Information for Prospective Students

Thank you for your interest in joining my research group at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

What I look for in candidates:

• Strong quantitative skills: A solid foundation in mathematics, probability, or statistics.
• Programming proficiency: Experience with one of the programming languages such as Python, Julia, Java, or C++, and familiarity with optimization solvers (e.g., Gurobi, CPLEX) or deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Research alignment: An active interest in transportation networks, warehouse operations, or exact/heuristic optimization methods.

Expectations

To be upfront about what a collaboration entails, please carefully consider the following before reaching out:

• Long-term Commitment: I do not take on short-term or summer projects. My work involves rigorous academic research that unfolds over multiple months and often spans multiple semesters. You are expected to maintain consistent commitment throughout, including during your coursework periods.
• Follow-through: Commitment to seeing a project through is essential. Dropping out midway is a significant cost to both of us, so please weigh your availability carefully before applying.
• Independence: You will typically be the sole student on a given project, working directly under my guidance. You must be largely self-driven and proactive in your work.
• Transparency: I expect honest efforts and transparent discussions at every meeting. We will discuss progress, challenges, and roadblocks openly, regardless of whether concrete results have materialized that week.
• Generative AI Policy: I have a strict policy on the use of generative AI tools. They may serve as an aid in limited aspects of the work, but they must never substitute for independent thinking, critical analysis, or effort.

Current Opportunities

• PhD Students at IIMB: If you are already enrolled at IIM Bangalore and are interested in my research areas, please feel free to stop by my office or email me to set up a chat.
• Research Associates / Assistants: Please refer to the application instructions below.
• (Note: As mentioned above, I am not offering short-term internships or summer projects at this time.)

How to Apply

If you have read the expectations above and believe there is a strong mutual fit, please send an email to abhay.sobhanan@iimb.ac.in with the subject line “Prospective Student: [Your Name]”.

Please ensure you include the following in your email:

1. A brief paragraph describing your research interests and specifically how they align with my recent work.
2. A brief confirmation that you understand and can commit to the long-term timeline and expectations outlined above.
3. Your updated CV.
4. Unofficial transcripts from your previous degrees.

Note: Due to the high volume of inquiries I receive, I may not be able to respond to every email. I will reach out to you if your background aligns well with my current open projects.