Since you have asked for the differences, I would mention both positive and negative differences:

• I had expected IIMA to be very similar to my undergrad college IITK, in terms of the curriculum. I could not have been more wrong. The case based curriculum followed by the IIMs are completely different from the lectures that we have at IITs. IIMs require regular studies and preparation before every class. I don't remember ever speaking in any class in my undergrad, while one cannot survive in IIMs without participating in the classes.

• I had also expected the kind of students to be similar to those in IITs. But the students are very different. The students at IITs are very similar because of their similar backgrounds. But at the IIMs, students come from varying backgrounds and with varying experience, making it a very wholesome learning experience.

• I knew IIMA has a tough and hectic academic curriculum, but frankly I had not expected it to be so damn tough!

• Slightly on the negative side, I have seen many free riders here, which was unexpected. Everyone is extremely smart, but some of them still choose to not put in that much effort, hoping that others would do the work. This was a bit sad but then one gets used to all this, because there are also many people who are ready to put in insane amount of effort. Overall, it's more of a balance.

I'm almost done with my first year at IIMA, but I have not regretted my decision to join IIMA even once. The curriculum and challenges that students face here are what make them stand out in the future. The learning that I get everyday from my peers is just amazing, and makes my stay here very exciting.

-Rohan Jain, IIT-IIM

{This was written when Rohan was studying at IIM about 8 years ago}