When I joined the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIM Ranchi fresh out of Class 12, I expected challenges, but nothing quite like the reality of B-school life.
The pace was overwhelming from the get-go. With two exams a day packed into a three-day stretch, I went into a new reality. This wasn’t the steady high-school pace I’d been used to, and at first, I was completely thrown off balance. But since I had chosen this path, I decided to face it with courage.
Initially, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life seemed like an impossible task. My days felt like a tug-of-war, and I wasn’t sure where to start.
Priority Matrix
That’s when I the priority matrix came to my rescue. Breaking tasks into categories like “important but not urgent” and “urgent and important” helped me zoom out, organise, and plan accordingly.
Each day became less about scrambling and more about strategic planning. Still, even with all the planning, there were days when things didn’t go my way, and I had to learn to delegate or simply say “no”—a tough lesson but an essential one. The biggest takeaway for me? We each have the same 24 hours, and it’s impossible to do everything. Prioritising showed me that it’s about making intentional choices about what matters most at a particular moment and what can wait. This will undoubtedly be a lifeline when I step into the corporate world, where I’ll need to juggle multiple priorities while making time for loved ones and for myself. I know the habits I’m building now will help me manage not just tasks but the high-speed rhythm of work and life.
You can’t do it all
Life at B-school comes with an exciting (and overwhelming) array of opportunities: joining committees, clubs, case competitions, and volunteering for events, to name a few. I quickly realized that you can’t do it all. You have to prioritize. You have to ask yourself, “What’s my main focus? Where am I going to add value?” For me, this meant focusing on academics.
It wasn’t an easy choice, especially when there were so many tempting events and activities, but by honing in on my priorities, I’ve managed to stay on track with my goals.
Work in Progress
Time management is a skill that you don’t learn in a week—it’s a constant work in progress. My perspective has changed significantly since I first stepped into B-school. Those initial exam weeks were hard, but now, after some trial and error, I can handle two exams a day without feeling completely overwhelmed.
Each experience has made me a bit better at juggling tasks, setting priorities, and pacing myself. One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t overlook self-care. While hustling is completely fine, there’s a chance of burning out. Especially during exams, when pressure is at an all-time high, it’s easy to get lost in the grind. Giving myself a break—a small treat or downtime after a demanding day—has been essential. A refreshed mind and body are key to staying productive in the long run. I now consciously set aside time to recharge, which has had a surprisingly positive effect on my productivity.
To keep myself organized daily, I start my mornings with a simple to-do list. Once that’s ready, I categorize tasks in order of urgency and importance, a step that has saved me from forgetting assignments, deadlines, or meetings. The feeling of checking items off throughout the day is a small win that keeps me motivated. It’s amazing how something as simple as a checklist can transform a day from chaotic to productive.
Learning to manage time has shown me that success isn’t just about hard work but about working smart, focusing on priorities, and balancing responsibilities. This skill is a foundation for everything, and in the fast-paced world of B-school, it’s invaluable.
Time management is truly a journey, one that continues to shape how I approach challenges, embrace opportunities, and balance different aspects of life.
