IIM Kozhikode, Kozhikode Comparison

Oh, IIM Kozhikode has its own vibe, just like every IIM does. I’m sure there are several things that make IIM K stand out from the others. Let me tell you about my personal experience when I spent three days there during the Backwaters event in 2010. The campus feels like a stay at a resort on a hilltop. As you drive up the road, you first spot a cricket field, and as you continue uphill, the student accommodations appear, giving off a cozy cottage vibe surrounded by lush greenery. I truly enjoyed the campus atmosphere. Plus, the students and the event were fantastic. The Backwaters event was one of the most well-organized events I’ve ever been to. It's fun to look back on those memories, especially when an IIM-A student won the Young Gun award. Good times! — Rahul Anand, Bfactory

June 29, 2018 - The Beginning

I woke up around 10:30, and my mom was already on my case, worried about my future plans. My dad had left for work, and a steaming cup of coffee sat on the table. Pretty standard morning, right? I grabbed my phone, which was charging, and saw a sweet "Good morning" text from my girlfriend before she headed to work. Then, I noticed an email from IIM Kozhikode. My heart raced because the final waitlist was coming out, and I hoped I’d get in. When I read the email, I jumped with joy. I had secured a spot at one of India's top business schools, IIM Kozhikode. It was finally happening!

Heading to the Campus

On the plane, I chatted with a middle-aged man sitting next to me. When I mentioned I was going to IIMK for the PGP program, he was impressed and said, "Oh, I’m sitting next to one of the country's brightest minds." Those words will stick with me for a long time.

Arriving at IIM Kozhikode

Sometimes it takes just a week to feel at home in a new place. I arrived at the campus a week ago, and it already feels like where I belong. The campus is stunning, even better than the pictures. Nestled between two hills, it’s a nature lover’s dream and the perfect place to study. We have everything, from the Arjuna Path to an amphitheater, plus a massive library and auditoriums. And the cherry on top? Our very own Business Museum.

Living Arrangements

The living conditions are top-notch, with AC rooms and multiple dining options for students. There are snack and tea stalls everywhere, and ramps ensure accessibility for everyone. You can choose between single or double rooms, but honestly, the room is just for sleeping. The whole campus feels like home.

A Typical Day at IIMK

Describing a typical day here is tough because no day is the same. From the calm excitement of the first day to pulling an all-nighter in the first week, it’s been amazing. The seniors are super helpful, a tradition at IIMK, and the professors make us feel welcome and push us to do our best.

Our day starts at 9:15 with four lectures, each lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes. With breaks, we wrap up by 3:45 or 4 unless there are extra lectures. Then it's time for assignments, case studies, cultural events, parties, and placement tasks. Suddenly, it’s 3 AM. What?!

My belief that I need 8 hours of sleep is out the window. I haven’t slept more than 5 hours a night, and it’s just the start.

To sum it up:

• 4 hours of sleep.
• 3 cups of coffee.
• 2 tired eyes.
• 1 shared goal - IIM Kozhikode.

You have to experience it to truly understand!

Yes, IIM Kozhikode is a decent college, especially if you're looking into the Post Graduate Programme in Management (Finance). The faculty is quite professional, and they really know their subjects well. The placements are impressive too, with a 100% placement record in my course, and the average salary for graduates is around 31 lakhs. Companies like JPMorgan and Bain come to campus, which adds a lot of value to the experience.

However, the fees are on the higher side at 20.5 lakhs, so that's something to consider. Overall, if finance is your area of interest, IIM Kozhikode is a solid choice.

I've been part of the Executive Post Graduate Programme [EPGP] at IIM Kozhikode, and honestly, my experience has been mixed. While there are some excellent faculty members, I feel that the curriculum can get a bit theoretical, and the exam pressures are intense due to the quarterly exams.

The fees are also rising, currently at 14 lakhs, which is quite steep. Unlike other top schools, there's less campus life for EPGP students, which can make it limiting. So, while IIM Kozhikode has its strengths, it's essential to consider these factors when comparing it to other schools.

Being at IIM Kozhikode was one of the most rewarding experiences for me. The faculty is fantastic, with a lot of experience in both teaching and the business world, making the lessons very worthwhile. I attended the EPGP program from 2012 to 2014, and it truly boosted my career. If you want more details about the EPGP, feel free to get in touch with me.

Honestly, getting selected in IIM Kozhikode is a great achievement, but if you feel like aiming for a better IIM next year, it might affect your chances a bit. The Executive Post Graduate Programme is quite rigorous, and with exams every three months, it can be really tough to juggle preparation for a new IIM while managing this course.

Just keep in mind that each IIM has its own selection criteria, and having IIM Kozhikode on your CV could be a plus, but they’ll also look at your CAT score and overall performance next year. So, focus on that and see how it goes!

They call it "God's own Kampus," and that name fits perfectly! The campus isn't just stunning to look at; it also offers an unforgettable experience for everyone who studies there.

Before I joined IIM Kozhikode, I heard people describe it as living in a resort. And once I stepped onto the campus, I understood why. It's not just a resort; it's one of the most beautiful campuses you'll find anywhere. Right at the entrance, there's a lovely lake beside a small garden with benches. As you go uphill, you'll walk along these iconic stone-brick paths that lead to the hostels and the academic block. The library up there became my favorite hangout spot, and the campus also boasts the country's only Business Museum. Some extra charms include a hanging garden and a waterfall surrounded by fish, butterflies, and ducks. But the Arjuna statue on campus is my absolute favorite spot; it's always motivating me!

While people often talk about the beautiful infrastructure, the real magic of IIM Kozhikode is its life-changing experiences. From the tough learning challenges in the first term to everything that follows, I grew and learned so much. Whether it's the student body elections, summer internships, or surviving those tough first exams, there are so many opportunities. You get to work on different projects, research, and brainstorm with brilliant people. There are late-night walks, lively events, competitions, fun trips, and loads more I've enjoyed in my time here. I went from not knowing anyone on day one to forming lifelong friendships. These experiences and the friends you make are what make your time here truly special, filled with memories and lessons you'll always treasure.

To the campus that never sleeps, here's to more amazing moments!

An entirely new life adventure!

2021: Before IIM Kozhikode
I used to start my day at 6 am, get ready by 8, spend the whole day hitting the books, and hit the sack by midnight. Because of the pandemic and online classes, socializing was out of the question. My days were all about studying and indulging in my hobbies inside my room for a year.

June 2022: Entering IIM Kozhikode
Fast forward to midnight, and you'll find me strolling around the campus with friends. After that, it's time for study sessions, group projects, internship prep, cultural events, and committee tasks until 4 am. Then, I catch the sunrise from the mountains, walk around the cloud-covered campus, and head back to the hostel. I grab around 4 to 5 hours of sleep, then dash to lectures after a quick breakfast at 9 am. Classes usually wrap up by 4, allowing me a short nap. Back to group study mode for internship prep. Even if we're tired, we encourage each other to keep going! This was my routine during the first term. If not prepping for internships, we were busy with mid-terms, finals, quizzes, assignments, case competitions, or just chatting about life to maintain our all-nighter routine.

Managing with just 4 hours of sleep seemed impossible before. But after experiencing the shift in my routine and personal growth, I realized it's the unique ecosystem at IIMK that makes this change happen. I've gone from being cooped up in my room studying all day to engaging in various activities outside. This place teaches you that learning extends beyond the classroom.

I've shifted from sticking to a strict schedule to embracing spontaneity, from being an early riser to a night owl, and from isolation to meeting over 100 new people and forming lasting connections. I've joined committees and clubs, both formal and informal, and volunteer for festivals and events whenever I can. If you're eager and manage your time wisely, the institute offers a complete transformative learning experience.

Every day at IIMK is different, and that's what makes it special. One night might be spent watching a movie in the amphitheater, while another is dedicated to case studies in the library. You could spend a day exploring the mountains and beaches or have deep conversations with amazing people at 3 am.

In short, it's a transformative journey on a campus that never sleeps!

Every IIM has its own special vibe, and IIM Kozhikode is no different. From my own time spent there during the Backwaters event in 2010, I noticed a few unique things. The campus feels like a hilltop resort, which is super cool. As you drive up the road, you catch sight of a cricket ground, and then you come across these rooms that feel like cozy cottages surrounded by greenery. The whole atmosphere is amazing.

Plus, the students and the event itself were fantastic. Backwaters was one of the most well-organized events I've been to. A fun memory from that event: a student from IIM-A won the Young Gun award. It's nice to think back on those days! - Rahul Anand, Bfactory

At IIM Kozhikode, placements for students in their final-year commence in the second year. There are about 120 companies that are participating, some of which are consulting giants like BCG, Bain, and Accenture Strategy. Leading companies from BFSI( Goldman Sachs, Citibank), FMCG( Nestle, HUL), IT(Amazon, Microsoft), etc visit regularly. In 2023, the highest package that was offered was INR 67 LPA, while the average package stood at INR 31 LPA.