For those who cleared the written test in the Common Admission Test (CAT), the students of IIM-Calcutta have extended a helping hand to cover the final lap — group discussion and personal interview — for the coveted IIM seat.

A mentorship programme, a full-fledged initiative by the students and the External Relation Cell of IIM-Calcutta, has been launched to provide assistance to over 1,000 students. “We have the experience of facing the interview board and taking part in the group discussion. We have about 200 mentors who are helping the students,” said Rohan Mahajan, a student and representative of the External Relation Cell of IIM-C.

The profile of mentors and the aspirants, depending on the background and stream, will be matched. The aspirants need to register on the IIM-C website after which the mentors will get in touch with them. A supplementary website — www.jokatimes.com — will also publish interview experiences and advice from seniors.

There will be an open forum on the website where discussions on group discussions and personal interviews will be held.

Following the implementation of the OBC quota, the institute has increased the number of seats to accommodate 408 students this year as compared to the 318 admitted last year.