Understanding what happens in the SOM interview room
Mumbai, Maharashtra
SOM conducts structured analytical style interviews. SJMSOM interviews emphasize structured thinking, problem-solving ability, and genuine interest in tech-management integration. Interviews scheduled: PI rounds: February-March 2026 (dates TBA)
Prepare with AI mock interviews that simulate SOM's unique structured analytical style approach.
PI rounds: February-March 2026 (dates TBA)
• Avg work experience: 18 months
• Class size: 180 students
• Female students: 30%
Founded in 1995 by IIT Bombay Administration, SJMSOM, IIT-B was established in collaboration with SJMSOM has academic partnerships with international schools including Washington University (Olin), NUS Singapore, and ESCP Europe. The school leverages IIT Bombay's extensive industry connections.. This heritage shapes everything about the interview process.
SJMSOM was created to combine IIT Bombay's engineering excellence with management education. Understanding this DNA is crucial — panelists test whether you appreciate the unique tech-management synergy.
SOM panelists often reference alumni achievements to test awareness. Know these names and what they're known for.
Co-founder & CTO, Udaan
Co-founded India's fastest startup to reach unicorn status; represents SJMSOM's tech-entrepreneurship strength.
Co-founder & COO, Udaan
Built Udaan's operations; exemplifies operations excellence that SOM emphasizes.
Co-founder & CEO, Ola
Built India's leading ride-hailing platform; represents IIT Bombay's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Founder & CEO, OYO Rooms
Built India's largest hospitality chain; frequently engages with IIT Bombay ecosystem.
Former CEO, Nokia; CEO, Inmarsat
Led global telecom giant; represents the global leadership SOM alumni achieve.
SJMSOM interviews emphasize structured thinking, problem-solving ability, and genuine interest in tech-management integration.
SJMSOM panels, often including IIT Bombay faculty, value clear reasoning and analytical frameworks. They probe your ability to think through problems methodically. Expect case-lets, logical questions, and discussions on technology trends.
The school believes managers need to think systematically about business problems. Given IIT's engineering heritage, they want students who can bring analytical rigor to management challenges.
"A candidate was asked: "If you had to launch a last-mile delivery service in Mumbai, how would you approach it?" The successful response started: "I'd think about this in three phases: first, understanding the demand and customer segments; second, the supply-side logistics; and third, unit economics. Starting with demand...""
We trained Rehearsal on SOM's interview style. Now it trains you.
Try a free SOM mock interviewDon't just memorize questions. Understand the categories, why they ask them, and how to prepare.
"Estimate the number of two-wheelers sold in Mumbai annually."
SJMSOM values structured problem-solving. They want to see how you break down ambiguous problems.
"Estimate the revenue of Mumbai's auto-rickshaw drivers annually."
Tests structured estimation
Practice this question"A startup's customer acquisition cost is increasing. How would you diagnose the issue?"
Tests problem structuring
"Should Zomato enter the quick-commerce space? Walk me through your analysis."
Tests business judgment
"How is AI changing the retail sector?"
SJMSOM's identity is tech-business integration. They test whether you think about technology's business implications.
"How is technology disrupting your current industry?"
Connects tech to your background
"What role can data analytics play in FMCG?"
Tests application thinking
"Tell me about a project where you solved a complex problem."
They assess your professional maturity and analytical contributions in your work.
"Describe a situation where you identified a problem others missed."
Tests analytical observation
Practice this question"Walk me through your most impactful project."
Tests ownership and depth
"Tell me about a time you worked with incomplete information."
Tests ambiguity handling
"Why SJMSOM and not an IIM?"
SJMSOM wants candidates who genuinely value its tech-management focus, not those treating it as a backup.
"What specific aspect of SJMSOM attracts you?"
Tests research depth
"Where do you see yourself 5 years post-MBA?"
Tests goal clarity
"What's your view on the recent startup layoffs?"
MBA aspirants should be aware of the business environment. Questions often connect to analytical frameworks.
"Should the government regulate big tech?"
Tests structured argumentation
"What's driving EV adoption in India?"
Tests industry awareness
"You're from mechanical engineering. Explain how a 4-stroke engine works."
Given IIT's technical heritage, they expect depth in your undergraduate subject.
"Explain something from your engineering background to a layperson."
Tests communication
Practice this question"How can your technical skills help in management?"
Tests self-awareness
"What's one thing you wish you had learned better in college?"
Tests learning mindset
Context-specific topics that SOM panelists often reference. Know these well.
SJMSOM expects candidates to understand how technology reshapes business and society.
SJMSOM is in Mumbai, India's financial capital. Understanding the local ecosystem adds relevance.
SJMSOM has strength in operations management. Many alumni work in supply chain and ops roles.
What to expect at each stage.
A topic — business, technology, or current affairs — and you write a structured essay.
Clarity of thought, structured argumentation, language proficiency.
Structure your essay clearly: intro, 2-3 body paragraphs with points, conclusion. Take a stance.
A group of 8-12 candidates discusses a given topic. Topics can be abstract, case-based, or current affairs.
Quality of points, listening ability, building on others' arguments, structured thinking.
Make 2-3 substantive points rather than many superficial ones. Listen and reference others' points.
Panel of 2-3 members, often including IIT faculty. Expect analytical questions and profile deep-dives.
Analytical ability, tech-business awareness, communication, SJMSOM fit.
Structure answers clearly. Start with your approach, then elaborate. Think aloud.
SJMSOM brings IIT Bombay's problem-solving culture to management. Students approach business challenges analytically.
Interview Implication: Show you can think systematically. Structure your answers with frameworks.
The school has a strong startup culture. Many alumni are founders, and the IIT ecosystem supports innovation.
Interview Implication: Entrepreneurial interests are valued. Show you think about creating value and solving problems.
SJMSOM leverages IIT Bombay's industry connections. Students interact with practitioners through guest lectures and projects.
Interview Implication: Show interest in practical business applications, not just theory.
Hard moments will happen. Here's how to handle them.
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Analytical & Entrepreneurship-Focused | 5 question categories
Current Affairs & Finance Deep-Dive | 5 question categories
Comprehensive Coverage Interview | 6 question categories
Balanced Assessment with Extempore | 6 question categories
Extempore + SOP Discussion + PI | 6 question categories
Values & Ethics-Based Interview | 6 question categories
Conversational Probing | 6 question categories
Corporate Conversational Interview | 6 question categories
Values-Based Jesuit Interview | 6 question categories
Trade-Focused Knowledge Interview | 6 question categories
Analytical Problem-Solving Style | 6 question categories
Creative Expression Style | 6 question categories
Balanced Analytical Style | 6 question categories
Comprehensive Evaluation Style | 6 question categories
Holistic Evaluation Style | 6 question categories
Purpose-Driven Evaluation Style | 6 question categories
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Extempore + Business Awareness Quiz + PI | 8 question categories
Independent Personal Interview | 7 question categories
Analytical & Industry-Ready Assessment | 7 question categories
Finance-Focused GD-PI Assessment | 6 question categories
Practical Orientation Assessment | 7 question categories
Values & Sustainability-Based Interview | 6 question categories
Profile-Based Conversational Interview | 6 question categories
Case-Based Conversational Interview | 6 question categories
Collaborative Evaluation | 6 question categories
Holistic Profile Evaluation | 6 question categories
Profile-Based Conversational | 5 question categories
Ethics-Centered Evaluation | 5 question categories
Extempore + Conversational PI | 6 question categories
Research-Oriented WAT-PI | 6 question categories
Independent Admission with Extempore | 6 question categories
JAP (Joint Admission Process) Interview | 6 question categories
JAP (Joint Admission Process) Personal Interview | 6 question categories
JAP Coordinator - Conversational PI | 7 question categories
Conversational Assessment with Profile Focus | 5 question categories
Conversational Academic Assessment | 5 question categories
Academic-Focused Conversational Interview | 6 question categories
Conversational Academic Probe | 5 question categories
Profile-Based Practical Evaluation | 7 question categories
Structured CT-PI Evaluation | 7 question categories
Profile-Based Analytical Assessment | 6 question categories
Our AI simulates the structured analytical style style — including interruptions, challenges, and the pressure of thinking on your feet.