A viral video by an IIM Ahmedabad student has sparked a fresh debate on the actual cost of living at India’s top business schools, with many questioning whether the lifestyle associated with premier institutes is affordable for middle-class students.

In the video, student Vivek Kundu shared a detailed breakdown of his monthly expenses, revealing that he spent around ₹24,000 in one month. His post quickly gained traction as social media users discussed everything from food costs and hostel life to education loans and the financial realities of studying at an Indian Institute of Management.

“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,” Kundu wrote while sharing the video.

However, he clarified that the amount represented the higher side of his spending pattern and that his usual monthly expenses generally remain between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000.

IIM Ahmedabad Student’s ₹24,000 Monthly Budget Breakdown

According to Kundu, food was the biggest expense category during the month.

His approximate spending included:

• Food expenses: ₹14,000
• Swiggy and DMart purchases: Nearly ₹3,500
• Expenses on stationery, grooming, transportation, social activities, sports, medicines and subscriptions

The student explained that certain costs were higher because he had recently returned from a vacation and needed to purchase several household essentials.

‘IIM Does Not Automatically Mean a Lavish Lifestyle’

The video challenged the common perception that students at top management institutes automatically live a luxury lifestyle.

While IIM campuses are often associated with high-paying placements and corporate careers, students still have to manage everyday expenses, academic costs and personal budgets during their two-year MBA journey.

Kundu explained that a more disciplined approach could significantly reduce monthly spending.

According to him, choosing the hostel mess subscription could bring down food costs by 50–60%, while avoiding unnecessary purchases and better planning could help students manage expenses closer to ₹15,000 per month.

Social Media Debates the Cost of Studying at IIM

The expense breakdown triggered a wide discussion online, especially among students from middle-class families.

One user calculated the possible two-year living cost and asked whether the overall investment was worth it:

“₹24,000 × 24 months = ₹5.76 lakh, plus fees. Is it really worth it for a middle-class student?”

Another user appreciated the transparency, saying that it was good to see a student openly discussing personal expenses and financial planning.

Some users, however, felt that ₹25,000 per month was expensive, while others questioned why students did not rely more on hostel mess facilities.

How Do IIM Students Manage Their Expenses?

Addressing concerns about affordability, Kundu said that many students use multiple sources of financial support.

“Many students primarily rely on education loans,” he explained, adding that other financial support options include:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based financial aid
• Prize money from case competitions
• Summer internship stipends
• Savings from previous work experience

These sources help many students manage the overall cost of pursuing an MBA from a premier institution.

Education Loans Remain a Major Support System

For many IIM aspirants, education loans are an important part of financing their management education.

The high fees of top business schools can appear challenging initially, but students often consider the investment alongside future career opportunities, placement prospects and long-term earning potential.

However, the viral discussion highlights an important reality: the cost of an IIM education is not limited to tuition fees alone. Accommodation, food, personal expenses and lifestyle choices also influence the total financial burden.

The Bigger Conversation: Affordability of Elite Education in India

The viral video has opened a broader discussion about access to India’s premier educational institutions.

While IIMs continue to attract students from diverse backgrounds, conversations around monthly expenses show that financial planning remains an important part of the student experience.

For many aspiring management students, the question is not only about getting admission into an IIM but also about understanding the complete cost of living and planning finances accordingly.

The debate around Kundu’s ₹24,000 monthly budget reflects a larger shift in how students and families view higher education — not just as an academic opportunity, but as a major financial decision requiring careful planning.