About the IITB - Optiver AI Innovation Lab The IIT Bombay - Optiver AI Innovation Lab is a premier global hub for advanced AI-led research, innovation, and talent development housed within the SJM School of Management (SJMSOM) at IIT Bombay. Operating at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and financial markets, the lab focuses on high-impact quantitative, computational, and policy research in the AI era.

Supported by state-of-the-art computational infrastructure, the lab features a dedicated 2,000 sq. ft. research facility equipped with 15 high-performance workstations, high-power GPU clusters/servers, terminal access to real-time market feeds (NSE Data & Analytics, Bloomberg Terminals, Refinitiv Eikon), ESG and mutual fund data streams, and enterprise software suites (Stata, SAS, SPSS, MATLAB, R, Python).

The IIT Bombay - Optiver AI Innovation Lab is inviting applications for the IITB Optiver Doctoral (Ph.D.) Fellowship.

KEY BENEFITS:

- Funding: The fellowship covers tuition, research related expenses, and living costs.
- Annual Research Grants: To cover research related expenses and conference travel.
- Professional Development: Access to workshops, seminars, and support from industry leaders.
- Mentorship: Guidance from experienced faculty members and industry professionals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Indian Candidates

- Four year Bachelor in any discipline with 60% marks/6.5 CPI (55%/6.0 CPI for SC/ST)



and at least two years work experience.
- Master in any discipline (MBA/M.Tech./M.S./M.Sc./M.A./M.Com./MCA/LLM/M.Pharm./M.Phil., etc.) or 2 year PG Diploma in Management from institutions/universities
- Executive MBA of at least one year duration from IITs/IIMs
- CA/CMA/CS with 60%/6.5 CPI (55%/6.0 CPI for SC/ST) in the preceding degree/Bachelor's (B.Sc./B.Com./BA)

Foreign Candidates

- Four year Bachelor degree with 60% marks or 6.5 CPI and two years work experience OR Masters in any discipline with 60% marks or 6.5 CPI
- The Candidate should have valid TOEFL score

Mandatory Requirement: Applications must include a detailed Research Proposal (covering literature review, research gaps, objectives, and research design). Applications without a proposal will not be considered.

Note: Candidates who have already applied under other admission categories can opt for this fellowship during their shortlist interview if their thesis aligns with the Lab's focus.

Significant Dates & Links:

- Application Deadline (Without Fine): October 17, 2026
- Application Deadline (With Fine): October 21, 2026 (5:00 PM IST)

Important Dates & Links:

? Lab & Program Info: https://www.som.iitb.ac.in/optiver/

? Ph.D. Admission Guidelines: https://www.som.iitb.ac.in/phd-admission/

Apply Here: https://portal.iitb.ac.in/phdapp/phdAdmissionLinks.jsp

📌 Doctoral Researcher (Mumbai)
🏢 IIT Bombay - Optiver AI Innovation Lab
📍 Mumbai