How did you decide on the specific role and company you wanted to apply for?

I was always inclined towards core engineering roles. My internships were in core domains, so during placements, I prioritized core jobs. While I had a slight interest in non-core roles like product management, consulting, or product analysis, I didn’t pursue them actively since my resume lacked relevant experiences.



Was the domain you applied for during placements the same as the one you interned in during your third year? If not, why?

Yes, my third-year internship aligned with the domain I applied for. I interned at Colgate-Palmolive in Hiranandani as a research intern, which I secured through LinkedIn, not campus placements. My project involved studying the mouthfeel of toothpaste—how consumers perceive the feel while brushing. I researched toothpaste properties, created a correlation model, and estimated specific parameters to quantify the feel.



How crucial were the pre-placement talks (PPT), and would you recommend attending them?

Pre-placement talks (PPTs) weren’t particularly useful. Most attendees were there for freebies and snacks. Core companies, except BPCL, generally don’t conduct PPTs, and BPCL's sessions were only for shortlisted students, making them redundant. If a company aligns with your interest, attending their PPT might be beneficial. Otherwise, attending random PPTs just for placement points isn’t worth it. The talks mostly highlight the company’s achievements and briefly touch on the offered roles.

What was the selection process like?

The selection process had the following steps:

1. Shortlisting: Based on CPI cut-offs and reservation criteria.

2. Forms: Shortlisted candidates filled two forms:

- Form A: Personal information.
- Form B: Past experience, hobbies, etc.
BPCL also used to select candidates through GATE, but for placements, the process was standardized.

3. Technical Interview: A panel of 10–12 senior professionals (with 25–30 years of experience) conducted the technical round. Questions included: - Introduction. - Topics like distillation columns, pumps, compressors, and why I chose Chemical Engineering and BPCL.

4. HR Round and Psychometric Test: After the technical round, selected candidates proceeded to the HR round, which included a psychometric test to ensure honesty. Questions in HR often revolved around personal motivations, such as: - Why Chemical Engineering? - Why IIT Bombay? - What excites you about BPCL? - Who inspires you?



Were there any repetitive questions or cases, especially in HR or group discussions?

Yes, HR often asked about higher studies intentions, as they are keen on retaining employees, particularly IIT graduates.

How did you prepare for each round?

1. Technical Preparation: - In my seventh semester, I took a course on Chemical Equipment and Equipment Selection, which covered essential concepts about equipment, their uses, and varieties. - I reached out to seniors and peers to understand common interview questions, especially about compressors and pumps.
2. HR Preparation: - I ensured my answers were realistic and backed by past experiences to appear authentic.



If you had to prepare all over again, what changes would you make?

I would focus solely on core preparation and avoid spending time on unrelated areas like consulting or product management. For instance, I practiced guesstimates extensively, which I now feel was unnecessary since I was better suited for core roles. Additionally, I would have concentrated more on identifying opportunities in core companies, given their limited presence.



What are the key learnings from the placement process?

- Don’t get discouraged—it’s a challenging process, and setbacks are part of it. - Persistence pays off. Even if things seem to go wrong, your efforts will eventually bear fruit. - Focus on your strengths and stay committed to your goals.