But I had already made up my mind to choose IPM over engineering: Shishir

I always loved solving Math. And over the years, I also developed a keen interest in other domains of Science like Physics and Chemistry. I cleared NTSE, NSEJ in 2016, ANCQ and Olympiads organized by SOF. Meanwhile, with many engineering graduates from IITs and NITs in my family, I too chose PCM branch for higher studies. I joined a private coaching institute in Raipur itself and prepared for JEE. I was fortunate to have very supportive teachers as I feel one requires mental strength more than just Academic consistency, during this period.

However, towards the end of Class XII, I lost interest in “JEE mode” of preparation as I was not learning much about Science but just the science of writing the exam. We were asked to solve questions, without even knowing the complete concept behind them. Towards the end, it became just a theoretical preparation with no practical significance. I got to know about IPM from one of my family members and found the curriculum and course to be very interesting. Apart from just Arithmetic and Science, IPM offered courses on Statistics, Political Theory, Game Theory, Economics, Ethics and Drama, etc.  I always desired to learn in a similar environment where I get the opportunity to learn liberal arts along with Math and Science, however, such courses were mostly offered by foreign universities. With brand IIM coming up with such a course, it was a dream come true for me. I appeared for JEE Advanced and other engineering entrances. However, I had already made up my mind to choose IPM over engineering. And that’s how my journey at Integrated Programme in Management began.

Selection in IPM is a two-stage procedure. The candidate first needs to appear for IPMAT (IPM Aptitude Test). It is a CBT mode exam where, I feel, one must be very comfortable with giving exams on Computer. The Exam is conducted in over 25+ cities in India, and the number of participants is usually around 17000-18000. IPMAT isn’t a very tough nut to crack if you have a decent grip over Math and English. I found the Mathematics part on the more accessible side as compared to English. The exam had both Objective and Subjective type Questions. The results were declared very soon, and I got a call for the second stage (PI and WAT). This stage is held in fewer cities, and the candidate has a choice to over it. I chose IIM Indore as my PI and WAT centre.

I was asked to write an essay on drones and their disadvantages as a part of WAT. On the same day, Personal Interview (PI) was conducted. In the interview, they asked me about my interests and hobbies and a few questions on Maths (Graphs) and Physics. I referred to International Relations as my interests and hobbies, and thus I was asked about the then situation of North and South Korea, India’s relations with west, etc. Overall, it was fun, and I enjoyed the whole conversation as the interviewers were very comforting. Later, I came to know that they are going to be my professors in PGP, and they smile each time we meet in the corridors of this beautiful campus.

The daily routine of an IPM student is quite tiring but engaging as well. We have classes from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening. That's 4-5 lectures each day with a duration of 75 minutes each. I enjoyed the courses on Statistics and Data Analysis and Economics the most this year. Similarly, sessions on drama, Psychology, Spanish are quite refreshing and are very enjoying. There’s always something to learn in every moment of the day, and I try to enjoy every bit of it. In the evening I usually go to the gym or play Squash with my batchmates.

IIM Indore has a world-class sports Infrastructure with gyms, squash courts, tennis courts and cricket stadiums. There is also a regular bus service from campus to the city, so most of the foodies (including me, of course) visit Indore’s street food bazaar called “SARAAFA” on the weekend evenings. For those who stay at the campus, each Sunday, a movie is screened in the new auditorium and is usually the last Friday release. In IIM-I, the SIGs (Special Interest Groups) would never let you get bored. These clubs/groups are very active in the campus in organising events and fun activities (yeah, with prizes too). The IPM community hosts a cultural fest- ”Atharv” and sports fest - ”Ranbhoomi” each year. The fest weeks are fun-filled with participants coming from all across India. The Pro-shows, EDM, Quiz and Cultural Events makes everyone stand on their feet.

On regular days, I spend nights studying and working on group assignments. Given the very concentrated batch of 120, IPM hosts the brightest minds of the country, and thus, competition among the bunch is sky-high. Not only on the academic front, but we also enjoy an excellent game in every aspect of college life. In college, I feel, I have transformed myself to the demands and needs, which would help me to enjoy and grow more. I have become more disciplined (not just in better attendance) in daily life and have shouldered more responsibility. With quizzes, exams and projects coming up every then and now, I have learnt to live with these cheerful people and learn in these moments. With more such people coming in next year, I am waiting to make friends and memories.

About the Author:

Hi! I am Shishir, a student of IIM Indore’s 5-year IPM programme. I am from Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and did my schooling from KPS, Dunda. I have been a Math Enthusiast who loves solving Geometry. I love to discuss problems - their problems, your problems, my problems, world’s problems because I feel there is a great discovery lying behind every problem. I spend most of the time interacting with people, surfing on Wikipedia, at the gym, at the squash court or thinking about things. Yeah! I love to think about things. I cleared NTSE, IJSO, Olympiads, JEE ADV but felt life isn’t complete without managing things. Thus, here I am @Planet-I (this beautiful campus) waiting for you to ask and think about things.