Campus Life at IIM Sambalpur: Clubs, Fests, and More

The decision to pursue a two-year full-time MBA at IIM Sambalpur has been one of the best decisions I have taken after being a working professional for 3.5 years at an MNC. The dynamic nature of the program blended with the state-of-the-art architecture that IIM Sambalpur has is why students should choose this institute. I chose this institute over other private colleges whose offers I had due to the faculty of certain domains, which are also highly commendable. Hence it has been a wholesome experience. The hustle MBA life along with friends seem like a challenge to be taken head-on.

The eligibility is standard for having a Bachelor's degree followed by other additional factors like work experience, which helped in assessing the pre-PI score during the admission process. The admission committee, along with the college administration, did an exceptional job at guiding students throughout the whole process of admission. There are 6 terms, each being around 3 months long. There are quizzes, mid-term, and end-term examinations with different weightage for different subjects. The constant evaluation ensures we are constantly prepared.

The fee for the program chosen by me is Rs. 21,100,000 for all 6 terms, inclusive of hostel, mess, and other curriculum charges (any other personal expense has to be borne by the student). There are several scholarships floated throughout the two years for meritorious pupils and students coming from weaker financial backgrounds such that there is no hindrance to world-class education. Scholarships totaling up to 5-10 lakhs can be availed (subject to eligibility).

Faculties are academically renowned professors. The in-house faculty holds professors not only with PhDs from other eminent IIMs but also highly experienced industry professionals such that the students receive a holistic pedagogy and are industry-ready as and when the placement season approaches. The institute made a disruptive advancement in teaching methodology by introducing AI in the classrooms using Breakout Learning software. The technology-driven approach to teaching empowers the faculty as well to keep learning along with the students. The student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 1/2:80, as there are 4 sections of 80 each. The set-up is satisfactory for students as well, even when individual attention is needed, as the faculty is very supportive even outside classroom hours.

The 2-year MBA program is a residential one. Hence, the hostels are provided to all students pursuing this course. The hostels, like the other buildings on the campus, look beautiful. Few candidates will receive single occupancy, and some will receive double occupancy depending on their arrival to the campus. The mess food is fine for a normal individual. There are multipurpose stores in campus to satisfy other personal needs along with a salon.

The campus at IIM Sambalpur is one of the best among all IIMs. The integration of local Sambalpur art into the architecture of the campus makes it even more beautiful. The admin, academic, and faculty blocks are highly maintained areas, as throughout the year MDP programs are held along with others. The security of the campus is top-notch, ensuring complete safety for the students and other stakeholders of the campus. The sports arena is again one of the best, and the students love spending leisure time playing football, basketball, badminton, etc. My favorite is mess along with sports arena, since I have created some of the best memories there.

The overall campus life is great. There are several clubs and committees to be a part of apart from academics. I am a part of the Consulting Club ‘Consiglio’. Several events are organized by these clubs ensure the campus life is always happening and there's never a dull moment. The annual fest is one of the most fun and highly celebrated events on campus. Along with that, all regional festivals are celebrated on campus, making everyone feel at home. My experience so far has been astonishingly enriching, because I am not the same person who joined into the program anymore, as I have grown in unimaginable ways.