IBM

Role: Associate Software Engineer

College: Not Specified (On-Campus Placement)

Interview Date: October 24, 2024

Interview Type: On-Campus, Full-Time

Result: Not Specified

Difficulty: Easy (Coding), Not Specified (Other rounds)

Rounds: 5 rounds

Topics Asked: Coding (String Manipulation, Dynamic Programming, Data Structures), Grammar, Language Proficiency, Interpersonal Skills, OS, DBMS, DSA, OOP, Projects, Technologies, Behavioral

Experience:

This experience details an on-campus placement drive by IBM for Associate Software Engineer roles.

Round 1: Coding Capability (IBM CodeKnack)
This online coding round included a problem about converting a string into various cases (camel case, snake case, Pascal case), categorized as easy. Other peers faced questions ranging from string manipulations to dynamic programming and data structures. Shortlisting was based on the number of test cases passed, with a suggestion to solve at least 1.5 questions to proceed.

Round 2: English Language Assessment
This time-based test assessed grammar, language proficiency, and interpersonal skills. It had multiple rounds with different question formats and negative marking, requiring speed and accuracy.

Round 3: Group Discussion (GD)
Candidates clearing the English assessment moved to the GD round.

Round 4: Personal Interview
This round combined technical and HR questions. The interview largely focused on the candidate's resume, requiring detailed explanations of projects and technologies. Strong foundational knowledge in OS, DBMS, DSA, and OOP was emphasized.

Round 5: Managerial Round
This round was also part of the process.

Tips for Future Candidates: The author advised knowing one's resume thoroughly, having a strong foundation in core CS subjects (OS, DBMS, DSA, OOP), practicing coding on platforms like HackerRank and LeetCode, working on communication skills for GDs, and being honest in psychometric/managerial rounds.