Indian Institute of Technology Madras
BS Degree Programme · Examination & Study Paper
BSGN3001 · Strategies for Professional Growth
Growth mindset & zones of growth
Examination Instructions & Guidelines
- Solve on notebook/paper first before checking solutions.
- MCQ: Exactly 1 option is correct. Negative marking applies.
- Scientific calculator allowed for all calculations.
- Official answer key is sealed at the end of this sheet.
End Term · 31 Aug 2025 (FN)End Term
Read the passage below, then answer Q1–Q4

Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Q1MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option[Zones of Growth] Drashti has been working in her current role for five years. She knows her tasks inside out and rarely feels stressed. Her performance reviews are - consistently “meets expectations,” but she hasn’t taken on any stretch assignments. Recently, her manager suggested she try leading a cross-functional project, but she hesitated, preferring to stay with what she knows well. Which zone is Drashti operating in?
- AFear Zone
- BComfort Zone
- CLearning Zone
- DGrowth Zone
- EFixed Zone
- Q2MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
[Zones of Growth] Rajat is suddenly asked by the CEO to represent his department in a board meeting. He has never presented to senior leaders before and feels overwhelmed. His stress rises, and he begins to doubt himself, fearing failure. Rather than preparing, he tries to avoid the situation. Which zone does Rajat’s experience reflect?
- AComfort Zone
- BStress Zone
- CFear Zone
- DGrowth Zone
- EFixed Zone
- Q3MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
[Zones of Growth] Rajamanickam believes that intelligence and ability can be developed. When he fails at pitching a new startup idea, instead of feeling discouraged, he reflects on the feedback and tries again with improvements. He enjoys challenges, sees failure as temporary, and feels motivated by the learning process. Which zone best describes Rajamanickam ’s mindset?
- AComfort Zone
- BLearning Zone
- CFear Zone
- DGrowth Zone
- EFixed Zone
- Q4MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Tannu volunteers to join a new product development team even though she has little prior experience with innovation projects. She feels nervous but sees it as a chance to seek new skills. With some effort, she picks up, asks questions, and slowly becomes more confident. Which zone is Tannu in?
- AFear Zone
- BLearning Zone
- CComfort Zone
- DGrowth Zone
- EFixed Zone
- Q5MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Read the following statements and determine whether each reflects a fixed or growth mindset: 1. “Taking just one course on personal and professional development can't really improve someone's managerial skills or self-awarness.” 2. “Leadership is a skill I can strengthen over time through practice and learning.” 3. “I’m just not good at leadership, so there’s no point in trying too hard.” 4. “Improving how I think and make decisions is possible if I actively apply what I learn.” Which option below correctly classifies the statements?
- A(1) Growth, (2) Growth, (3) Fixed, (4) Fixed
- B(1) Growth, (2) Fixed, (3) Fixed, (4) Growth
- C(1) Fixed, (2) Fixed, (3) Growth, (4) Growth
- D(1) Fixed, (2) Growth, (3) Fixed, (4) Growth
End Term · 31 Aug 2025 (AN)End Term
- Q6MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Read the following statements and determine whether each reflects a fixed or growth mindset: 1. “Taking just one course on personal and professional development can't really improve someone's managerial skills or self-awarness.” 2. “Leadership is a skill I can strengthen over time through practice and learning.” 3. “I’m just not good at leadership, so there’s no point in trying too hard.” 4. “Improving how I think and make decisions is possible if I actively apply what I learn.” Which option below correctly classifies the statements?
- A(1) Growth, (2) Growth, (3) Fixed, (4) Fixed
- B(1) Growth, (2) Fixed, (3) Fixed, (4) Growth
- C(1) Fixed, (2) Fixed, (3) Growth, (4) Growth
- D(1) Fixed, (2) Growth, (3) Fixed, (4) Growth
End Term · 13 Apr 2025 (AN)End Term
- Q7MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
[Spheres of Responsibility] Raj focuses his time on building new skills and expanding his professional network rather than stressing over industry-wide layoffs. [Spheres of Responsibility] Which sphere is Raj focusing on?
- ASphere of Concern
- BSphere of Control
- CSphere of Influence
- DNone of these
- Q8MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Shruti was nervous about leading a client workshop but pushed herself to do it, learned from the experience, and grew confident. Which phase of the Four Zones of Growth model does this represent?
- AComfort to Fear Zone only
- BFear to Learning Zone
- CDirect entry into Growth Zone
- DStaying in Comfort Zone
- Q9MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
In a fast-paced corporate environment, different employees respond to challenges in unique ways. Which of the following scenarios DOES NOT demonstrate a Growth Mindset?
- ASurya, a UX designer, struggles with a new tool but remains optimistic, saying, “If I keep practicing regularly, I’ll get better at this.”
- BRishabh, a sales lead, faces repeated rejections but reflects, “Every rejection is a lesson. I’ll analyze my mistakes and improve my pitch.”
- CIndranil, a senior developer, actively seeks feedback from colleagues, believing, “The more I learn from others, the better I become.”
- DRashmi, a marketing executive, feels demotivated after a campaign failure and sighs, “I’m just not cut out for this. Some people are naturally good at marketing, and I’m not one of them.”
- Q10MCQ1 Mark·Choose one option
Leela praises her team’s efforts regardless of outcome and avoids giving constructive feedback. What growth mindset type does this reflect?
- AScarcity Mindset
- BFalse Growth Mindset
- CPositive Mindset
- DLearning Culture