Yash Samant

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

“Questions everything, obsessed with philosophy, systems, psychology, and the mechanics behind how things work.”

Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I restore classic cars and motorcycles.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of South Florida, BSc.Mechanical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: CaRPM, Product Manager

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What sets IIMA’s MBA program apart is how every aspect of the experience—cases, courses, assignments, and evaluations—reflects its core philosophy: Vidya, Viniyoga, Vikasa (progress through the application of knowledge). Here, learning isn’t abstract; it’s rooted in context, with real-world implications. That pursuit of meaningful, applicable knowledge in the business context is what I was seeking and I am happy to have found it here.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Ahmedabad? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favourite course so far has been Finance and Markets. I’ve always been fascinated by finance—Warren Buffett, the power of compounding, and the question of how money actually works. But despite my interest, finance remained an enigma; I never quite found my footing in the discipline.

This course changed that. It took me from being a curious outsider to an informed student who can now evaluate and value companies, assets, and securities. More importantly, it removed the fear and replaced it with confidence. I’ve realized that finance isn’t magic or even art as a few make it seem—it’s logic, math, an acquired skill. That shift in mindset has been one of my biggest wins at IIMA by far.

What makes Ahmedabad such a great place to earn an MBA? Ahmedabad is a great place to do an MBA. First off, the IIMA campus is stunning. The Louis Khan Plaza and the red-brick heritage structure carry a quiet gravitas; just walking through them reminds you that you’re a part of something larger. The library is world-class, both in design and resources. And then there are the peacocks! Yes, are a common sight around the campus and dorms, adding their quiet magic and elegant beauty to everyday life.

Beyond campus, Ahmedabad is clean, affordable, and a great place to live. It has enough movement to keep you engaged, but also the right amount of calm to relax and take it easy from time to time. The city’s growing industries, deep-rooted entrepreneurial energy, and high quality of life make it not just a great place to study, but a very real option to live and build in after the MBA.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment so far has been successfully leading the development of a brand-new product at my last company, a SaaS startup in the automotive space. I had no prior experience in embedded systems, automotive communications, or product management, but I was trusted to figure it out. I identified the gaps in our understanding, built the knowledge base from scratch, worked with my team and shipped something that solved real problems for more than 50,000 customers worldwide.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: On the last day of our accounts class, Prof. Bala said that by the time we graduate from IIMA, we should be able to read The Economic Times end-to-end without needing to look up any concepts or jargon. By that standard, I still have a long way to go—and I hope my biggest accomplishment here is yet to come.

That said, earning an entry scholarship to IIM Ahmedabad was a proud moment. It felt like a quiet validation of the journey I’ve taken so far—and a reminder to keep raising the bar for what’s next.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? The Sabarmati Riverfront and Alpha One Mall are our go-to spots off campus. The riverfront offers calm and space to clear our heads, while the mall is perfect for food, coffee, and quick escapes from the IIMA grind.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Post-MBA, I hope to work in a product or strategy role and in the long-run, I want to build my own business. For now, I’m focused on gaining exposure, sharpening my thinking, and learning how great businesses are built from the inside out.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Ahmedabad? Be honest about who you are and why you want to be here. You don’t need big words or perfect answers—just clarity in thought and intent. Reflect on your journey, be ready to question it, and don’t pretend to have it all figured out. That’s not what they’re looking for.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AHMEDABAD MBA CLASS OF 2026

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