​MBA Application Guidance and Mock Interviews for Success

The fees of Saïd Business School vary by program. The one-year full-time MBA costs £88,800 for 2025-26, and the two-year Executive MBA costs £124,920 for a September 2025/January 2026 start.

Saïd Business School's MBA ranks 12th globally and 6th in Europe in the 2026 QS Global MBA Rankings. It also ranks 1st globally in the 2025 QS Executive MBA rankings and 17th globally in the 2025 Pitchbook MBA rankings.

The acceptance rate at Oxford Saïd Business School is 20%.

The average GMAT score for the Oxford Saïd MBA program is approximately 680–690. The school does not have a minimum score requirement, but considers competitive GMAT scores to be 650 and above.

Oxford Saïd is widely considered good, supported by strong global rankings, high graduate salaries and a prestigious global network.

In order to get into the Oxford Saïd MBA, you must submit a complete application including transcripts, a one-page CV, a GMAT or GRE score, and professional references. You should also prepare a compelling supporting statement and a strong online assessment while ensuring you meet the minimum of two years of professional work experience and have a good academic record.

The Oxford Saïd MBA is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of less than 20%. To be competitive, applicants need a strong undergraduate record, a high GMAT or GRE score (with a median GMAT of 680), and a significant amount of professional experience, typically at least five years of managerial experience.

Focus on how the MBA fills specific knowledge gaps and supports long-term career aspirations.

Explain why this is the optimal moment and how Oxford’s unique resources align with your goals.

Be honest. Focusing on the unique aspects of Oxford that differentiate it from other schools.

Be specific about your target sectors, companies, and how your MBA helps you enter them.

Use a concrete example with clear results, highlighting your leadership traits using the STAR method.

Link your past experience to future aspirations, demonstrating how an MBA is the next logical step.

Mention specific alumni and their insights. And how their experiences solidified your decision to apply.

Choose a meaningful, quantifiable accomplishment that aligns with the skills Oxford values, like leadership or impact.

PGP-BL at IIM Kozhikode is the Post-Graduate Programme in Business Leadership. It is a one-year, full-time, residential program designed for professionals to develop into well-rounded business leaders.

The programme is structured to have five terms of 8-9 weeks.

The selection process involves three stages:

• Stage 1 is the submission of the Application form. The shortlisted are asked to complete stage 2.

• Stage 2 comprises of Statement of Goals and an Alternative Essay.

• Stage 3 would be Personal Interaction (PI) with the candidate.

The three-stage selection process will be repeated for each of the three phases of the admissions process. Each phase is treated independently.

IIM Kozhikode doesn't set an official GMAT cutoff for the PGP-BL program. However, a GMAT score of 650+ or a GRE score of 310+ is usually considered good. Besides the test scores, candidates should show strong leadership skills and career growth.

IIM Kozhikode doesn't set an official GMAT cutoff for the PGP-BL program. However, a GMAT score of 650+ or a GRE score of 310+ is usually considered good. Besides the test scores, candidates should show strong leadership skills and career growth.

The average package for IIM Kozhikode’s PGP-BL program is as follows:

• 2024 Batch: ₹27.11 LPA

• 2023 Batch: ₹29.23 LPA

The application window for the Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP) at IIM Indore typically opens in the first quarter of each year. Exact dates are announced on the official IIM Indore website, so candidates should regularly check for updates.

IIM Indore does not specify a fixed GMAT cutoff for EPGP admissions. However, a GMAT score of 700 or above is generally considered competitive. The selection also takes into account work experience, academic record, and leadership qualities.

IIM Indore EPGP has a strong placement record with 75+ participants placed through campus drives and 55+ recruiters from sectors like consulting, finance, and technology. Top recruiters include Accenture, Infosys, and Microsoft.

The average salary for IIM Indore EPGP graduates in 2023-24 was approximately ₹27.7 LPA. The top 25% of the batch earned an average CTC of ₹38.3 LPA, while the top 50% earned around ₹32.8 LPA. Female participants’ average CTC stood at ₹27.5 LPA, showcasing competitive compensation packages aligned with the program's executive-level focus.

Yes, Goldman Sachs has been known to recruit from IIM Indore, including EPGP candidates. The institute’s reputation and the program’s focus on leadership and business acumen make it a target for top global firms like Goldman Sachs.

This question is your chance to highlight your education, work experience, and future goals in a way that aligns with the MBA program you're applying to.

Avoid emotional answers. Start by clearly stating your current role and the skills or knowledge gaps you have identified. Next, explain your short-term and long-term career goals and how an MBA will help you bridge these gaps. Mention specific features of the MBA program that align with your goals.

Clearly explain your motivation for change. It can be focusing on pursuing your passion, learning new skills, and seeking growth opportunities. Highlight how your past experience complements the new path and how the transition aligns with your long-term goals and personal fulfillment.

This question assesses your awareness of your company’s current events and your ability to clearly and concisely communicate important information. State the main event clearly. Mention its impact on the company. Keep it brief and concise. Stick to verified information.

This question seeks to understand your work style, interpersonal skills, and adaptability. Express flexibility by valuing both independent work and teamwork. Share a specific example.

Highlight how your unique skills, experiences, and industry insights will enrich peer discussions. Focus on working together, sharing what you know, and leading by example.

This is your opportunity to show genuine interest and confidence. Always ask thoughtful questions—it leaves a positive impression and shows you're serious about joining the IIMK community.

This ice-breaker helps assess communication skills and understand your career path. Present your journey clearly with key roles and learnings.

Explain how an MBA fits your career plans and why IIM Indore’s distinctive features, like its global ranking and international exposure, are ideal for you.

Separate your immediate post-MBA objectives from your long-term vision. Show how EPGP bridges your current experience and ambitions.

Use real examples to highlight your contributions and achievements, focusing on impact and problem-solving.

Share 2–3 strengths with examples and a weakness you are actively improving. Keep it balanced and relevant to your professional growth.

Discuss your approach to decision-making by considering facts, stakeholders, consequences, and ethical principles.

Demonstrate knowledge of industry trends and suggest practical solutions reflecting strategic thinking.

Highlight your unique experiences and perspectives that will add value to peer learning and discussions.

Ask insightful questions about the program’s curriculum, international immersion, or industry partnerships to show your genuine interest.

IIML IPMX (1-year MBA) is a one-year programme designed for mid/senior professionals to prepare them for top industry roles.

Executives with a bachelor’s degree (50% marks/CGPA), valid GMAT/GRE scores, and a minimum of five years of full-time post-graduation work experience as of March 31, 2026, from any discipline or nationality are eligible for IIM Lucknow IPMX.

Yes, IPMX is definitely worth it. The program offers a rich learning experience by bringing together executives from diverse industries and experience levels. The international immersion provides global insights that broaden your understanding beyond traditional classroom learning. The placement support, career workshops, and peer learning significantly aid post-MBA career progression.

The IPMX program fee is INR 26,00,000. There is alo a refundable caution deposit of INR 20,000 and an Alumni Membership Fee of INR 5,000.

IIM Lucknow’s IPMX (International Programme in Management for Executives) is ranked 71st globally in the Financial Times Global MBA 2025 rankings. This is a 14-place rise from last year, highlighting IIML’s growing global recognition. In Asia, it ranks 13th, 6th among Indian B-Schools, and 5th among IIMs.

The purpose of this question is to break the ice, assess communication skills, understand career trajectory, and get to know you.

Answer your question around how an MBA is the next big step in your journey and how it will help you grow in your field.

Highlight IIM Lucknow's strong global ranking, diverse peer group, experienced faculty, and practical learning approach. Show how it aligns with your career goals.

Clearly separate your short-term and long-term goals. Start with what you want immediately after the MBA, then explain your broader vision.

Highlight 2–3 genuine strengths with examples and a weakness you are actively improving. Keep it balanced, brief, and relatable to professional or leadership skills.

MBAEx is a one-year, full-time executive MBA program designed for professionals with 5 or more years of work experience. It focuses on leadership development, strategic thinking, and global business perspectives.

The total fee for the 2025-26 MBAEx batch is ₹33.50 lakh, payable in four installments, excluding a ₹60,000 refundable security deposit.

The average salary for the 16th MBAEx batch was ₹30.90 lakh per annum, with a median salary of ₹30.12 lakh.

No, IIMC conducts only personal interviews for MBAEx admissions; there is no essay test or group discussion on the interview day.

Focus on clarity, authenticity, and alignment with your career goals. Highlight how the MBAEx program fits into your professional journey and aspirations.

This is an ice breaker. You can use this opportunity to present a concise overview of your professional background, key achievements, and your interests.

Be 200% clear about your answer to this question. It can take different forms, and you should be ready to address it confidently.

Align your short-term and long-term goals with the MBA program and your aspiration to take on a higher management role in an organization afterward.

Have strong reasons for the job change, such as a desire for a new challenge, better compensation, or opportunities for career growth.

Your answer may lead to follow-up questions. For example, if you say you came by Uber, they might ask why Uber and not Ola, which can then lead to deeper questions about your understanding of both business models.

The EPGP is a one-year, full-time MBA program designed for mid-career professionals with significant work experience, while the PGP is a two-year program primarily for early-career candidates.

Yes. A valid GMAT or GRE score is mandatory for applying to the EPGP. Unlike the PGP, CAT scores are not accepted for this program.

No. Recommendation letters cannot be sent by email. You must enter your referee’s details in the application form, after which IIMB will email them a secure link and passcode to submit their recommendation online. Referees must complete this process before the application deadline of your chosen round.

If you are not in India during the interview dates, IIMB allows interviews to be conducted online via video conferencing. Candidates are informed of the logistics once shortlisted.

Results are announced round-wise. Typically, offers are rolled out within a few weeks of the interview, and candidates must confirm acceptance by the deadlines mentioned in their offer letter.

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% or equivalent).
  

• Minimum 5 years of full-time work experience as of the program start date.
  

• Valid GMAT/GRE score.
  

• Strong leadership potential and professional achievements.

The question is aimed at educational and professional backgrounds, but it's also an opportunity to show how your experience aligns with the program you are applying to.

Don’t tell any emotional stories and construct your answer around how an MBA is the next big step in your journey and how it will help you grow in your field.

The question is asked to check if you have clarity about your goal. Answer it like this: I want to continue as a Director of Finance in an innovative company. MBA will teach me the problem-solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making I will require for the role.

The interviewer needs to assess your ability to demonstrate and work with the team. You can answer it like: my leadership style is a mix of democratic and transformational, where each team member participates in the decision-making while I keep my team inspired with a strong vision and a sense of purpose.

Tell what it is about the programme that resonates with your career goals. Tell how you meet every admission criteria and bring something more to the table ( how can you contribute)

You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline (minimum 15 years of study, i.e., 10+2+3 or 10+2+4). Minimum age requirement is 25 years.

The candidates are shortlisted based on GMAT/GRE scores, academic performance, essay, and interview.

You need a good GMAT/GRE score to apply to IIMA, but it's not the sole determining factor. Good academics, a strong resume, and a well-written essay, combined with a GMAT / GRE score, can help you secure an interview call.

The personal interview round helps the interviewer assess a candidate’s communication skills, leadership qualities, spontaneous answers in extempore, and overall personality. Clearing these rounds is a must for the final selection.

The best way to prepare for the IIMA personal interview round is to seek help from an expert mentor. They can help you with everything from adequate articulation, proper body language to effective mental models for extempore.

• Class 10 and 12, and graduation mark sheets

• GMAT/ GRE score card

• Work experience certificates

• Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)

• Passport-sized photographs (uploadable format and size)

• Application fee payment receipt

Yes, you can apply to multiple IIMs using the same GMAT/GRE score. However, each IIM has its own application process and criteria.

For the IIMA PGPX program, work experience is evaluated based on quality rather than quantity. Candidates must have a minimum of 4 years of full-time work experience after graduation by March 31, 2026. While work experience isn't directly scored, the professional achievements and leadership roles are considered during the application review process.

The format includes two stages: application, shortlisting, and a personal interview. You can expect questions on your resume, essay, and working experience, as well as an extempore topic to speak on for a few minutes accompanied by cross questioning.

If you want to increase the chances of getting selected in the IIMA interview, focus on the following things:

• Keep your body language positive (sit straight, maintain broad shoulders, steady eye contact, and minimal movements)

• Answer each question confidently, demonstrating your experience and qualification.

• Prepare for extempore. Expect opinion-based questions on national and international current affairs and ethics.

• Take mentorship from an experienced coach and follow their suggestions.

The IIMA doesn't have a cutoff, but a score of 720+ (GMAT Classic) is generally considered good for the IIMA PGPX admissions.

This question is your chance to highlight your education, work experience, and future goals in a way that aligns with the MBA program you're applying to.

Avoid emotional answers. Instead, focus on how the MBA aligns with your interests and how it will help you grow professionally in the field you're passionate about.

The interviewer wants to know how you see yourself as a leader. Focus on a real example while answering it and mention the what, who, when, and how.

This question is asked to check your awareness of IIM’s values. So, explain how you can contribute to the school’s community with your unique experiences, skills, and perspectives.

This can be a question to test your knowledge of current affairs. Be prepared to discuss relevant topics and show that you stay informed about the world around you.

This is your opportunity to show genuine interest and confidence. Always ask thoughtful questions—it leaves a positive impression and shows you're serious about joining the IIM community.

Yes. A strong profile, including leadership experience, notable achievements, and clear goals, can help offset a modest GMAT score. However, you should still aim for a competitive GMAT to maximize your chances.

Preppie offers an across-the-board guidance for ISB applications, including structuring your story, refining your resume, and preparing you for each stage of the admissions process.

Our mentors help you craft compelling, authentic essays that align with ISB’s evaluation criteria. We assist you in identifying powerful examples, structuring your essays logically, and expressing your goals clearly.

If you’re reapplying, it’s essential to show significant improvements since your last attempt. Strengthen your GMAT/GRE if needed, add relevant work achievements, and demonstrate personal growth.

The ISB interview panel assesses the quality of your work experience, leadership skills, clarity of goals, team spirit, analytical thinking, and communication skills. They also assess your fit with the ISB culture and your potential contribution to its community.

For your application, you’ll need academic transcripts, a valid GMAT/GRE score, professional experience details, and recommendation letters. During the interview, typically, you only need to verify your identity (e.g., with an ID card).

Yes, but only in exceptional circumstances. ISB is generally flexible in cases of genuine emergencies. It’s best to inform the admissions team as soon as possible to request a reschedule.

While the exact number may vary year to year, ISB typically shortlists around 40–50% of applicants for the interview stage.

After your interview, the panel rates your performance and shares their feedback with the admissions committee. The committee then makes a final decision based on your entire application and the assessment of your interview.

Most ISB interviews last about 25–30 minutes. In some cases, they may extend to 35–40 minutes depending on the depth of discussion.

A mock interview replicates the real ISB interview experience. It helps you practice answering likely questions, develop confidence, and receive constructive feedback to improve your performance before the actual interview.

Preppie’s mock interviews stand out because they’re personalized and realistic. Led by ISB alumni who give personalized, actionable feedback and help structure clear, impactful answers, making your prep realistic and confidence-boosting.

Yes. Preppie’s mentoring team includes ISB alumni and experts who have firsthand experience with the ISB admissions and interview process to guide you with proven, insider-backed strategies.

Yes. Along with personalized services, Preppie offers free resources, including consultation calls, detailed blog posts, and occasional webinars, to help you get started with your ISB interview preparations.

They want to hear your story in your own words, focusing on key milestones, motivations, and transitions, rather than simply repeating your resume.

The panel uses this to understand your leadership style, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness.

They want to know if you have a realistic, well-thought-out plan — and how ISB fits into that vision.

They are looking for your awareness of ISB’s collaborative culture and how your unique background will enrich it.

This helps them see your resilience, ability to learn from mistakes, and openness to growth.

This tests your genuine interest in ISB. Smart, thoughtful questions show curiosity and initiative.

The program is designed to help you excel with realistic MBA mock interviews structured to simulate actual interview scenarios of top B schools. You get detailed feedback from alumni highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. We take your unique background, goals, and experiences into account to tailor our approach. With our insider knowledge, you will know everything about the selection criteria, common questions, and how to structure your answers. We develop the confidence you need to excel in your top B school interview.

No, you don’t necessarily need prior preparation to enroll in our course. We tailor mock interview preparation to address your unique needs.

Yes, candidates get detailed personalized feedback after our MBA mock interviews. Our experts highlight your strengths and areas you need to work on. We refine your answers and also provide body language and communication tips.

We offer mock interview preparation online. We conduct one-on-one sessions, and you also receive a free online consultation.

It begins with the pre-application prep phase and ends with the application submission phase. In the first phase, we schedule 2 strategy calls to create a personalized plan for you. Our mentors develop action points aligned with your MBA and post-MBA goals, filling gaps in your profile. In the second phase, we cover all the sections in the application process to provide you end to end application guidance. We review your essay, scholarship essay and resume.

Our mentors actively seek weekly input and monitor your progress to make necessary changes in the approach. You can raise concern immediately and we will assess the situation and ensure a suitable resolution.

At Preppie, we pair you with distinguished alumni from the very business school you’re aiming for. Your mentor has successfully navigated the same application and interview process, offering you insider insights and real-world advice. You’ll get a personalized strategy, tailored feedback, and support to refine your answers and strengthen your profile. We identify any gaps and provide structured guidance to help you build confidence and present a compelling narrative. With Preppie, you gain a true competitive edge in the admissions process.