Life at IIM Kashipur: Trisha Upadhyay on Academics, Hostel Life and Campus Traditions

This series brings real student stories from India's leading management institutes. It looks beyond academics to show what campus life is really like. Every story has shown a different slice of campus culture. 

We spoke with Trisha Upadhyay, MBA 2024-26 batch student at IIM Kashipur, who comes from a small town in Uttar Pradesh. Trisha shares how MBA is shaping her dreams her campus life etc.

Q: You also had other options, why you selected IIM Kashipur?

Trisha Upadhyay: IIM Kashipur offers strong mix of academics and student driven culture, this attracted me. Students here get a lot of freedom to run committees and organise events, I had my interest in such activities.

This college is also located near an industrial area which provides good exposure to live projects helping my career goals in area of brand management.

Q: Do you remember your first week when you arrived at the campus?

Trisha Upadhyay: The first week here was great but also very memorable. I remember induction program was packed with tasks, it tested patience and teamwork and taught us to adapt quickly. What stayed with me the most was how quickly we created bond with other students, from being complete strangers to becoming each other’s support system.

Q: Can you describe classroom and learning environment here?

Trisha Upadhyay: Classroom atmosphere here balances competition and collaboration. While you are pushed to give your best there is also a lot of peer learning through group projects and case studies. As an MBA student you are never handling challenges alone.

Q: What teaching approach or classroom practice has left an impact on you?

Trisha Upadhyay: I would say case based learning combined and simulation exercises has been very effective. Professors here ensure we do not just stick to theory but connect it with real business scenario.

Q: How do you plan extra-curricular activities as there are of academic activities going on?

Trisha Upadhyay: Time management has become my biggest learning. Being secretary of media and public relation committee and also part of student council keeps me busy. Personally, I dance and read whenever I need to recharge.

Q: Tell us some of unique tradition on campus?

Trisha Upadhyay: Uttishtha, which is our business fest, Prarambh, which is MBA1 vs. MBA2, Sangram, it is sectional wars, and Agnitraya, our cultural, sports and management fest. I feel every student should be part of at least one club or committee.

Q: Hostel life is heart of IIM, how has been your experince?

Trisha Upadhyay: Hostel life here is lively. Each hostel floor has common spaces that make bonding natural. Whether it's Table Tennis and pool games, late night Maggi, or coffee breaks at Nescafé and Amul, these small things make big memories for us.

An interesting ritual during Janmashtami is when students pull each other into mud pit. It is messy but also hilarious, something every student looks forward to.

Q: How this b-school is shaping you for future?

Trisha Upadhyay: Working on live projects and committee tasks has increased my interest in brand management. I have become more disciplined here and also confident.

Q: What would be your advice to students planning for MBA?

Trisha Upadhyay: I'd tell MBA aspirants, especially those eyeing IIM Kashipur to come with an open mind and be ready to adapt. MBA journey is not easy but it is rewarding. Don't restrict yourself to just academics get involved in events. Experiences beyond classroom define your IIM life.

 

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