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Is Bain's SOVA test adaptive? Does the next question depend on the correctness of the last?

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Alessa
Coach
on Aug 30, 2025
MBB Expert | Ex-McKinsey | Ex-BCG | Ex-Roland Berger

Hey there :)

Yes, the Bain SOVA is adaptive. The difficulty of the next question adjusts based on how you performed on the previous ones, so if you answer correctly you’ll usually get a tougher one next, and if not, it may get a bit easier. That’s why consistency is key: it’s better to get a steady stream of correct answers than to rush and make mistakes, since the algorithm is trying to place you on your true level.

best,
Alessa :)

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Evelina
Coach
on Aug 30, 2025
EY-Parthenon l Coached 300+ candidates into MBB & Tier-2 l 10% off first session l LBS graduate l Free intro call

Hi there,

From my knowlegde; No – Bain’s SOVA test is not adaptive. Unlike GMAT-style computer adaptive tests, the difficulty and sequencing of questions in Bain’s SOVA do not change depending on whether you answered the previous one correctly or incorrectly. Everyone gets the same test with the same sequence of questions.

This means:

  • You don’t need to worry that a mistake will make the test harder.
  • Performance is judged on your overall accuracy and consistency across the sections.

Best,

Evelina

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Pedro
Coach
on Sep 28, 2025
BAIN | EY-P | Most Senior Coach @ Preplounge | Former Principal | FIT & PEI Expert

My understanding is that Yes, it is adaptive.