How expensive is life at IIM Ahmedabad? MBA student breaks down every major monthly expense from food and transport to subscriptions and haircuts

Many people assume that students at India's top management institutes spend freely and enjoy a lavish lifestyle. A recent Instagram post by IIM Ahmedabad MBA student Vivek Kundu, however, has offered a different perspective by sharing what he spent in a month and where the money went.

In a video posted on Instagram, Kundu broke down his monthly expenses, showing that he tries to keep his spending below ₹25,000. The post has also prompted discussions online about the actual cost of studying at one of the country's premier business schools and whether such expenses are manageable for students from different financial backgrounds.

IIM Ahmedabad student shares monthly expense breakdown

While posting the video, Vivek Kundu wrote, "IIM Ahmedabad student here. I try to keep my monthly expenses under ₹25,000 - sometimes I manage, sometimes I don’t. This month? ₹24,000."


The video shows different parts of his daily routine while explaining how the money was spent during the month. According to the breakdown, food made up the biggest share of his expenses at around ₹14,000.

Apart from that, he spent nearly ₹3,500 on Swiggy and DMart purchases. The remaining amount was divided across several everyday needs, including stationery, haircuts, transportation, sports, medicines, subscriptions and social activities.

Rather than focusing only on tuition fees, the video highlights the day-to-day living costs that students may have to manage during their time on campus.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vivek Kundu (@vivekkundu99)

Social media debates whether the costs are affordable

The post drew a wide range of reactions from Instagram users. Some appreciated the transparency, while others questioned whether such monthly expenses would be practical for students from middle-class families.

One user commented, "So basically studying in IIMs is accessible ONLY for upper middle class or rich people NOT from lower middle class or underprivileged people!!!!"

Another wrote, "24k*24 months (there will be Holidays but let's adjust them with the extra expenses on festivals) = 5,76,000rs. + Fees. Is it really worth it for a middle class student?? I know it's worth it but just asking from a middle class student pov.."

Several comments focused on individual spending categories. Reacting to the food bill, one user said, "14000 on food after hostel food great", while another joked, "Haircut section consumes most budget."

Another comment read, "Bruh 1000 on haircut?", referring to the amount shown for grooming.

Some viewers also compared the monthly expenses with internship earnings at top business schools. One user wrote, "Dude internships of 2 to 3 lacs!!!?", while another added, "Ek saal ka kharcha (288000) ek month ki internship stipend se manage ho jayega."

Others wondered why he was ordering food instead of relying on campus facilities, with one comment asking, "Why did you not opt in for hostel mess food?"