IBM - Associate System Engineer (ASE)
Interview Process
CodeKnack Online Test
This was the first elimination round, conducted online. It consisted of aptitude, logical reasoning, and coding problems. The coding section had 2-3 medium-level problems that tested problem-solving skills. Time management was crucial since aptitude and coding had to be balanced. With practice on platforms like GeeksforGeeks, I managed to clear this round successfully.
English Communication Assessment
Conducted immediately after the CodeKnack test, this round tested English grammar, comprehension, sentence correction, and communication clarity. It was not very difficult, but accuracy mattered because silly mistakes could cost marks. Luckily, with some prior practice on similar online test platforms, I cleared this round too.
Group Discussion (GD)
This was an offline group discussion round held at IBM premises. The process consumed the entire day, as multiple batches of students were assessed. Each group was given a general topic, and candidates were evaluated on communication skills, confidence, clarity of thought, and teamwork. The environment was competitive but not overly strict. Since most candidates spoke at least once or twice on the topic, the majority got shortlisted, including me.
Technical + HR Interview
This was an unusual setup, though we were present at the IBM office, the interviews were conducted online using laptops. The interview lasted around 25–30 minutes. The technical questions revolved mostly around my resume projects, OOPs concepts, DBMS basics, and Java fundamentals. A few HR questions were also asked about strengths, weaknesses, and willingness to relocate. The interviewer was friendly, and the round felt more like a discussion. I cleared this round and received a selection mail within 2 days.
Re-Interview (Unexpected)
Just when I thought the process was over, things took an unexpected turn. Despite getting a selection confirmation, 10 of us were called again for a re-interview, which turned out to be an elimination round. This round was tougher compared to the earlier one. The interviewer asked more detailed technical questions and also scenario-based problem-solving. My answers were average, and unfortunately, I got rejected later in this round.
Detailed Experience & Tips
My overall IBM ASE interview journey was a mixed experience. The initial rounds (test, English, GD, and interview) were smooth, and I even got a selection mail, which made me confident. However, the sudden re-interview after selection was shocking and ultimately led to rejection.
I regret rejecting another job offer during this period because the IBM process was unpredictable and stretched for months. Some candidates did get joining dates, but many like me ended up rejected after weeks of waiting.
My Tips for Future Candidates:
✅ Don’t assume you are selected until you get an official joining date. ✅ Always keep backup offers, don’t rely on just one company. ✅ Focus on OOPs, DBMS, Java basics, and resume-based questions for IBM ASE. ✅ For GD, speak confidently and at least 2–3 times, this is usually enough to get shortlisted.