ION Group

Role: Data Scientist

College: VIT

Interview Date: August 2024

Interview Type: On-Campus (Internship + FTE)

Result: Offer

Difficulty: Medium to Hard

Rounds: 6 rounds (1 Online Assessment, 5 Interviews)

Topics Asked: English, Aptitude, SQL, Python, ML (coding), Pandas, Matplotlib, Projects (Sudoku solver algorithm and code), DBMS, Puzzles (Mislabeled Jars), Case Study (Cafe business, Consumer goods overstocking), Behavioral, Culture Fit, Finance/Microeconomics knowledge

Experience:

ION Group visited the campus in early August, offering roles including Data Scientist. The selection process consisted of 6 rounds: 1 online assessment and 5 interviews.

1. Online Assessment Round: This round was specific to the Data Scientist role and included around 20 questions. These were MCQs based on English, aptitude, SQL, and Python. Additionally, there was 1 medium SQL query and 1 Machine Learning problem where a dataset was provided, and the candidate had to code in a Jupyter notebook and submit an output CSV file with prediction values. Approximately 1100 candidates were shortlisted for the first interview round.

2. First Round: Technical (1 hr 30 mins): This round involved basic questions on Python, pandas, and matplotlib, including coding exercises. A significant part was devoted to discussing projects and internships. For example, if a Sudoku solver project was mentioned, the interviewer asked about the algorithm used and asked to code it in Python. DBMS concepts and a puzzle like "Mislabeled Jars" were also included.

3. Second Round: Case Study (15-30 mins): This round happened shortly after the technical round with the same interviewer. A case was presented about whether to open a cafe business given certain details, and what strategies would be employed to ensure initial sales and how to increase profit once established.

4. Third Round: Stakeholder Round (HM) (30 mins): Scheduled the day after the case study, this round involved in-depth questions about projects. The interviewer probed "why data science?", "What does a Data Scientist do?", and "What kind of work do you want to do?". A more technical case was discussed, such as managing consumer goods data with an overstocking issue, outlining steps to take, and what data would be needed.

5. Fourth Round: ION Day (Noida office) Culture Fit: Travel and accommodation for this round were arranged by the company. It included a Group Discussion (GD) with the ION India head, Mr. Sanjay Chikara. The GD focused on three questions: self-introduction, passion, and reasons for applying for the role. Following this, a question was given for group problem-solving. Tips for this round emphasized confidence, clarity, and interactivity.

6. Fifth Round: Future Fit (15 mins): This final interview round focused on projects mentioned in the resume, work experiences, and behavioral/HR questions (e.g., strengths and weaknesses). The interviewer also sought to understand the candidate's knowledge and ideas about finance and microeconomics.

Result: The candidate received an offer for a 6-month internship plus Full-Time Employment (FTE).