because managers are expected to write reports, emails, and strategic documentation with impact.

Read More: IPMAT Previous Year Papers: What You Can Learn From Past Questions?

How Are Candidates Shortlisted After PI & WAT?

Each IIM has a unique weightage system for creating the final merit list. While the IPMAT written score plays a significant role, the PI and WAT also contribute significantly.

For example:

Note: The above weightage is indicative and subject to change every year by respective IIMs.

How to Prepare for IPMAT PI & WAT?

While you’ve already spent months working with IPMAT Books and solving IPMAT previous year papers for the written test, now is the time to shift your focus.

For PI:

• Brush up your Class 10 and 12 subjects – especially if from Commerce or Humanities

• Prepare a short introduction: “Tell me about yourself.”

• Stay updated with current affairs and trending issues

• Be ready to talk about your hobbies, goals, and even failures

• Practice mock interviews with teachers, mentors, or peers

For WAT:

• Read editorials in newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express

• Practice writing essays on trending topics

• Focus on structuring your essay with an Intro, Body, and Conclusion

• Pay attention to grammar and vocabulary

Keep in mind that your IPMAT exam preparation books can assist you in preparation, but in the case of WAT and PI, your ability to communicate and think is in the spotlight.

What type of questions are asked in the IPMAT Personal Interview?

The IPMAT PI has questions that differ according to the background, interest, and profile of the candidate. These are some of the common themes:

Academics: What is the difference between microeconomics and macroeconomics? Explain Newton's laws.

• Current Affairs: What do you think about climate change?”, “Is social media to be regulated?

• Personality oriented: Why do you want to join IIM?, What is your greatest weakness?

• Abstract Questions: What does freedom mean to you? What animal would you be and why?

These questions are not only to test your factual knowledge, but also to see how you think, react under pressure, and present yourself.

Is the IPMAT interview tough?

It might be hard, but it is highly possible to do it with preparation.

Although the previous year's IPMAT papers help you to have a solid foundation on the written exam, the interview is a random factor. You can be questioned about your class 10 maths formula, to your views about the Indian economy.

It is your honesty, confidence, and presence of mind that count. Do not pretend to know something or fake facts. It is always better to say I do not know than bluff.

Do all IIMs conduct WAT after IPMAT?

No. WAT is conducted only in a few IIMs, such as IIM Indore. Others, such as IIM Rohtak, tend to use the PI as the sole basis.

That being said, it is always beneficial to improve your writing skills, even when your target IIM does not have a WAT, not only to help you during the selection procedure, but also to help you in the course of IPM in general.

How should I prepare for the WAT in IPMAT?

Some of the necessary steps are as follows:

• Write every day - Pick a topic, start a 25-minute timer, and write a 300-word essay

• Give real-life, news, and historical examples to prove your points

• Avoid grammar mistakes. Such tools as Grammarly can be useful, but do not trust them too much

But don t forget about clarity. As you have been helped in your IPMAT exam preparation books to organize your way of approaching MCQs, you must now organize your essays well.

What mistakes should I avoid in IPMAT PI & WAT?

Common mistakes are:

• Talking too quickly or too slowly

• Extensive use of fancy words out of context

• Off-topic essays

• Memorizing answers and giving them in interviews

• Being unaware of your profile (marks, hobbies, school projects)

Your last choice will not only be based on what you know (which you have already been tested in the exam), but also on how you are composed, how you communicate, and how you are.

Final Thoughts

Passing the IPMAT written exam is a major feat, but the real test is just halfway. The actual struggle to secure a place in the best IIMs occurs during the Personal Interview and WAT stages. These levels challenge your genuineness, readiness, and maturity outside of school.

You are already used to discipline and consistency, which are the two qualities that also assist in PI and WAT, in case you have been using good IPMAT Books and have been practicing with previous year papers of IPMAT regularly.

These rounds are serious. It is your chance to reveal to the panel who you are, other than your scores. Begin to write about what you think, remain interested in the world, and continue to engage in honest communication.

Quick Recap:

By understanding what to expect and avoiding common mistakes, you can walk into the interview and WAT rounds with confidence. The panel is not looking for perfection—they’re looking for potential.

Stay calm, stay prepared, and show them your best self.