When ChatGPT launched in December 2022, it didn’t just generate headlines—it caught global attention. Among the millions, two individuals connected through a shared time at IIM Calcutta—Dr. Vipul Mathur, former faculty at the institute, and Sohum Sen, IIM Calcutta alumnus and mentor to thousands of MBA aspirants through THEOMI—were closely following this shift.
Dr. Mathur responded by introducing a course on the academic and professional applications of AI. Sohum was watching the space evolve through his work with as a PM at Microsoft and as a user of the various tools available, some of the research and Twitter of course. Both were struck by a simple idea: AI, used well, could level the playing field. Having been attached to the MBA circuit (or circus?), naturally, how it could help here was a rich avenue of exploration.
Most MBA hopefuls begin with the CAT—and many waste hours flipping between PDFs, prep forums, and test banks. Today’s AI tools offer a smarter alternative.
Reading Comprehension (RC):
Paste a dense passage into ChatGPT and ask it to summarize the key argument or simplify each paragraph in plain language. Then ask it to quiz you—“What would be a tricky inference-based question from this passage?” Use follow-ups to unpack why certain answers are right or wrong. You’re not just memorizing—you’re practicing interpretation, tone, and logic.
Quant Practice:
Use tools like Gemini or ChatGPT to generate custom questions on topics you’re revising—say, Time-Speed-Distance or Permutations. You can specify difficulty, format (MCQ or subjective), and even ask it to simulate a timed test. Then, once you solve them, ask the AI to walk you through the solution step by step. It’s on-demand tutoring without scheduling friction.
Error Pattern Recognition:
If you’ve been tracking your mistakes (say, through a Google Sheet or Notion), feed a few recurring wrong answers into Claude or ChatGPT and ask, “Do you see a pattern in the errors I’m making?” You might discover that you're misreading constraints, making calculation errors under pressure, or consistently misjudging critical reasoning logic.
Verbal Ability & Vocabulary:
Use ChatGPT to help with para-jumble logic by pasting a jumbled paragraph and asking it to explain the sequence and why. For vocabulary, paste a paragraph and ask it to extract high-frequency CAT words and quiz you with fill-in-the-blank questions.
Used right, AI doesn’t replace hard work—it helps focus it. It gives you better control over your prep experience: real-time explanations, instant feedback, and infinite patience. It’s not perfect—but with some prompting skill and critical thinking, it’s an incredible co-pilot.
Mentorship is what every aspirant craves—especially the kind that offers clarity without judgment. But real mentors are busy, expensive, and often too far removed from the beginner experience.
AI, on the other hand, is available 24/7. It doesn't mind repetition. It doesn’t get frustrated. And it creates a safe space for trial and error. In a world where elite coaching can cost tens of thousands, AI is quietly closing the access gap—for students without legacy networks or coaching budgets.
Even after cracking the CAT, many stumble at the next hurdle: the interview. There’s no set syllabus. No consistent roadmap. And mock interviews? Often too generic, poorly timed, unavailable when you need them, or prohibitively priced.
Worse, many aspirants never get feedback they can act on. They end up relying on recycled answers from forums or vague advice from peers. But interviews aren’t about knowing the right answer. They’re about structure, articulation, and how you handle ambiguity under pressure - and knowing yourself. These are skills you only build through real, reflective practice—not last-minute cramming.
This is where AI can transform the game—if built the right way.
Sohum and Dr. Mathur combined their experience—from conducting IIM interviews to mentoring students through THEOMI—to build something the ecosystem desperately needed: a mock interview platform that was scalable, smart, and student-first.
At IIMinterview.com, AI simulates B-school interviews with realistic, institute-specific questions. It gives aspirants structured feedback and space to practice without judgment, scheduling hassles, or awkwardness. You can repeat questions, reflect on your responses, and track your growth—all at a fraction of the cost of traditional mocks.
IIMinterview.com isn’t just another prep tool. It’s a system for developing clarity under pressure—designed for serious aspirants who know that interview performance is a craft, not a guess.
If you're preparing for the next round of IIMs, XLRI, FMS, or any top Indian B-school—and you’re looking for more than just luck or last-minute advice—check out IIMinterview.com.
By: Dr. Vipul Mathur, Sohum Sen
Caption: Prof. Mathur and Sohum engaged in deep conversation at one of IIM Calcutta’s most scenic spots in 2023, when the latter had returned for a THEOMI meetup at his alma mater.
Join Us for a Live Q&A This Sunday at 5 PM
Have questions about your MBA prep, CAT strategy, or how to crack B-school interviews? Prof. Vipul Mathur (former IIM Calcutta faculty, Ph.D from IIM B and IIT Delhi Alumnus) and Sohum Sen (IIM Calcutta alumnus and founder of THEOMI) are hosting a live Q&A session this Sunday at 5 PM.
Bring your doubts, get honest answers, and learn what matters.
Fill in the attached Google form to receive the details on the session, and future events as well:https://forms.gle/uqCVunMVnwEmzVBBA
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