Panel friendliness varies significantly across IIMs: IIM Sambalpur and Amritsar panels are often rushed and uninterested (baby IIMs with formality interviews), IIM Calcutta panels are formal and serious with mixed tones, IIM Mumbai panels vary (March 2026 Kolkata had 2 female panelists described as friendly), IIM Lucknow panels have 1 friendly + 1 adversarial typically. The quality of panel conversation correlates with institute's selectivity: top IIMs attract high-quality professors and alumni panelists; baby IIMs often use junior faculty or industry alumni. IIM Sambalpur at Rs 14L fees and Rs 15 LPA average has smaller institute brand, so panels prioritize speed over depth.
IIM Calcutta at Rs 27L fees and Rs 34.23 LPA average has rigorous panels with 3 panelists, deep questions. For candidates, panel friendliness doesn't predict interview success; prepare identically for all.
Friendly panels allow more elaboration; stern panels test composure under pressure. Adapt to panel style within first 2 minutes: if panelists are engaging, expand answers; if rushed, give crisp 30-second responses. Don't take adversarial questions personally; it's often a deliberate stress test.
For uninterested panels (baby IIMs), make every sentence count; shorter deeper answers beat long rambling ones. Preparation tip: watch mock interviews of past IIM candidates on YouTube to understand panel dynamics before your PI. Check your eligibility at collvera.