SOP Writing Tips for IIM-B

IIM Bangalore evaluates candidates on the basis of a Statement of Purpose (SOP):

In my IIM Bangalore Interview, I was asked many questions from the SOP itself. I was wondering if the same happened to other students. So, I had a chat with the students of my panel post their interviews and found out that this was a common trend. Other IIMs have a set list of questions that they use to give direction to the interview. IIM Bangalore, on the other hand, uses the SOP to direct the interview.

Now, I was an IIM-B reject, so I thought it'd be unfair if I suggest how to write an SOP. That is why, I got in touch with one student from IIM-A (IIM-B convert) and one student from IIM-B and collated their thoughts on how to write a good SOP:

Flow of the SOP

The flow they both shared was as follows:

1. Introduction (academic and family background, life goal)

2. Why MBA (connecting it with your life goal)

3. Achievements & PORs (what can you contribute to the batch)

4. Weaknesses (very briefly) (that lie in the way of your life goal)

5. Why IIM-B? (how it will help you cover up the weaknesses)

6. Steps post IIM-B (to achieve your life goal)

Some Critical Points

• The SOP will be used to ask questions on your qualities, achievements and academic background. So, mention only the points you're very comfortable with.

• If there is anything you definitely want to talk about, make sure to knit it well in the flow of your SOP. There's a high chance the interviewers will pick it up.

• Highlight your strengths across each achievement showing why you think they have made you capable enough to survive and thrive at IIM Bangalore.

• Since you must have already bragged about your achievements, your weaknesses should reflect what you (really) lack and would like IIM Bangalore to help you with.

• Your weaknesses should never be more than 2 and your achievements or strengths should always outnumber your weaknesses.

• IIM Bangalore is very particular about why you wish to enter it. Remember, that your reason cannot be transferable to any other IIM or B-school. So, you can't say 'placements', 'peer learning', etc. It has to be something that is unique to IIM-B and also helps you cover your weaknesses.

• Relate your story to the qualities that IIM-B students possess. Mention proudly how you see yourself as a fit in only IIM-B and no other institute.

• Try to include some points about any social initiative you took because it fetches you brownie points.

• Don't write a poem. Quotes are allowed but try not starting with one, it's too cliche. Instead, fit it well within the passage such that it doesn't disturb the overall flow.

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Some lines from different SOPs, do not copy them, it might backfire if the interviewers have already read them:

Imagine a world where alarm clocks don’t exist, where purpose wakes one up and vision leads the day. I am an inhabitant of this world, which runs on self-motivation, creativity and the urge to add value to others’ lives.

My destination, which now, is a plant of a reasonable length, was initially a seed yearning to understand my family business. In our chemicals factory, the biggest challenge...

The study of tech courses in college backed by a position in the placement cell has prepared me to take a step forward in the direction of my dreams.

Coming under the shimmer of the sun that shines atop IIM-Bangalore in its logo, I visualize my stay at IIM-Bangalore as a journey of experiences, participation and deployment of skills to a decision making position in the corporate industry.

Hope this gives an idea. Now, start preparing your own and let me know if you have any questions. Here is a list of topics for WAT that have been asked in IIM-B interviews in the past. Wish you the best!