NMIMS Mumbai CDPI Competency Experiences

mple questions

Question 1: Ethical Dilemma in Decision Making

A company has recently developed a revolutionary drug that can cure a rare disease. However, the cost of production is very high, and pricing it lower would lead to financial losses. On the other hand, pricing it too high would make it unaffordable for many patients. As the CEO, what would be the most appropriate course of action?

A) Price the drug high to ensure profitability, as the company’s primary responsibility is to its shareholders.
B) Seek external funding or government subsidies to make the drug more affordable while maintaining profitability.
C) Lower the price significantly to make it accessible, even if it leads to financial losses.
D) Halt production until a more cost-effective method of manufacturing is developed.

Question 2: Data-Driven Decision Making

A retail company notices a sharp decline in sales over the past three months. As the sales manager, what should be your first step in addressing the issue?

A) Immediately launch heavy discounts to attract more customers.
B) Analyze customer feedback and sales data to identify possible causes of decline.
C) Fire the underperforming sales staff and hire new employees.
D) Reduce marketing expenses to cut costs and compensate for losses.

Question 3: Conflict Resolution in Teams

Two senior managers in your company are in constant disagreement over a strategic project. Their conflict is affecting team morale and project progress. As their supervisor, what should you do?

A) Ask them to resolve their differences privately without involving the team.
B) Hold a structured meeting to understand their concerns and facilitate a compromise.
C) Remove both from the project and assign new managers to ensure smooth progress.
D) Support the manager with the most experience and override the other’s objections.

Question 4: Decision Under Uncertainty

A manufacturing company is considering entering a new international market. However, the political and economic conditions of the target country are unstable. What would be the most strategic decision?

A) Avoid entering the market to eliminate risk entirely.
B) Enter the market with a limited investment and assess conditions before scaling operations.
C) Invest heavily to establish a dominant presence before competitors enter.
D) Wait for stability before making any decisions, even if it means losing a first-mover advantage.

Question 5: Prioritization in Crisis Management

A company’s supply chain is disrupted due to unexpected strikes at a key supplier’s factory. The company has pending orders from major clients and a limited inventory. As the Operations Head, what should be your immediate priority?

A) Find an alternative supplier quickly, even if costs are higher, to fulfill existing orders.
B) Negotiate with the striking workers to resume production as soon as possible.
C) Delay all deliveries and communicate the issue to clients, requesting an extension.
D) Reduce order sizes for all clients equally to distribute limited inventory fairly.

NMIMS Competency Assessment Experience 1: My NMIMS Competency Assessment Process – Day 1

The assessment consists of two key components: the Competency Test (CT) and the AI – Personal Interview (PI):

Competency Test (CT) (45 minutes)

Verbal Ability (VA): Includes paragraph summaries, sentence completion, inference-based questions, and RC.
Logical Reasoning (LR): Covers arrangement-based sets, assumption-reasoning, and critical reasoning.
Managerial Ability (MA): Features decision-making questions and business-related problem-solving.
Overall difficulty: Easy to moderate. Some questions are straightforward, while others require critical thinking.

Personal Interview (PI) (Approx. 15 minutes AI + 1 Supervisor/Panelist)

Conducted via AI technology, which follows up dynamically based on your responses.
Questions can cover candidate background, career choice, business scenarios, and current affairs.
AI records everything (including filler words), provides a real-time transcript, and allows minor edits before submission.
In the interview room, a Supervisor/Panelist is present during the interview and may ask 1-2 questions after the AI interview is done. May involve follow-ups based on AI responses or questions about academics, industry trends, or career choices.

Additional Information & Tips
What to Carry: Interview call letter, NMAT ID, ID proof, writing material
Total Process Duration: ~3 hours

I added the word “diversity”to my resume and I don’t remember.
1st qn- I can see u have seen diverse ppl in ur life. Will u pls tell how ppl from different diverse locations made u a person today and gave a thought to choose a career goal.
2nd qn- what are your thoughts on renewable energy growth and its economic impact
3rd qn – say something about China’s solar power and why India can’t do that and what should they do to reach them
4th ( I mentioned leadership qualities) say about a situation that happened in your college lifewhere u met a hard guy to handle and how did you handle him with your leadership qualities.
Next some follow up qn I forgot
Next some qn regarding team work leadership something.
You managed a good score in your school and has also done extra curricular. Same with college . Why does your college marks as good as college
Asked about school kabadi tournament qns I forgot it

And then interviewer asked about skills that I learnt only after joining office that I lack before
How did you come today
Me -train
Trains name?
Trains number -22954
Why it is numbered like that?
What does that 1st 2 mean ?
What does that 2nd 2 mean
Where did you stay yesterday?

Starting with as soon as you reach, you’re supposed to go to the VIP lounge, as they mentioned in the video.

I reached in at 7:40, and the first surprise was, the room was already full. I was anticipating 50-60 people in my slot, but it was exactly double of that. 100-120 people in one slot. 4 slots in a day, which means about 500 people in a day. Goes on for about a mont, which means about 15-16k people for this whole thing.

Moving forward, you’ll submit your bags and phones. You don’t really need anything another than your call letter, your id, and a pen. You can keep your wallets tho.

Then, you’re given a group. There are about 10 people in a group, but with my slot I could see half of them were no shows. Which means they were anticipating about 200 people in a slot.

Then, you’re made to sit in the auditorium, they verify your id everything, then they take you to the lab in groups.

Now comes the main, Competency Test, my dear NMIMS Management, what is the point of taking two aptitude tests? Competency test I personally felt was nothing more than that. Verbal ability had para summary, para completion, inference based question and an RC. Mental ability had an arrangement set, a few critical reasoning. Managerial Ability is what looked like DM, but a little finance heavy. Overall difficultly level is easy to moderate. Some of the questions were jokes, like the RC and the arrangement set was an absolute joke, but some other questions were tricky. 45 mins end up really quickly tho.

Then they take you for the PI in groups again, where your group is taken to a cabin, where a laptop and a person from the panel is sitting. They are listening to everything you say, and are monitoring if everything is being recorded.

The PI part, was again a surprise because I was not expecting it to be this advanced. They have your profile ready w the system and the first question is already asked as soon as another person (who’s accommodating you from the CT to the PI) logs you in. Even the mic is on by default. I fumbled a bit cause I took some time to register this technology in front of me. Another very advanced thing was, how the AI was asking follow up questions to whatever you were saying. For example, I spoke about my dad’s business a bit. And it asked me about how inflation has impacted it and how e-commerce has impacted it. Basically made situation out of everything you were saying. Then it changed trajectory and asked me about India’s performance in the recent world test championship. Really? I rambled on over there. One more thing, was how strong the mic was. It’s catching everything you’re saying very accurately. Even the umms, ands, uhhhs. So initially as soon as you start talking, you can see it typing in the text box, then you can take a few seconds to read and edit it. And then you’re supposed to submit the answer.

The AI bit is for 12 mins. Mine stopped while I was talking and post that the panel person sitting w you in the cabin is going to ask some follow up and additional questions as well. Not too stressful.

The entire process got done in about 3 hours. My tip would be to not have any expectations w the process. Take it easy and have fun and enjoy the swanky building.

Arrangement question was very easy and doable.
Most of the questions will lead you to 2 options, no sureshot answers. Expect good level questions, it will require time to think.
Managerial Ability – A question on Companies act 2019, one on retirement benefits – does that come under liability for a company. The rest was easy.

Conclusion – No one can be sure about the competency test as critical reasoning is at a good level. Get done with the arrangement question first as it will ensure full marks there then you can proceed. One synonym question in passage which was very easy, rest 2 questions were related to heading and inference.

PI – No matter how much you prepare, bot is going to throw something which will be shocking. Be prepared for the surprises. You can also end bot interaction in 10 mins if you answer fast.
Panel – Depends on which panel you are allotted to, general talk related to your work ex and questions related to generative AI.(Opinion base)

NMIMS Competency Assessment Experience 2: This day was full of surprises for me. Some good some bad.

Starting with as soon as you reach, you’re supposed to go to the VIP lounge, as they mentioned in the video.

Moving forward, you’ll submit your bags and phones. You don’t really need anything another than your call letter, your id, and a pen. You can keep your wallets tho.

Then, you’re given a group. There are about 10 people in a group, but with my slot I could see half of them were no shows. Which means they were anticipating about 200 people in a slot.

Then, you’re made to sit in the auditorium, they verify your id everything, then they take you to the lab in groups.

The entire process got done in about 3 hours. My tip would be to not have any expectations w the process. Take it easy and have fun and enjoy the swanky building.

NMIMS Competency Assessment Experience 3: A Structured Yet Unexpected Experience

As I arrived at the NMIMS campus, the first thing that struck me was the sheer number of applicants. I had expected around 50-60 people in my time slot, but it turned out to be more than 100. This meant that over 500 candidates were processed each day, making it a highly competitive process.

Competency Test (CT) – A Mixed Bag

After the initial check-in and document verification, we were escorted to a lab for the Competency Test (CT). The test was 45 minutes long and included three sections:

Verbal Ability (VA): Mostly straightforward with paragraph summaries, inference-based questions, and an RC passage that was surprisingly simple.
Logical Reasoning (LR): A mix of arrangement-based puzzles and critical reasoning. The arrangement question was extremely easy, but some assumption-based ones were tricky.
Managerial Ability (MA): Decision-making scenarios, with some finance-heavy caselets. It required logical reasoning but was not too difficult.

Overall, I would rate the difficulty as easy to moderate, but time was the main constraint.

Personal Interview (PI) – The AI Surprise

Post-CT, we were divided into groups for the AI-led Personal Interview (PI). This was where things got interesting. The AI started with basic questions about my background and goals, but as I spoke, it generated contextual follow-up questions.

For instance, when I mentioned my interest in marketing, the AI asked:
➡ “How do you think influencer marketing compares to traditional advertising in terms of ROI?”

I had to think quickly and structure my answer. The AI’s mic was incredibly sensitive, picking up every “umm” and “uhh”, which made me conscious of my speech.

After 12 minutes, the AI interview ended, and the panelist sitting in the room asked two additional questions related to my work experience. Nothing too stressful, but they were paying close attention to my logical reasoning.

⏳ Total Process Time: ~3 hours
💡 Key Tip: Speak clearly, avoid unnecessary fillers, and be prepared for AI-driven follow-ups.

NMIMS Competency Assessment Experience 4: Unexpected Twists & Turns

First Impressions Matter
I reached the NMIMS campus around 8 AM, expecting a well-organized process. The VIP lounge was already packed with candidates. The staff efficiently managed the check-in, verifying IDs and directing us toward the assessment areas.

Competency Test (CT) – The Time Crunch

The CT was 45 minutes long, and while the difficulty was moderate, time management was the biggest challenge.

VA Section: A mix of RC, inference-based, and para-completion questions. One passage was on behavioral economics—tricky but doable.
LR Section: Had one easy arrangement-based question but some tough assumption-reasoning questions.
MA Section: More application-based, resembling Decision-Making (DM) from XAT with a few finance-based scenarios.

⏳ Key Takeaway: I had to move fast, as the 45-minute limit was strict. Some candidates struggled to complete all sections.

Personal Interview (PI) – The AI Catches Everything

The PI setup was high-tech and slightly intimidating. A laptop with an AI interface was already recording responses as soon as I logged in. The AI asked basic background questions first but quickly escalated to specific business scenarios.

I spoke about my college project on sustainability, and the AI immediately followed up with:
➡ “How do you think carbon taxation policies impact corporate sustainability strategies?”

That threw me off! The AI was not just following a script—it was analyzing responses and digging deeper.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep your answers structured and avoid rambling.

The AI-led interview lasted ~12 minutes, followed by a brief human-led panel discussion (2-3 follow-up questions).

⏳ Total Duration: Around 3 hours
✅ Key Learning: Stay composed, articulate your thoughts, and expect AI-generated real-time follow-ups.

NMIMS Competency Assessment Experience 5: The Battle Against Nerves

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the tension in the air. NMIMS has done a great job with logistics, ensuring the process moves smoothly, but the number of candidates was overwhelming.

Competency Test (CT) – A Strategic Approach

The CT felt like an aptitude test, but with some unexpected surprises.

Verbal Ability (VA): RC was shockingly easy, while inference-based questions required sharp critical thinking.
Logical Reasoning (LR): The arrangement set was very easy, but assumption-based questions were tricky.
Managerial Ability (MA): Decision-making scenarios with business context—similar to what’s seen in XAT.

I realized it wasn’t about solving every question but about selecting the right ones to maximize accuracy.

⏳ Tip: Don’t get stuck on one question—move quickly!

Personal Interview (PI) – The AI’s Smart Follow-Ups

The AI interview felt surreal. I was speaking into a laptop, but it was actively engaging with my responses.

Example: I mentioned my internship in supply chain management, and it immediately asked:
➡ “How has AI transformed supply chain optimization in recent years?”

I had no choice but to think on my feet.

The panelist was present the whole time, silently observing. Once the AI part ended (~12 mins), the panelist asked 2 additional questions related to my industry knowledge.

⏳ Total Time: ~3 hours
💡 Key Advice: The AI is fast-paced—be clear, concise, and confident.

NMIMS Competency Assessment Experience 6: Learning to Adapt Quickly

Reaching the NMIMS assessment venue early turned out to be a blessing, as the waiting lounge filled up quickly. The sheer scale of candidates was eye-opening—over 100 per slot.

Competency Test (CT) – Speed Matters

The CT felt like a mix of NMAT and XAT Decision Making, with time being the biggest constraint.

VA: Straightforward RC and para-summary questions.
LR: Some critical reasoning questions required deep thinking.
MA: Decision-making scenarios, some finance-based, but manageable.

The test timer moves quickly, so you need to be efficient.

Personal Interview (PI) – AI vs. Human

The AI immediately picked up on details from my introduction and started asking smart follow-ups.

Example: I mentioned my startup idea, and it asked:
➡ “What are the biggest challenges startups face in securing venture capital?”

I had to give a structured response, ensuring clarity.

The AI transcript was visible in real-time, and I had a few seconds to edit my response before submission.

📌 Key Learning: Avoid hesitation, as the AI records everything (including filler words).

After the AI interview, the panelist asked two final questions related to industry trends.

⏳ Total Process: ~3 hours
✅ Takeaway: Stay calm, keep responses structured, and be ready for AI-generated counter-questions.

Detailed NMIMS Older GDPI Experiences

Experience 1:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “Impact of Social Media on Youth.”
- Details: The group discussion started with each participant given two minutes to express their views individually, after which an open discussion ensued. Candidates brought up diverse points, including how social media fosters creativity, helps with global connectivity, and influences purchasing decisions. On the flip side, its role in promoting misinformation, addiction, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression were highlighted. The moderator observed communication clarity, relevance, and teamwork. Time management and respecting others’ viewpoints were critical.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “Tell us about yourself.”
  - “Why do you want to join NMIMS?”
  - “Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.”
- Details: The interview began with the panel making the candidate comfortable. They delved into the academic and professional background, asking probing questions about achievements and challenges. The candidate’s motivation to pursue an MBA was tested, with follow-ups on their career goals. The panel appreciated concise answers backed by examples, especially when explaining problem-solving skills.

Experience 2:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “Is Artificial Intelligence a Threat to Employment?”
- Details: This was a heated yet structured discussion involving 10 participants. The debate revolved around AI replacing repetitive jobs versus creating new opportunities in technology and innovation. Participants highlighted examples of industries like manufacturing and retail undergoing automation while also discussing emerging roles like AI specialists and data analysts. Strong opinions were presented with examples from the Indian and global job markets. The moderator valued logical reasoning and collaborative engagement.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “What are your short-term and long-term career goals?”
  - “How do you stay updated with industry trends?”
  - “Describe a project where you demonstrated leadership skills.”
- Details: The interview focused on gauging the candidate’s career aspirations and how an MBA at NMIMS fits into those plans. The panel asked for specific examples of leadership, encouraging the candidate to share details about challenges, decisions made, and outcomes. Follow-ups were aimed at understanding industry awareness and growth potential in the candidate’s chosen field.

Experience 3:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “E-commerce vs. Traditional Retail: The Future of Shopping.”
- Details: The discussion began with each participant presenting their perspective. Key points included e-commerce’s convenience, scalability, and cost-effectiveness versus traditional retail’s personalized customer experience and trust factor. Participants debated the sustainability of both models, especially post-pandemic. The importance of hybrid approaches was also emphasized. The moderator looked for balanced arguments and examples to support statements.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “How do you handle criticism?”
  - “Explain a time when you worked in a team and faced conflicts. How did you resolve them?”
  - “What are your expectations from the MBA program at NMIMS?”
- Details: The panel explored interpersonal and conflict management skills by presenting real-life scenarios. The candidate’s ability to reflect on past experiences and extract learnings impressed the interviewers. They also evaluated how well the candidate researched NMIMS and aligned their expectations with the program offerings.

Experience 4:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “The Role of Government Policies in Promoting Entrepreneurship.”
- Details: Participants analyzed schemes like Startup India, tax exemptions, and funding support, along with challenges like bureaucratic red tape and lack of infrastructure. The discussion saw diverse views, with some participants bringing in international comparisons. The moderator appreciated structured arguments supported by data and examples.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “Why did you choose your undergraduate major?”
  - “How do you plan to contribute to the NMIMS community?”
  - “Discuss a recent news event that caught your attention and why.”
- Details: The panel’s questions aimed to understand the candidate’s academic interests, social awareness, and willingness to contribute to extracurricular activities. The candidate’s ability to explain complex topics like economic policies in simple terms worked in their favor.

Experience 5:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “Work-Life Balance in the Modern Corporate World.”
- Details: The group explored challenges like remote work, high-pressure jobs, and the importance of mental health. Strategies for achieving balance, such as prioritization and setting boundaries, were discussed. The conversation was insightful, with personal anecdotes and industry-specific examples enhancing the discussion. The moderator evaluated clarity, time management, and teamwork.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
  - “How do you handle stress and pressure?”
  - “Where do you see yourself five years from now?”
- Details: The interviewers focused on understanding the candidate’s self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and future aspirations. The panel encouraged the candidate to share stories demonstrating their resilience and ability to cope with challenging situations.

Experience 6:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “Should Cryptocurrencies Be Regulated?”
- Details: Participants debated the pros and cons of regulating cryptocurrencies. Key points included the need for consumer protection and prevention of illegal activities versus stifling innovation. The discussion brought out differing perspectives, with examples from countries with contrasting regulatory frameworks. The moderator observed logical arguments and respectful disagreement.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “What inspired you to pursue an MBA?”
  - “Can you explain a significant achievement from your academic or professional life?”
  - “If given a choice, which industry would you work in and why?”
- Details: The panel asked reflective questions to gauge the candidate’s motivations and career clarity. Specifics about past achievements added credibility, and industry knowledge showcased preparedness.

Experience 7:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “The Role of Technology in Education.”
- Details: The discussion included points on the benefits of digital tools, accessibility challenges, and the importance of teacher-student interaction. Participants highlighted trends like EdTech startups and online certifications. Time management and equal participation were essential.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “How do you stay motivated during tough times?”
  - “Which management book or business leader inspires you?”
  - “What makes NMIMS your preferred B-school?”
- Details: The panel explored the candidate’s inspirations, resilience, and alignment with NMIMS’s values. Clear articulation of motivations and examples impressed the interviewers.

Experience 8:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “The Role of Startups in Boosting Economic Growth.”
- Details: The group analyzed startups’ impact on innovation, employment, and GDP growth. Challenges like funding gaps and scalability were also debated. The discussion was dynamic, with participants presenting case studies and examples. The moderator valued structured delivery and diverse perspectives.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “Describe an instance where you failed and what you learned from it.”
  - “How do you prioritize tasks under pressure?”
  - “What are your views on sustainability in business?”
- Details: The panel’s questions tested the candidate’s ability to reflect, prioritize, and balance business objectives with ethical considerations.

Experience 9:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “Should India Focus on Skill Development or Higher Education?”
- Details: Participants debated the merits of vocational training versus academic pursuits, citing examples like Germany’s apprenticeship model and India’s demographic dividend. The discussion was well-rounded, with balanced arguments and data points.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “What is your biggest strength, and how has it helped you in life?”
  - “How would your colleagues describe you?”
  - “What are your views on artificial intelligence in decision-making roles?”
- Details: The panel focused on self-awareness and futuristic thinking, with questions designed to assess adaptability and interpersonal skills.

Experience 10:

Group Discussion (GD):
- Topic: “The Impact of Climate Change on Business Strategies.”
- Details: The group discussed how companies are incorporating sustainability into their operations and the challenges posed by environmental risks. Participants brought in case studies and statistics to strengthen their arguments.
Personal Interview (PI):
- Questions:
  - “What is your biggest takeaway from your academic/professional journey so far?”
  - “If you had to pitch a business idea to investors, what would it be?”
  - “What challenges do you foresee in achieving your career goals?”
- Details: The interview focused on entrepreneurial thinking, foresight, and goal setting. The candidate’s ability to articulate a business idea confidently left a positive impression.

These detailed experiences illustrate the depth and diversity of the NMIMS GDPI process, emphasizing analytical thinking, communication skills, and personal introspection.