Dear Mukesh Joshi,

IIMs are prestigious and dream B-Schools for everyone. In 2015-16, 104 students had dropped out of IIMs (out of a total of 2000 including IIT students). So clearly, either there is a significant disadvantage of being at an IIM, or the drop-outs are unable to cope with the academic rigour.

Joining an IIM is a dream-come-true for many aspirants. Also, No business education (especially MBA) will be a piece of cake. Yes, joining and surviving the “rigour” that any B-school puts you through is not a cakewalk definitely.

The first year seems tough, not just because of academics, but because of the whole nascence of the students to the journey of a B-school.  B-school is not like a typical academic institution where people study, sit for exams, clear them and that’s about it. It’s the experience that counts. There is multitude of activities on and off campus, relative grading, summer placements etc. that the students have to deal with, which makes the first year at a B-school comparatively more difficult than other courses. But as philosophical as it may sound, time heals all wounds. People get used to it. You make friends who support you and vice-versa throughout. You learn the tricks of the trades and eventually life tends to get a little smoother by the end of the first year. But if you happen to survive the first year, chances are you would come out a much different person that you were when you came in. You learn to manage your time well. You learn the importance of every rupee and every minute. And you learn to value relationships.

Hope this cleared your doubt.

All the Best!!