RTV: It is not over till it is over...

Ashim Ghosh, Co-topper of RTV 2005-06, winner of Prasar Bharati Award at IIMC, Worked as anchor-producer in Zee Business, currently working with British Broadcasting Corporation as a Monitoring Journalist specializing in Iran and Middle East.





It is important the while you prepare for the written test, you also keep the interview in mind. Some candidates may think that the interview only has a weightage of 15 percent in the whole entrance test and may not be that important but you should never forget that

it is not over till it is over

The written test is designed to gauge the mental ability, agility, nerve, media outlook and knowledge of the candidate and the interview is designed to capture all the above qualities in a "face to face" environment.

You may be a good student but it is not necessary that you will make a good journalist

is more or less the base of the IIMC interview. So to pass this test, candidates must prepare well beforehand so that they are not caught in any uneasy catch-22 situation which may result in loss of a golden opportunity of making it to the coveted institute.

If you have worked hard enough to pass the written test, walk that extra mile and make sure that you make yourself deserving for a seat in the institute. Having gone through the same phase (and agony) a couple of year ago, here are a few bullet point tips that you may find helpful during your interview:

Pre-interview preparations:

1. Brush up your general knowledge.

2. Keep some examples or instances in mind where you have shown your strengths.

3. Prepare yourself for some questions on your educational background and hobbies

4. Prepare for the obvious question- Why do you want to come to media?

5. Day before the interview, have a nice sleep. (Don't go to the interview with red eyes and

Yawn in between. That's recipe for disaster)

6. On the day of the interview, reach early, ease your nerves, read the day's newspaper.


On the "D" day:

Confidence: If there is one magic word that can help you get an edge over the other candidates, it is undoubtedly "confidence." Just imagine a journalist without any confidence. How will he appear on TV or how will he sound on radio or how much weight will his/her article carry in a newspaper? The answer is simple. A journalist without confidence is a "disaster."

Make sure when you appear in front of the panel, you don't give them that "disaster" vibe. Let them see the confident side of you who is ready to take on the world come what may. Answer clearly, slowly and to the point.

Keep eye contact: While you answer make sure you don't look at the floor or the ceiling or the flower vase. Whatever you say, say it by looking into the panel's eye.

Keep it simple: Every question comes with a "desired" answer. You may not hit the target every time but you can minimise the risk of too many words by keeping it short and simple. In television, there is something called "attention span of audience" which is about 4 secs, for an interviewing panel it is 2 seconds or less. Don't make them loose interest in your answer by blabbering too much.

To the point: Speak when spoken to and choose your words

Don't bluff: If you do not know an answer, just say, "I am sorry but I am not aware of that". Don't try and bluff people who have been in media for ages and have sent hundreds of bluffing candidates home. Make sure you know what you are saying.

Keep focus: The panel will try and test your focus by asking 2-3 questions at a time or multiple questions (on the same topic). Do not give in to the trap, keep your focus, answer each question one by one and while answering look at the person who asked you that specific question.

Do not sound arrogant: There is a strong chance that if you are a passionate candidate you will have strong views about few things, make sure you do not carry your prejudices to the interview hall.

Media, media: Make sure you have some knowledge about the media that you are aspiring for. Like me, if you are passionate about electronic media, make sure you know what is happening in electronic media in the country. Things like channel editorial policy, channel heads, programming, etc.


Apart from the above points, Radio and TV candidates must prepare for a piece to camera which happens as a part of the interview.


I hope the above point prove to be of some help. In case you want to know something else or have any query, feel free to write to me at
ashim.iimc@gmail.com or ashim.ghosh@mon.bbc.co.uk



Once again best of luck !! If selected keep the IIMC flag flying high!
Ashim Ghosh