A viral video by IIM Ahmedabad student Vivek Kundu detailing his ₹24,000 monthly budget has ignited a conversation about the true cost of living at premier B-schools. While social media users debated whether such high expenses are worth it for middle-class students, Kundu told Hindustantimes.com that this particular month sat at the higher end of his usual ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 range.The IIM Ahmedabad student who shared a video documenting his monthly expenses. (Instagram/@vivekkundu99)“IIM Ahmedabad student here. I try to keep my monthly expenses under ₹25,000 - sometimes I manage, sometimes I don’t. This month? ₹24,000,” Vivek Kundu wrote while sharing a video.Also Read: IIM Ahmedabad student reflects on the ‘hidden costs’ of 1st year: 'It came in the form of casualties'The clip captures snippets of his life as he explains his monthly budget. Kundu shared that he spent ₹14,000 on food. On top of that, he also spent almost ₹3,500 on Swiggy and DMart combined.The student then revealed the amounts spent on stationery, haircuts, social life, transportation, sports, medicine, and subscriptions.How did social media react?An individual questioned, “24k*24 months (there will be Holidays but let's adjust them with the extra expenses on festivals) = 5,76,000rs. + Fees. Is it really worth it for a middle-class student?? I know it's worth it, but just asking from a middle-class student pov.” Another posted, “Happy to see that you are actually spending money and taking care of yourself.”A third commented, “ ₹25,000 a month is expensive.” A fourth wrote, “Why did you not opt for hostel mess food?”Also Read: IIM alum says Indians have a ‘scarcity mindset’ after seeing airport lounge queue, internet dividedWhile talking about his spending habits, Kundu told Hindustantimes.com, “At first glance, the monthly expense may seem quite high, but the figures I shared are on the upper end and can certainly be reduced. For instance, opting for the mess subscription can reduce food expenses by around 50–60%. My D-Mart and Blinkit expenses were also unusually high because I had just returned from vacation and had to purchase several essentials, most of which were one-time expenses. A few other categories are discretionary as well, so with better planning, monthly expenses can comfortably be kept around ₹15,000.”He continued, “Personally, my monthly expenses have been between the range of ₹15,000 and ₹25,000.”He added, “As for financing, many students primarily rely on education loans. In addition, merit- and need-based scholarships, prize money from case competitions and other contests, summer internship stipends, and savings from previous work experience also help students manage the overall cost.”