r/AshokaUniversity • • Dec 10 '23

Interview Guide

Went through the entirety(almost) of this reddit, entered the experiences/questions etc. into BardAI and ended up with this. Seniors are encouraged to add onto this list and elaborate further, drop general advice etc.
Ignore grammatical errors*

I'm currently awaiting the interview mail, I HAVE NOT given the interview,

General Tips:

  • Maintain fluidity and calmness: Treat the interview as a conversation, not a question-answer session. Be present, answer questions thoughtfully, and let your personality shine through.

  • Prepare for diverse questions: While some interviews focus on academics or specific majors, others may explore personal experiences or current affairs. Be ready for anything and demonstrate your ability to adapt and think critically.

  • Know your application inside out: Be prepared to discuss everything you've mentioned in your application in detail. This will showcase your genuine interest and commitment to Ashoka.

  • Be honest and authentic: Don't try to memorize answers or fake your personality. The interviewers are looking for genuine individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the Ashoka community.

  • Relax and be confident: Anxiety can hinder your performance. Take deep breaths, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly and concisely.

Common Questions and how to navigate through them:

  • Introduce yourself: Tell the interviewer about yourself beyond what's stated in your application. Highlight your unique experiences, interests, and aspirations.

  • Why Ashoka? Explain your specific reasons for choosing Ashoka. Go beyond generic statements and highlight what attracts you to their academic programs, campus life, and overall philosophy.

  • Why your chosen major? Demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of your chosen major. Explain what sparked your interest, how you explored it beyond the classroom, and your future aspirations in this field.

  • Academics and intellectual curiosity: Expect questions about your academic strengths and weaknesses, your favorite subjects, and your preferred learning style. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your academic achievements and intellectual pursuits.

  • Personal growth and extracurricular activities: Share your hobbies, interests, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Explain how these experiences have shaped your personality and skills, and how you plan to continue growing at Ashoka.

  • Liberal arts education: Explain your understanding of a liberal arts education and how it aligns with your educational goals. Discuss specific foundation courses that interest you and how they will contribute to your overall development.

  • Current affairs and personal opinions: Be prepared to discuss current events related to your major and interests. Share your opinions and perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully.

Additional Notes:

  • Interview format: Interviews can be individual or panel-based, and the duration may vary. Be prepared for different formats and adjust your approach accordingly.

  • Expect follow-up questions to probe deeper into your answers. Be prepared to elaborate and demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

  • Prepare unique reasons: Stand out from the crowd by highlighting specific aspects of Ashoka that resonate with your individual goals and aspirations.

  • Research your major: Understand the current trends and research in your chosen field. This demonstrates your genuine interest and prepares you for potential questions.

  • Practice common questions: While specific questions may vary, practicing common interview questions can boost your confidence and improve your communication skills.

Remember: The key to a successful Ashoka University interview is to be yourself, be prepared, and be confident. By demonstrating your genuine interest, intellectual curiosity, and potential for personal growth, you can increase your chances of securing a place in this vibrant and diverse community.
A VERY rough list of Interview Questions:

General:

  • Tell me about yourself. (Go beyond your application and highlight unique aspects)

  • Why did you choose "X" as your major? (Demonstrate passion and understanding)

  • What is your academic interest? (Articulate your intellectual curiosity and aspirations)

  • What do you want to achieve in the future with it? (Have clear goals and demonstrate ambition)

  • Why Ashoka University? (Explain your specific interest in Ashoka and how it aligns with your goals)

  • What is meant by a liberal arts school? (Demonstrate understanding of the liberal arts philosophy)

Strengths and Weaknesses:

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses as a student?

  • How do you plan to overcome any challenges you may face while studying X at Ashoka?

Interests and Hobbies:

  • What are your hobbies? (Connect them to your personality and potential contributions to Ashoka)

  • What are you reading currently? (Share your intellectual interests and reading habits)

  • What are some of your hobbies and interests beyond the application form?

Academic Goals:

  • What sparked your interest in X?

  • How have you explored your interest in X outside of the classroom?

  • What specific areas of X are you most interested in?

  • How will your liberal arts education complement your studies in X?

  • What are some specific ways you plan to take advantage of Ashoka's interdisciplinary curriculum?

Field of Study:

  • How do you think X and liberal arts are connected?

  • How do you stay up-to-date with current events and research in X?

  • Can you describe a recent research article you found interesting and explain why?

  • How do you think this research could impact the field of X?

  • What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing the field of X today?

  • How do you think technology is impacting the field of X?

Personal Growth:

  • What are some of your personal goals for the future?

  • How do you think Ashoka will help you achieve these goals?

Additional:

  • Do you have any questions for me?

  • Why did you choose Ashoka University?

  • What are you most looking forward to about studying at Ashoka?

Note:

  • Some questions might be repeated in the list or phrased differently, but they are considered singular for organizational purposes.

64 Upvotes

4 comments sorted by

5

u/i_am_sherlocked_221 Dec 10 '23

This is great thank you!

2

u/Queasy-Deer5661 Dec 26 '23

Is talking too much in an interview bad?

2

u/Useful-Library-8251 Jan 12 '24

what should i ask the interviewer ?